A Meeting of Royal Proportions(Aria, Melda,)

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda had finally received the letter she was hoping for from her dear brother, Silas. She couldn’t wait to tell Aria the good news and was so excited that was running around her room trying to get dressed in a hurry, as she had already summoned both @numaire and @mel to her chambers. Alli was also up but content to just watch the blonde princess giving her handmaidens a hard time as she scrambled about.

The second thing that had Lucinda in such a tizzy were the instructions and money that Silas had sent with his letter. Aria was to be properly outfitted befitting her new station and he had put Lucinda in charge of that along with making sure the red head got proper lessons on how to conduct herself in court. She could tell her brother wasn’t nearly as happy with the situation as she was but she hoped he’d change his mind when ever he finally got to meet Aria.

Today’s attire, which she finally settled on after digging furiously through her extensive closet for a good ten minutes, was a lovely summer dress made a light material. She wasn’t as fond of the blacks and dark colors that most royals seem to be, though her dresses still left no doubt of her station. This one was long, with loose skirts and a fitted bodice that had a sweetheart neckline along with short, off the shoulder sleeves. The primary color was a sky blue that really looked great with her coloring and made her own blue eyes sparkle. A thick ribbon of royal purple thread edged the skirts, bodice and sleeves which she paired with royal purple slippers and a matching jewelry set. She had her hair pulled up and tied with a matching colored ribbon in a half up, half down style.

The princess’s plan was to inform Aria and Melda of the good news and then drag both of them out for a royal shopping spree. Lucinda and Melda could also help give Aria tips, advice, etc on how to conduct herself. It was going to be the best day so far .

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When Melda received word that Lucinda had wanted her, she had been out in the gardens. She enjoyed sitting there watching the day slowly unfold and the sky change. She wore a pale blue dress, short sleeved with a sweetheart neckline, and a hem at her ankles. A matching scarf was drawn around her shoulders. Her silver hair was done up in a braided bun around her head, loose strands framing her face from the early morning wind. She made her way to the princess’s room and knocked on the door softly.

Princess? It’s Lady Vanya. Melda kept up formalities for a long time.

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Aria had gotten the message that Lucinda wished to see her in her chambers again. It was early but she had already been up and dressed. Her hair was braided and died up in an elegant bun, small curls escaping to frame her face. Amongst the braid a sprig of baby’s breath was woven in. She wore something more appropriate for the castle, but still in a more common taste. It was a light pastel blue green cotton dress, which brought out the stunning color of her eyes. The top was a square neckline, with loose quarter length sleeves. It was form fitting around her top and waist, and spreading out into a loose full skirt that stopped above her ankles. The skirt had pale pink roses painted artfully along the bottom. She even wore matching slipper like shoes. Today Aria even illusioned away her scar, leaving her face clear; the sharper more fey like features of her face clearly more visible when both sides of her face were symmetrical. She had been finding people were less jumpy around her without the facial blemish.

She skipped up the steps, in quick succession up to the level where the royal family was given rooms. As aria made it up to the rooms she spotted Melda and stopped in surprise. Her eyebrows rising and disappearing up into side swept bangs. They had dressed in a similar fashion…well color pallet and hair at least. When the door opened up to Lucindas room, before any greeting could be said Aria burst out laughing. It was a strange coincidence; but all three of them seemed to match today.

”Good Morning Princess”

[Deleted]

Diamond had followed Melda about her day due to his job as Melda's bodyguard and kept a constant watch over her. He was dressed in his normal attire that he normally wore. As well as being fully armed at all times, his eyes flick about to watch over his charge. It seemed to him that Melda was being called by the princess that was a guest in the castle. They got to her chambers and stood across from the door and leaned on the wall. "I will wait outside until your finished in there. Unless something happens" he said unless Melda wanted him to come into the chamber. He was trying to be mannered for his employer.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda stopped her frantic running about when she heard the knock and Melda announced herself followed shortly by Aria. She took a deep breath to compose herself and straightened her hair. "Come in, please," she said, having made her way to answer the door personally and motioning to all three of her guests. "Is this one yours, Lady Vanya? He may join us and have a seat inside. Certainly it would be more comfortable that waiting out here in the hall. I'm Lucinda, princess of Palico. It's a pleasure to meet you," she offered, smiling. "As always, formalities are a personal choice in my room, not required," she reminded them as they entered and settled themselves within the room.

The princess couldn't keep the grin off her face. Once everyone was in, she shut the door and quickly walked to her bedside table, picking up a letter there. "You're probably wondering why I called you here. It pertains more to Aria than you Melda, but we're going to need your help, if you're willing that is," she began, sitting herself on the edge of her bed so she could see all three of them. "Aria, you remember the brunch we had with Uncle Noku and I said I would be writing my brother to inform him of that. It's taken a few days, but I've finally gotten back his reply on what we're doing about this situation and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the decision. You, Aria Wurud, have officially been accepting in the court of Palico by order of the King, Silas Noru. You will henceforth be known as Duchess Aria Wurud, the title being granted to you for your work in helping the Fated and the pantheon, officially. I have been given charge to teach you the ways of a lady and make you presentable, both in dress and behavior, for royalty. My brother has sent money for you to hire a small staff, including a guard, and supplant your current wardrobe," she announced gleefully.

The princess let that information sit for the moment, waiting to see what the reaction would be and hoping that it would be well received.

[Deleted]

Melda looked to Diamond and nodded her thanks, before seeing Aria. Her eyebrow arched at what the woman wore, and when the door opened and Aria begun to laugh, Melda looked over the three of them. Well… This is amusing, now isn’t it? A small smile cracked on her face and she shook her head. When Lucinda spoke about Diamond, she looked to the white haired man and smiled, gesturing into the room.

You may stand out here if you wish, but the chairs in there are quite comfortable Diamond. Her sarcasm came out in layers on a constant basis, and she chuckled when she entered the room. She princess was obviously excited about something and Melda was quite curious as to why they were brought here. She Lucinda said they may need her help she motioned for her to proceed, her face curious.

While Lucinda talked, Melda’s face changed slowly, becoming more and more stunned. Aria… was a Duchess… She looked to Aria, her eyes wide. Sure, she was excited for the girl, thrilled even, but she would no longer hold that title alone. Melda wasn’t overly petty about it, but holding a singular title for nearly 19 years when you were the only one of your name… Well you grow confidant in that. Melda blinked out of her mind and looked to Aria with a smile. Congratulations, Duchess Wurud. Melda curtsied to her. She knew that Aria was no higher than her in nobility, but she felt the formality was in order upon the news. It now made sense why they wanted her help. She was the oldest of them all at 37, and therefore the more experienced of them in some of the mannerisms. Lucinda was the princess, but she was young even still.

In the moment when Aria and Lucinda would no doubt be excited, Melda looked over to Diamond, giving a small look that meant: Oh great. Teaching her will be fun. She liked Aria more every time she spoke to her, but there was no hiding who she was and how she acted.

[Deleted]

Aria nodded when Melda mentioned this was amusing, it certainly was. Maybe she was getting this dressing thing down?

”I don’t think I’ve ever ended up matching anyone in my life; so yes this is amusing.”

Aria smiled as they were let into the room; Lucinda did seem adorably excited about something. Aria stepped into the room and took full liberties with the no formalities thing and gave the Princess a quick hug; she was family after all. She then took a seat next to Alli, greeting the little scaly terror with a quick belly rub. Aria looked up at Diamond with a surprised expression; she hadn’t seen him since the springs.

”Diamond! Good to see you with pants on! Long time no see; I have to thank you for stabilizing the rest of the crystals for me at the execution. You’re alright, right? There’s always a chance of manna corruption when you deal with cs shards especially on a large scale like that.”

Aria was grateful Diamond came when he did, she didn’t know how much longer she could have held those flames up while injured as she was. She had kept the flames going as a necessity after she had been shot; but she had begun losing control when Diamond had shown up. Aria turned her attention back to Lucinda as she prepared to share her news. It was a good thing she was sitting cause she wasn’t prepared for what Lucinda said next. Aria stared at the princess wide eyed as she said she was just made into a duchess??! The King of Palico actually agreed to that!

”I’m a what now?”

She blinked and let it settle in….he had thought of a reason to title her without making it be about family. She sat back and let the information absorb; she really didn’t know anything about being a Duchess. She looked to Melda as she curtsied; a bit with horror…. Wait was that how things were going to work now?! Aria shifted in her seat a bit uncomfortable now, but bowed her head to Melda.

”Thank you…”

Aria bit her lower lip in thought; this was going to be an interesting process.

” umm may I ask what’s going to be expected of me now? Cause I have a feeling I’m going to royally screw things up… Though I am thankful I will be learning from you or Duchess….wait do I need to use the title now? Anyways I assure you I’ll attempt to at least give you to an easier time then Lady Zoe who has been attempting the same thing…”

It was quite clear Aria was more nervous about the whole thing then excited. To her it meant duties and responsibilities, not pretty dresses and fine tea parties.

[Deleted]

Seeing that Lucinda did offer him to come in as well as a sarcastic answer from his employer. It made the champion chuckle a bit and figured he would give the princess an introduction. Then Aria started to speak to him and had to laugh out loud. "Yes well I have to keep my sword sheathed some how. Ah yes that, Rolond had his mages check me out and it seems that I was fine. It seems from that event my abilities grew stronger from it" he said and walked over to a chair and before he spoke to his boss and the princess. "Forgive my crude words ladies, I do need to make a introduction for you princess. I am Diamond Corsica, I am currently Mylee's champion as well as a bodyguard for Lady Melda. My normal job is a sellsword of all trades" he said and gave a slight bow before he sat down in the chair. He then hears the princess going on and hears Aria getting a title of nobility. This just raised an eyebrow as things had changed greatly since the last time he had seen Aria since the springs as well. Just what had happened since then to change things greatly.

"Well congrats on that Aria" said Diamond as he was not sure what else to say to that and just stayed silent after that.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda smiled at Diamond as he introduced himself. "Well, it's an honor to have Mylee's champion visit me, even as a body guard. From the sounds of it, you do a good job with representing him and I'd like to thank you for your efforts," she said, smiling.

As the news sank in for Aria, the princess looked at her in sympathy. It was a lot to take in and would be a big change for her. When she started asking question, Lucinda gasped. "Oh! That reminds me, I haven't told you everything. You've been given an official royal job too. You are now Palico's Head Dragon Trainer. It's all here, in this letter, if you want to read it," she offered, then continued. "As for what's expected of you, the simple answer is manners and consideration for your own welfare as well as how your behavior reflects on our court. Titles do still need to be maintained, unless stated otherwise or under certain circumstances, like at the festival later this week," she explained. Her eyes went somewhat steely as Aria mentioned Lady Zoe. "You may inform Lady Zoe that her efforts are no longer required or wanted. Due to the actions of her and her mother, one could assume that she is too lacking in manners herself to be teaching another," The princess said, her opinion of the two clearly not haven improved.

Lucinda then turned her attention to Melda. "I would like to request your help in training her, Lady Vanya. You've been a duchess quite longer than she, obviously, or even myself as princess. She must be ready and presentable as soon as possible. There will be an official coronation, eventually," she requested.

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Diamond knew Lady Aria? Melda looked back and forth between the two, stunned that there was a connection, and her eyes only grew more at the comment of being nude. Diamonds words did not help, as he spoke of his “sword.” Diamond! Melda looked appalled, and the image of Aria and Diamond at the springs floated through her mind. She did not know what occurred, nor did she need to. She simply gave him the “stop talking about it” look, and looked away until the news came out.

It was easy to see how stunned Aria was, and Melda felt a bit bad for her. Such big news dropped on her so early in the day. However, she did have her priorities set, as she asked all the right questions. When Lucinda spoke about the dragon, Melda nodded, it was a perfect fit. But when Lady Zoe and her mother came up, Melda had to hold in a laugh (which was rare for her) and looked at Diamond with a knowing look. Well, one can only learn from their biggest influence, and in Lady Zoe’s case it is her mother, so really, she was hopeless from the start. Melda’s voice was smooth, not caring if what she said came back to bite her in the ass— it was the truth.

When Lucinda requested her help over the Grand Duchess and her daughter, Melda felt honoured. It would be my pleasure. Though teaching her will not be easy… I think we all know that. She looked at Aria now, sternly. First of all, use that money and find yourself a suitable handmaid. Immediately. She doesn’t need to be perfect, just someone who has the basic ability to follow orders and due of dresses. Shouldn’t be too hard. Melda wanted that part out of the way. Finding help at the last minute was a horrible job, so Aria might as well get a jump start on it.

[Deleted]

Aria raised an eyebrow at Diamonds retort back, an amused smile edging its way onto her lips. Aria laughed at Lady Vanya’s horrified reaction. Apparently some explanation was do. Aria’s eyes glowed slightly as she checked to see if the silencing ward she had set up for Lucinda was still in working condition. It was and frankly the only other person in the room was Lucinda’s personal handmaiden from Palico. The ward had been a thank you gift from Aria for the dress, to give the girl some privacy while she visited. She turned her attention back to Melda and explained a bit better.

”I happened to crash in on Garrett’s troop in the forest visiting the hot springs. The springs are not split by gender. A large group was already there myself included and Diamond happened to drop on in as well….literally. It was quite an amusing event. So really this is a situation where it sounds much worse than it actually was.”

Aria smiled and turned to Diamond.

”I’m glad you’re alright; if you come across anyone who is suffering from manna corruptions please send word to me.”

Her gaze shifted back to Lucinda, her eyebrows raising when she mentioned that she also managed to obtain a new job. It would seem they fully expected her to go back to Palico with them. She would have to eventually, visiting Palico did seem like it would be a pleasant experience. Aria nodded her head when Lucinda offered to let her read the letter.

”As soon as I found out my injuries affected someone else that consideration became top priority. I’m someone who’s fiercely protective of my family.”

She tapped the side of her face where her scar lay hidden.

”I will make every effort in order to protect his Majesty from any other injuries on my part. Frankly I can relate to how unsettling it is to have your body affected by another’s actions. That blow to the head he received from his would be assassin didn’t feel none to pretty on my part either.”

She rubbed the bridge of her nose; and sighed. She wasn’t use to putting much worth on her life, but it would seem it was something she was going to have to adjust to. That and after her close brush…she had never once thought it would affect Garrett the way it had. It was confusing… She turned her attention back up to Lucinda and Melda as they both said there piece on Zoe. A snort came from Aria as she tried to hold in a laugh.

”Can I say I love my new family? But anyways I believe she terminated herself after I had been difficult…. She was being rude and condescending, so when she told me to curtsy, I took Garretts form and did it like I was shown….it wasn’t well received. She ordered me back to the castle, and if I didn’t listen I could find myself a new instructor; and assured me no one would be more patient then her…. Personally I took it as a challenge and accepted; I was escorted by Lilith who is in the guard that day anyways and so wanted to be out of the castle for a bit…..But anyways I thought you might want to know. She made it a point that I would bring shame to you.”


Aria stood and took the letter to read from the princess. Her eyes scanning over the text….as she read a frown grew on her face; but her brow arched at the last part. She finished it and sat back in her seat again, her elbows resting on the arm rest and her fingers laced under her chin. She had a contemplative look on her face.

”According to that letter I’m expected to do a bit more than just act nice….I understand the duties implied. You can tell your brother, yes I can fully transform, and no a dragons not my only companion. It is just one of many…As the last phioric in my time my abilities are a bit more expanded…But he is correct in the knowledge that most phioric loose themselves during their first transformation. Also if you want to disclose it to him…I received my education through deceit. I was malnourished and starving on the streets and a foreign Prince took pity on me. I’m not one for pity parties, but he helped me disguise myself as a boy. Being low class it made my chances of getting a tutor easier. I found myself more confident as a boy then as a girl; so the habits stuck.”

Short description but it at least was an explanation.

”I don’t know how I feel about a coronation though…seems like a lot of attention. Also doesn’t sound like it could happen until after we figure what’s going on at the borders with the fated.”

Aria smiled as Melda accepted Lucinda’s request and offered her advice. Aria rubbed her chin in thought, having a handmaiden would be odd….she wasn’t even sure what they would do. But they would be another ally in the castle.

”I wouldn’t say anyone would do….but I have someone I know whom I may be able to place my trust in. Princess Lucinda would your handmaiden be willing to instruct her on what’s needed to be done? The one I have in minds further along in the lady department then I am, but will need some culture adjustment. She is another fated; and frankly I would like to make her an example that the fated can learn to fit into society. If so I will extend the offer to her as soon as possible. I think she will do better than I in this setting.”

[Deleted]

"Well Princess I just did what I had to do. I would have been less of a man if I turned my back and just left innocent people die. Even though I am a mercenary and should have done it for a price.....although seeing the happy looks on people's face. Was perhaps the best kind of reward someone could have" said Diamond to Lucinda as he wanted to at least share his feelings on the matter. He had to chuckle a bit a Melda as his boss should have losend up or something. But alas she was a noble elf and older so she would be at least a stiff on the matter and chuckled a bit more. As Aria had then explained what happened and remembered it a bit fondly and would have to go back out there again. But then let the others speak and then raised an eyebrow a lot more as it seemed that there was more to what was going on. Then mentioning this Lady Zoe and then connected the dots and ventured to guess it was Severine and her kin.

"It seems Severine and her kin have swelled heads to think there the top dogs. Honestly.....she is an old hag that thinks she can get away with anything. I had honestly called her out on the fact due to her the majority of what happened. She was the one that was most at fault for causing that. The losses of life in that attack could have been prevented. I called for her to be arrested or even looked into due to me being Mylee's champion. Since she had the power to do so but did not. And the nerve of that woman laughing it off and saying I could be easily replaced as a champion. Is she that daft to spit in the face of a champion to the god of life? Forgive me if I spoke out and voice myself a lot more then I should. Its been bothering me that no one has really taken action against her" said the white haired male as he did not want to get into something like this. But since this was rather big gathering of nobles. It seemed like the right time to talk.

Diamond had then heard Aria's background of her life and was thankful at least he was found by the mercenary group. But in a sense though they both had a rough life. He was not sure if that his life was harder or Aria's but Diamond gave her a lot more respect as it seemed that she was moving up in life. But Diamond would now just stay silent now as his mouth would get him into situations that he did not want to be in.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda nodded in agreement with Melda's comment about Lady Zoe and her mother. It was true, after all. She was mostly ignoring the conversation about the hot springs, having no personal experience in the matter and smiling only a little as she listened. She found Diamond's account of the incident at the gallows much more interesting and it showed on her face. This was the second time she had heard of Severine disrespecting a champion of the gods. "You will be happy to hear then, that her actions and behavior attracted his majesty's displeasure and she has been punished. Though whether it does anything to change her has yet to be seen. It's unfortunate that her actions reflect on the entire kingdom as well, particularly where the pantheon is concerned. I can only hope that more people do not follow her poor example otherwise the gods might take action against Teair," she said, clearly worried about the situation.

As Aria commented on the letter, Lucinda looked at her in surprise. Her admission to her abilities was impressive and she nodded as Aria gave her permission to inform her brother of such. She then laughed at Aria's worry concerning the coronation. "It is going to be a lot of attention and I have no idea when he's going to want to do that but it does need to happen at some point. Luckily, it's not a particularly long ceremony," she said, sounding slightly apologetic at least.

Melda's comment about the money felt a bit unnecessary but the princess nodded. "Part of the plan for today is for us to go shopping to properly outfit her with a new wardrobe suited for a lady of her newly appointed status," she said, grinning, then continued to answer Aria. "Yes, I would recommend a handmaiden that you know and can trust. My own would be quite happy to help teach any person you should choose but trust is key. Certain other royals are known for their underhanded tactic of paying for information and spying from fellow royal's and noble's servants. You might have noticed my own lack of servants, for this very reason. It's something I learned from my brother," she explained. "My handmaiden here has been with me for years and I sent for her to join me from Palico shortly after my own arrival. She would never betray me. She values her life too much for that," Lucinda finished, her implication quite clear on how she would handle a servant caught selling private information.

[Deleted]

When Aria decided to explain about she and Diamond, Melda looked at her curiously. She’d been in the springs with various other people of both genders, presumably nude? Classy. Melda kept her opinion to herself, and simply nodded once she was finished.

Diamonds words nearly had Melda laughing, and she looked at him with humour in her eyes, finding him more than amusing. However when Aria admitted she loved her new family, Melda couldn’t help but smile. True, she was of no relation to any of them, but being the stature she was, living here, made her pretty close to it. The feeling will… eventually… be mutual. Melda cleared her throat, looking away from the red head and down at her feet for a moment, before back up at her when her explanation of her powers, and past came up. She felt bad, but said nothing as she didn’t want to upset her, and Aria made it clear pity was not to be had.

It seemed Aria already had a girl in mind for the position, which would make things that much easier. Melda did have a handmaid, but she didn’t talk to her much. She wasn’t worried the girl was a spy, as for Melda, there wasn’t much to spy on in her past. In the near future that may change, but she doubted she’d have the girl around when she spoke. Diamond would be enough to talk to, and she was more than capable of dressing herself these days.

Well, contact her when you have the chance, or if need be, find an escort and go get her. I know the Fated aren’t easy to track down currently. However, shopping… well. Fine. It won’t do any harm I suppose… Melda was not one for a shopping spree, but she had agreed to help, so the might as well go along with it.

[Deleted]

It was fortunate indeed she had warded this room, the insults flowed freely.

”While I’m not condoning the Arch Duchess behavior, after the Regnant Breton she is top dog. They have a certain right to be respected due to that title. Frankly that massacre was brewing since the first fated was brought here; it just needed the right shove. As champions I don’t believe we have the right to arrest people, we’re considered prophets from our gods. However I do believe we can declare them outcasts to our religion. If they’re not of a spiritual orientation I suppose that doesn’t impact them very much though. But she was rude in laughing in the face of a champion; if it makes you feel better she called me as vermin multiple times. Though she’s not the first, and I’ve been called worse….pluss the vermin in this castle are of a happy nature when not meeting up with the cats….Would I get in trouble if her room suddenly became a new favorite spot for them?”

She looked over at Lucinda with a smile.

”But I’m going off the subject, Lady Zoe, while I find annoyingly condescending at least has her motives in a good place. I would not say she’s beyond hope. She did not try to have me arrested again after I tongue lashed her...there is something to be said for that.”

Aria gave credit where credit was due, even if she wasn’t that fond of the girl.

”The Princess is correct; his Majesty took her actions quite seriously….has anyone else met the Regnant?”

Aria smiled and aww’ed at Melda’s declaration of the feeling eventually being mutual. Aria got up and hugged the older woman, Lucinda DID say to drop formalities while in the room. She grinned and released the woman going back to her chosen spot. When the coronation was mentioned Aria groaned, she didn’t like all that attention ….especially on her..

” I don’t do well at large social events, something ALWAYS goes wrong. I mean I have never been to a large event where something didn’t end up going horribly wrong for me. Did anyone tell you I ended up fainting on his majesty during the last large event? He has surprisingly REALLY good reflexes.”

Aria nodded when Lucinda explained the whole spy thing, really this information wasn’t knew to her. It’s particularly why she had this person in mind. Frankly she had a spell that would be useful; it wasn’t one she wanted to use here in the castle. It was one that was best kept secret.
When Melda mentioned that the fated were hard to track a very wolfish grin spread across her face.

”Milady tracking is one of my specialties; I have her scent I will be able to find her. Plus I would like to take a trek out to my home and gather some things to make my stay more pleasant. I need to check on Gabby as well to see how he is doing. But anyways yes let’s go shopping and get it over with; we can eat lunch out as well! I know a lovely restaurant I would like to try out if everyone is willing?”

Aria smiled.

”So Lucinda can you tell me more about your brother?”