Marceilles was quiet, with few strangers and citizens alike walking the streets to reach their hostels and homes. From Marceilles Castle, a man watched through stained glass. The sound of distant thunder rolled in the east beyond the mountains, as rain clouds gathered over the town and began to drop their night sky's tears. It was gentle at first, but began to pitter and patter upon cobblestone, roof tile and glass alike. Still the man watched through now rippling stained glass as the people quickened their pace through the streets to find shelter from the rain. It felt like a solemn sight, even though the man observed the celebrations taking place in the taverns. 

[B]"They celebrate well in the name of their lord, but we can't keep this up, my lord."[/B] A voice called out from close-by. The man glanced over his shoulder to peer at his adviser who stepped out of the shadows. [B]"Phillip, as your good friend and humble servant, I implore you to submit to the King's mandate, and raise the taxes."[/B] The man asked as he stepped towards the baron. Phillip turned back to the window as the rain began to fall harder. 
[B]"Nothing about that corrupt sack of wine who sits wrongfully upon the throne compels me to submit. I will sooner ride out and rebel against the established organisation of greed and deceit that DuRant now leads, than allow him to rob my people blind."[/B] Phillip replied coldly. [B]"You know me better than that, Ruvelle."[/B] Phillip noted as an afterthought. 

Ruvelle shook his head.
[B]"I know you well enough to care for your well-being. If we are unable to pay our part to the king, you will be replaced with someone lesser. Of this, I have no doubt."[/B] Ruvelle explained himself. Phillip smirked.
[B]"We will last a while yet. I will be ready well before then to challenge his rule. But until then. my first duty is to my people. That is one of the many virtues that Chevaliers swear oath to."[/B] Phillip said. [B]"To protect the innocent and help the weak."[/B] Phillip recited. Ruvelle sighed.
[B]"Until they die by their oath, as does any one man who holds onto their oaths."[/B] Ruvelle remarked. Phillip's small smirk faded as he remembered the oath he once swore. 

Phillip then cleared his throat.
[B]"If there is nothing else, Ruvelle..."[/B] Phillip asked, his eyes set on the outside world cloaked in fog and rain.
[B]"Just one last thing: When will you ride out then?"[/B] Ruvelle asked curiously in reply. Phillip closed his eyes.
[B]"When Divines and humble fate demand it."[/B] He replied. Uncertain, but finished, Ruvelle bowed and departed, leaving Phillip alone to his thoughts as he watched over his city.

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In the royal court, the fair maiden still played humbly for her audience. Her fingers plucked delicately at the strings of her lute, producing the softest melody, and her voice melded with the light tunes with perfect harmony as she sang her muse's gift to all who listened.

[B][I]"By the glitter, 
By the gleam,
Of sparkles aflitter,
Of ripples upon the stream.

Faeries, Dryads and Wisps,
Sweet and Gentle Guardians,
Dancing serenely amongst the mists.
Beside the streams are Her gardens,
Her mysterious and beautiful havens.

Elven Swordsingers and Druidesses,
Spurring a magnificent melody.
Fairer than fair princesses,
The musings of their sweet harmony!

And thus roses grow,
By the riverside thorns curl,
Blooming petals brushing the flow,
Glowing droplets purer than any pearl.

They who speak the native language,
An ancient tongue of grace and purity,
Have one name never written upon page,
For this safe place; a paradise by all certainty!

Dream on, 
Nature's faithful heroes and martyrs!
Witness this place; Our Aquas Ae'atas...[/B][/I]

She finished on a long note, dragging out a fading tune as she closed her eyes and stood almost still as a statue with her lute in her arms. After a moment, the court finally began to applaud her performance in a chorus of clapping that sounded off to all four corners of the hall as the maiden opened her eyes with a smile and took a curtsy bow to her listeners before bowing to her liege.
[B]"I very much hope I have pleased your majesty and his court. Do you wish me to play another melody, my lord?"[/b] The fair maiden asked as she held her lute at the ready.