[IC] Botanist And Bards

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

Unsurprisingly, when the storm wall hit the castle, it frightened the princess enough for her to stumbled, trip and fall right to the ground ungracefully on her face. Turnip, likewise was startled though the well trained horse didn't seem too put off like some of the other horses. After all, he was a great warhorse! A well-oiled machine of precision, agility, speed, and nobility! And he definitely was not trembling in his hooves and looking quite unbrave in front of everyone. Especially the mares!

...no, he was totally doing that. Ooh-earmuffs. They were very comfortable and fit a noble steed such as he, indeed!

Regardless, the horse seemed more or less content.

Isabella pushed herself to her feet, Kinsey giving her a helping hand, not noticing a smudge of dirt now decorating her forehead. Wordlessly, her Kinsey, Edith, and Gracie made their way into the castle leaving the other guards behind for now. When the child spoke to them, Isabella simply stared coolly in her usual fashion.

...what was with that brand? Oh dear, that must have been painful. Was she some sort of slave? That was no good...well, that was acceptable even back home in the Monarchy, but...well, she hoped they were being treated well at least. She had nothing against slavery, but one should always treat their slaves well. A brand was...well, not something that anyone should inflict upon another.

...huh? Why was everyone else looking at her? W-were they expecting her to reply? The princess tensed, the sword she was carrying being held at her side - still having forgot to get a sheathe for it from Mervyn, but to the onlookers she probably looked more confident and poised than nervous aside from the obvious smudge of dirt on her forehead.

"No." She managed to reply coolly after a few more seconds of seemingly regarding the young girl before them.

"Yeah, we're not from around here." Kinsey replied. "No idea-"

"So who're the windmothers?" Edith interjected before Kinsey could continue. "And what's with that brand on your forehead? Does it mean-gah!" Before she could continue asking questions, Kinsey had grabbed the girl by the ear and pulled. "Kinsey, you meanie lemme gooo."

"Sorry about her." He said, pulling Kinsey away from the girl and to the side. Isabella simply looked at the girl in a seemingly expectant manner.

[Roleplayer001]

The girl seemed to let out a sigh of relief as the answer came out to be 'no', and ignored the rather rude questions about her lifestyle from Edith. Instead, she focused on Isabella as she was clearly the one in charge as well as the most well dressed. "Then let me lead you to your quarters." The young one led the others behind her up a staircase deeper into the fort until she came across a small open hall with various bed rolls stacked on shelves against the wall. A small family of what were likely peasants were sleeping together in a corner, child between them. Two doors remained open leading to what were likely more pristine chambers. "We can let you sleep here up to three days three of charge, as is the tradition and law set upon this land. I ask that you and your people distribute themselves in the hall to make yourselves as comfortable as you wish - but only take one of the elite rooms for your lady. If others come, you are expected to make room for them as well."

The girl spoke these words matter of factly. "And Lady Isabella, the Lord will likely invite you to dine later. Will you be able to attend this meeting?" It was rather apparent based on the way she was not looking at the others that this was an invitation solely for her ladyship.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

Isabella had to wonder what exactly that was all about. Some sort of...religious blessing, maybe? Or just an odd custom? She hadn't a clue, but she was glad she wasn't required to speak further. She followed quietly after the servant girl, the others in the group following quietly after. Edith seemed to be taking in everything in the hallway with great interested. Kelsey repeatedly had to stop her from running off on her own and piling a servant or guard with a heaping of questions.

Eventually they came to a staircase and were led up it, where a large hall seemed to serve as accommodations for anyone else in their predicament. A sleeping family of peasants were in the corner. Kelsey and Edith immediately went to make themselves as comfortable as possible as they could in the area, for the post part trying to remain as quiet and respectful as possible of the sleeping ones which left Isabella alone to deal with the question of dinner and meeting the lord of this castle.

"..." For a few seconds, Isabella simply stared silently at the girl. Internally, she was panicking. Oh goodness, she didn't have a decent dress. All of her good ones had to be left at home. She didn't know who this lord even was, and she'd definitely make a fool of herself. Besides, she might do something wrong and do something to shame her family. Not that they really even cared about her, save for maybe her younger brother but...she cared about them still, at least. Also, she would most 100% definitely get lost unless she had a guide of some sort. She still managed to get lost in the gardens sometimes.

As various other thoughts about what could possibly go wrong crossed her head, outwardly it'd likely seem to just create a cold silence as she observed the servant coolly. Oh goodness, she should reply shouldn't she? But she had no idea...she gave a brief glance to Gracie, unconsciously shifting her weight.

...despite her mental attempts to make words, they all fell short. Instead, the princess walked quietly past the servant towards the more suitable rooms. From an outside perspective, it would likely look like the princess had just completely ignored the servant and coldly brushed them off.

[Roleplayer001]

The girl looked on expectantly as the noble lady entered the room, seeming a little nervous as the noblewoman entered. Gracie was already focusing on cleaning the 'suitable rooms' her princess had been given, looking at the queen sized bed, the small desk, and fireplace. Ultimately, it was comfortable if not extravagant. But as a result of her observations, she was unable to notice her princess' peril.

Luckily, the lady's other companion was. Isabella would hear the sword's thoughts echo through her mind once more. "Princess, you need to respond to her. The lord will not be pleased and will blame her if you do not have a response."

If Isabella turned around, she'd see the thirteen year old looking nervously at her - when they entered the castle she seemed confident in her position, if not happy. Now though? If the princess looked carefully, she was shaking slightly in discomfort as she awaited hopefully for an answer.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

Isabella's expression was as neutral as it ever was outwardly, turning to face the slave, and now that she wasn't so terrified that she was being looked at by a bunch of people Isabella could finally get a good look at the slave.

And she was not happy.

Isabella found herself frowning unconsciously. The girl was barely wearing more than a rectangle of cloth with a hole through the head. She hadn't been paying too much attention earlier but now that she was almost alone with the girl, save for the sword and Gracie, it was difficult to ignore. She almost wanted to say something to this lord herself - but that would only both get the girl and her and more trouble. For a second, Isabella closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"...I will go." Isabella spoke quietly in response after a few moments of silence, but said nothing else other than give the slave a pat on the head before turning to Gracie. "Gracie..." She couldn't very well wear this armor to a feast, even if it had been tailored for her. "...Dress." She honestly didn't want to go - but she wanted to at least see who this lord was to treat another human being like this. It made her feel sick...she just wished there was more she could do about it, but as she was, she couldn't do anything.

...so weak.

[Roleplayer001]

The slave girl seemed a little relieved as she finally received a response, though she looked up at the friendly hand patting her on the head more with curiosity than anything else. "... Yes Ma'am. I will tell the lord that you shall attend." The young teenager scurried off as Gracie looked up towards her own mistress.

"Ma'am ... most of your dresses were left at home. We have a couple, but I am unsure of how opulent this lord anticipates his guests to be ... Gracie seemed a little awkward, and slightly afraid what she said would be interpreted somehow as back talking.

"You need not remove your armor here. Both women and men customarily engage in battle here with near equal participation." The sword paused for a second. "That is not to say ladies do not wear dresses, but consider how you wish to appear ... that being said, your maid's fears are unfounded. Clothing here is likely not as fancy on the high end as she might anticipate."

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

Isabella frowned. She knew she didn't have any dresses but she didn't know what else she could wear. Armor wasn't exactly dress wear, even if hers was designed to be more for show than anything else. At least, until the sword began talking to her again. How she wished to appear? What did the sword mean by that, she wondered? Consider how she wished to appear? Well, she was a princess so she should appear as such...but she didn't have any dresses that explicitly said 'Princess'. Her armor was more akin to that.

Isabella pouted a bit, unsure of what to say.

...ah! Wait! Her oldest brother had this lovely suit of armor with a cloak attached. It was mostly for ceremonial things and feasts. Perhaps she could have something similarly added to this armor, just for today? Her brothers was the loveliest shade of blue to go with his armor. What would go well with silver?...

"Gracie..." She looked over at Gracie. "...Cloak? Like brothers." She knew the guards would dislike her displaying her stature as such, but she was a princess. She had to act like it at least, right?

[Roleplayer001]

Gracie seemed a little surprised, but nodded. "Yes Ma'am." Soon enough a cloak was hung around Isabella's shoulders, hanging there like it had for one of her siblings in more ceremonial settings. With a couple adjustments of the Princess' uniform, it seemed like she was as spoofy as she'd be able to afford. "You look great, Isabelle, is there anything else you need for me to do?"

Once the preparations were finished, the noblewoman would find herself left along for the next few minutes. What would she do?

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

Isabella let Graice dress her and make adjustments to her armor as needed. Once done, she took a few steps back from the servant, twirling in place, causing the cloak to flow behind her. Ah, it felt so wonderful! Not to mentioned looked marvelous as well. She could at least say, in some fashion she looked like an important person now. Not that she didn't before, but it was the most respectable thing she could do. She gave Gracie a happy smile before briefly shaking her head no.

"...going out for a bit." She quietly said. "Going to check on the others." She'd also maybe take a moment to talk more with mister sword. She didn't get a very long chance to do that, and she'd prefer to be alone with it when she did so. It'd be a bad idea to let the others see her talking to an inanimate object. First things first though, she made her way to the hall where the knights were told to stay. She wanted to make sure they were alright at least. She knew it had been hard on them traveling this much, and she had at least some responsibility to them. Not that a useless princess like her could do much, but she had to at least try.

Once ensuring that they were fine, Isabella turned back to her own devices, taking a right down the hallway. As she walked, she held the sheathed sword in her hands, still looking at it. She had so many questions, she didn't know where to start, but at least she knew proper etiquette.

"Do you have a name sir sword?" She asked curiously. When she was mostly alone like this, it was easier for her to speak.

[Roleplayer001]

"My name is Valiant." The sword offered no explanation on the origins of this name in the lonely hallway as they continued to move. "And there is no need to call me Sir, Princess. I am merely a blade."

As the princess continued down the right hallway, she'd notice that most of the doors were closed and appeared to be locked. The hallway became better lit, however, and more well constructed - although it took a left ahead with no other direction to go. The floors were a bit cleaner than previously and was their a smell of lavender filling the air as she approached the corner.

If Isabelle decided to look around the bend, she'd see a guard standing next to a slightly adjar door - a twenty-something year old woman with a broken nose and a ponytail - who ignored Isabella after a momentary glance. The smell of lavender likely came from that room, along with the sound of some ... singing?

It was from a young female voice, and while certain words seemed to be unrecognizable it was clear whatever language the unseen girl sung in was related to Isabella's own. She could make out a few words - such as 'storm', 'rain', and others, but the meaning of the song was largely lost due to the language barrier.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

"Just a...blade?" Isabella frowned at Valiant's response. That felt awfully impersonal, plus he talked and had seemed person like to her, even if she was the only one who could hear him. "It's a pleasure to meet you Valiant." She smiled softly at the armament, still holding it against her body as she walked through the lonely hallway. "And thank you for your help." She could at least tell him that much. Without his aid her companions would have had a rough time of it, especially if that storm was as bad as he said it was.

"Erm...so how do you know so-" Before she could question Valiant further, the sound of someone singing caught her ears, the smell of lavender gracing her nostrils as she continued walking. She had heard some talented minstrels, bards, and singers in her time as a princess - and she'd have to say whoever was singing certainly knew what they were doing.

"...?" She tilted her head to the side as she observed the guard standing in front of a door that was slightly ajar. A young woman with a ponytail and a broken nose. It looked like it hurt - she questioned the idea of possibly healing it with her magic but quickly decided against it. She couldn't stand out too much here, and there was no telling if they'd react the same as her family or not. Instead, she focused on the singing - she couldn't understand all of it, which was mildly concerning. She liked to thing she could speak very well considering her education.

Hmm...

What should she do here? She wanted to know more about the singing but she didn't feel like she should interrupt.

[Roleplayer001]

The sword remained silent now as Isabella looked towards the door with curiosity. The guard glanced up a couple of times to observe the watching woman - the noble around the corner seemed like either a really bad, nervous assassin or someone who was lost. After a brief sigh, the guard fiddled with a sword on her hilt for a moment before turning slightly towards the cloaked woman. "Erm, you okay miss? Did you have an appointment with the young lady? I haven't been made aware of one." The guard tried not to speak too loudly to avoid interrupting the singer inside, but she wasn't simply going to let someone stare awkwardly at the doorway for all eternity.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

"Ah..." Isabella's face tensed as the guard began speaking to her. She had hoped at least that Valiant would answer, but it seemed she was on her own here. Young Lady? Ooh, what should she say here? The person sounded fairly important and she didn't want to interrupt whatever it was they were doing. Granted she was a princess, but that title held little power so far from home and shouldn't be used so carelessly.

"Uhm," She began softly. "...just heard singing. Beautiful." She wanted to ask further, but she didn't know if it'd be acceptable or not too.

[Roleplayer001]

The guard nodded, then let off a small shrug. "She enjoys it, miss. Not the most useful skill, but it at least cheers her father up a bit." It was difficult to tell if the guard was being dismissive or slightly appreciative, but it was clear her love of the arts probably wasn't as intense as from Isabella's land. The singing came to a stop of few seconds later, and the guard beckoned down the hallway where a fifteen year old servant of sorts - no brand marked her forehead and her clothes were more reasonable - ran into the room with a couple of towels before closing the door behind herself entering the room to likely attend the singer.

"Anyways, I've heard there's a guest here tonight from a far away land. Court is excited to hear news of the outside world, though in these shattered lands it is not as if the storm will allow politics to ever change ..." The guard looked over Isabella's armor with a couple glances. "... that you by any chance? You don't look like you are from these parts."

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

Not useful?! Those who could sing hymns and prayers were some of the most sought-after skills in the Monarchy. Isabella had at one point, received lessons on such things but stage fright had always gotten the better of her. On some days, she liked to sit outside the ramparts near the church and listen to the choirs sing. It was a beautiful thing. She almost wanted to say something, but her general anxiety got the best of her. It'd be bad if she was misunderstood or otherwise made a mess of things with her words.

The singing then stopped, a servant going into the room bringing some towels and closing the door behind her. Shame, she wanted to hear more, but the thought was quickly pushed aside by the guardswoman question.

"Uhm..." Ooh dear, what should she say here? Her guards didn't seem to want her to advertise her being a princess or anything, which was fine. She could understand it on some level. So how should she introduce herself? A flourish and a loud proclamation of who she was? Or would that be too much? A humble introduction? Her older brother always loudly announced his presence whenever there was a political meeting with other countries and her younger brother always took a more measured approach. Of course, with all this thinking came a noticeable pause and mild seeming glare.

"...Yes." She ended up replying simply, leaving no further explanation.

[Roleplayer001]

"..."

The guard stared at the woman in front of her, eventually only responding with a quick nod of her forehead. From her perspective, it was obvious the woman was quiet although it was a bit hard to tell why. As a result of that, she simply stood there awkwardly. How was she supposed to address the noble? She was a guest of the estate, and it wasn't like she could tell the woman to buzz off. The guard looked away, only glancing towards the noble periodically.

"Your ladyship ... are you ... um ... lost?" The woman seemed a little upset to even think of that as an idea, as if she was a bit concerned it could get her in trouble somehow.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

"...!" Isabella took a quick look around. She wasn't lost, she was a few steps away from her room she had been given. She could still here the chattering of the guards. A few silent seconds passed as she pouted.

"N-no..." She replied quietly in a mildly childish fashion, face a bit red from mild embarrassment. She might have gotten lost in the gardens still, but she wasn't that bad with directions! She couldn't feel too upset at the suggestion, really. It was true she wasn't the greatest but it was still mildly embarrassing to hear. "I'm not...that bad..." She reaffirmed, though that sentence might not have the effect she wanted it to have. Not that she'd give the guard much time to reply - she glanced back down the hallway.

"The singing...who was it?" She questioned, making her intentions likely a bit obvious - or at least she hoped they were. She wasn't sure her nerves could take much more of this talking.

[Roleplayer001]

The guard raised her hands apologetically - she hadn't meant to insult the noble lady! She began to shake her head, but the noble lady in front of her quickly seemed to get distracted, bless the gods. The singing? She supposed the guest wouldn't know that. "That is the Young Lady Hasingwrath, daughter of Lord Hasingwrath ..." For a couple seconds the guard seemed to contemplate what she was thinking before looking back with an eyebrow raised. "... did you want to see her? She just finished taking a bath, your ladyship, so it might take a few minutes before she's ready."

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Isabella~

---

"A-ah...!" Isabella nodded her head yes in response. So the person singing in question was a noble? And...she was singing in the bath, then? Isabella smiled a bit at the thought. So someone else did it as well! Hehe, take that oldest brother! It wasn't childish! Oh wait...actually, would they have been a child? Isabella's amusement quickly turned into mild shock that her brother may, in fact, have been right. Well, whatever. He was a kingdom away and wasn't here. Ah wait, thinking about useless things again. She should introduce herself.

"Isabella." She softly introduced herself. "I-if it's not...trouble."

[Roleplayer001]

The guard looked up and down Isabella a final time as if doing some sort of security check before knocking on the door, waiting a couple seconds, and speaking. "The foreign lady wants to say hi." A few muffled words were spoken, and guard nodded before turning back to Isabelle. "Give her a few minutes ..."

Several awkward minutes passed where the guard just stood there, looking around. She seemed to observe her weapon a few too many times, as if trying to make sure that its sheen was up for some hypothetical inspection. When the door finally opened from the inside, the warrior even seemed a little relieved. The servant girl poked her head out. "The young lady is ready for you now, Miss ...?" She didn't seem sure how to address the well armored person in front of her, and was a little confused but didn't seem intimidated.

When the noble finally responded, the servant would lead her into an opulent room - and rather girly in appearance too, surprisingly like a well off noble girls room from her own home with a couple finely made stuffed animals, a large canopy bed, and very well made furniture. The scent of lavender came from a few burning purple candles that slowly flickered with their flames to illuminate the room ... overall, the entire place seemed utterly out of place for the cruel and otherwise extremely practical designs of the rest of the castle.

In a comfy looking chair there was the 'young lady' - either in her early teens or just before them dressed in a fine pink dress with her long brown hair hanging over the back. The servant returned to her work, beginning to braid the young lady's hair who looked over the noble that was entering. "Hello! I'm Zavra! What's your name?" The young lady seemed extremely friendly, even when the servant bopped her on the head softly and chastised her for leaning forward as she worked. "Where do you come from! They tell me you aren't from here!"