Nothing exciting, do not read.

[rhiannon]

OOC: We are enjoying it as well, and rt always comes first for everyone. So no worries. Good stories are well worth the wait! Yay for free weekends! Those are always such a welcome thing!

[Windstorm Guards]

*While the younger of the two guards watched in awe of the group before him, his jaw dropping with each of the names and descriptions spoken.......the older, more experienced in these matters nodded and nodded, and nodded again as he listened to the man speak. By the Gods there was a lot of names there.....and an equally large amount of scrolls handed to him.

He recognised the colours and insignia of Enchantica from previous visits, and the seals were all intact. All looked at it should and seemed as it should. He was satisfied at last and bowed his old head in respect, while ushering the party forward into the courtyard. Quite relieved when he turned to see the stable lads already in attendance and other servants doing what they did so well when dignitaries visited.

The gates were closed behind them and extra guards seemed to appear from nowhere proud to serve their Queen and perhaps catch a glimpse of the man who would be a possible candidate to court her.

Perran took charge in the Stables and made sure all the visiting horses were well looked after, while trunks and luggage was taken from the wagons and carried into the Castle. All seemed to go quite smoothly and word was quickly sent to those of the Castle who would come to greet the visitors officially......

[Anandar Surion]

That handled, he, and the others, were shown to a spacious and comfortable space in which to catch their breath, and sort themselves out from travel. He let his bride to be excuse herself, to wash hands, face, and shake out the worst of the wrinkles of the journey. It gave him ample chance to corner the errant priestess. Prithee, darling Rhiannon whom I love and adore but fail to understand the presence of.............

He began, smiling as if naught ever were the matter, nor on his mind, a hand claiming Rhiannon's slim upper arm as they strolled over to the fire side for a 'chat'.....do tell all.

Simple as that.

Time to 'fess up.

Moments from meeting the young Queen of Windstorm, Rhia had all but burst in, riding like demons were chasing her heels. He did mean to find out WHY, and soon.

A glance over to the lad that was here as potential 'groom' assured Prince Anandar that Gage was still intact. That was priority number two, getting Gage to Edfeil..........priority one being keeping his party members safe, alive, and well. So far, so good...or so he hoped..........

[rhiannon]

She brushed out her skirts a bit more, trying to stay near to dear Egil for once, he'd at least stopped his chortling... she'd cut him that glare and that had shut him right up. But then again.. Egil knew a few secrets about her... so she had to be nice. She actually did rather enjoy his company, but she'd never admit it in a million years. "Oh see... you say it like that.. but you should know that I always tend to ride after you.. its... a tradition now. Yes... yes." Tradition...right. He wasn't going to buy that. Dar knew her too well.

She headed over to the fire, glancing up to him a moment. "Oh see... I really don't think thats a good idea." She pursed her lips, glancing to the fire for a long moment. "This was all Tessie's idea... really"

Rhia glanced to Gage a moment, blushing a bit before glancing back up to Dar. "I just.. needed to talk to Gage.. I um.. blurted something.. in front of my sister.. and Keir.." She fidgeted some. "I have feelings for Gage... Anandar... thats why I'm here." She spoke in a hushed tone. "I.. just.. I never got to talk to him.. after I blurted it out.. and.. I don't even know if... I just.. this was a bad idea. Yea. Bad... bad idea." She shook her head a little bit.

Nearest exit was where again?

[Dream Loxley]

As Chatelaine she had overseen the preparations and everything was done that could be done to make their expected guests comfortable. Hospitality was the cornerstone of Windstorm and Dream knew this was a very important time, especially as the young man in question could indeed become her King after all. Bedrooms had been cleaned from top to bottom, fresh mattresses created and a few sprigs of lavender inserted here and there to bring a little more freshness to the rooms. Their accompanying Servants and entourage would also be placed in comfortable accommodation, so, for the moment all was in hand to greet them. She had received word from an exuberant Mollie that they had indeed been accepted at the gates and were now in the Courtyard where horses and luggage were being seen to. The time was now......with only one thing upon her mind, she had to, and this was so extremely difficult.....she had to not look at his teeth for fear of collapsing into laughter as she had done when first the subject had been spoken of. No......this called for and would be expected of her.....diligence, strength, confidence and goodly manners.

She had made her way along the corridors of her home, towards the large open doors that looked out over the Courtyard, noting the freshly swept and clean floors, smiling at eagerly awaiting Servants and Pages as she went. Her gown was not new but acceptably clean and befitting her as a Lady of the Castle, perhaps in name only but she did look the part and was by now quite used to greeting dignitaries from all over the lands and even beyond the seas. Each had given their own challenge but had been treated with the respect and kindness they deserved.....now was the time of an exciting move forward...to a possible courtship and eventual marriage.....exciting indeed, and yet tinged with a little sadness as Edfeil had once assumed she would marry for love. If all went smoothly, perhaps she would after all. Dream took a deep breath...held it for a moment and stepped through the doorway to lift her head and watch the scene as it unfolded before her.

It was quite a group....several people on horseback, some already dismounted....some obviously gentry and others serving folks and companions. They all looked quite respectable and seemed comfortable with their surroundings thus far. She looked at each individual face but did not recognise any as guests she had greeted before. The man and woman who had moved to a corner, speaking together were a very handsome couple, as was the other lady and man. Just who was who would remain a mystery for now, but they had a kindly look about them and their servants seemed content also which always did bode well with Dream. Those serving and working in Windstorm had always been treated with the respect they deserved, for indeed how would their home survive without each individual working together as a whole, with both strengths and weaknesses they carried one another.

And so she stood in silence, a bright smile upon her features and watched.....all the while wondering. A gentle tug at her sleeve made her turn slightly to hear the whispering and giggling of those intrepid twins. Mollie of course was first to inquire, followed swiftly by her Sister Millie, as if in unison the questions came quietly, at least less loudly than normal for these girls.

"Which one be he M'Lady........Aves ya seen which one he be M'Lady.......Be he tha handsome one M'Lady.....Has yers seen his teeth yet M'Lady??

((Rhiannon Does my bestest impression of an Air Hostess and chuckles......exits here and here and here )

[Lady Edfeil]

*She had been in the stillroom, making the lists that every spring brought with them to improve their stocking for next year when someone ran in with an ungainly speed. To her utter surprise it was nae one of the maids working the kitchen, but cook himself. He grinned. She closed her eyes. This did nae bode well. This did nae bode well at all. And after last night she nae needed any more trouble. Her head pounded when she saw the expression on cook's face.

"So... I hear he has arrived, just now. Shall I have a fattened calf slaughtered?" Cook suggested.

Oh aye.. her head was definitely pounding.

Who has arrived, Cookie? *She asked, her smile deliberately softened. It nae was anyones fault really. And it nae was so bad, was it? Surely a few letters and words in the right ears and the whole matter has arrived. But honestly the fattened calf was a bit exagerated to... her thoughts stopped. Oh my.... cook was scrupulous in hospitaliy, but suggesting a calf suggested something... Oh my. She knew the answer already before she heard it.

"Well, them nobleman that the Emperor sent ye." Cook explained as iffen it concerned a matter of some trussed up fowl send over for her perusal.

Oh my... oh my... today of all days... *It was nae a wimper. A wimper would nae be dignified. Yet she wrung her hands, needing just a few more moments before straightening. This was proving to be a... challenging week.*

"Does Lady Dream already know of the .. ah arrivals?"

"Must be, cause Millie just told me of 't and she had certainly warned the chatelaine." Cookie shrugged. "Now will ye be needing that calf, Yer Highness? Because I will need to send a message for the butcher then."

Aye Cookie... a calf will be good. *she nodded.* I will speak with Lady Dream about the rest of ah.. the menu after we have found out more. Oh... and mayhap some stew too would be good, just in case any of the party nae have.. *she stopped herself before she finished that. She was nae going to let this all be about teeth. She was nae.*

Well... *straightening herself once more, she walked towards the Great Hall. Time to be facing the music.* Let us welcome our guests...

[Anandar Surion]

Oh, Rhiannon.....

It came out as a whispered hush, one tinged with a little sorrow, a little discomfiture. His dark gold green eyes looked around, a frown marring his visage. This was not what he needed, not what she needed either, but then, love was a beast sometimes.

He shook his head, the area crowding with a goodly turn out of servants and people of this foreign court. He looked to his boots, somehow hoping to find some answers there, apparently.

Rhia. I love you as my sister, true and for always. But this lad is here to marry, potentially, a Queen. If speak to him you must, then....be prepared, for he is not his own, to barter here. Gage has nae.........ugh. How to put this delicately, for he wanted her heart spared all grief....he has never spoken against a match with the Queen Edfeil...she'd ridden hard, and long, to get here. Rhiannon was impulsive, this much was certain, but she was also very guarded with her heart's keeping. As far as he knew, she loved no one as a friend, save himself. Childhood had been Dar and Rhiannon. They had one another's back, Prince and Priestess. Him and her. They and them.

He ached for her.

Rhiannon........he didn't protest being sent here.

A frown, deeper, and stronger.

Are you very........certain...........a wince..........it's feelings he meets and matches?

He hated asking. He truly did. And prince or no, he'd help her, if asked. But he couldn't make a boy feel for his best friend, how she felt for him. He had not any sort of power, in that sense. Scepter and crown never did matchmaker, make.

He looked up, as a lady in fine gown entered the scene, and with a hand on Rhiannon's back, and his lady joining them, he spoke to Dream, figuring she was the one in charge here abouts.

My good lady....he bowed slightly to her, a regal incline of head and neck........I am Anandar, and this, the sister to the Empress, Rhiannon, and this is her majesty, Queen of Caran, Lady Tatiana Ysabel. We thank you for your gracious hospitality. And this is Sir Gage, Knight of Aeren, Son of the Duchess of Greenleaf.

His strong, patrician face looked up, brows drawing down. Another woman in fine clothing was arriving, and from the deference showed, he had to assume it was she, the Queen. He waited as she drew closer, and nodded in respect, and took her hand, a chaste, soft kiss artfully laid on her hand's knuckles, in way of greeting.

My lady, salutations from Enchantica.........we bid you good day, and our friendship, is laid in your keeping.

[Dream Loxley]

*Dream smiled warmly and bowed her head before them, bending her knees as she did so and pulling her gown out to the sides with her hands into a formal curtsy. Staying there for a moment to show respect for their guests, she then stood straight up and lifted her head to look at each person before her, taking in their titles with another smile. And so he was here, a handsome young man in all his finery, and a delightful smile he did indeed have......including decent teeth to boot!

"Dream Loxley, Sire.......Chatelaine of Windstorm and Wife to Robin......I bid ye all a very warm welcome and hope yer time here shall be remembered fondly."

She smiled as Edfeil approached and stepped back, ushering the servants away to prepare the Hall and refreshments.

[Queen Tatiana Ysabel]

*She stood near her soon to be husband and listened without listening. She felt for the young woman, she really did. She could image only to well wanting something that you were not maybe supposed to have. She had only to look at Dar, and think.. what if he didn't love me back? What if it was one sided... The thought actually made her sick to her stomach.

She hoped for Rhiannon sake it was mutual. And on that note...She touched Dar's back, and slid away silently, letting him have a moment with Rhiannon, and she....well she moved toward Gage, who was standing a far distance away from the rest of them, looking more than a little sullen and a little sick.

There wasn't much time, the Queen and her council would be here any moment. She looked around the hall. It was a fine hall, he could do a lost worse. As a knight, this was an honor to be chosen.

How you holding up? You look....pardon me for being so bold, and not minding my business...but you look a little ill. Its going to be alright you know. This will all be over in no time.

*And since she was already budding in...she edged a little closer, she could hear clipped heels coming down the hall, the Queen was coming....*

You know...The Lady Rhiannon...She came her because of you.

*She paused, it was a little random of a statement, she knew. But she wasn't match making, she was just getting him to think...She felt Rhiannon was owed that much, so she looked at him hard..wasn't sure her point was getting across*

For- You.

*Now she knew that she was here to facilitate the union of Gage and Edfeil.. and she would. But it didn't hurt to have the truth out there either. Finding out after they fact that he had feelings for another woman would be disasterous. *

Look sharp, here she comes....smile, let her see your teeth.

[rhiannon]

Anandar knew Rhiannon... best of most people. He knew just how guarded that she was, and she brushed her dark hair away from her eyes, those bright green orbs that were currently looking up to him with that most serious of expressions. She couldn't help but be honest with him. That was how it was with them... that was just.. the way of things. No secrets... well... lets replace that with no lies.

"And... I know that... I do know that he is here to do that. I tried to talk to Keiren... but he had already made his decision... and Adara... she would just.. find me someone else." It was a bitter thing... because she was exceedingly guarded. Keiren thought that perhaps she just liked girls.. having really never seen her taking to a boy... and Adara didn't quite know which sister at this point was doing what things. She had ridden... because at this point she just wanted to know.. if there was anything here to fight for. If it was one sided... then she would ride back. "Because he didnae know... that I felt like that... I... shocked him. And by then it was too late..." She was exceedingly quiet at this point. "And... that... is my fault. I... you know me Dar... and I love you as my brother. And I always will... if this is what he wants.."

She was more than quiet as she nodded. "I'm... sure that the Emperor also didn't exactly give him chance to protest.." She just... she frowned. "Maybe not... maybe... he doesn't I haven't had the opportunity... to even ask him.." She looked to him sighing. "This was a bad idea... I knew it was... I just.... I had to know... perhaps... I should have kept quiet.." Been more like her old self.. kept it close to her chest... but then lose the opportunity.

Rhiannon was quick though, good... at being what she should be. And she looked to Dream, a smile crossing her lips, friendly, as she curtsied deeply when she was introduced. "It... is a pleasure to meet you, M'lady Loxley." She said softly. She was being every inch the perfect guest. She looked to the queen as she then arrived, and curtsied again. "Your grace.. it is an honor to meet you as well." She was telling herself to breath, that... things would work out as they will. Anandar had given her an out... something for her to throw herself into, and she was going to take it. Working with the temple when she returned back. She'd bring it back to how it should be.

Even if her heart wouldn't be.

[Gage]

*He'd moved off by himself as the others were talking, Egil seeing to the horses, not exactly having wanted to be a part of any of this himself. He knew Gage's feelings on the subject and how difficult this was in the first place, but being a loyal subject of the crown, Gage had done as he'd been told. Not exactly like Keiren had given him any chance to object either. He'd been told to be ready and then the Emperor had adruptly left, not giving him a chance to even reply, the few words he had managed to speak having been said to an empty room.*

*His expression was indeed a sullen one, at having to have Rhiannon here to see all this, something he'd not wished her to see, not when it was her he'd wished to court and had been going to speak with the Emperor on that very thing, when the Emperor had thrown him for this loop to begin with, having caught him waaaaay offguard and he'd forgotten what he'd been going to speak with Keiren about in the first place.*

*He straightened up as Dream had come out and greeted them, a brief smile and nod of his head given, seeing Tatiana breaking away from the others and heading his way.*

I am faring about as well as can be expected Your Grace. More than a bit nervous.

*And then, her next words had him a little confused. Why would Rhiannon come here because of him? Wait, what was it she'd said to Adara and Keiren? He couldn't recall, things had been such a bloody mess recently and everything had seemed to run together. Egil had caught him before he could reach her that night at the temple, only able to watch as she'd left with Tessie and HIS horse. Egil's horse had been in no shape to follow after them, the man having already ridden his to exhaustion, just trying to catch up with them. Egil hadn't even been able to help him make sense of things, so he'd simply done his duty and done what he'd been told to do. And then, those two simple words had him reeling. For him? She'd come here for him? Disbelief was etched on his features before a goofy grin could be seen, a dead give away in most cases of how he felt about that as it registered what that meant. Before he had time to respond though, she was telling him that the Queen was on her way. His expression went serious again as he snapped to attention, his eyes widening just a little as she told him to show his teeth, his best smile put forth to display them*

[Lady Edfeil]

*Her pace had slowed down when aproaching the great hall. But once she had entered there was nae a mark of the nerves and hesitation that she felt at this meeting. She had taken the time for a glance in the looking glass to see if, taken unawares by the arrival after all, she looked ready to represent Windstorm at least. Her hair had grown back curly after it had been cut because of the fevers. It now reached slightly over her shoulderblades. At least it would if it had nae been pinned up carefully and properly in braids that then were covered with a wee, jeweled cap. Her gown, while nae her most stately, was of heavy green Flemmish linnen, embroidered from the hem upwards with a goldish hue, the kirtle was a warm dark brown and the belt had been heavily tooled, with a golden clasp.
It was true that nae one who would look upon her would be struck blind in sudden horror with bleedng eyes. It was equally true however that nae one would be dazzled either. Despite the magnificence of her garb, she was, well... rather plain. A face without obvious blemish, but without obvious beauty as well.

The first smile she found was quickly send to Lady Dream. So grateful she was nae to be having this meeting alone.
With a small inclination of her head, she accepted Lord Anandar's courtly tribute and felt some of the tension ease. Manners. Diplomacy. It made things easier. It made things easier too to avoid the gaze of the younger man in the party. She nae wished to see his reaction. Oh she had nae a doubt he would be polite, but... well.. she nae had much vanity about how she looked. A queen of magnificence, like Caera Anne or striking like Hypolita she was nae.

Welcome to ye, Lord Anandar. Lady Rhiannon. Yer Majesty, Sir Greenleaf.
*Only there was, mayhap one hidden beauty revealed. Her voice. It was soft, well modulated and soothing in a way that spoke of home and hearth. There was a gentleness.. a welcoming calmness over her that would promise a man a comfortable homelife. As to her eyes...well... manners dictated that she should at least look at the people as she greeted them.

Warm brown eyes rested upon each one in turn as her lips curved to a soft smile. To those who knew her well, her face was as easy to read as a book. There was a gratitude in her countenance when speaking to Lord Anandar, for taking the initiative, for smoothing over a potentially very awkward moment. Her eyes were warm and welcoming when they rested upon Lady Rhiannon, her smile widening a moment. A young woman included in the trip. Nae a doubt as a chaperone and one who would make things easier for all involved. Then the queen.. her head dipped in a courtesy acknowledgement of rank and her smile warmed even more. Thank God there were women involved. And another queen would understand her.. predicaments.
Finally she could nae postpone it anymore and let her eyes rest on Sir Greenleaf for a moment. His expression one of bewilderment almost it seemed to her, caught between solemn and grinning. Had he requested to be here? Had he been ordered? Did he feel as uncomfortable with the whole matter as she did? He looked.. handsome. But what on earth was she supposed to say? In the end she simply settled on:

"Welcome to Windstorm upon this eve. I hope yer journey was.. uneventful and comfortable. Allow me to express the high regard we hold Enchantica and it's people in, and our joy at this meeting."

[Anandar Surion]

Thank you all, very much, for the warmest of welcomes, and most generous friendship. We thank you kindly. Said with a small smile, he stood, an emissary between two nations, one on the rise, the other, unknown to him, about to crash into disaster of epic scale.

He nudged lightly, Gage forwards, so that he might properly take some of the center 'stage' here, as it were. Sir Gage. Hm. Well, If Dar was to analyze him properly, he'd have said Gage was a goodly height, inch or so shorter than he was, but built a tad more muscled. He had a full shock of honey brown hair, Gage did, no hint of balding. Young, robust, and if not self assured around women just yet, Gage was something to behold in a spar. There he was all cat like danger and unhurried mayhem, waiting to be loosed.

Around women? Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..............a little on this side of 'hapless' might be the nicest way to phrase it.

....If one was crass enough to point it out at all. Which Dar wasn't. He loved the lad and thought his former student quite the catch. But then, what did he know of this Queen's requirements? Not a lot. At all.

I am very certain we shall enjoy our time here, however brief. We sail to war soon, and cannot linger too long. One of my lord Uncle's vassals is having a bit of a row in his lands, and so we are off to assist in that noble endeavor. But I'm certain Gage will happily tell you about it.

Hint. Hint. Smile. Ahem. Or he WOULD.....if he could. Gage um....is shy. Terribly shy. (He so wasn't.)

And occasionally....faints. (Never saw the lad do that. Ever)

But it's really fine....um..........he has good teeth, I can prove it. He bit me once....(Again. No.)

Anandar Surion was lying. Because his best friend was in love, and because the fool boy, Gage, wasn't smart enough to SEE that. That Rhiannon loved him. And so...sabatoge was needed.

Keiren doesn't know....bless him. All the weight of ruling, he did think Gage very suitable. And he is, that is, if you LIKE being...bitten, and then having your spouse faint. If so? Here is your man, Majesty. If not...then....er.......


He looked at Rhiannon.

She OWED him. BIG.

Perhaps we shall just say you are disinclined to make a choice right now, and we'll let it go?

And with luck, Gage would keel over, in legitimate shock, right about now!

[Gage]

*And then, suddenly, he was being nudged forward by Dar, his face turning slightly crimson as he took several steps forward to front and center, a place he wasn't exactly comfortable being, not in this particular situation. He'd have to remember to 'thank' Dar later for that one. He gave Queen Edfiel another of his best smiles, Tatiana's words of 'show her your teeth' echoing in his mind a moment. He was highly uncomfortable about right then.*

It is our pleasure Your Majesty.

*He stood there as Dar began, another smile and nod of his head as it was said he'd tell her about the war that back home was preparing for. His mouth almost dropped completely to the floor at what followed, quite unable to believe his ears! What the hell? He'd never been overly shy, and he certainly hadn't ever bitten Dar, although about then, that option was looking very HIGHLY appealing. Fainting? Since when? Oh boy. He may be accused of being slow at times, but this was not one of them. At Dar's look to Rhiannon, he realized what was afoot. Luckily for him, Rhiannon had been engaged in a quiet conversation, not paying a lick of attention to what was being said, then excused herself before hurrying off, saying she'd been summoned home and apologizing. Damn. Well, at least she hadn't caught all of his "faults" being put on display for the Queen and would miss what he was about to do. His mind reeling, he gave Dar one of those looks, one that promised payback at a later time before he wobbled just a little bit, the young knight doing something he never, ever thought he would, not like this. Gage Masters, of Greenleaf, tottered and went down like a felled oak tree, falling there at Anandar's feet before rolling to one side and chomping down on the man's ankle with those pearly whites he'd displayed so prominantly, HARD. Okay, so maybe payback had just been meted out. He then fell over onto his back, letting his eyes roll into the back of his head, laying there, not moving. The things one did for love. Oy vey.*

[Lady Edfeil]

*She had been about to offer refreshments, ask Dream about the rooms that had been ready when slowly, very slowly she froze. The smile on her lips nae faded but turned to stone. She was many things. Quiet, caring, a simple woman placed by God in a difficult position. She was naive mayhap in many ways, but she was nae... stupid.

As Lord Anandar talked on, the colour faded from her face as the courtely ceremony of earlier turned into a mockery. Had it come to this? That nobles from allied lands would come in her own hall and humiliate her thus? There were pauses between his words as he seemed to need to think of one vice after another, to make the idea of her finding a serious suitor into a cruel a jest. Had they planned this in advance? Was it Keiren's idea? Or had one look of her made the very idea of any attachement repulsive? She nae knew. She nae cared.
They stood here before her, making a laughing stock out of her, for surely nae one looking on would take the ridiculous words for truth. "Did she want a husband that bit and faint?" Mayhap they believed her desparate enough to accept anything, and therefor had to go to such extremes. Hot tears of humiliation burned.. and when Sir Greenleaf fell down it was all she could nae to shed them openly as they showed how desperate they were to get out of even the smallest possibility of finding favor.

It took several breaths for her before she dared speak. Her eyes went around to those present. Dream.. the visitors from Enchantica.. those of her own court, who watched the spectacle.

Enough... *Her voice sounded strange. Terribly far away to her own ears, but she spok with a quiet dignity, wrapped around her like a cloak.*
Ye can rise, Sir Greenleaf. Ye nae need to fear I will force ye or any into an attachement ye nae be willing to seek. Ye can seek rest here, remain as long as ye wish. Hospitality is the cornerstone of Windstorm *she nearly choked on the words, on the humiliated tears that kept willing to come forth. But she was nae going to lower herself even more than they already had.

With a terrible quietness, she looked at Lord Anandar, avoiding the eyes of the women present. She could nae bear now to see sympathy. Her voice nae rose over a whisper.*

I nae know iffen ye came here intending to make a laughing stock of me all the way, or it was an amusement ye thought of on yer journey. But it was a cruel thing to do, M'lord, and a cruelty I nae deserved, for I nae have done ye ill. *Only then did she return her gaze to Sir Greenleaf.* Iffen ye nae wished to meet with me... Ye would have only had to say the word. I would have nae have. I nae would have... *she stopped and only an iron will allowed her to go forth.*

I will leave ye now to the cares of Lady Dream. Pritthee give me regards to the Emperor when ye return. I am afraid I will nae see ye anymore during yer visit.
*And with such she turned, and with the last remnants of dignity pulled together, she walked away swiftly up the stairs, away from this farce.*