Is It Okay To Just Be Myself? (Goblinfae)

[Eckhart_Von_Musel]

It was the dead of night when the coach finally approached Maestoso. Beryl Feyal, High Lady of Altas Verde, had traveled for nearly two weeks to reach Tirial's capital city. Resting her her head on the wall of the carriage, Beryl closed her eyes. She was feeling very tired, and a short nap before she had to meet with Tirial's high lady would do her some good...

"Now, you remember what you must do when you meet High Lady Dvorak?

Beryl groggily opened her eyes. Her advisor, Mr. Fiegenbaum, had decided that now was a good time to go over how her meeting was to play out. "I... I will curtsy." she said sleepily. "Then she will do the same, and we will exchange pleasantries."

"And then what?"

"And then she will offer me refreshments, and I will accept them."

"And then?"

"And then we will discuss important matters."

"And you remember the policies you must bring up?"

Beryl closed her eyes once more. "Yes. The trade deal between our provinces must be updated to account for us no longer producing cyathil."

Mr Fiegenbaum nodded. "You did well to memorize all of that. I'm proud of you."

Beryl opened her eyes ever so slightly- Mr. Fiegenbaum had just lied to her. She wasn't sure how she always knew, just that she did. Hoping that maybe now she could get some sleep, she re-positioned herself in her seat and let her eyelids close...

"We're here. Put on your crown, Lady Feyel."

Groaning under her breath, Beryl took the green tiara off of her lap and placed it on her head. The carriage came to halt, and after a few moments the door was opened for her. Beryl slipped out of the carriage slowly, eyes drooping. Her crown fell over her eyes as she did so, and she hastily pushed it back up. She looked up at the castle in front of her, and waited for somebody to come out and greet them.

[GoblinFae]

It was quite late indeed when the carriage arrived though Amleah was still burning the midnight oil trying to get a few more missives taken care of before she went to bed. She was therefore awake when the gentle knock to her door informed her that the High Lady of Altas Verde and her escort had arrived. It was earlier than expected but nonetheless welcome.

Tucking stray hairs behind her ears and suppressing a yawn, the tall woman made her winding way down to the main entrance where her guests had already been welcomed in by the servants. Amleah nodded quietly to her staff as they caught sight of her before making her way up to stand before the pair. She smiled warmly at the young lady before her before stepping forward  to embrace her and greet her in an ancient blessing of welcome spoken in the Old Tongue.

"Welcome to Tirial, Lady Feyal! I hope your journey was pleasant and uneventful," she continued in common once she was straightened again. "Are you hungry? I can have food sent up to you in your room. There is already a bath and a nice warm bed awaiting you as I'm sure you are quite tired. If you need anything at all during your stay here please don't hesitate to ask. Everyone would be more than happy to fulfill your needs."

[Eckhart_Von_Musel]

After a moments, a servant had appeared to let Beryl and Mr. Fiegenbaum inside. The help all wore smiles on the faces, but their greetings of "It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Feyal" were insincere for the most part. "It must be the time." Beryl thought sleepily. "They don't want to be up this late either."

Finally, High Lady Dvorak arrived in the hallway. She was very intimidating, though she likely didn't intend to be. She was a full head taller then Beryl was, and the younger noble had to tilt her head up to get a good look at her. The High Lady of Tiral stopped in front of her two visitors- and then she did something really intimidating.

Lady Dvorak gave Beryl a hug.

The younger noblewoman managed to keep her composure, but on the inside she was panicking. "What? Mr. Fiegenbaum didn't tell me this would happen!" she thought, as her eyes stared off into space. "This... This is so unprofessional!"

Fiegenbaum coughed softly, and Beryl went red in the face. She hastily curtseyed, causing her crown to fall over her eyes. Going redder still, she pushed her crown back into place and looked at Lady Dvorak timidly. "Food? Bed?" She looked at her advisor, who was rubbing the bridge of his nose in exasperation. She looked back at the noblewoman. "But... I thought... Business?" she squeaked.

"Oh no! I'm messing it all up! Our diplomatic relationship with Tirial will be ruined!"

[GoblinFae]

"Business can wait until morning." Amleah informed the young woman softly, a genuine chuckle lighting up her eyes. "For now I prefer that my guests rest after their long journey. It is quite late and it would be cruel and unkind of me to force you to have talks with me now. It would serve neither of our provinces well to have such an important discussion when neither of us are at our best."

The High Lady of Tirial gave a pointed look to Beryl's aid as if daring the man to oppose her. She had seen the way the younger woman had looked to him in confusion like a child seeking reassurance and permission. Amleah would not be opposed. "I pray that does not offend you Lady Feyal," she breathed, allowing her steely gaze to once more soften into a diplomatic smile.

[Eckhart_Von_Musel]

Beryl stared at Lady Dvorak, a mixture of fear and confusion written on her face. Still, there was truth in her words- or at least, it wasn't a lie. She nodded hurriedly. "It- it's fine Lady Dvorak. I can go to bed, if that is what you wish."

Mr. Fiegenbaum made a noise as if he was about to say something snide, but thought better of it. "It is quite late." he finally said, his voice oily. "I suppose the help will show us to our rooms?"

[GoblinFae]

Amleah smiled down at the other High Lady, warmly and genuinely. "Oh dear me, no. You are more than free to stay up if you wish, Lady Feyal. I only have your comfort in mind," she intoned softly, a gentle hand gave Beryl's shoulder a friendly squeeze before almond eyes flashed back up to the man at his first throat-clearing.

The High Lady of Tirial was wise to his kind. She did not trust him for a minute though she was well-trained in the art of keeping such feelings to herself and off her face. "The help," she replied, her chin raising slightly in disapproval, "has worked tremendously hard in anticipation of your needs Lady Feyal. I believe it best that they too take their rest." Amleah smiled and nodded her head to the servants still in the lobby as they too smiled back and bowed out for the evening.

"I will show you both to your rooms. They are not too far from my own. It will be no trouble at all. Shall we?" Without waiting for an answer, the tall woman gently slipped Beryl's arm into her own to lead her ahead, leaving her aid to fend for himself. "Is there anything you require, Lady Feyal? Tirial would be more than happy to provide and tend to your every comfort during your stay here with us."

[Eckhart_Von_Musel]

Beryl's eyes widened as she was led away, crown falling over her eyes. Was it okay to leave her advisor behind like this? Beryl glanced over her shoulder to see Mr. Fiegenbaum making no effort to keep up with them, seemingly taken in by the building's archetecture. The girl's eye's narrowed. "Weirdo." she thought, returning her gaze to Lady Dvorak. "Yeah. I guess it's fine..."

"Um..." Beryl said, gingerly pushing her crown back up. The young noblewoman wasn't sure if taking her hostess up on her offer would be considered rude or not- back in Altas Verde, guests were typically expected to bring everything they needed with them. The girl grimaced as her crown slid down her forehead again. "W-well..."

"I-is it okay if..." Beryl hesitated. That type of language was deferential, something Mr. Fiegenbaum warned against. Dvorak was her equal, even if woman was much older... and taller.... and kinda scary to talk to. "Would it be alright if I didn't wear this?" Beryl finally said, pointing meekly to her crown. "My head's not big enough yet...."

"Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes..."

[GoblinFae]

The High Lady of Tirial slowed her steps at Beryl's hesitance. She worried that something was upsetting the younger woman. Perhaps she had been too familiar and forceful. It was quite late though and she was just as tired as the rest.  She only had the best intentions at heart. Hopefully her maternal attitude would not be counted against her.

Those concerns lessened as quickly as her smile grew warmly. "Of course, my dear!" she declared softly. "here, let me help you," Amleah bade as she released Beryl's arm and reached up with both hands to carefully remove the crown meant for larger heads than that of a child. Once free of it, Amleah offered it back with one hand while the other reached up to smooth the girl's hair back from her face.

"There is no need to stand on stuffy ceremony for my sake, Lady Feyal. You are here to discuss treaty and relations with me. As far as I am concerned our attire has no bearing on those conversations. I am far more interested to know what's inside your head than on it."

Amleah winked before offering her arm once more. "We're nearly there and then you can take your rest. And if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I am more than happy to speak with you and my staff are equally as friendly."

[Eckhart_Von_Musel]

Beryl blinked in suprise, then smiled as she took back her crown and slipped it under her arm. It was a strange feeling- a mix of embarressment and comfort that the young girl wasn't used to. She nodded her head in appreciation, taking the older woman's arm once more. "Thank you." she said softly. "I don't wear it at home because I get to make the rules there, but I wasn't..."

Beryl trailed off, realizing she must have sounded silly. A distance behind them she heard Fiegenbaum make a quiet, breathy noise. It didn't sound like a laugh or a scoff though- was it a sneeze?

Deciding to ignore it, Beryl looked ahead. "Other questions, ah..." She tilted her head slightly. "Um, would you- shall I be up by a certain time? I normally have to get up at sunrise..."

[GoblinFae]

Amleah smiled softly in reply and gave Beryl's arm a gentle squeeze. There was no need for her to comment further on rules. She was well aware of the life of a High Lady. She could only imagine the difficulties Beryl faced given her young age. As for Fiegenbaum, if the High Lady of Tirial heard his less than polite sounds, she made indication of it and instead completely ignored his shadow-like distant-hovering presence. She certainly had no love for the man.

"No dear," Amleah chuckled gently. "You take all the rest you need. I do have an appointment in the morning-- I must apologise for the short notice of it, I am afraid I could not rearrange it around the diplomat's very busy schedule. But, afterwards the rest of my day is completely free and I am at your service my dear.

"You are of course free to roam and explore both my province and my home as you wish in the meantime should you find yourself up quite so early. I do recommend that you take one of my staff with you though so that you can keep from getting lost. These old buildings do have a tendency to be quite labyrinthine to the unwary visitor. I'm sure you understand. Ah-- here we are. These will be your quarters. I trust they are suitable enough for you?"

[Eckhart_Von_Musel]

Beryl's eyes lit up. She could go exploring? But Fiegenbaum and her servants had all made it seem like the trip would be nothing but stressful diplomacy stuff! The girl nodded happily. "Okay! I totally understand, take your time!" she said a bit too excitedly, thoughts of adventure filling her mind. "You can even take the whole day if you need! I won't mind!"

"Ok, that sounded really unprofessional." she thought as she walked through the door into her room. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "A-ah, yes." she said, looking around the rather spacious living quarters. "This looks really nice! Thank you!"

[GoblinFae]

"That is very kind and generous of you, my dear," Amleah replied gently. The way she looked at Beryl was with a genuine tender fondness like that of an older sister looking towards her younger enthusiastic albeit naive sister. "I hope things won't take too long though. That being said," the High Lady of Tirial bowed her head some, "I'll leave you to your rest now. Remember, if there is anything you need, my staff is only a call away. Nothing is too much or too troublesome for such an esteemed and lovely guest such as yourself.

"Now sleep sweet my dear and I'll see you tomorrow." Amleah squeezed Beryl's shoulder one last time before turning on her heel and catching a glimpse of Fiegenbaum. Her expression turned stonier, much akin to a soldier warily facing off against an unknown enemy. It was not hostile but it was not the same openhearted tenderness she had shown to the other High Lady. "Good evening," she expressed to him before moving to walk past him, her head held stuff and high.

[Eckhart_Von_Musel]

"Have a nice night!" Beryl called after Lady Dvorak, cheeks bright red. "Thank you for everything!"

"Esteemed and lovely." The words rang through the young noblewoman's head as she closed the door to the guestroom, her smile slowly fading. It always felt strange to be spoken to that way- such formalities had always been saved for her parents, and with them...

Beryl shook her head. She couldn't dwell on that now, or she'd be up all night thinking about it. The young girl rubbed her eyes, then went to get changed into her pajamas...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mr. Fiegenbaum gave the High Lady of Tirial a cheerful smiled as she passed, slowing his pace slightly. "Pleasant dreams." he said, giving her a small wave goodbye. He'd continue down the hall, passing Beryl's room withought a glance...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There were so many suitcases that had to be packed. Beryl's knees buckled as she carried stack upon stack of folded tablecloths and curtains, jamming them into bags much too small to hold them. If she didn't hurry, she'd be late for the High Justicier's wedding! The girl grit her teeth- only to find that she couldn't, because her teeth had all fallen out of her mouth and onto the floor!  Now she was going to need to pack those too, and-

Beryl woke up with a start, arms flailing. She took a deep breath, bringing her hand to her mouth to find her teeth were still very much in place. With a stretch, the girl sat up and groggily looked around. "Right..." she muttered. "I'm still in Tirial, huh?"

The girl pulled herself out of bed, yawning as she approached the window. The sun hadn't risen yet, but the sound of birdcalls and the brightening horizon indicated that it would soon enough.

"Would it be rude if I started exploring now?"

The thought only occured to her after she'd gotten dressed and wandered out the door. Beryl smiled- if Lady Dvorak was really as nice as she seemed, then she probably wouldn't mind, right?

The girl would head down towards the entrance, crown tucked under her arm...

[GoblinFae]

"Good morning, Lady Feyal!" Greeted a young servant woman from the top of the stairs with a deep curtsey. "Her ladyship, Lady Dvorak wished to extend her apologies again for not being able to meet you in person this morning. She has a previous engagement but will see you later this afternoon. I have been assigned in her place to assist and entertain you in the meantime. I hope you can forgive this humble servant for being late in attending you."

The slender, blonde woman curtseyed quickly again, her green eyes downcast out of respect. "How may I assist you, Lady Feyal? Would you like to break your fast or perhaps tour the gardens? I am at your complete disposal. Your wish is my command."

[Eckhart_Von_Musel]

"Uhh..."

Beryl flinched, freezing in place when the servant addressed her. For the briefest of moments she thought she might be in trouble, and her shoulders instictively tensed. As she turned to look at the woman on the stairs, the young noble allowed herself to relax. "Right. Grown-ups don't tell me what to do anymore, do they?" she mused, feeling oddly nostalgic. "It's all just... suggestions now."

"It's a bit too early for breakfast, I think." Beryl said, trying her best to sound decisive. She folded her arms behind her back- it was something her cousin had often done, and the girl had come to associate the pose with nobility. "I think the garden sounds lovely, though!"

Beryl tilted her head slightly. "What is your name?"

[GoblinFae]

"Forgive me, Lady Feyal! I am called Tilly, milady. The gardens are right this way, milady," the boisterous maid directed with another curtsy and wave of her open-palmed hand. "Happy days for you, Her Ladyship has granted you permission as her guest to enter her private gardens. They are smaller than the main one however, no less beautiful. It is a lovely spot to rest and enjoy the peace of the world without a care in the world if I do say so myself. Do you have such things back home? Well not gardens obviously, of course you have gardens but a place so peaceful all to your own, Lady Feyal?"