RP:New Names for Larket
--Red Ogre Inn
Queen Jacklin is here.
King Parsithius is here.
Lady Roelstra is here.
Lady Leigh is here.
Sir Mercutious is here.
Jacklin sat at one of the tables scattered around the Inn with Thomas at her side. A pitcher of water in one hand and a cloth handkerchief, folded fancily, in the other. Placing the cloth down and the water atop it he said a few quick words to the Queen and offered a little grin and dip before spinning on heel back behind the bar to attend a pair of new entries.
Parsithius is the second to the enter the establishment; it is an impending sound that acts as the herald to his entry, and that sound is of the 'tchk' of the hinged portal that separates the dimly lit interior from the chilled Spring night that blankets this knightly city and allows most of the area's populace to rest without disturbance. There is no silhouette of man as the door swings wide, due to the lack of outside light aside from torches from the city patrol. Instead, the ecru and purple trimmed platemail figure of the golden-haired king settles clear into sight, as spectacular as ever and certainly holding the features of royal determination and stalwart analysis etched upon a strong face, only to be offset by a normally piercing gaze that softens to express the Great love that exists between husband and wife when that vision finds the visage of bare-footed Queen. 'Click' are his greaves, and methodical is his cadenced gait toward her, until she is reached, and the man drops to a single knee. The gauntlet of the male finds the slender hand of his wife, and brings it to his lips to press a kiss upon it, before rising to a fluid motion that allows him to stand beside her seated form. "My Queen. I believe we have two summons tonight."
Roelstra had not wasted time upon receiving the summons from a messenger in Larket livery. She would usually wander into the King and Queen's presence casually in one of the taverns around the land and enjoy a conversation over drinks. But, an official summons? This had to be important. Before reaching the Red Ogre, the vampiress did her best to quickly clean the gore and blood that had spattered over the matte black and olive leather. A few stubborn stains refused to be purged, to the vampiress' dismay. She never bothered to purchase any better armor, for she had no reason to acquire anything of a ceremonial nature. Thankful that the sun had long since set, quick and silent footsteps carry her to the tavern's threshold, the cool evening breeze whispering through long raven waves. Helm tucked under her left arm, her gloved right hand opens the large door easily, stepping over the worn threshold to allow the door to swing shut behind her with the help of the gentle wind. Keen emerald eyes peruse the tavern's interior before settling on the regal forms of Larket's ruling pair. Any candlelight present in the tavern does not lend much warmth to the ranger-assassin's pale features, yet -something- has added a subtle glow to her cheeks. Plump lips, usually set in a serene expression are quirked oh so slightly, as if surpressing a secret smile. Those same lips curve into a friendly smile as she advances on Parsithius and Jacklin, her always present bow strapped diagonally over her torso, the weapon's wooden curve hugging her back. " Evening, Pars. Evening, Jack. You wished to speak with me?"
Leigh pushes her way through the entrance, several minutes after Roelstra, and pauses in the doorway. She is covered in a fine layer of dirt, not at all what one would call presentable to royalty, and smells faintly of smoke. She appears to have had some recent scuffle with one beasty or another, quite possibly a dragon considering the acrid scent lingering about her form. Hair a mess, she half-heartedly attempts to tame it with a few strokes of her gloved hands before scanning the inn for the Larket monarchs. She easily picks them out and sees that they are presently entertaining someone that had arrived before her. The huntress takes a deep breath and approaches the trio, careful to maintain a respectful silence whilst they proceed with whatever discussion she came in upon. She chooses not to speak unless spoken to, but does offer the King and Queen a polite bow, bending at the waist with her right arm across her chest.
Jacklin wasn’t quite used to having people kneel and kiss her hand. Self-consciously she nearly jerked it back from his hold for fear of grime stains still lingering from her early trip to the mines. Looking far less extravagant than her husband she smoothed at the wrinkles on her ceil shirt and brushed a lazy strange of gray-chestnut hair away from her sweat dotted brow as if the simple gesture would make her somewhat more dignified. It wouldn’t a bit but the Queen liked to imagine it made her appear a tad more graceful than before. Moving the glass of raspberry sprinkled water from the left to right she curled an idle hand around the cool surface and sat quietly as Parsithius raised the topic of summons. Lifting eyes from the tabletop to the azure gaze of her husband as it to make sure he wasn’t lying for some reason or another. At the sight and entry of Roelstra she whips her eyes from King to Vampiress with a pert smile of greeting and a lifted glass of water in her direction, “We did wish to speak with you. Thank you for joining us this evening, Roelstra. Hopefully we haven’t inconvenienced you too greatly by making you trek up here for a meeting.” Before the Queen continued her apologies the door opened for a second time to allow Leigh entry. She hadn’t had many, if any, conversations with the huntress, but now seemed a better time than any. Falling completely silent she looked back to the only person in the room seeming to be of royal bearing – Parsithius, “You may both take a seat at the table if it pleases you.”
Roelstra action : dips her dusky crown in a nod of acceptance, a gentle contralto chuckle bubbling from her throat. " Hardly. It is no trouble at all. I'm more than happy to meet with you both." Gently pointed ears perk in the direction of the door, spying Leigh and Mercutious entering the establishment. She had seen Leigh in passing, but it was the Deputy of Larket that she knew well. Emerald greens soften as another smile is slanted in Merc's direction. Attention turning back to Jacklin and Parsithius, she accepts the offer and settles into one of the two offered seats. Gloved hands claps in her lap, waiting for Leigh to do the same so their meeting may commence.
Leigh retains her silent mien as she does indeed accept the offer of seating. Gripping the elegant wooden chair and sliding it from beneath the table, the woman drops herself into it. Her eyes shift from Queen to King and then a sideways glance to Roelstra, whom she did not recognize. The huntress' attention then drifts back upon Larket's rulers and she awaits whatever words they may have for her.
Parsithius almost momentarily frowns as his wife becomes self-conscious when he attempted to employ the very gesture that had begun their relationship in the first place; it is fleeting, and he has become used to his wife's subtleties as she has his own to develop their undeniable and incommunicable love, so any insecurity is struck from his mind as Roelstra makes her presence known with the easy gait of an approach that brings her slender frame toward the pair. Opting not to stand, but rather sit beside Lady Larket, and across from the two vacant seats that would surely be occupied by Leigh and Roelstra, respectively, the man gently places his gauntlets along the table's oak surface with a resonating 'click' of armored appendage. Assuming that they both proceed to take their seats, the man's analytical and methodical stare is set in that same piercing fashion of scrutiny upon one, and then the other in turn, for an almost uncomfortably long amount of time. First addressed is Roelstra, "Evening Roelstra; I have come to trust you, as has Jacklin. We believe you are well-suited for a position within Larket's employ, and extend our invitation for you to join as Head of Larketian Rangers." Then, his gaze turns to Leigh, "It's been some time Lady Leigh. Last time I saw you, you were in that Inn in Rynvale. Welcome to Larket. Your status and standing is quite extensive, and we believe you capable of being in the employ of Larket. We'd like to extend our invitation for you to join us as an Emissary of Larket." Mercutious' entrance is heard just then, and the knight's gaze slices over to view him before returning his sight upon the two woman.
Jacklin cleared her throat in habit and looked from Parsithius to Roelstra, Leigh, and finally the newly arrived Mercutious. Catching the figure of Thomas busily pouring drinks and scooping up glasses she knew he must be slowly panicking over the amount of traffic suddenly arriving at his doorstep. In his own bumbling generosity the Innkeeper rounds the bar and delivers a tray of glasses, water, and cleverly folded napkins for the five to indulge in if they so chose to. Her mind returns to the man at her side and lips prickle with a small grin as he seats himself in the chair with the clicks and clacks of newly forged ecru armor. He looked nice in the new armor, she thought. Not that a formal meeting was any place to tell him so. Leaning back into the stiff hold of her chair she settles on appraising both the women while Parsithius divides his time between them. As the titles are proposed she shifts regard to the side of his face and then back to the women to find what their reactions would be.
Leigh's eyes narrow a bit upon Parsithius as if attempting to recall the meeting to which he is referring. Unfortunately, she did not remember that particular day and instead her memories are dominated by a much darker situation in which he had found her. The last time she recalled seeing the King was during her imprisonment by The Fold. The huntress scowls and the muscles in her jaw tighten at the recollection. Instead of bringing that up, however, she chooses to address his offer of work. "Emissary? Well, I do have some experience in the field," she says, pausing as Thomas places his tray upon the table, "I had not imagined myself taking on such a position ever again. The offer is intriguing."
Roelstra does not flinch under the King's intense gaze, for she had known him for some time before his marriage to the Queen. Nonetheless, she waits in respectful silence for him to speak his piece. When his words do finally clap her ears, they were ones she'd never expected in all her years in this land. It is hard to hide her surprise, well groomed brows rising together. Petal pink lips part to speak, "I..." Taking a moment to recompose herself, " I would be most honored! Your invitation is accepted."
Jacklin watched Leigh’s reaction first as she had spoken before the other. Narrowed eyes didn’t seem like the best sign around. She didn’t know much of the woman…but she had heard some things. None of which needed to be reviewed or brought up at the meeting. The Queen remained perfectly silent in the face of Leigh’s scowling and only at the sound of Roelstra’s acceptance did cobalt eyes travel. “I’m pleased to hear that, Roelstra.” She knew the women would be an excellent fit for Larket.
Parsithius's own eyes narrow and the corner of his lips turns upward in a slight smile as Leigh scowls; her demeanor and disposition made her the perfect candidate for an emissary that represented Larket. Larket is not some goody-toe-shoe state that flaunts love and flowers, but it is one of military power and respect, order and peace sought through justice. "You would be sent to meetings with foreign officials, royalty, and leaders. You will act as the representative of Larket to convey our words to the other areas, and bring back their response; giving your advisement as well. I chose you because you have the qualities Larket embodies, and you're still good with a weapon." His gaze slices toward Roelstra for a moment, and his features soften for a simple, "Congratulations."
Leigh shifts in her chair, crossing her legs and lacing her gloved fingers over the ball of her knee. She follows the King's words carefully, eyes focusing upon his lips as he speaks so that she will be sure to gather up every syllable that might otherwise be lost amid the other conversations that may be taking place. After all, her sensitive ears often pick up more discussions than merely the ones in which she is engaged. When Parsithius has made his pitch, she nods. "I understand. Since I am no longer truly affiliated with any other kingdoms at this time, I will accept the position. I am honored, truly."
Roelstra frowns softly at the other woman; her glower had not gone unnoticed. What reason she had to give Parsithius such a look was unknown to her. None of her business anyhow. Shifting her attention to Jacklin, her gentle smile returns, " I'm pleased that you and Parsithius would think me worthy of such an esteemed position." Their trust in her was returned, for they had earned the vampiress' in return. There were not many she could count to be true and forthcoming. But the King and Queen had proven to be honest and good friends. Such friendships Roelstra held close to her heart. The King's simple congratulations draw her gem-like gaze back to him." Thank you very much," she replies when Leigh has finished speaking.
Jacklin shakes her head with a soft sigh. She wouldn’t bother saying anything to the other woman and kept her eyes locked on Roelstra, “We both spoke of you while reviewing what person would be best for this role. We had another head of the Rangers at an earlier time. He didn’t work out too well after awhile. He was too interested in other things.” Taking a drink from the glass in her hand she looked over the rim at Parsithius before Roelstra was given her attention again, “But that’s old news,” quoted the Queen softly as the glass was returned to the wet cloth, “and we have high hopes for you in the role. From what I remember…you were never a slouch with the bow. You’ll be a welcome addition.”
Parsithius momentarily frowns as Jacklin refers to their former head of the Rangers, and his eyes glance toward Jacklin protectively; he'd not make that mistake of trust in someone like their former Ranger. It is because of this that he smiles genuinely toward Roelstra and offers a nod, before slicing his gaze toward Leigh, "Congratulations, then, Lady Leigh. It is good to have you within Larket." Another genuine and brief smile -the expressions of smiles are a rarity for the king- ensues before he stands. "It is well I should take my leave; Luthentius has left me a stack of papers to go through." He shakes his head in slight grumpiness over the aspect, but turns to over his wife a simple, but loving kiss, "We will speak tonight further, my Queen," he says to her reassuringly. Then, rising, he address the rest, "Congratulations to you both, and I will see you on the morrow." A pause, before, "Fare well to you, too, Mercutious." And with that, the King strides out.
Leigh dips her head in a bow to the King as he takes his leave. She then stands following his exit and bows her head once more to the Queen of Larket. "If there is nothing more you require, I too shall take my leave. Call upon me whenever you have need of my services and your request shall be placed above all others. This, I swear, my Queen."
Jacklin caught the frown on Parsithius’ face and matched the emotion briefly. Again, it was something the Queen didn’t bother to bring onto the table. As her husband rises and places a small motion of affection on her lips she nods, “We will,” is given before the armored knight removes himself from the scene through the mahogany doors. Looking back at the two females still seated around the table she quietly pushes herself up and turns the trained glass of water over with a few gold coins left in tip for Thomas. “Lady Roelstra, Lady Leigh. I’m pleased to have you both within Larket. The King speaks highly of you both. There are no doubts and no reason to worry. More information will be sent via courier and arrangements for a salary. Thank you for meeting us here this evening. I bid you both a lovely evening,” looking up and over to Mercutious she smiles, “and you as well, sir.” The two new employees of Larket were allowed a final look before the Queen snatched the brown leather bag from the floor and departed back to the main Hall of Larket. And by the look on her face…it was likely to entail a trip into some bushes.
Roelstra shifts her attention again to the Queen, " You flatter me. I never leave home without it.", she replies with a grin, a gentle blush creeps over her pale cheeks. The vampiress is easily embarassed by compliments, but she is grateful for them. Clearing her throat, Roelstra straightens in her chair, encompassing Jacklin and Parsithius in her now sober gaze, " Your faith in me will not go unrewarded..my King and Queen. I will do my utmost to fulfill my new duties." As Parsithius grants her the rare smile, another grin spreads across her pale visage from ear to ear. " Thank you again. Indeed, we shall." Green eyes slant towards Leigh, nodding once, " Congratulations."
Leigh turns to Roelstra once the Queen has exited the establishment and nods curtly to the vampiress, the first acknowledgment of the woman she had offered all evening. "And to you," she utters softly before turning on her heel to vacate the Red Ogre, "Farewell."
Roelstra sits there in utter astonishment, the grin still lighting her features. " Head of Larketian Rangers...", she says half under her breath, as if testing the sound of the title.
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