Nobility was never earned, it was always inherited. So no matter how brave, talented, hard working or honourable a person might happen to be, their social class was determined purely by their birth and so it was that some callous cruel inept lords got to command over their betters by mere accident of family lineage.
Likewise one's way of life was also chosen for them, there was no freedom nor opportunity for change in the matter, no chance for improving one's lot in life. They either inherited the position from their father or got their employment appointed at the whim of the liege lord who ruled over them since birth.
While mothers and daughters were allowed to help in the chores and assist in running the business, they were not permitted many paid employments of their own, bar few lewd choices many abstained from out of shame. All of them barred from any inheritance of their own, not even royalty spared the embarrassment of being overlooked by the simple fact of being born a female.
Unfair as it all may seem for the majority, such was the customary established, the laws of the land, since ancient times and no one had made the least effort to question or challenge any of it. Transgressions of any kind, impersonations of any type were heavily critized and punished, though, one clumsy bard, one adventurous prince, a compliant maid and a pompous evil black knight were about to change the fates of the nation, a touch of destiny unleashed in one night that would turn life as it was known to be entirely upside down.
The feast at the royal castle had started with little incident. The king seated at the head table with the usual fanfare going on. What would happen during the evening meal, however, would be like a spark that lit up an entire wild forest fire which raged in its path towards unstoppable change.
Likewise one's way of life was also chosen for them, there was no freedom nor opportunity for change in the matter, no chance for improving one's lot in life. They either inherited the position from their father or got their employment appointed at the whim of the liege lord who ruled over them since birth.
While mothers and daughters were allowed to help in the chores and assist in running the business, they were not permitted many paid employments of their own, bar few lewd choices many abstained from out of shame. All of them barred from any inheritance of their own, not even royalty spared the embarrassment of being overlooked by the simple fact of being born a female.
Unfair as it all may seem for the majority, such was the customary established, the laws of the land, since ancient times and no one had made the least effort to question or challenge any of it. Transgressions of any kind, impersonations of any type were heavily critized and punished, though, one clumsy bard, one adventurous prince, a compliant maid and a pompous evil black knight were about to change the fates of the nation, a touch of destiny unleashed in one night that would turn life as it was known to be entirely upside down.
The feast at the royal castle had started with little incident. The king seated at the head table with the usual fanfare going on. What would happen during the evening meal, however, would be like a spark that lit up an entire wild forest fire which raged in its path towards unstoppable change.
Prince Merthyr looked at Miriela with a warm smile throughout the dinner offering her friendly glances rather than paying due attention at King Conrad and Sir Pentre's talks of unrest and politics.
"I am tired of hearing the nobles complain about Janella and her band of thugs, the marauder must be found and we must put an end at her raids and robberies. Each season, lord Simon brings less and less taxes because of these thefts. If it continues the royal coffers will run dry" explained Conrad concerned.
"I am tired of hearing the nobles complain about Janella and her band of thugs, the marauder must be found and we must put an end at her raids and robberies. Each season, lord Simon brings less and less taxes because of these thefts. If it continues the royal coffers will run dry" explained Conrad concerned.
Pentre listened to king Conrad attentively, hearing his worries and financial woes. "Perhaps I and the royal knights ought to oversee the tax collection, a heavy armed presence might deter the raids" offered Pentre quickly, seeking to appease the king, annoyed at the endless music from Chaucer, the bard who always sang about forbidden courtly love and chivalry.
"Can you not quieten this racketing noise?! I am trying to speak with his majesty!" Protested Pentre "If you have nothing of worth to sing about, best you do our ears a favor and keep silent" complained the lord knight further, causing Chaucer, the bard, to feel highly offended
"Can you not quieten this racketing noise?! I am trying to speak with his majesty!" Protested Pentre "If you have nothing of worth to sing about, best you do our ears a favor and keep silent" complained the lord knight further, causing Chaucer, the bard, to feel highly offended
Miriela was but a maid employed at the castle, and a relatively low ranked maid as well. To work at the castle was both an honor and a scary position, as royalty could be extremely finicky. Thankfully, she only really interacted with the King and Prince when big events were held, and it was all hands on deck.
So here she was working the feast, keeping her head down and trying to make sure the participants wanted for nothing. Very rarely did she make eye contact with anyone, let alone the prince, but when she did she couldn't help but smile back.
The meal was still going, when everyone's attention was grabbed by an outburst between the lord knight Pentre and the bard Chaucer. Miriela was not sure what had happened, but she found herself quite intruiged and wanting to hear more.
So here she was working the feast, keeping her head down and trying to make sure the participants wanted for nothing. Very rarely did she make eye contact with anyone, let alone the prince, but when she did she couldn't help but smile back.
The meal was still going, when everyone's attention was grabbed by an outburst between the lord knight Pentre and the bard Chaucer. Miriela was not sure what had happened, but she found herself quite intruiged and wanting to hear more.
Janella was in fact in attendance, but she looked like a lowly and ugly maid. Having used a spell and some ragged old clothes to disguise herself, she was picking up dirty dishes and listening to all the different conversations. Infiltrating these feasts helped her obtain information on what the nobility and those that worked for them planned on doing next.
Bearing a large tray with various plates, bowls and cups she kept her gaze low and her hair down around her dirty face. When questioned about where she came from, Janella said that her name was Mardra and that she had been sent to help from a noble family in a neighboring town that had also sent various provisions for the feast in a gesture of good will. When she encountered Miriela, she inclined her head. "H'lo, ma'am, been sent to help from the Carnell's," she affected a country accent.
Being ugly and dirty meant less people were going to let their own eyes dwell, and she would be left alone by any lusty guard. Breaking her cover would be catastrophic. She had to keep herself from showing much interest in the argument that was about to happen between the Lord Knight and the man performing. Servants would normally make themselves scarce at a time like this. Janella hustled toward the kitchen, but slowed after turning a corner so she could hear more of the argument.
Bearing a large tray with various plates, bowls and cups she kept her gaze low and her hair down around her dirty face. When questioned about where she came from, Janella said that her name was Mardra and that she had been sent to help from a noble family in a neighboring town that had also sent various provisions for the feast in a gesture of good will. When she encountered Miriela, she inclined her head. "H'lo, ma'am, been sent to help from the Carnell's," she affected a country accent.
Being ugly and dirty meant less people were going to let their own eyes dwell, and she would be left alone by any lusty guard. Breaking her cover would be catastrophic. She had to keep herself from showing much interest in the argument that was about to happen between the Lord Knight and the man performing. Servants would normally make themselves scarce at a time like this. Janella hustled toward the kitchen, but slowed after turning a corner so she could hear more of the argument.
Pentre paid no heed to any of the maids or servants for the matter, his eyes fixed upon the unruly bard with clearly ruffled feathers who had obviously forgotten his place and whom he was addressing in the heat of that moment causing Pentre to narrow his eyes in furious displeasure.
Chaucer likewise had his eyes set defiantly back on Pentre refusing to lower the gaze before the nobleman, despite expectations and protocols and laws demanding such.
"Bah! Anyone can play knights and soldiers, it is but child's play, just look at the streets and see how many children think themselves knights and behave as such. There's no skill or art required at all, no talent whatsoever.
One just goes around bullying the lesser peasants with ominous threats and swinging a sword, bashing unarmed miscreants in unfair fights to build up a poorly-earned evil reputation, based on misplaced fears rather than might and honourable skill and they think themselves mighty righteous and knightly to a boot. Disgraceful!" accused Chaucer rubbishing Pentre's reputation and position of power and honour in token for his earlier harsh comments.
"You should be thanking my ability and songs that speak of your kind, stories and ballads of knightly champions, heroic deeds, bravery, honour and chilvary which elevate your reputation and glorify your otherwise mundane position. Few would dream of becoming knights and of a life of sacrifice and glory in the king's service if it weren't for us bards singing your praises with our voices wherever we go" countered Chaucer causing Pentre to do a face palm at the man's foolishness, though the king saw in those words a rather valid point
Chaucer likewise had his eyes set defiantly back on Pentre refusing to lower the gaze before the nobleman, despite expectations and protocols and laws demanding such.
"Bah! Anyone can play knights and soldiers, it is but child's play, just look at the streets and see how many children think themselves knights and behave as such. There's no skill or art required at all, no talent whatsoever.
One just goes around bullying the lesser peasants with ominous threats and swinging a sword, bashing unarmed miscreants in unfair fights to build up a poorly-earned evil reputation, based on misplaced fears rather than might and honourable skill and they think themselves mighty righteous and knightly to a boot. Disgraceful!" accused Chaucer rubbishing Pentre's reputation and position of power and honour in token for his earlier harsh comments.
"You should be thanking my ability and songs that speak of your kind, stories and ballads of knightly champions, heroic deeds, bravery, honour and chilvary which elevate your reputation and glorify your otherwise mundane position. Few would dream of becoming knights and of a life of sacrifice and glory in the king's service if it weren't for us bards singing your praises with our voices wherever we go" countered Chaucer causing Pentre to do a face palm at the man's foolishness, though the king saw in those words a rather valid point
"If it weren't for our swordsmanship and battles, for our life of service and duty, you lot would have nothing to quake about and earn a pretty coin parroting our mighty skill and knightly deeds, making a living at our expense" countered Pentre offended
"One more disrespectful word and I will have you hanged, letting any other street beggar strum those strings of yours instead" threatened Pentre
"Anyone can scratch a few strings, add some rambling words to the racketing noise and call it a song, shameless begging for coin by the end of it" scoffed Pentre belittling the musician
"It takes a knight on patrol, gruelling training and seasoned skill to see the dangers and threats to the kingdom, not a foolish wandering bard or a sheltered prince, who are oblivious to riots and deadly uprises" dismissed Pentre inadvertently spilling over to the prince as well
"One more disrespectful word and I will have you hanged, letting any other street beggar strum those strings of yours instead" threatened Pentre
"Anyone can scratch a few strings, add some rambling words to the racketing noise and call it a song, shameless begging for coin by the end of it" scoffed Pentre belittling the musician
"It takes a knight on patrol, gruelling training and seasoned skill to see the dangers and threats to the kingdom, not a foolish wandering bard or a sheltered prince, who are oblivious to riots and deadly uprises" dismissed Pentre inadvertently spilling over to the prince as well
The king listened attentively at the altercation, slamming his goblet on the table to put an end to the ongoing argument, each with valid points but neither in full reason, the pair showing desdain for the other's position.
"Enough, Chaucer! Since you seem to know a knight's duties so well, you shall become the lord knight of the realm and collect all the due taxes with immediate effect till the tax season ends. Try to arrest Janella if you do encounter the deadly bandits, I mean, the unarmed miscreants." Declared Conrad
"And you, Tron, since you find a bard's job so easy to perform, you will take Chaucer's place and accompany him, be his bard for the duration of the tax season, nothing but a lute for you and colourful robes so hand him your armour, sword and horse for this occasion" ordered Conrad
Chaucer looked up alarmed, fearful of swords and bandits, staring at the king speechless and horrified
Pentre looked up at Conrad pale faced
"You must be jesting, sire... Surely the wine is clouding your mind" gasped Pentre hesitant
"Not at all, you two heard my orders, see to them and depart right away and since you find the prince spoiled and sheltered he can take the servant's place, with this maid over here accompanying your travel party as the princess of the realm. Be sure to keep them all safe, Sir Chaucer, lord knight of the realm" concluded Conrad, causing Merthyr to look astonished at his father but not about to protest at this long awaited for opportunity to travel and feel freedom and be allowed to see the outdoors at last, raising and bowing at Conrad and Miriela as a servant would before royalty, scurrying right away before his father changed his mind.
Had Janella been there, Conrad would have chosen the ugliest servant, alas, only Miriela was close at hand so she'd do just fine
"Enough, Chaucer! Since you seem to know a knight's duties so well, you shall become the lord knight of the realm and collect all the due taxes with immediate effect till the tax season ends. Try to arrest Janella if you do encounter the deadly bandits, I mean, the unarmed miscreants." Declared Conrad
"And you, Tron, since you find a bard's job so easy to perform, you will take Chaucer's place and accompany him, be his bard for the duration of the tax season, nothing but a lute for you and colourful robes so hand him your armour, sword and horse for this occasion" ordered Conrad
Chaucer looked up alarmed, fearful of swords and bandits, staring at the king speechless and horrified
Pentre looked up at Conrad pale faced
"You must be jesting, sire... Surely the wine is clouding your mind" gasped Pentre hesitant
"Not at all, you two heard my orders, see to them and depart right away and since you find the prince spoiled and sheltered he can take the servant's place, with this maid over here accompanying your travel party as the princess of the realm. Be sure to keep them all safe, Sir Chaucer, lord knight of the realm" concluded Conrad, causing Merthyr to look astonished at his father but not about to protest at this long awaited for opportunity to travel and feel freedom and be allowed to see the outdoors at last, raising and bowing at Conrad and Miriela as a servant would before royalty, scurrying right away before his father changed his mind.
Had Janella been there, Conrad would have chosen the ugliest servant, alas, only Miriela was close at hand so she'd do just fine
Pentre bowed before Conrad as the king dismissed them, waiting for Chaucer to cross the doors before having the guards bring the bard to his lavish chambers, dressing up the bard in his full, heavy armour which Chaucer found unmovable and suffocating complaining about the uncomfortable heaviness and causing Pentre to smirk.
Once dressed, Pentre removed his own clothes and dressed up in a bard's outfit, taking up the lute and looking disgusted at his new robes, humiliation burning his cheeks red.
He left the chambers, passing sniggering guards and paying Janella no heed or second look, disgusted at his lowly position.
"This way to the royal stables, your lordship" muttered Pentre forcing a grand exaggerated reverence before leading the way rather angry and fast paced, often turning to watch Chaucer struggle under the heavy weight, and fall behind, impatiently standing by the carriage for manservant Merthyr, princess Miriela, lord Simon the taxman, and Sir Chaucer to join him, certain a few other servants, maids, knights and guards would join them too, yet, keen to gather them up and depart, the sooner they left, the better for them all. The quicker they collected the taxes, the quicker he would recover his position of power
Once dressed, Pentre removed his own clothes and dressed up in a bard's outfit, taking up the lute and looking disgusted at his new robes, humiliation burning his cheeks red.
He left the chambers, passing sniggering guards and paying Janella no heed or second look, disgusted at his lowly position.
"This way to the royal stables, your lordship" muttered Pentre forcing a grand exaggerated reverence before leading the way rather angry and fast paced, often turning to watch Chaucer struggle under the heavy weight, and fall behind, impatiently standing by the carriage for manservant Merthyr, princess Miriela, lord Simon the taxman, and Sir Chaucer to join him, certain a few other servants, maids, knights and guards would join them too, yet, keen to gather them up and depart, the sooner they left, the better for them all. The quicker they collected the taxes, the quicker he would recover his position of power
When Janella encountered Miriella and spoke to her, she gave her a quick glance and a nod. She didn't recognize her, but that meant little at events like this. Visiting nobles often brought servants, and a lot of them tended to help out during meals, especially when there were so many people. Fortunately as well, Miriella was way too interested in the argument to care at all.
She listened as the knight and the bard went back and forth, drawn in by their words. There were quite a few accusations and assumptions, and she wasn't really sure why they were upset in the first place. She should have skedaddle like all the other servants, but she found herself lingering at the edge of the room, so immersed in everything, especially as the King chimed in.
When the Kong issued his order, was when Miriella found out she really should have left earlier. "Me..?!?" She squeaked, her jaw practically touching the ground in surprise. She was shocked that she was being dragged into this, though she quickly realized she was the only servant in the room. Of course it had nothing to do with her personally, but she still began to realize this was a very tricky position she was being put in. She could not disobey an order, though she had a feeling even if she did the King would simply choose another.
And then while the thought of playing pretend and leaving behind her servitude behind did intruige her, the thought of impersonating royalty scared her way more. If the King hadn't of told her himself, she never would have believed it. Even still, she was afraid she would get punished for it. At least the King knew what she was doing, but what of everyone else? After all, it's not like this kingdom already had a princess. There were definitely a lot of risks with this.
These were the thoughts going through her mind while Merthy got up and bowed before scampering off after the bard and the knight. Quickly coming to her senses she curtseyed before the King, before taking off after the group. She had no idea what they were going to do. Everyone was turned upside into places they did not belong. And beyond that, where was she supposed to find clothes to borrow?? It wouldn't make sense the trade with the prince, but as they had no princess she could only hope to perhaps borrow from a noble? Any that were there knew of the order given, but would they willingly give a dress to a servant? She had no idea.
"Um... I don't have any clothes for the part.." She said softly as she caught up to the prince, blushing bright red. She couldn't believe she was actually talking to him. In a position such as hers, very few words were ever exchanged with those they were employed by.
She listened as the knight and the bard went back and forth, drawn in by their words. There were quite a few accusations and assumptions, and she wasn't really sure why they were upset in the first place. She should have skedaddle like all the other servants, but she found herself lingering at the edge of the room, so immersed in everything, especially as the King chimed in.
When the Kong issued his order, was when Miriella found out she really should have left earlier. "Me..?!?" She squeaked, her jaw practically touching the ground in surprise. She was shocked that she was being dragged into this, though she quickly realized she was the only servant in the room. Of course it had nothing to do with her personally, but she still began to realize this was a very tricky position she was being put in. She could not disobey an order, though she had a feeling even if she did the King would simply choose another.
And then while the thought of playing pretend and leaving behind her servitude behind did intruige her, the thought of impersonating royalty scared her way more. If the King hadn't of told her himself, she never would have believed it. Even still, she was afraid she would get punished for it. At least the King knew what she was doing, but what of everyone else? After all, it's not like this kingdom already had a princess. There were definitely a lot of risks with this.
These were the thoughts going through her mind while Merthy got up and bowed before scampering off after the bard and the knight. Quickly coming to her senses she curtseyed before the King, before taking off after the group. She had no idea what they were going to do. Everyone was turned upside into places they did not belong. And beyond that, where was she supposed to find clothes to borrow?? It wouldn't make sense the trade with the prince, but as they had no princess she could only hope to perhaps borrow from a noble? Any that were there knew of the order given, but would they willingly give a dress to a servant? She had no idea.
"Um... I don't have any clothes for the part.." She said softly as she caught up to the prince, blushing bright red. She couldn't believe she was actually talking to him. In a position such as hers, very few words were ever exchanged with those they were employed by.
Merthyr's lips broke into a wide warm smile as Miriela addressed him, pausing to listen to the princess attentively.
"Of course, my mother's rooms, the late queen's chambers, has an entire wardrobe and two large chests full of clothes, four smaller ones full of jewelry and accessories on a shelf, shoes as well, kept wrapped up under the bed. You can help yourself to anything you find in her quarters, highness" explained Merthyr pausing to place a hand on Janella.
"Her highness needs a maid to help her dress and accompany us in the journey, if you could please see to it." Asked Merthyr assuming Janella was just another random castle maid now turned handmaiden to the princess, at Merthyr's request.
"Of course, my mother's rooms, the late queen's chambers, has an entire wardrobe and two large chests full of clothes, four smaller ones full of jewelry and accessories on a shelf, shoes as well, kept wrapped up under the bed. You can help yourself to anything you find in her quarters, highness" explained Merthyr pausing to place a hand on Janella.
"Her highness needs a maid to help her dress and accompany us in the journey, if you could please see to it." Asked Merthyr assuming Janella was just another random castle maid now turned handmaiden to the princess, at Merthyr's request.
Miriella's eyes widened as Merthy offered a solution, her face going a bit pale at the thought. "Your mothers...? Oh no... I couldn't possibly.." She said softly, shaking her head at the prospect. The poor queen was long since deceased, but her stuff still had to be far too dear to allow a common maid to wear them.
Regardless of what order the King had given, she was still a maid and the thought of wearing such precious items scared her to death. What if she tore them? Or got them so dirty they could not be cleaned? She did not want to face punishment, nor did she want to hurt the prince by ruining something of his mother's. Still, it was likely her only choice, and ultimately she would still have to follow directions.
"If that is the only option.. then please assist me in finding the least special dress, that I may not accidently ruin something precious." She said with a slight sigh, the worry evident in her eyes. She sent an equally concerned glance at the maid Merthyr was roping in with her, Mardra she believed the name was. Hopefully she would understand what worried her, if the prince did not.
Regardless of what order the King had given, she was still a maid and the thought of wearing such precious items scared her to death. What if she tore them? Or got them so dirty they could not be cleaned? She did not want to face punishment, nor did she want to hurt the prince by ruining something of his mother's. Still, it was likely her only choice, and ultimately she would still have to follow directions.
"If that is the only option.. then please assist me in finding the least special dress, that I may not accidently ruin something precious." She said with a slight sigh, the worry evident in her eyes. She sent an equally concerned glance at the maid Merthyr was roping in with her, Mardra she believed the name was. Hopefully she would understand what worried her, if the prince did not.
Merthyr raised a curious eyebrow at Miriela
"They are just clothes, really, any of them will do, highness. I have no sister and no betrothed who can possibly wear them. I just kept these outfits for sentimental reasons, in which case, they are all equal to my eyes." Admitted Merthyr impartial
"If you have colour preferences, help yourself to those first. Your highness will need a few for the journey. I heard the guards complain that tax collection can take quite some time, a few weeks travelling on foot minimum, if all goes well" mused Merthyr wishing things did not go well so he could spend longer outdoors and see the people, the villages and towns beyond a map on a wall. He could only thank the stars for Pentre's argument and this unique opportunity.
"They are just clothes, really, any of them will do, highness. I have no sister and no betrothed who can possibly wear them. I just kept these outfits for sentimental reasons, in which case, they are all equal to my eyes." Admitted Merthyr impartial
"If you have colour preferences, help yourself to those first. Your highness will need a few for the journey. I heard the guards complain that tax collection can take quite some time, a few weeks travelling on foot minimum, if all goes well" mused Merthyr wishing things did not go well so he could spend longer outdoors and see the people, the villages and towns beyond a map on a wall. He could only thank the stars for Pentre's argument and this unique opportunity.
Janella almost forgot herself, listening to the exchange going on. She did peek around the corner, holding an armful of dishes, mouth agape. Seeing the bard glaring toward the knight and being so defiant was unheard of. The dark elf could hardly believe what she was seeing. She did briefly worry about her guise being compromised, but everyone else was caught up in what was going on and no one paid her any mind. Besides, it would be more unusual if she didn't pay attention. Servants were known to be nosy and to gossip.
The disguised elf did stiffen whenever Pentre passed her, still turning over the words of the King in her head. So the roles would be switched? She would have to follow them. Janella hastened to the kitchens to leave the dishes with another servant, going back under the ruse of retrieving more. However, she was instead conveniently there whenever it was time for a maid to be offered up to help the new princess. Picking up on the source of the new Princess' discomfort, she tried for a solution that would be ingratitating. Affecting a not-so-practiced curtsy, 'Mardra' said in a foreign accent, "Perhaps the lady should be fit with something appropriate for a Princess but practical to travel in. Some sturdy boots would be good as well. Only a few pieces of jewelry ought to be necessary, there will be brigands after all. And I'll help ensure your clothes don't get mussed."
Janella fell into the role of a servant with ease. She had served as one to her drow mistresses after all, in her youth. "It shall by done, Your Highness," she bowed toward Merthyr, even looking nervous whenever he put a hand on her shoulder while making his request. She kept her bearing humble, gaze down, barely making eye contact. Her tone was mild, suggesting rather than making firm statements. Being like this brought back some unpleasant memories, but it could definitely be worth it in the end. This promised to be amusing, and she stood to make a profit if she played her cards right. The bard would be easy to fleece if she could find him alone.
The disguised elf did stiffen whenever Pentre passed her, still turning over the words of the King in her head. So the roles would be switched? She would have to follow them. Janella hastened to the kitchens to leave the dishes with another servant, going back under the ruse of retrieving more. However, she was instead conveniently there whenever it was time for a maid to be offered up to help the new princess. Picking up on the source of the new Princess' discomfort, she tried for a solution that would be ingratitating. Affecting a not-so-practiced curtsy, 'Mardra' said in a foreign accent, "Perhaps the lady should be fit with something appropriate for a Princess but practical to travel in. Some sturdy boots would be good as well. Only a few pieces of jewelry ought to be necessary, there will be brigands after all. And I'll help ensure your clothes don't get mussed."
Janella fell into the role of a servant with ease. She had served as one to her drow mistresses after all, in her youth. "It shall by done, Your Highness," she bowed toward Merthyr, even looking nervous whenever he put a hand on her shoulder while making his request. She kept her bearing humble, gaze down, barely making eye contact. Her tone was mild, suggesting rather than making firm statements. Being like this brought back some unpleasant memories, but it could definitely be worth it in the end. This promised to be amusing, and she stood to make a profit if she played her cards right. The bard would be easy to fleece if she could find him alone.
Miriella knew that Merthyr was trying to comfort her, yet his mention that all of the clothes were sentimental, still left her weary. Mardra seemed to understand her unease, and offered to assist her with the clothing. That was a blessing at least, though it only eased her nerves slightly.
"Very well. We shall gather what we need, and meet you at the stable." She said with a soft smile. She then led the way to the old queen's room, a room she had never been in before. She didn't want to leave the group waiting on her, but she didn't want to rush too much. She would need to change her current clothes, as well as gather at least a couple extra outfits and whatever else she needed.
She was grateful that Mardra was with her, for it did move quicker with extra hands. Everything had to be put away neatly, and she could help her choose the more simple items, those better for the journey and less likely to be damaged. If they moved quickly, and didn't spend a lot of time talking, they would be at the stables with the others without too much delay.
"Very well. We shall gather what we need, and meet you at the stable." She said with a soft smile. She then led the way to the old queen's room, a room she had never been in before. She didn't want to leave the group waiting on her, but she didn't want to rush too much. She would need to change her current clothes, as well as gather at least a couple extra outfits and whatever else she needed.
She was grateful that Mardra was with her, for it did move quicker with extra hands. Everything had to be put away neatly, and she could help her choose the more simple items, those better for the journey and less likely to be damaged. If they moved quickly, and didn't spend a lot of time talking, they would be at the stables with the others without too much delay.
Merthyr smiled relieved, leaving the girls to it and heading to the servants' quarters in a gleeful whistle, grabbing whatever garbs looked his size, clothes that seemed warm and comfortable for the long journey before getting into the carriage, patiently waiting for the princess and maid to join the traveling party. From his seat he quietly observed the entourage that would come with him.
Pentre in his shouty coloured outfit looked.. unusual... which was amusing to behold. The man clearly exasperated at Chaucer's complaints about the heavy rigid armour that was uncomfortable and restrictive, the sharper and even heavier sword, struggling to mount Thunder, Pentre's own horse, after several failed attempts and barely achieving so with groom's help and much difficulty, a retinue of fifty guards and a few royal knights surrounding the carriage ready to take Chaucer's orders, rather awkward at Pentre's demotion.
If anything this was promising to be a truly adventurous journey indeed with an unarmed skilled bard, an untrained armed head knight and all sorts of quirkiness that were completely unthinkable just a day before.
Pentre in his shouty coloured outfit looked.. unusual... which was amusing to behold. The man clearly exasperated at Chaucer's complaints about the heavy rigid armour that was uncomfortable and restrictive, the sharper and even heavier sword, struggling to mount Thunder, Pentre's own horse, after several failed attempts and barely achieving so with groom's help and much difficulty, a retinue of fifty guards and a few royal knights surrounding the carriage ready to take Chaucer's orders, rather awkward at Pentre's demotion.
If anything this was promising to be a truly adventurous journey indeed with an unarmed skilled bard, an untrained armed head knight and all sorts of quirkiness that were completely unthinkable just a day before.
Miriela and Mardra approached the carriage, a couple bags of luggage with them. She had been told to prepare for a couple weeks, and she intended to do her best in keeping up appearances. She had chosen one of the more simple dresses available for today, one that seemed the most suited for being stuck in a carriage, but it was still far more extravagant than she had ever owned.
She climbed up into the carriage and settled into place, though she still looked quite uncomfortable. This was indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity, and she was determined to make the most of it, but she still felt very awkward and nervous. What if she made mistakes that got them in trouble? She didn't know what could happen, and she really didn't want to find out.
She climbed up into the carriage and settled into place, though she still looked quite uncomfortable. This was indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity, and she was determined to make the most of it, but she still felt very awkward and nervous. What if she made mistakes that got them in trouble? She didn't know what could happen, and she really didn't want to find out.
'Mardra' assisted Miriela with choosing some of the more practical outfits that would be better for long treks through the woods, and boots that would handle rocky terrain or muddy roads. No need to take along things that would be impractical and then get ruined in the process. Seeing all of the beautiful things within the chambers of royalty presented a level of temptation that she rarely faced. The jewelry, the fine clothes that would fetch an exorbitant price, she felt her skin crawling with the urge to knock out the Princess, snatch these things up and flee.
She stood to gain more wealth and temptation, at less risk to herself, if she could pull of her scheme. The rogue had every intention of cornering the new 'Lord Knight' as soon as she got the chance and making some kind of deal. As she helped Miriela select some clothes, she kept her mannerisms mild and deferential. Rarely making eye contact, her gaze often directed down, she looked up only to be sure of Her Highness' approval. 'Mardra' would do all the packing and arranging, and even help Miriela change and would do her hair if the help was accepted.
The disguised elf scooped up some things for herself as well, not only servants clothes but she also got the rest of her gear she'd deposited before entering the castle under disguise. The elf stuffed it into a bag of holding, an item she'd stolen from a wizard a long time ago. She had excused herself under the guise of packing her own things and informing her superiors of her whereabouts. Janella was back in time to help the new Princess pack her luggage out to the carriage, insisting on carrying the heaviest things. As she had made preparations, she considered any challenges that might occur along the way. She was using a spell from a hat that she wore, a recent addition. As part of the disguise the hat currently looked like a headscarf that kept her hair protected and provided a humble appearance. As long as it stayed on, she'd maintain it. She'd have to be careful that nothing happened to remove it in front of others.
There was also the matter of the sun. She didn't tolerate the sun well, and this disguise did not change what kind of eyes she had. It would be difficult to hide the stinging glare she felt from sunlight. Janella thought over a few different solutions, such as a parasol or using clothing to help block out the worst of the rays. Time out in the sun would help to build up her tolerance as well.
After ensuring the luggage was packed and ensuring the Princess boarded the carriage without incident, Janella climbed in after her. Noticing the anxiety of the new Princess, the 'servant' nodded to Miriela with what she hoped was an encouraging smile. "Worry not, Your Highness. With the station you have now, you can act the part and everyone will accept the word of the King." The ride was probably going to be bumpy in places, but this was still better than walking. It was rare that Janella got to ride in a carriage.
She stood to gain more wealth and temptation, at less risk to herself, if she could pull of her scheme. The rogue had every intention of cornering the new 'Lord Knight' as soon as she got the chance and making some kind of deal. As she helped Miriela select some clothes, she kept her mannerisms mild and deferential. Rarely making eye contact, her gaze often directed down, she looked up only to be sure of Her Highness' approval. 'Mardra' would do all the packing and arranging, and even help Miriela change and would do her hair if the help was accepted.
The disguised elf scooped up some things for herself as well, not only servants clothes but she also got the rest of her gear she'd deposited before entering the castle under disguise. The elf stuffed it into a bag of holding, an item she'd stolen from a wizard a long time ago. She had excused herself under the guise of packing her own things and informing her superiors of her whereabouts. Janella was back in time to help the new Princess pack her luggage out to the carriage, insisting on carrying the heaviest things. As she had made preparations, she considered any challenges that might occur along the way. She was using a spell from a hat that she wore, a recent addition. As part of the disguise the hat currently looked like a headscarf that kept her hair protected and provided a humble appearance. As long as it stayed on, she'd maintain it. She'd have to be careful that nothing happened to remove it in front of others.
There was also the matter of the sun. She didn't tolerate the sun well, and this disguise did not change what kind of eyes she had. It would be difficult to hide the stinging glare she felt from sunlight. Janella thought over a few different solutions, such as a parasol or using clothing to help block out the worst of the rays. Time out in the sun would help to build up her tolerance as well.
After ensuring the luggage was packed and ensuring the Princess boarded the carriage without incident, Janella climbed in after her. Noticing the anxiety of the new Princess, the 'servant' nodded to Miriela with what she hoped was an encouraging smile. "Worry not, Your Highness. With the station you have now, you can act the part and everyone will accept the word of the King." The ride was probably going to be bumpy in places, but this was still better than walking. It was rare that Janella got to ride in a carriage.
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