An Arrival Most Unexpected (Sorren)

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

The Festival, once a year it was a time of fun, of cheer among Ceried'a's people. Each year she'd spent it in the palace hosting her family and other nobles while her husband spent it drinking and taking credit of good crops, and flirting with young serving maids and boys. Ceried'a watched the festivities from afar even as her children got to play, often stuck to her husbands side to either keep an eye on him or satisfy him with his drink and friends began to bore him.

This year however was different and a thrill went through Ceried'a as she rode along the roads powdered with snow. Far behind her the group of ladies and lord coming with her struggled in their carriages and luggage. It was cold, the wind biting as she wrapped her cloak and scarf tighter around her, the dark gray sky the perfect backdrop for the warm flutter of torches that seemed to mark the borders of Maesser. This was a place that the Queen had never been, only heard about from soldiers in the court, listening to with rapt attention. After spending almost half her life in the palace it had been a long time since she'd felt any sort of chill as bad as this, and yet it gave such a thrill as the snow caught on her lashes.

Riding passed the guards at the front gates she paused only briefly enough to tell them she was seeking out the Baron's house. Once pointed there she called out that the Queen was on her way, giggling to herself as she watched another man bolt off quickly...perhaps she should have written ahead of her visit?

She shut the thought away, the sudden whim that drew her to this place coming from some desire to be apart of the festival and to enjoy it instead of holding some service to those seeking their own fun. For now she was safe, her powers strong enough to hold as she was away, her children for now off to enjoy their own parties and festivities while she'd made her plans for this trip well in advanced since she'd last saw the Baron. He'd be so unlike the nobles she'd had around her that her mind often found its way back to him, pondering his activities once he'd left. She wanted to see him once more, race him, joke with him in a way that no one had ever done with her.

Getting to the Baron's residence she stared up at the warm inviting lights that poured out onto the streets now building with snow. Dropping from her horse she took two packages and handed her stallion off to a stable boy waiting and shivering out in the wind. Giving him two silvers she smiled as she drew her scarf up and made her way inside before being stopped.

Dark eyes scanned over the guards who halted her as they asked for her identification, "I am servant to Queen Ceried'a Itonis...she is making a visit to your Baron. I have a gift for him before she is to arrive here. I was told to give this to him in private." At first she'd thought about just pulling away the cape and hood and showing herself as Queen, but much like she'd done in the brothels of Wyeshing she wanted to play a bit of a game with the Baron.

After a moment she was led by the two guards to one of the larger halls to wait, the air warmer inside, melting away the bits of snow that had gathered in her ride.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

Baron Radvhet was particularly busy this afternoon, only a few short hours before the winter festival officially kicked off. As in the rest of the world, the festival was to be a week-long affair, and many people would be coming and going through Maesser. In addition to organizing and overseeing the decoration of the mountain city, the baron was also responsible for making sure everything went safely and smoothly during the holidays. Decorations were already up by now, food was being prepared, and he had increased security, but he was always nervous right before the festival began.

They did not have a ball or any big gathering in the manor, but the baron opened the kitchen and the dining hall to all his servants and the men in his army and city watch each night of the festival, so it was never quiet this time of year. But the majority of the entertainment was out in the streets. Merchants, travelers, and entertainers had been practically pouring in the city gates for days. Even at this hour, the hustle and bustle outside the manor walls was almost tangible.

Sorren was being shooed out of the kitchen by a rather matronly cook when one of his men approached him with news that the queen was expected to be arriving soon, and one of her servants had brought a gift and was requesting a private audience. He nodded and told the man (hardly more than a boy, really, this one) to fetch the servant to his quarters, then went to his room to await them, his mind racing. The queen was coming to Maesser? Why had she not sent word that she was coming? Or was this some sort of ruse by someone wanting to kill him or something devious like that? It was likely enough, given that it would be easy to get away with criminal activities during the confusion of a festival.

Still, he kept his suspicions to himself and sat patiently at his desk, the fireplace behind him warm and crackling, casting its orange light over the walls of the room, the books on their shelves, the sill of the single large window, the red velvet sofa in the corner. It was a simple room, but the furnishings he did have were elegant.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Ceried'a looked around the hall in it's busiest, the people moving about quickly that later afternoon as if setting up for some grand party, but the only guests being soldiers and servants who seemed to already be enjoying themselves as they prepared for the festival. It was nice to see the smiling faces, the rush of excitement from her end as she took a few pieces of offered pastries from the maids carrying trays, the food warming her stomach as she waited.

As a young boy approached her she smiled at him as he asked her to follow him. She gave a small nod, pulling back up her scarf as she followed almost eagerly as she lifted her package for a better grip. Once outside of a room the boy had left her and she stood there for a moment before pushing open the doors. Acting like a servant was something she'd only done once before, and she wasn't sure if she could pull off the same act with a noble as she had with a brothel boy...

Dark eyes went to the décor of the room, staring at how elegant yet simple it all was. It was dim, but cozy...the warmth almost overwhelmingly welcoming to her body as she paced in a few steps before stopping and going down to one knee. “Queen Ceried'a of Carthonia is soon to make her arrival here at your residence Baron Radvhet. I am under orders to get this too you as a token of her appreciation if you are to except her company for the festival.” Holding up the package she rose to her feet before moving towards the desk the other sat behind. He looked more like a Baron then what she'd seen before in the oasis of her own home, more the role of a man of power as she kept moving forward. Her cloak fluttering open from the motion of her own body to show the feminine curve of a hip under a thick tunic and leggings, a sword belted at her waist before she stopped in front of him and set the wrapped package on the desk.

Looking to the Baron she had yet to remove her hood or scarf, her arms folded in front of her as she watched him. “My lady thought you may crave a few treats from our warmer capitol, fresh fruits and wines. Something that she wishes to enjoy with you once you are prepared to have her.” Leaning in she let her fingers brush over the top of his desk, “That is if you wish to accept her company for this festival my lord.”

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

The baron stood when the servant entered, a figure covered in a thick cloak and hood. He hadn't been in his quarters all day and the wall sconces had gone out, so it was a little dim in the room, even with the fire and the window. The servant's face was obscured by a scarf. Sorren fought the urge to narrow his eyes in suspicion, even as the person went down on one knee, but when they spoke a look of surprise slowly dawned on his face.

It had been nearly two months since he had last heard her voice, but he was certain it was the queen! His heart skipped a beat as he came to that realization. In the time since their little horse race that morning in the desert, he had been trying (rather vainly) to keep her from his thoughts. More than once he had lain awake at night thinking about her and the brief time they had spent together. It usually made him feel guilty, that his mind dwelled on the king's wife so much, but right now, knowing she was here in front of him, he only felt happy.

As she stood up again, he tried to keep the surprise from showing so plainly on his face, but could not help smiling a little. If she wanted to play this little game, he would attempt to go along with it, though he wasn't sure he could keep it up so well. Still, it would be fun to try. His eyes caught the glimpse of her shapely figure as she set the package she carried on his desk and folded her arms, then explained what was in the gift.

"I appreciate the gift. Her highness is quite thoughtful to have brought this for me," he said with a smirk as he made his way around the desk to stand in front of the queen in her disguise. "I would be honored to share Maesser's festivities with the queen. Will she be long in arriving?"

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

"Her majesty thinks highly of you Baron, you are within her kingdom and you are loyal. She greatly enjoyed your visit to her own home and so she wishes to take pleasure in you company once more." Maybe it was the sudden rush of warmth like a good wine, but she felt giddy as Sorren moved in front of her, one hand moving to her hip as she peered at him from under her hood. How far could this game go until she or he stopped it?

"How far? Aren't your guards aware of those approaching your gates and border? Or are they so lax that they would not even know if a threat slipped through let alone a Queen?" It was a tease, Ceried'a happy to have the scarf over her mouth not to show the grin that pulled at her lips as she stepped in towards Sorren. From the outsider's perspective it was a simple intimate closeness, but to the keen eye the subtle movement of a dagger being drawn barely caught the firelight as the blade was pressed to the Baron's belly.

It was in no way a real threat, but a tease as she brushed it along the cloth before pulling away taking up a more defensive stance. "How safe is her majesty in these walls? Would you protect her?" She asked, curious to know as she kept her stance, challenging the Baron. "Come now...are you worthy of her company if a servant can sneak up on you so easily?"

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

"Mm, indeed they are, but it seems that her highness's entourage is invisible. Perhaps it would have helped if she had sent word in advance, like queens are supposed to do," he said, still with a teasing smile on his face, though he did bristle slightly at the implication that his guard was inadequate. Of course there were certain risks involved in allowing passage in and out of the gates relatively freely, but otherwise the festival would be rather stifled. It was more a matter of quick containment if a threat arose rather than prevention of said threat during times like these, and he had the utmost confidence that that would be the case.

But before he could open his mouth to impress any of this upon the "servant," she stepped close and drew a dagger against his stomach, the press of its blade insistent but light enough to suggest that she was not quite serious. Even so, the smile dropped from his face and his hand went instinctively to the hilt of his sword, strapped as usual to his belt. A moment later, as Ceried'a took a defensive stance, he shook his head and smiled again, his eyes twinkling as he finally understood what this game was about.

"I would protect her with my life. However, I am perhaps less cautious when it is only my own life being threatened because I am sure of my abilities, which is why I asked for you to be brought here where no one can interfere. If I had the queen to protect, I would surround both of us with armed guards at all times, not only because her life is more precious than mine, but because I do not know how well she would fare in a fight. Perhaps we should remedy that."

He drew his sword and lunged at her, though not quite in earnest. She certainly seemed like she could take care of herself, but he still wasn't sure how much of that was acting and how much of it was real.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

At the implications that she, herself was not acting queenly enough in not sending word ahead of her was something that made her bristle in turn. Oh, she did not like that even if he did not know who she was. "Such harsh words. Why do you think I'm here? Simply to give gifts?" She fought the urge to pout and argue about what most queens were suppose to do, Sorren bringing up a point that made her what to show him just how capable she was with her blades.

When his hand went for his blade she moved back, listening as he spoke of his queen to her "servant". At that moment she was glad the scarf was covering her face as cheeks flush hotly at his words. "Precious" the word struck her, not valuable or something that basically put her at how much a ransom would cost...but precious...

It was so tempting to question why he'd chosen those words exactly but she stopped herself once more not sure if she really wanted to hear the real answer behind that or simply enjoy what her mind played with. There was little time though to consider his words, or realize just what he meant by "remedy" as he lunged at her.

A sword offered distance, but Ceried'a's dagger offered control as she moved, the hilt of the dagger catching the blade as she pushed it away. Turning she put more distance between herself and Sorren, drawing her own sword. She knew how to fence, grown up studying the art, her sword made in the style of a long blade, but lighter as she held it with one hand with ease. It had been so long since she'd been able to carry it, to fight even in jest. It still felt as balance as when she first had it made.

Moving forward she let her long blade clash against Sorren's. "Truly a man of action. You would lay your life before the Queen's? What do you expect of it?" She asked as she pushed forward towards Sorren as she arched her sword towards him once more.

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

"You misunderstand me," he said, passing a hand through his curly hair in his familiar nervous gesture. "I simply meant that the queen is most refreshingly unorthodox. If she were anyone else, I would fear for her, coming along unannounced."

And then they were sparring, Ceried'a easily catching the blade of Sorren's sword with her dagger and turning it aside, then stepping back and drawing a thin sword of her own to clash against his. He smirked, mischief evident on his face. Yes, this was his kind of game. There were times when he lived for nothing more than the thrill of blade against blade. He often trained alongside his guard, practicing and teaching at the same time. It was perhaps his favorite hobby.

"Expect?" he repeated, wondering what she meant by that. Did she think he only said what was proper, without meaning it? "I assure you I do not expect anything for protecting the queen... except the royal family's continued support of Maesser, which I do not doubt."

Ceried'a seemed to be able to handle herself well, so Sorren felt he did not have to hold back much. He parried her second attack and danced to the side, bringing his sword down in a slashing motion toward her head.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Ceried'a had to pause for a moment in her own thoughts as Sorren spoke so highly of "her royal highness", and for a moment thought that perhaps he had a keener eye than she'd credited him for. It was then she almost pulled away what hid her face so she could argue with him that his flattery was not welcomed if he was saying it just to please her. Flattery for the sake of gain did little to impress her, and coming from him though she liked his words, she felt uncomfortable as a warmth settled in her belly and continued to grown along to her cheeks. Before she could even think further of calling him out of their game her swing missed and was easily dodged as she saw him move to the corner of her vision.

The flash of steel made her duck, the sharp edge catching along her hood as fabric tore, a few dark hairs going with it as Ceried'a barely dodged. Oh he was quick, trained for the field whereas she was use to a lack of chaos and more of a practiced dance. Her hood slipped down, useless now as she grabbed the ties that held her cloak on and let them fall to the ground. Dark hair was braided loosely around her face, the deep brown scarf still covering her mouth and nose as she took a few cautious steps around the room, sword at the ready. Her deep crimson tunic was belted at her waist, the long brown leggings tucked into tall leather boots.

"You lay your life down for that? Just for honor and allies..." She spoke as she lunged again, her blade going for his belly, but not really to stab or wound, but rather to cut at his shirt...give the impression of danger in their play. "What good is that in the end? With just enough of a push you could have everything. Your men respect you, and you are high enough that if you so wished you could take this land with little fight." She closed the distance, swords together as she pressed against him, inches away.

"And yet you'd rather just celebrate festival as if this is all you desire?"

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

He started slightly in his mind as his sword tore at her hood, though all that registered of his surprise outwardly was a momentary widening of his eyes. He hadn't quite meant to come that close, but he had gotten caught up in the rush of battle. Of course, now that he saw what she could do, he couldn't help but continue their play-fight.

It was clearer than ever to him that the "servant" was indeed Ceried'a, as she shrugged off her cloak and revealed her dark hair, though the lower part of her face was still covered by the scarf. His eyes wandered briefly over the deep red tunic and brown leggings, thinking it not unlike her riding gear. Her garments hugged her form enough to be distracting to him. He tried to put that out of his mind, and concentrated on watching her movements about the room.

He managed to parry her thrust, turning her blade up and away, but it sliced a line in the dark blue fabric of his shirt from mid-chest to shoulder. It probably wouldn't have done any damage if he'd turned it another direction, but he had been hasty in his distraction.

"That was one of my best shirts," he said with a frown, but quickly smiled again. This was too exciting to get upset over a little mishap with a shirt.

The queen came close to the baron, their swords crossed between them. He considered her words carefully, taking advantage of the temporary stand-still. He had never given any real thought to the kind of thing she was suggesting, nothing beyond a fleeting fancy when he was a youngster. If he were truly honest with himself, he did envy the king sometimes, but that was only because the man had a family. While he did love his sons, he had always longed for a wife and children of his own. And after meeting Ceried'a, he knew the king to be lucky indeed. Even so, he did not want the king's job.

"Maybe that is true, but... I do not envy the responsibilities that come with ruling a kingdom," he said, his face serious. It was important that he get this across to her, though he was not sure why. "It is difficult enough running one city. I cannot imagine how taxing it must be to run a whole country. I treasure what freedoms I have, and though I admit there are still things I would like to accomplish before I die, overthrowing my king is not one of them."

If anyone but Ceried'a had asked him such a question, he would have been offended. But he knew that, coming from her, it was not merely idle speculation or an attempt at flattery. He suddenly felt that the atmosphere was a little too serious, so he grinned and pushed on his blade, closing a bit more of the distance between them so that he could speak quietly.

"Besides, did you not come here yourself to escape the duties of a queen?" he asked in a near whisper, almost conspiratorially.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

The one issue of fighting in such tight quarters was that the reach of a blade could catch on more, and in just play it could cause some injury. There was no blood drawn yet, but her torn hood and his shirt had become casualties in their playful fight.

"Your best? Really?" She pulled back for only a moment before once more pressing in, "I never thought a man like yourself cared about his clothing..." Ceried'a continued to press in, her strength nothing compared to Sorren's, but she could hold her own in a fight. However, she began to suspect he was not fighting her to his true skill, toying with her as she was with him. No doubt if the Baron used his full strength and skill she'd have been unarmed by now. No matter how well she'd bested some of her men a soldier near the front lines always seemed to be someone prepared for a fight. The queen was rusty, but she wasn't incapable.

At this distance she could feet Sorren's breath against her cheek, the warmth of his body near her own. She could have reached out and touched him if she'd wanted, however to do so meant she'd lose her ground which she'd so preciously taken. His words resounded truth enough it felt as she studied him, but as he pushed in she felt herself give a little under the pressure, the only thing stopping her from moving further back being the desk in Sorren's study bumping into the back of her legs.

"Besides, did you not come here yourself to escape the duties of a queen?"

Dark brown eyes when wide, behind the mask of her scarf her mouth hung open as she just stared. She should have thought better of the other's eyes perhaps...

Bringing one hand up she yanked down her scarf, brows knitting together as lips pulled into a stubborn pout. "That's cheating..." She said, not really going into detail of just what part of uncovering her deception was cheating. No matter that the Queen let up on the pressure of her blade against Sorren's, slipping out from beneath his push before she used her dagger to swat him across his back end with a snicker much like that of a child who fought to get the last word in.

Turning to face Sorren she sheathed her blades slowly before giving a half-hearted curtsy in her tunic, panting softly, trying to catch her breath after their sparring. "I hope you don't mine me coming so far out without warning...the group I traveled with will be here shortly, but I wanted to ride ahead and surprise you." she wasn't sure if she expected him to be upset or accepting of this whole situation, but he didn't seem the type to turn any person out in the cold no matter what their rank. Moving over towards the windows she looked out them at the landscape and the light that slowly began to fade over the snowy hills the in distance, "I've never been up to Maesser during the winter. I forgot how beautiful snow can be."

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

The baron hadn't meant to ruin their game by revealing that he knew who she was, but apparently he had. Though he had been enjoying himself with their play-fight, he couldn't be upset at the queen when she pulled off her scarf and pouted so cutely. He laughed warmly as she accused him of cheating. She ducked from under their locked swords and gave him a smack across his rear end with the flat of her dagger, causing him to jump in surprise. He sheathed his sword and rubbed his rump. It smarted just a little, but he would get over it.

As she explained her situation to him, he listened with a thoughtful look on his face. "No, I don't mind. We have plenty of space here in the manor. I can have rooms ready fairly quickly. Though it is certainly a surprise to see you!"

A spark jumped in his stomach as he let the truth of that last sentence sink in, finally allowing himself to react to just how surprising it really was to see her here. He had not thought to see her for some time, though he had wished for it often enough. He watched her wander to the window and look out across the snowscape, the pale sunlight casting its soft rays over the tan skin of her face. The sight of her brought his heart into his throat. He struggled with the sudden flood of emotions, wondering what could possibly be wrong with him. He should not think of the queen this way, and yet... what else could he do? He was glad that she was not looking at him, to see him staring at her. He was afraid of what she might see--and reject--in his eyes.

He came forward, but only dared step as close as the edge of his desk facing the window. Ceried'a had said something about the snow being beautiful. He tore his gaze from her with some effort, appraising the scene he saw out the window. It was indeed beautiful, the way the sunlight glinted on the snow as it began its descent towards sunset. It would not be long until the festival began in earnest.

"Indeed it is beautiful," he said quietly, sitting back on the edge of the desk and crossing his arms over his chest. "I think, living here all the time, I tend to take things like that for granted."

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Standing close to the window Ceried'a could feel the chill off the glass, and though the fire was behind her warming her back the cool air coming up off the delicate surface made her shiver even in her thick clothing. There was something about it though that made it pleasant unlike the heat of the desert...it was not that she hated her home, but there were times she could see herself leaving behind the capitol once her children were ready to take over from her.

In some way it pleased her to hear the surprise in Sorren's voice. To be able to catch a man like the Baron off guard when he himself was known for his skills as a warrior. Since their first morning spent alone together she'd found her thoughts often going to him, many times listening to other generals and soldiers coming through their for word of those in Maesser and anything of the Baron who ruled there. "Well I am glad you are willing to accommodate myself and those who are with me. I would have come alone, but it seems that the Queen is not allowed to wander by herself in her own kingdom. You are too kind though Baron." She turned just a little, leaning against the window just a bit as she shivered.

She watched him as he stepped closer before looking back out at the snow. "I think I could live in a place like this forever and never grow tire of this sort of view. You are very lucky Sorren." Parting from the beautiful view she moved back towards her host, touching his shoulder gently before letting her hand trail down to his torn shirt.

"As much as I enjoyed testing your skill I do apologize for this. I can get overzealous with a blade when given the chance. You are more than a expert with your blade, I am glad a man of your strength and honor is on our side."

[Sorren Alotear Radvhet]

"Not at all," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Then he chuckled before adding, "Though if you had sent word ahead, I would have your rooms ready and warm by now, instead of having you wait in my drafty old study after your ride here."

He knew he should probably go get someone to start readying those rooms soon as he had promised, but right now all he wanted was to fill his eyes with the sight of her and his ears with the sound of her voice. However, perhaps that was selfish of him. He noticed how she shivered ever so slightly against the window panes. But before he could attempt to gather her cloak from the floor and bring it to her, she turned and came close to him, touching his shoulder and the tear in his shirt. He uncrossed his arms and stood up from leaning against the table's edge. Her closeness flustered him a bit.

All her praise made him a little uncomfortable. How did one respond to that without seeming to put on airs of false modesty? He did what he did because he was sworn to his king and country. To him, there was no question about keeping his oath. If he broke his word, he was not fit to be Baron. That was all there was to it.

"I don't really care that much about the shirt; my seamstress will, but not me. Besides, this isn't the first shirt I'll need mended, nor will it be the last. And I have to change later for the festival anyway."

He was conscious that he was staring straight into Ceried'a's eyes, but he couldn't seem to do anything about it.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

A soft chuckle rose from the slowly dimming study as the Queen laughed gently before pushing herself away from the window. Already as she drew closer to Sorren and the fire she began to feel the chill leave her. With her hand still on his shirt she tsked, "Well where is the fun if I let everyone know what I'm going to do? It's more fun to let them all be surprised. Really I would have left behind the extras if I could." She joked softly, knowing that her little journey here had not really been explained other than she simply wanted out of the castle. The others that followed her probably had thoughts of large cities and warmer travel, but she'd simply taken off. A festival such as this deserved the beauty of this snowy border town. "Really Sorren, do I look like the type of woman who follows every social rule?"

Drawing her hand back from his torn shirt she shook her head, " continue to play with me and your seamstress will have a reason to revolt against me." A small joke and a tease as finally she pulled away. With the light further fading she didn't want to hold up the festivities too long with her arrival.

"Ah...well then perhaps I should change before the others get here and the parties start. I would not want to disgrace you or your house by showing up as the Queen of Rags during this time. Any room will do for now if you do not mind taking me to one. It may give you time as well to make sure none of your men really think they let an assassin in." Ceried'a moved to go grab her second pack that she'd left by his door held a good number of her things she would need, but also a dress she'd had made specifically for this festival.

It was almost sad to think of leaving this room, of leaving the privacy allotted to herself and the Baron. She'd begun to realize the more she saw him, the more she heard of him, the more she wanted to be around him and know everything about him. As her thoughts filled with this she felt her cheeks warm in a way that she'd not felt since she was young woman before her marriage. "Also, perhaps if the night goes well you can show me these hot springs?"