Nothing exciting, do not read.

[Gage]

*He'd gotten up when she'd told him to, having completely seen through their ruse, but had taken it completely the WRONG way. Dar and Tatiana stood there, stunned at what had been said, speechless as she accused them of mocking her, of plotting to do so, taken aback at such a suggestion. Keiren nor Adara either one had any inkling of what they had done, well they would soon enough, and all knew there was going to be hell to pay once it got back. He'd been trying to find the words to explain what had just happened when she'd just up and walked away. He frowned and raked his hand through his hair, shaking his head. An apologetic look was given to Dream*

That was not the intent M'lady, nor was it our wish to humiliate her in any way. It had naught to do with her in all honesty. I am sure she will make someone a fine wife, just not me. I was ordered to come here, to meet with her, to see if she found me suitable after she sent out the request for such. I did so, without the knowledge that the lass that left here a short time ago cared for me, as I do her. That came to light just before her Highness showed up. It was our hope that she would deem me an unsuitable match after hearing such things, sending us along our way. My apologies that she took it as an affront instead.

*He then turned and walked back to Dar and Tatiana, the lot not very thrilled with having been accused of what they had, giving their regards for the offer extended before declining it, leaving back the very way they had come.*

[Queen Tatiana Ysabel]

She stared at the two incredulously. Her jaw actually dropped, and then snapped shut. She stared at Dar. Her future husband to be... making up complete an utter fabrications. It was painfully obvious, but....she....understood the reasoning behind it.

However...she was afraid, and rightfully so, not everyone was going to understand what was going on behind the scenes. She could have kicked them both right about now, stupid men. Good intentions, horrible execution in idea.

Dar, as annoyed as she might be at the moment with him, she thought she just might love him a little but more now. Continually learning new things about him. He was raised with all the proper manners and etiquette, befitting a man going to become King, and yet...when two of his best friends pick the most inopportune time to realize they love each other, put them all in this awkward situation, Dar (and Gage, she was beginning to like him too) were willing to make a complete fools of themselves.

Unfortunately, Edfeil thought that it was of her the were making a fool...she regretted that, and hopefully there was a way to right this, for surely, she would understand once she learned that Love, true love had been at the center of this farce. And love sometimes made you to insane things.

It was ironic really, that they were here to seek a potential marriage, and love had bloomed, just not between the two they'd thought and anticipated it might.

[Dream Loxley]

*As the events unfolded before her, Dream actually found herself wanting to laugh.....just a little..... perhaps a quiet chuckle at the idea of this man biting and fainting, for it was so obvious after a few moments listening to Lord Anadar describe the poor helpless would be suitor that he was struggling with something other than introducing Gage. Surely there was far more to this whole facade than the eye was actually seeing......and yet they had come here with the best of intentions.....or so she thought originally. Only now, after her Queen had spoken out and taken such offence by these actions and spoken words did Dream realise it had become so serious. All she could do was to offer an understanding smile as Edfeil walked away from the small group, taking in the surprised look that was painted on all of their faces, it had just become one of those unbelievable and most complicated situations.

Dream stepped towards them and absently brushed down her skirts in an attempt to gain some composure, she had absolutely no idea what to actually say to her guests. All she could do was to listen as the Lord Gage began to speak, by way of some semblance of an explanation.

"That was not the intent M'lady, nor was it our wish to humiliate her in any way. It had naught to do with her in all honesty. I am sure she will make someone a fine wife, just not me. I was ordered to come here, to meet with her, to see if she found me suitable after she sent out the request for such. I did so, without the knowledge that the lass that left here a short time ago cared for me, as I do her. That came to light just before her Highness showed up. It was our hope that she would deem me an unsuitable match after hearing such things, sending us along our way. My apologies that she took it as an affront instead."



Of course......it all made sense now as she listened to him....her heart going out to him as he seemed genuinely hurt and upset by Edfeils accusations. That was why the beautiful younger woman was here......there was love in the air after all, yet not in the way they had all anticipated or dared to even imagine such may have become. Dream could only smile gently and nod her head in understanding, she spoke quietly but with an air of dignity on behalf of her Queen.

"Queen Edfeil 'twas sincere in her motives Sire, she did nae in fact request that a suitor be sent, she was but seeking advice from yer King. The fact that ye have come does show ye had the best of intentions and as such I thank ye on behalf of my home. Please accept our hospitality until such time ye feel ready to leave.......I am sure my Queen shall understand once I explain, and all shall be as it should between our lands."

Trying to gauge the thoughts of those present, she could only smile towards each of them and hope. There was not much more she could say or do.......

[Anandar Surion]

"It is my fault", he began, as Gage tried to explain. An arm around the lad, as they both faced the struggling Chatelaine, who was trying, with remarkable grace, poise and dignity to soothe a wounded situation. "Entirely my own. And for that, I take absolute and complete blame, and do beg forgiveness. I was in a bad spot, having learned only now in this very place, that Gage is....well....his heart is maybe less available that I had thought. With mere seconds to act, and will no willingness to offer forth a man that love had already claimed.......I simply opted to make him unappealing enough she would feel not slighted, but relieved, to be rid of him!"

"I couldn't say he wished to court another, the idea of saying that, as soon as we SAW the Queen? She'd have been hurt beyond measure, as if we saw her and found her quite horribly lacking. So I made a decision in the crux, to paint Gage as someone...er...she'd rather pass on. It was the only way to make it not seem we were rejecting her at first sight. Only if truly failed, and went far worse, for she has taken no end of offense to it, and me. As is her wont to do, of course."...he added that hastily. She was a Queen. She could and would and was allowed her actions and feelings. It was her home after all. They, he and his group, were the interlopers. "Thank you, my lady, for being so...kind. We have certainly more than earned banishment from here, and as we have earned it, so shall we take that upon ourselves, as our punishment and weight to bear, for insulting your Queen." He bowed, a solemn thing, and gave her a sickly smile. The banishment from here? Small in comparison to what hell would be on him when he returned home, and accounted for himself. He'd be lucky to not be made a rower on one of the barges, or set to the front lines of the next 'hopeless' battle and told to make use of himself there.

He'd have Gage for company, likely as not, in either cruddy case. Royal in Enchantica didn't buy one too many favors. They were a firm believer in earning your stripes, and boy, was he gonna have to earn a lot, to be in good standing again. He'd do it, though, all over again. maybe with more polish, but....Rhiannon was his best friend, and if you did not lay yourself and reputation down for that, then you weren't a person of worth. She had never asked for this. He'd given it, because that is what love was; putting it all on the line, for someone, with no hope of thanks or reprieve.

That was, to him, honor. Friends before self.

The fact the Queen had taken offense, and been hurt? She'd not asked for this either. He had hurt a helpless, defenseless soul, wounded her deep, and left her with tears in her eyes. He was never going to forget this. This whole reaction, her hurt? That was....shaming. He felt loathsome. Horrid. "My apologies again, Lady Dream. Please convey to her Majesty, we'll be gone in mere moments. Just let us water the horses, and we'll ride out. I assure you, we shall banish ourselves, and shall ne'er bother you more."

[Lady Edfeil]

*She stood in her room, staring out in front of the window. What had happened? Why did they have to do such? If the man nae wished to marry, nae wished to court.. why had they nae spoken to the Emperor before they travelled here? Or why had they nae just have a simple visit. Someone could have told her, quietly, discretely, that the young man was nae of a view to marry. Or nae of a view to marry her.
What did they think she was going to do iffen they but spoke to her quietly? Force him to the altar? Entrap him in her Father's hunting nets? Had they really thought it necessary to go through such charades? They were nae betrothed. Nae contracts were signed. Naught had happened that would warrant... well... the clear demonstration, before all of what they were prepared to do to avoid a wedding trap.

Dusk was settling over the surroundings like a blanket. She should do something. Anything. Iffen she were other than who she was, she would throw something. Instead.. she moved to the small table near the window to catch most of the light. She would just.. do the next thing. There were obligations that had to be kept. Whatever their reasons had been, it nae warranted a diplomatic incident with an ally.

*Lighting the candle, she uncorked a vial of ink and grasped her quill. The words nae came easily but they came, as she carefully tried the right phrase.

"To His Majesty Emperror Keiren of Enchantica,

Yer Highness,

I must thank ye in yer kindness for sending me young Sir Greenleaf to become better aquainted with in view of me request to ye last year. Queen Isabel, Lord Anandar, Lady Rhiannon and Lord Greenleaf and their party arrived safe and sound in Windstorm.

*She halted there. How should she write the next words as nae to sound prideful, yet also nae to get the men in trouble. She felt old all of a sudden. Why in the Good Lord's name had they nae taken their rest, eaten some food, had some conversations.. and then quietly mentioned that they nae thought they would suit? Obviously they would nae have suited! SUITED! That was the word.*

While undoubtedly a young man with many excellent talents *she resisted firmly to add excellent teeth to the letter then and there* I am afraid Lord Greenleaf and I have found we would nae suit.*Aye. That sounded neutral. That sounded well.*

I am however, indebted to ye for yer kindness in thinking of Windstorm and of me. I am certain in time Lord Greenleaf will find an excellent bride. In the mean time, there be some trade agreements I would wish to speak to ye about. Particularly when it comes to wool. *Aye, that sounded calm and suitable.*
I send my best wishes to ye and the Empress and the whole of Enchantica.
May be be loved and blessed.

Edfeil R.


*She signed swiftly then poured finely sifted sand over the ink to let it dry.* Darkness was now settling. She would have to get out of her room eventually. She nae could remain here forever. There were tasks to do, things to tend to. Yet in her ears she could already hear the scene replayed in the gossip of the servants, hear it pass from one to another.*

[Dream Loxley]

((Sorry for the delay *S*))

Dream found herself clasping the locket that hung around her neck, rubbing the silver with her fingers while she listened to both men who now stood before her trying so hard to make amends. She could hear the frustration within his words as he explained.....of course there was no need, or perhaps there was for Edfeil had taken offence and as such she should have an explaination.....there was one, and yet the whole situation had been avoidable....or had it. She sighed softly, and then cleared her throat in an effort to control her own emotions. There had to be a way...some way, any way....to make amends, to turn this unfortunate incident into one of a positive nature.....even if it simply meant a written apology, a reason given to both Edfeil and Lord Kieren who would of course be rather anxious that this plan had gone so awry.

"Sire......please....truly ye have nae a need to apologise.....nae to me at any mind.....I do understand the predicament ye found yerself in, and misguided as yer words to Edfeil were....I can see why ye spoke them.....I will speak with her....I shall do my utmost to still her heart and give her the peace she so deserves. " Smiling softly to both men in an attempt to aid them with their concerns. She continued as she lifted her skirts enough to allow her safe passage from the Hall. " There be nae a reason to banish yerselves, truly, all shall be as it should be between our homes...Lord Keiren shall understand, after all life sometimes simply does nae go along as we may hope nor expect. I promise ye both I shall do all I can to smooth the way for ye to visit again, after a while, so as my Queen shall be settled once again."

Hoping she had spoken the correct words, hoping she had understood them herself, hoping all would be as it should be.......hoping Gage and his beloved would find a way to be together, and hoping that when they returned to their home that no ill deed nor words would harm them....after all, they did their best, what more can anyone ever do.

"I shall take my leave of ye, wish ye a safe journey home and sincerely hope time shall allow ye to visit us again."

With a polite and gently curtsy, she also left the Hall to seek some solitude......gather her thoughts and seek our her Queen. There was much to be done in order to pave the way for forgiveness.