The Royal Court

[thecanopycrew]

The destination is set, and the wagon gems have shone green to tell that they are ready. It was time for another journey into the wilds to find a key to an unknown lock.

...and to deal with a royal court deep within the ground.

Comments

[dragonblood]

The touch brings out a curious glimmer in her eyes, like it's a surprise, but she soon focuses on what Orcelito has to say. Then there's that smile... Well, an opportunity to learn is always a treat, and Orcelito's explanations are easy to grasp.

"Are we sure an ant's court is the same as a human's?" she asks skeptically. The idea of ants having a court to begin with still boggles the mind, but at least it's interesting. She had her hands full with learning the formalities for her own to-be court. She wishes she could tell him she does have an idea of how royals like to be treated, but that would mean revealing much more, and this isn't the place for that. But lately, she's been thinking the time for it is nearing. First, they'll have to get through this cursed quest.

[princeandscholar]

“Heh, no, probably not.” He keeps a smile to cover his concerns. “But as I’ve heard from the others, the basic etiquette of showing respect to the queen was similar. As for the particulars… we’ll learn through observation.”

If she’s read stories about royalty, she may already have a basic idea of what is expected. But stories are not reality, and she lacks practical experience. Taking her question to mean she has reservations, he adds some encouragement.

“You told me you had a favorite story about a prince, right? Just think of this as… learning more about how he may have acted while visiting those other kingdoms.” Yes, it’s a stretch, but maybe she’ll feel better having someone familiar – even fictional – to relate to during this mission.

[dragonblood]

Stretch or no stretch, that's an interesting way to look at things and it's definitely caught her attention. Having something familiar to hold onto in such a foreign situation can only be beneficial.

"Mhm...that makes sense, I suppose. Yes, I'll try that." Her skepticism slowly fades and probably for the first time that day, she smiles. "I told you that so long ago. You actually remembered such a thing?" She can't deny that pleases her.

"If the etiquette is the same, then...I know one must wait to be addressed before speaking to royalty. Interruptions are unforgivable, and titles—ah, well, we don't know how the queen is addressed, do we?" She suddenly sighs, as the simple act of remembered her brief studies are enough to exhaust her. Learning was only entertaining enough until she had to go through the practices over and over and over again. If there was anything good about her nomadic-like childhood, it's that she didn't have to go through those studies again.

"Well, I won't be speaking to her to begin with. But you will, right?"

[princeandscholar]

It’s always nice to see her smile. His tone lightens in response and he echoes her smile. “Of course! You remember details from our conversations too.”

His eyebrows raise in encouragement and interest. Ah, so she does know some basic etiquette. Good, that will get them started. “Yes, those are some general guidelines.” He pauses at the subject of address. “I suppose… if she’s queen, then ‘Your Majesty’ is appropriate. If her court calls her something else… there may not be a way to communicate it. Showing respect may be more important than the title we use in any case.” And from personal experience, he can promise that tone and delivery mean a lot more than the actual words spoken.

“Perhaps I will.” He admits. Though he’s prepared himself for it, he cannot deny that the encounter itself will determine whether he speaks or not. Saber is the one preparing bargaining supplies, so she may be the one to lead. What he has to offer… he is still thinking of. He will likely form his plan during the wagon ride and as he observes the situation.