Winter kept her face blank when the young queen addressed her. She spoke such pretty words, all apologies and curtesy now that she was asking for something, no longer free to see to whatever whims she had. Pretty words did nothing against fire and steel. Winter had learned that long ago.

And then it was as though everything was happening at once – two women came in, obviously both warriors. One was young and green, enthusiastic almost to the point of obstinacy, the other a large, weathered Bellady woman, well muscled and dower. Knights now surrounded the exiled queen, as one would expect. The two strangers from the tavern entrance had approached their ragtag group, obviously meaning to join. The thief next to her was still putting his repellent personality on display, and the noble who'd previously bought drinks for the tavern had joined and added his boastful voice to the ever-growing cacophony. A shabbily dressed man, either a tactless imbecile or a man who actually wanted to expose the exiled queen knelt before her in a grand display. 

All of these people, Winter watched and evaluated, cataloguing them in her mind. She measured them, guessing at strengths and weaknesses, who to kill first and who to simply work around. This endeavor would be… interesting, to say the least. She forced herself not to react when the idea of spies and assassins were put forward, and instead watched how everyone reacted to each other, which held some fascinating results. Certain members were actually glaring at each other already, their body language saying more than social etiquette would typically allow them to convey. The Bellady woman's outright animosity and then dismissal of the queen was the most fascinating. Perhaps Winter could use her.

It was then that she noticed how the young princess glanced between her and the somber knight. Her intention was clear: Sir Knight was injured, and now she had a healer at her disposal. Winter remembered the princess' daggerpoint words with no small amount of contempt. 

[i]Royals. Dismissive and entitled, until they have a use for you.[/i]

Regardless of her thoughts, Winter played her part well.

"Sir, if I may," she said in her gentle voice, "I have known pain my entire life." Winter looked at him, then cast her eyes down as was her habit. "It is no luxury if it weakens you, especially at such a crucial time." She glanced over at the queen so as to make her meaning clear. "It is a burden – one that you do not have to bear while I am here to assist. I'm afraid I am not a fighter, and can't help in battle, but I can be useful in this way." Winter looked down to her hand as she sent energy down her veins, coalescing it in her palm. An icy blue glow could be seen in the shadows of the tavern. She looked back up to the knight and said, "If you'll allow me."