(hmm either way would be interesting, though I think the first one makes more sense)
Rose nodded her head in thought, looking at Zarya and Markus as she considered their request. "I don't see why not." she replied, looking at them carefully. "So long as you are not causing trouble or hurting livestock or farmers' fields, I should think that would be alright. Do you have a place to stay, or would you like for me to arrange some rooms for you to stay in?"
"Ah, no. We have not yet had the chance to book any rooms," Markus said, his gaze lingering on the prince for a minute with something like curiosity, if not quite, before moving to the Queen. "If it's no hassle, could you?" The man was so endearingly awkward in the face of people of a higher standing than him. The first time he had met A'lia, who had been excited to meet the man Zarya had voted so excitedly for as the next High Sorcerer, he had tripped, lost his shoe, and torn her dress.
Rose nodded. "Of course." She replied. She glanced over to find a servant, gesturing to them to begin preparations, then paused. "Do you want to share a room, have adjoining rooms, or merely rooms close to each other?" She didn't know the relationship between the two and did not want to guess, so asking this way was perhaps the best way to do so. Korain caught the look, blinking at Markus for a moment before his gaze resumed its movements around the room.
"Adjoining, preferably." Markus said, looking to Zarya for her approval, which came in the form of a nod. "That way it's easier for us to communicate. Close would also be okay, though." He was rocking on the balls of his feet, nervous energy piling up and waiting to be released through doing anything.
"What are the rules of your domain." Zarya asked suddenly, peculiar eyes focusing in on the Queen with almost startling intensity. "I have yet to read too far into the laws of your country, but I would like to know the rules of the palace in which you reside."
Rose blinked. "Oh. Well, as you are not from here, not all rules can be applied to you. However, our universal laws are as you might expect. No murder, obviously, as that would be messy in more ways than one. No theft, from myself or the common people. Ah…" She let out a breath, thinking. "Diplomatic immunity does protect you from quite a lot, but spying in any form will not be tolerated and will be punished."
Well. That is unfortunate on many accounts. But if Zarya had been much of a follower of rules, she likely would have ended up dead by thirteen. She had made her living off of breaking the rules and being good at not getting caught. "Of course. Quite standard rules, generally falling under the code of morality most follow. Do let me know of any others you can think of, while I read up on them. It is much better to not go home with the weight of accidental criminal activity following you."
She shifted slightly on her feet, the fabric of her robes swirling around her legs almost like water. "Now, if we are taking up your time, do tell us. Though, I would very much like to speak with you in private on some occasion while I am here. I believe I have much to learn from you." Now, that very much could have been flirting, but it was hard to tell with how calmly and coolly she spoke.
Rose nodded a little bit. "Of course." She replied. "And as for in private…I'm sure that can be arranged at some point, though I do not believe that that would be possible today." She stood from the throne, brushing off her skirts. "I can show you to your rooms, if you wish?" She arched an eyebrow a little bit, glancing over at Korain.
The prince blinked, and stood as well, letting his hands dangle by his sides. An ornamental but still functional sword was belted around his waist, and after a moment one hand moved to rest on the pommel of said sword.
"That would be splendid, thank you." Zarya said, nodding as Rose stood. It wasn't very noticeable, but her hand moved to Markus' wrist. Not to hold, but instead to tap, a methodical, almost rhythmical tapping. Among the High Circle, and their Princess, were more than one shared language. This one, their own version of morse-code, served well when speaking wasn't an option.
"Is there anything else, rules or warnings you would like us to know?" Markus asked, as the two followed the Queen and Prince out of the throne room.
Rose nodded as she led the way. "Of course. And as for that…I do not believe so, only a request that you respect the privacy of those who live here in the palace. The royal wing is off limits unless you are accompanied by either myself or my brother." She replied, leading them to the extra wing.
The pair nodded, Markus verbally expressing his understanding of the request. They stuck close together, walking within each other's space and nearly brushing shoulders. Back home, this was common. Well, in the Circle, at least. They operated on a different wave-length from the royals, staying physically close and lacking the strict rigidness of the elite.
"Is there anything here at the palace similar to…gardens, essentially? Or even gardens themselves?" Markus asked suddenly, his eyes lighting up as he physically straightened in his excitement at the prospect.
Rose nodded a little bit. "Yes, there are. Some are, again, off-limits to the public for a few different reasons, but the vast majority of them are open if you would like to explore them." she replied, glancing back at the two for a moment, letting out a faint breath. "Any of the guards or servants could show you to them." Korain remained quiet as he walked near his sister, one hand still resting on the sword.
"Oh, perfect! It'll be a good chance to see if you grow and cultivate different show flowers than Alabria does." Markus said happily, looking to Korain. The man had been so quiet, and Markus, sweetheart that he was, wanted to include him in the conversation. "Do you personally visit the gardens often? Either of you?" Despite the generalization, his question seemd more aimed to Korain, paired with a friendly smile.
Korain blinked at being addressed, looking at Markus for a moment. "I…visit when I can, yes." he replied slowly. His voice was a careful, measured tenor-baritone, and he spoke slowly, as if considering each word before it left his lips. "And I am sure our flowers are different than Alabria; different climates, after all." his eyes flashed to his sister for a moment, then back to Markus.
"That's why I'm so curious. Our climate tends towards a dry, warm air, more tropical in some areas and desert like in others." Markus explained, seemingly happy to have gotten a response. Almost like he hadn't quite expected one, but had hoped. "Do you have any favorites? Flowers or plants? Lavender is one of my favorites, it's easy to grow in dry soil that other plants hate. And it needs barely any water to thrive! Blanket flowers survive in similar conditions and look like a setting sun found itself on flower petals.." He trailed off, biting his bottom lip to stop himself from continuing to ramble, a pink tint growing on his ears.
Zarya stifled a sound not unlike a snort, instead coughing into her wrist. Her gaze moved from the architecture of the building, to the Queen herself, a certain appreciative look never leaving her stormy eyes.
"We're definitely more…humid here, especially in the summers. We get lots of snow in the winter, so most of our plants have to be strong enough to survive that." he replied slowly, looking at Markus carefully. "I like…I don't know. Smaller plants, or the ones that grow way up in the mountains. Edelweiss, for instance, is really pretty, but you can only find it in the northernmost reaches of the country." Korain said, running a hand through his hair.
"Like Liriope or Periwinkle." Markus said, clapping his hands together. "I have some of the flowers of both, dried out somewhere in my bags. And seeds, but I don't have soil for them." He made a face, looking down at his feet for a moment. "I don't know why there are so many seeds in my bags…I never use them anywhere but home, so it's weird to bring them, right?"
"They are a talisman." Zarya guessed, flashing a quick smile at her friend and Korain. "You place so much stock in life, and all the possibilities. They are a hope to get the chance to plant something, somewhere. And they remind you of home."
Markus blinked, nose scrunching up. "You can't just get inside someone's head and tell them things even they don't know, Zarya." He said, turning a strange and almost teasing face on her. "People are going to start thinking you're telepathic."
Korain tipped his head just a little bit at that, blinking slowly. He didn't really speak, though, not wanting to interrupt their conversation. The prince of Taea had gotten a lot quieter since his parents had died. Officially, it had been in a carriage accident. But unofficially…it wasn't a story anyone told. It wasn't a story Korain cared to remember. Because he had been with his parents that day, in the carriage. He had seen how they died. Had been the reason behind it. And he didn't like talking about anything because he was afraid if he did, the horrors would start pouring out and would never, ever stop.
(hey, uhm, bump?)
((thanks for the bump! sometimes i need them lmao))
"Telepathy is not among the skills I posses." Zarya said, matter-of-factly. "I am simply good at observing things. You should try it sometime. The results may surprise you. In any case, your Majesty, I heard word of an upcoming event as we arrived. Is there something happening?" A festival of any sort would offer a good diversion, and would function as something to enjoy while they were here. Business or not, palaces tended to get incredibly boring after a while.
"Oh! So many people were talking about it, when we stopped to settle the horses in one of those-uh…inns, for horses? Stables! Anyway, when we stopped, it seemed all anyone was talking about. That, and of course Zarya threatening a man who had tried to take her purse, but-" Markus stopped suddenly, waiting for an answer to Zarya's question as though he hadn't been talking about something slightly unrelated.
(np! Alright!)
Rose blinked. "Oh– yes." she replied with a faint laugh. "It's tied to our country's history. It celebrates a long ago battle." she said, thinking on how best to explain it. "You see– Tarya was once a part of a larger nation, and the festival we celebrate is the anniversary of the battle that freed us from the other country's control. The festival has been a tradition for…oh, centuries, really. It goes on for about a week? It's great fun, and you'll likely enjoy it."
Zarya clapped her hands together, and for another brief moment, showed more emotion than her normal expressionless face. She looked excited. "Ah, perfect! I do love a good festival. The music, the dancing–I am sure you can imagine why the former calls to me–and the good food. Crowds are not the best, but people do get so lively during events like this. Do you two go? Or perhaps have some sort of role?" Back home, the royals and the High Sorcerers all had roles in festivals of history, often partaking in parades, making speeches, or in Zarya's case, performing shows of magic for the people. There had even been a year where the princess had convinced them all to wear disguises and perform in a play, and at the end, announce who they were.
"I do, yes. My brother…does not do so well in large crowds, so he will likely only participate in the palace festivities, rather than taking part in the parade that happens, or mingling outside the palace." Rose said. The excuse of Korain not doing well in crowds was…partially true. It was just that most would assume that meant a panic attack, where it really meant…well, sort of a panic attack, and then turning into a monster and slaughtering innocent people. Which of course would not be good in any way. Not at all.
"That makes sense, honestly. It would be hard to enjoy something so fun, if you were to force yourself to partake in parts of it that made you uncomfortable." Zarya said, nodding in understanding. The same way she often had to step away from any events involving fire, even after her experience with the prince of Vyrnia, and despite her friendship with her country's High Sorcerer of Fire. Though, she didn't turn into a monster. Not that she would know, yet, that that was a feature of Korain's dislike of crowds. "What is it you do, then, your Majesty? For the festival?"
Rose hummed faintly. "Well, my job is to oversee the festivities, really. I recount the story of the battle, as well, and I take part in the parade. I don't know. My job is to see and be seen during the festival, to visit and talk. My family line is still the same one that was the first rulers of this country, and so I… suppose I remind them of that, too. See, the first king was the hero of that battle, and his descendants have ruled ever since."
"So you are as much a piece of their history as the festival itself." Zarya said, nodding once. "I shall have to see how it is different from our own of similar source matter, the cultural differences will likely be a fun little thing to note. Pardon the change in subject, but how close are we to the rooms? I may need a map of the palace, if the size is as large as it seems." With that, the corner of her mouth flicked up in a half smile, a response to her own joke.
Rose laughed quietly. "Well, I'm afraid we slowed due to talking. We are nearly there. And the palace is not nearly so large as you may think." she smiled faintly. "Just a little confusingly laid out, is all. If you really do need a map, let me know and one can be provided."
"I do think I may take you up on that." Zarya took up picking up the pace. Not enough to put her ahead, but more to nudge the others. She was, admittedly, beginning to feel the effects of being in a new place after a long journey. Though she likely wouldn't sleep, rest in the form of reading would be perfectly fine. "I am looking forward to this visit. Your Kingdom is one I have yet to visit, obviously."
She nodded a little. "Of course. I shall send a servant to you with one, or perhaps two. One for you and one for Markus." After another minute or so, she stopped in front of a door. "These are your rooms, and the next door down is for Markus. There is an adjoining door between the two." She gave them both another regal, but genuine smile.
Markus returned the smile, while Zarya gave a nod. He was the one to speak for both of them. "Thank you very much, your Majesty. Your hospitality has been incredibly warm and welcoming, which is much appreciated. We'll do our best to fully express our gratitude while here." He took a short bow, glancing to Zarya as if reminding her. It didn't seem needed, as she was already mid curtsy, eyes closing briefly.
"Allow us to get out of your…hair. That is the saying, I believe. Simply call on us should there be anything you need us for, we will be readily available." Tilting her head slightly, Zarya allowed a small smile to grace her lips, hands clasped in front of her.
Rose laughed a little. "That is indeed the expression. Of course. I'll be seeing you two again sometime, then." She said with another smile, returning their bows with a nod of her own.
Korain blinked, a little startled, and then gave a nod of his own. He seemed a little vacant, sometimes, like he was having trouble focusing. Today wasn't really a good day, not for him. Some days he was as normal as anyone else, but…today wasn't really one of them.
