Nothing exciting, do not read.

[Anandar Surion]

(And here come the Enchanticans..~waves to all~.)


It was with some regret that the Emperor had opted for a change up in the roster, sending young Gage instead with the Queen of Caran, and her betrothed, instead of Adara's choice of the Duke and Duchess d'Aeren. Keiren felt a happily engaged, arranged marriage couple might prove more in line with the occasion, that the Duchess, she who had run away, and married 'some guy' in a fit of love and hormones. At least, that was how it was explained to the young Prince Anandar, as he stood, rubbing the back of his own neck, and looking with doubt, upon Uncle Keiren. Go, lad, Keiren had said, go and see young Gage is presented in such a way as to give no offense to Edfeil and her court.

And take your lovely bride to be, he'd helpfully added, foisting the Queen of Caran into the fray.

So it was done.

A letter was sent, alerting the Host of Windstorm that young Sir Gage was on his way, in the esteemed company of the Prince Anandar, and Queen Tatiana Ysabel, neighbor and ally to fair Enchantica. They would arrive, for a brief stay, no more, with a justifiably sized retinue of retainers, guards, pomp and circumstance.

It was, to Anandar, a painful process. For one, he detested having to haul his spouse halfway across God's last acre to Windstorm, in a cold spell. Far used to traveling with simply the Lancers, 10th, he felt half drowned in a party this large. But, he reminded himself, it was as much to keep Tatiana Ysabel safe...not that Wales was exactly crawling with hellish dangers these days.......she was worth the hassle, and she made for refreshingly grand company, talking and amusing him with anecdotes and tales, the entire trip long.

For another, he wasn't so sure Sir Gage was feeling his best, either, the lad, whom Anandar had known, and considered like a brother, looked positively like he'd eaten far too many green apples and was suffering a distinct upset. But then, that was Adara and Keiren. His aunt and uncle? The cure for a settled stomach, if ever there was one.

By the time they arrived at the Windstorm gates, he'd never been so glad to see a place. In from the chill, and the damp, they came, their party far too well bred to complain over traveling, but far too grateful to have arrived, for it not to show a little, at the fringes, that they were tired........

[Queen Tatiana Ysabel]

*She had stared at the Emperor of Enchantica as if he had grown a second head. Was he seriously going to sent them miles and miles out of their way for...a courtship? After the weeks they had just spent on in enemy territory, cold, wet, and hungry?

Yep. Gave them a whole two days to recover, and a nice fresh change of clothes, seen them well fed...pat pat... now be on your way.

Still, if she was to aligne herself and her native Caran with Anandar and Enchantica......she put on a smile, and mounted her pretty bay mare looking over her shoulder to her intended. He looked about as happy with all this as she, but neither of them having much choice in the matter.

Politics, had to love them. Someone always wanting or needing something. Favors and alliances, it was the way of things.

And then there was poor Gage. She felt for him. She did. At least in her marriage, she had been the one to 'arrange' things. A bit like Lady Edfeil herself. She had found herself at a time when she needed a husband and had done something about it. She had sent out a call for suitable mates...

She had been extremely lucky, in her findings. She hoped Lady Edfeil was as lucky.

She really couldn't comment on Gage, she had only met the man, but he seemed like a good sort of fellow. He looked to be young, and strong...had all of his teeth, always a good sign....

The ride was tedious long and cold, but at least the company was good. She enjoyed making Dar laugh, and trying to keep young Gage from loosing his lunch. But by the time they reached the gates, she was more than ready for a rest.

But first things first.

She stood with her husband to be, arm in arm with him, ready to present a united front, and a smile.*

[Gage]

*And thus, he'd been shipped off to Windstorm, his travelling companions as incredulous as he at the way it was done, but he'd forced a smile and went along, granted his mind was still reeling from everything. The trip hadn't been a very pleasant one although not for a lack of trying on everyone's part, Dar and Tatiana were both very good at trying to raise his spirits, not that it worked very well. Dar was still his brother far as he was concerned, his bride to be a pleasant sort. They'd make a good match. Travelling didn't really seem to agree with him very much at present, most of his time spent trying to keep what he'd eaten down. Then again, he'd been around the stable boys and one of them had been a bit under the weather before they'd left. He likely just picked up something from that one. By the time they reached their destination, he'd pulled himself together as best he could and was blessedly feeling some better, standing up tall and proper as they presented themselves there at the gates. They were all a bit road weary and it showed.*

[rhiannon]

((*steeples fingers* Ohman.... Rhi is going to be so so so... ohman... *goes to respond to Tessie on the EC boards.. *grins*))

[Lady Edfeil]

((jumping a bit forward to keep up with the visitors))

*This time, she nae had time to stare bewildered in front of her. Dear heavens things were moving faster. She nae was one to go fast in anything. Had nae her courtship with Sighehelm, who had been so near her heart, taken months, years to be even brought into words, let alone anything else. But in her hand she saw the proof that the emperor and empress aparently moved along a faster pace, for a new missive had arrived saying that the prospective suitor would be send posthaste, like a parcel with suitable companions. Chaperones probably, at least one thing she approved of, and they could be on Windstorm's doorstep any day now. Oh Lord... Oh Lord..

In what could only be deemed unseemly haste, she tore through the castle, hopefully cornering Lady Dream in the Kitchen.*

Dream! Dream! Dream! *The mere fact that she was shouting AND leaving off her friends courtesy title said enough.*
They be sending him! The one with the teeth!!!!

[Anandar Surion]

Oh but yes, they were coming.

It was a goodly thing, too, for if Gage was kept in suspense much longer, Anandar feared the boy might implode. No small nor simple thing, being sent off, like a horse to market, to meet a potential maybe possibly bride, and one that was a Queen, no less. Especially for the likes of Gage of Greenleaf, newly polished knight, who's title of sir was still so new it practically squeaked.

He tried reassuring the lad, with comments....meant to be helpful.

No, I've never met her, so I cannot say for certes if she be lovely to look upon........but in truth, no one ever came away from Windstorm moaning 'my eyes, my eyes!' in pain, so whatever she be, we can assume it's not you know...eye bleeding bad.

Gage? Hadn't looked reassured in the least. There was a LOT of ground between pretty, and 'eye bleeding bad'.

Anandar had tried again.

There are some rumors about her....just a few. Yes, about the Queen of Windstorm. Umhmm, lean in, and I'll confess, I did hear some traders talk of her. It is said she drinks......her tea with milk, and honey both sometimes........

They both thought on that for a time. You could tell a lot from tea choices. Or so they assumed.

So I would bet? That she's wild as the west wind in winter, and full of tear 'em up, and wear you out party hard lifestyle choices.

Just be prepared.

I bet they call her Edfeil the Brazen. As long as she has her teeth, you'll be fine. Teeth. They matter more than tea and brazen lifestyle choices in a marriage of royals.......and if you're lucky, Rutger won't show up to court her too. Because you'd lose to him. Alas, no one smells quite as good as that fellow Sir Rutger does!

[Rutger]

Perusing His letters He comes across something of interest. Apparently the Queen of Windstorm seeks a suitor. He sits back and rubs His chin, pondering carefully. Surely He could throw His hat into the ring. His lack of stench and possession of decent teeth was known far and wide, certainly Edfiel already knew of His reputation. Of course His duties kept Him quite busy, yes, but no harm would come of paying the young Queen a visit would it. And if not Him, He was sure He could send forth many that would meet the Queen and her courts approval. Yes this would take some looking into.

[Dream Loxley]

*Just as she lifted the freshly baked, still warm piece of bread to wards her lips.......just as her mouth seemed to fill with saliva making ready to receive this regular treat.......just as her stomach rumbled and complained loudly as it too waited in anticipation.......just then as her lips parted. Oh my! whatever could the matter be!!??

The kitchen door flung open, near to breaking the hinges, and her Queen, red faced, panting, and even shouting! "Dream! Dream! Dream! They be sending him! The one with the teeth!!!!"

Well, it was indeed a goodly thing she had not taken that first bite......teeth....biting, oh my! Lest she would have choked upon it.

"Oh my!" Was all she could muster as the long awaited piece of bread was dropped back onto the board. Such delights would have to wait a while longer. Dream frowned, simply because her stomach gnarled and grumbled in anger and she had to think for a moment, just how to handle her very distraught friend.

"Oh my.......well.......aye......well.....M'Lady.....then we shall receive them, much as we should receive any guest. Of course ye must expect such visitors, now word be out that ye are indeed seeking a.......a....prospective Husband."

Dream nodded her head as if to agree with herself.....and there was much to be done, how many, just who was coming, apart from the one with.....aye....those dreaded teeth!

[rhiannon]

So. Tessie had QUITE the point. Granted... she was doing it for her Aunt.. but doing a lot of it to get back at mother dearest. BUT! Whatever the reason she had continued to keep the horse that she had .... confiscated for this daring adventure after packing up her pack. And hurrying off after the party. The Priestess on QUITE the mission here. She was going to be in SO much trouble.. but really? When wasn't she in trouble. Or getting herself into trouble. It just happened. She followed it... it found her. However it happened. Here she was. Doing her best really to keep up, grumping a bit when she found out it was Anandar that was bringing him. Such the little traitor! Not that she'd told him how she felt about Gage. And really this was all her sister and brother in laws fault. 'We'll find you another one.. blahblahblah..' She didn't hear it like that. She didn't want another. And if there were any chance that he felt anything for her at all. She wanted to explore that. Not get tied to someone that she didn't love. She didn't think she was being followed... because she TOLD her sister she wouldn't want anyone to protect her if Gage couldn't. She wasn't getting close to anyone else. Like Gage probably hadn't already asked his friend to watch over her as he always had. She rode throughout the day, seeing their party up ahead. And urged her horse onward. Now.. what was she going to do when she reached them? She hadn't quite decided yet. But that wasn't really necessary. Plan? Not for this Priestess. She could get there.. then plan. Yup. That would work splendidly. She jumped a small gate with the horse, as it landed and came to a rather quick stop. It was tired. And she was tired too. Off she went, at the sudden stop, landing in quite the little heap on the grass. Embarrassed? You betcha. Alive? Unfortunantly. She was rather too stubborn to die just yet... again. She's the zombie priestess dontcha know.

[Gage]

*He'd listened as Anandar had attempted to ease his mind, but yet something about not being eye bleeding bad left FAR too much ground to cover for his likings. Gertrude, bless her, was not such, but still not someone he'd care to be romantically involved with, the behemoth maid of Aeren someone he adored but was terrified of at the same time.*

*And yes, he was most certainly feeling like he could implode, wishing to be swallowed up many, many times during this trip, knowing that it showed on his face. He was by no means used to being addressed as Sir, having made that particular status not long after earning the title of gaidin. Which made him look at his cloak, which made him think of Rhia, hoping she was alright. He had indeed asked Egil to take over watching over her during this trip and possibly longer.*

*The second attempt did not make him feel very much better. Her tea choices, not something he gave much thought to prior, but took the time to think of the women he knew and their choices, opting to not include his mother or sisters in that lot, that being an area he wished not to tread, especially with Dar's next line of thought on the matter! Those were things he did NOT wish to know about those particular women. Just.. gross. He blinked a few times at the explanation given from the speculation over said tea choices, not really caring to know how the man sitting there conspiratorially speaking with him knew such things.*

*Ah yes, having all one's teeth was certainly a good sign by most standards, but there again, Gert still had all of hers too. He ran a hand through his hair and then let it drift down his face. This was going to be.. something. Rutger? He hadn't a clue honestly who that was, wondering if he would indeed throw his hat in for such. Smelling nice was a definite plus, and he, having been under the weather, wasn't really very nice smelling just then. He wasn't rank by any means, but a good cleaning up couldn't hurt.*

I am about as prepared as I am going to be Anandar. I..

*Then there was a thud and a distinct oof sound behind them, a voice he knew quite well, his eyes widening as he slowly turned to see the object of his prior thoughts, there, on the ground, in a heap, quite without the escort he'd left for her. Poor Egil. He choked back a laugh, suppressing his grin as well. He should have known. His gaze drifted beyond her just a bit, to see a harried and rather worn out Egil appearing a short way behind her, having managed to not lose sight of his charge after all. The blonde head was unmistakable as he approached, his horse having seen better days and less taxing ones than keeping up with the little zombie priestess. He wasn't sure which way to go, wanting to go make sure Rhia was alright, but duty bound as well to stand here and wait with Anandar and Tatiana. Decisions, decisions. Egil made it a bit easier, reaching her and dismounting, reaching down and hauling the smaller woman to her feet and asking if she was alright before a nod was given Gage to indicate he thought she looked okay at least, not waiting on her reply*

[Queen Tatiana Ysabel]

She listened to Dar try and give Gage what she was sure was supposed to pass for a pep talk. And as far pep talks went, it wasn't bad, (and she had to wonder to, where he got his information)....however...it didn't look like Gage was interested or buying much of it. Poor fellow was looking a little pale. Not that she blamed him in the least.

He had gone from protection duty to the Empress's sister, to..'hey,we've another job for you; your being sent as a hopeful stud, and husband to a neighboring Queen, you don't mind do you? No, good, Now go." His sovereign had spoke, and now here they all were.

She smoothed her hands over her slightly rumpled dress. She understood well were he was coming from. Her own situation only slightly different. It had come apparent only weeks after taking hold of power on Caran that if she didn't have someone to back her, a husband that the people could respect, look up to, perhaps even fear just slightly, it would be all for naught. So while no one was telling her who, she very much had been backed into a corner much the same way.

Not that she regretted it for a moment. It had worked out phenomenally well for her. At least she liked to think so. Hoped Dar did too...although at the moment, it was all rather awkward. She really did want to say something to Gage to help ease his mind, only his sister was Dar's ex-wife. And it was making it really awkward, for her.

Thank your Keiren for sending she and Dar, really. Excellent choice.... To say this was making Tatiana a little intimidated, and nervous, would be a major understatement.....she huffed out a breath,wiped sweaty hands once more on her skirt, determined to try and not to show it, gave Dar and Gage a little smile. She wanted to make a good impression, and therefore help.

You know..there is an upside really, sort of kind of. This wasn't an arranged marriage. You could still walk away from this a free and single man. You are merely going as a suitor, there is no guarantee that you will be chosen.

OK, not really her purpose for being her she knew. She was supposed to help facilitate the union. And she would. But there was no harm in adding a small dose of reality. None of them knew this Queen Edfeil, what she was looking for in a husband..it could be that Gage was......

Holly hell...

She gave a start, as a horse came charging up behind them, she dance backward some crashing into Dar, ever graceful as she tended to be.. and watched as a woman fell from her horse. Regaining her feet she moved toward the young woman that was looking more than a little frazzled, and Gage couldn't quite seem to take his eyes off. Tatiana's hands brushed the dirt and snow from her person, her voice short and clipped.

What on earth........ Are you alright? Crazy woman....what are you about charging up on us like that?

And then they all turned as the gate was finally opened....

[Windstorm Guards]

(Assuming and hoping your party is at our gates)

The Guards had been vigilant as always, watching, waiting, anticipating......each and every one of them loyal to their Queen and her lands. They had battled and won against many a foe, including famine and severe weather. Some aged and wrinkled, some young of face and clean shaven. All eager to see just how these people from distant lands were all about. Although the gossip was rife, and of late quite a lot of banter had been abound within their ranks, it was of course an official visit they had expected and at last here they were, well, as much as they were at the gates, a rather motley lot they did look.

Watching from the high ramparts, the small party had approached along the road, seeming to be deep in conversation at times, until joined by the female rider who did look as if she needed more guidance on riding and etiquette that she portrayed. There had been a little jostling between the guards to gain a better look as she dismounted in such a laughable manner, perhaps more than a glimpse of stocking covered leg had been anticipated and those gazing out over the lands were not disappointed!

The elder of the two on gate duty had pulled the heavy door open and taken in the faces as the quests awaited entry. He quickly glanced between the men to see if he could tell the one with those teeth.....shaking his head slightly he was at a loss for they did all seem to have better teeth than he!

Clearing his throat to deepen his voice in a show of importance, he finally spoke.

"Who goes there.....and to what purpose be ye seeking entry into Windstorm Castle, in the name of Edfeil, Queen of said place?" Asking and yet already knowing a little of the dignitaries before him.

[Anandar Surion]

Not the impression he'd hoped to make.

With fiancee backing into him, Rhiannon going sweet arse over teakettle, and Gage looking rather grim, the gates had opened leaving the young king in training to do his best. He smiled easily, straightened and smoothed his fiancée's sleeves and stature with a murmured 'be careful darling'....and looked to the guard of Windstorm.

Quite an awkward beginning, but raised not as a mere man, but as a king to be, he took it in stride, taking over the mild chaos, and bowing to those gathered at the formidable gates. Strong jaw, intense gaze, he had both experience as commander in the field, and at holding court. He had ruled Ardunniadd with his mother, and had managed the grand ducal lands of Aeren, for his Uncle.

He was hardly flustered by this gathering, but he did wish to do it properly, for manners' sake.

Good day, sirs, I am the Prince Anandar Anwyledd Surion, First Prince du Sang d'Enchantica, and this, my fiancée, is her royal Majesty, the good Queen Tatiana Ysabel of the Allied Empire of Enchantica and Caran, and we come to you from your friend and supporter, Keiren Calendorian Al'thor, Lord of Enchantica, and my Uncle, to bid peace unto you, and to bring to Her gracious Majesty, the great Edfeil, Lady of this prosperous land, our message of friendship, as born by the brave Sir Gage of Aeren and Greenleaf, Knight of Enchantica.

And....

He glanced back...sort of having to make THIS part up as he went. Why was Rhiannon here? And why was she following them? If something had happened back home, wouldn't Uncle Keir send someone....anyone....else as messenger?

Not having the time to question motive or needs at present, he sort of continued on, shuffling her into their party's introduction.

.....this is our intrepid Priestess, the Lady Rhiannon, mistress of the Temple, and the Lady of the Paladins of Enchantica.

The Priestess of Paladins. Really. Because she could ride.

Truly.

He'd seen it, all his life, in fact. He gave her a worried look as Egil hoisted her, righted her and made sure those northbound petticoats all drifted back south. Dar shot the meddling little Priestess a wink, before turning once more to the guards stationed at the gate. Whatever Rhiannon was here for, he'd be sure to torture out of her, soon enough. For now, amused, he waited, patient and tall and windblown Prince, for entry to this, a sister Kingdom to their own.

A page stepped forth, and to the guards, handed over a rolled bundle of papers, in them, the genealogy, a charter of his coat of arms, and standard of the Prince Anandar, proof he was both nobleman, Keiren's nephew, and generally who he said he was. Standard protocol, really. In a world were anyone in half decent clothes and with a fine sword might claim to be the King of anywhere, letters of authentication were required to really expect strangers to accept you at one's word and claim..............

[rhiannon]

Egil had kept up... which was pretty impressive considering she'd tried to ditch him... multiple times. No offense Egil. But it was just one of those things. She saw when she looked up that Gage had entirely caught what happened, and she pursed her lips. Fabulous. This is just.. wonderful. She was already getting helped up to her feet and she brushed herself off. "Its just... been a very long trip Egil.." She said rather quietly. Obviously embarrassed. She'd been riding since she was little. She couldn't remember a time when she'd been thrown. Ever.

"I'm so exceedingly sorry M'lady... its been quite the trip.. and the horse was overly anxious." There was a snort from the horse as she glanced up to it with emerald eyes then looked back to her. There was a glance to the guards, and she noticed the ones laughing up on the wall. Oh dear heavens. She wanted to crawl under the nearest rock and die. She tugged the reigns of her horse over its head. Trying exceedingly hard to hide the fact that she was blushing at this point.

There was a look to Dar as he said that, her truly best friend... she didn't know what to say or do, so she stayed absolutely quiet. He would know thats what happened when she was up to mischeif. She caught the wink though, and offered him a small smile... it was the best that she could come up with at this point. She looked to Gage again, but then down.

Meddling little zombie priestess indeed.

Well... lord knows Egil was in for it.

[Dream Loxley]

ooc: Just to say I am really enjoying this thread and thank you all so much for giving us the opportunity to write with you as the story unfolds.......I have lots of replies for both the guards and myself but real time is keeping me until tomorrow. I have a free weekend at last!! *L* I believe Eddie also has guests at home but hopefully we can move forward in the next few days! Thanks again, be well and safe xxx