"Anjild." Her head was down, raven hair falling forward to cloak her face, but Tournali knew her brother the moment he stepped into her room. She stood and turned, her shoulders back and neck straight, and ushered him closer with a graceful wave of her hand. "Please, come in."
Anjild studied his sister, brows drawn together. He came closer to her but did not sit in the high-backed plush ivory chair, opting to rest his hand on it instead. After a moment's pause, he simply stated his reason for being there. "There has been a breach, in the cellars. Someone got in."
Tournali didn't bat an eye. "Any damages?"
"No." Anjild let out a breath and visibly relaxed; his rigid posture loosening, his face softening. "There were no damages. We caught him; I believe he was covert, trying to get information. Apparently, it's been leaked that we're experimenting with new types of plant concoctions."
The corner of her mouth lifted, but her eyes were steely despite their vivid colour. "Well, we'll have to do something about that. I'll see what I can do in regards to propaganda."
Anjild sent silent thanks to his dead parents for gracing him with such a level-headed sister. "Of course."
A rap came at the heavy wooden door. Tournali breezed by her brother, the many layers of light blue fabric flowing like liquid around her as she did. She pulled the door open and peered at a lightly armed guard, one of the few they kept within the actual house. "Yes, Carsel, what is it?"
The guard, young but dedicated, looked away in vague embarassment at the use of his first name. "My lady, you and your brother have a visitor. He requests an audience."
Tournali turned her head to glance at her brother, who simply nodded. When she turned back, there was a soft smile gracing her mouth. "We shall meet with him."
The guard Carsel turned and Tournali swept out of the room, her brother following (albeit less gracefully) behind her. His long strides brought him up to her side quickly, and he addressed his sister with a straight face but humour in his eyes. "Your speech is a trifle... archaic."
"And your wardrobe is a trifle boring." Tournali replied with the same monotony, but her smile widening into a grin which showed off the top row of her small, perfect teeth. "
To that, Anjild had no reply but a quiet chuckle. The entrance to the reception chamber in sight, he offered his arm to his sister and set his features harsh and serious. Her arm slipped through his, and they entered the room, one severe, the other regal.