Visiting Rulers: Queen Missiah Wants to Adventure
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The Queen of Choisi Kingdom is not surprise to be at the Siren's Song to visit. She might not be classified as a 'regular' but, of course, she is a well known customer of the Courtesans. Especially around Debut times, as she often 'claims' the night for a member of her family, a member of Choisi nobility, or herself. Like all rulers of Atharia she has a standing 'payment' set up with the Head Courtesan, should a family member or herself decide to use it. Being she is a Queen her arrival is never a quiet affair. People know her face to well. So it doesn't take news for her presence to spread between all Courtesans who buzz with excitement. After meeting with Amahle, who adds the spread that her interest for starters is in the Courtesans being prepared to Debute.
Though not officially yet a member of the Courtesans, as Kalei's debut draws closer, the young red-head is found more and more regularly in the sitting rooms of the Siren's Song, getting to better know those who may some day choose to offer their patronages. However, upon hearing that a certain Queen was in their buildings, Kalei had ever so briefly slipped away to her own room. When she heads gracefully back, there is a small bag in her hands, paper the shade of an ocean with stenciled waves over top. Something featherlight is tucked inside beneath a frothy layer of white tissue.
The debutante herself is clad in green, a strapless column-cut sheath of emerald silk that skims her body from clavicles to ankles. Above, lace in a soft shade of sage, hand-tatted with long sleeves and delicate pearl buttons that trace down the lines of her back. Her silvery eyes sparkle like the small gems that adorn the woman, a bright smile on her face as she finds a small, quiet table on which to sit her bag before she heads off towards the bar, having a quiet conversation with the woman tending behind it.
Enamored by all things royalty, and of course bound by some responsibility to protect them, Jesse had overheard the buzz not too far from the Siren's Song and scrambled to arrive. While it's true that the lowly private of the Divinus Guard has no specific declaration of loyalty to the Queen of Choisi, their demeanor meant that they were often in service to the royalty of other kingdoms, and much as others are wont to point it out, more importantly, Jesse enjoyed said service as it was a grateful break from the drudgery of normal guardwork.
Jesse arrives in the sitting area in full uniform, a mix of ceremonial clothing and some utilitarian armour. Perhaps they're lucky that they forgot to disarm, for the guard may be one of the few that is actually socially acceptable to have a sheathed longsword in such close proximity to extremely important guests received in the city. Unfortunately, what Jesse doesn't forget is the fact that they are visiting the Siren's Song, which already has the impressionable guard slightly flushed at the cheek.
As Jesse strides forward, they catch Kalei talking and flashes a timid smile and a little wiggling of each finger in their wave. The Queen is of course given a more sweeping greeting, perhaps ceremonial, by the Guard lifting their wrists and extending arms to the side, then lowering in a curtsey, tip of the waist-hung scabbard bouncing against the ground due to their short stature. That bump causes the Divinus Guard to tremble in slight embarrassment, as they then clasp both hands at their front politely and try to shuffle to the side, as if trying to escape attention.
The spot prepared for the Queen is given a spell to keep the furniture dry and unscathed by the fact she is never dry, even on the coldest of days. No doubt by request, as unlike the items of her kingdom they are not designed to stand against water. The expensive materials could easily be ruined. Kalei and Jesse both draw Missiah's attention at the same time and they both get an incline of the head. Kalei gets spoken to first, though, "Hello, Kalei. It is a pleasure to see you again." Then Jesse next, "I don't often see you without the company of a Divinus, Jesse. As I always say, it is a pleasure to see you too." Then to both her hand lifts and fans to a spot at her area, "Come join me?"
The Queen's visits to the Siren's Song are frequent enough that the woman behind the bar knows her usual order, and thus Kalei snags a glass of it without any fuss or lingering moments required. She slips past her small bag and rehooks it upon a finger of the hand not filled with a drink for the Queen. Her offerings are gathered in perfect timing to let her accept the Queen's gracious offer to join her always lovely company. Approching both Missiah and Jesse, Kalei drops into a deep, elegant curtsey, her head bowed as she murmurs softly, "Your Royal Highness, it is always a blessing to be in the honor of your company. I am glad you could come by today."
After, still curtseyed, both the bag and the drink are set upon a table near Missiah's seat before Kalei then addresses Jesse, too. "And it is always a gift to see a Guard so devoted to our Kings and Queens, should I be able to find you a drink, it would be my pleasure." Though, he is working, so. Should he wish to not be distracted, the young debutante would not futher insist.
A little squeak is given by Jesse as they are directly addressed. The guard's scuttling movements are immediately halted, though those green eyes glimmer happily at the grace given all the same. In response to Missiah, they slightly stammer, "Ah, yes, it seems they are in good sorts now and I am given some release for a time. As it turns out, quite the fortunate timing! A pleasure to meet you too, as always, Your Majesty!" And as if compelled, the private approaches. There is a moment of hesitation as the Guard considers their duty versus the invitation, but it wouldn't be the first time the leaders were so social, and so Jesse submits to getting to a more conversational distance and not one of dutiful observation. They turn to Kalei and quickly give a shake of the head, assuring the Debutante, "Oh, it is always wonderful to be here! Thanks very much for the offer - you are so kind! - but I probably should not, at least for now." There is a slight grin that comes out, though it's slightly more sheepish than wolfish.
"I always make time to stop by. More so when Debutes happen. I like to assure each person is well supported." IT is hard for people not to show when a King or Queen shows up, after all. Missiah did not miss Kalei going for a drink for her but does not ask for it and merely waits until it is set down. A tilt of the head is given by Missiah to the Debutante in thanks. The bag is given an inquiring look. "That is good for you, then. IT surely means the Divinus Royal Family feels you do well enough that you deserve a break." A tilt of the head is given, "Have you considered joining the Holy Knights Valeria has set up?"
Kalei rises from her curtsey, and then offers the Queen a bright, charming smile. The smile warms all the further as the woman looks to the bag which was set beside the drink. But. Missiah and Jesse are speaking, and thus she doesn't interrupt with only idle chatter. Instead, Kalei takes a seat across the table from the Queen's, crossing her legs at the knee, and then tucking one ankle behind the other as she folds her hands and delicate fingers together atop her lap.
Her grey eyes shimmer with warmth as she settles, her gaze glancing between the Queen and the Guard as she listens to the pair converse, interested even if she does not interrupt with interjections between the discourse. She nods as Jesse declines the offer of a beverage, but. Something about the easy and sweet demeanor of the debutate likely hints that should he change his mind, it would be no imposition.
Jesse can't help but offer a grateful smile at the compliments of their due diligence at guarding the royals, shyly responding, "Thank you.. I, well.." Then the question comes out, and the guard's eyes flare out widely. They hastily respond, "Well, ah, it would be an honor to join such efforts, and of course there is justice in their purpose. However, I am not cut from such regal cloth.." The commoner gives off a long pause, then flicks their eyes to Kalei and brightens up - as if that sweet demeanor was enough to invigorate the guard and allow them to accelerate through those moments of awkwardness so easily.
"But don't worry, I will try to stay true to these words both of you speak! S-so.. um. is there something special happening today, then, that you have graced us so?" Jesse may have thought they were clever to turn the spotlight, as their eyes flick between Kalei and the Queen - even if the Guard should have known the answer to that question already and was just throwing it out there to change direction. There's a nervous biting of the guard's lower lip that soon relaxes after observing Kalei a little more, further seeming to be eased as they then finally take a seat.
"Not anything special as far as I know." says Missiah, "I wished to stop by, so I did." No surprise that the Choisi Queen just does stuff on impulse. She is not exactly known to do things planned out. "Though, I am considering taking a journey to explore an island with some ruins upon it. I am told they could potentially have an item important to the Choisi Kingdom." Then she comments on the Holy Knights, "Valeria focuses on merit for her order. She accepts anyone into her ranks. So, if you do decide that is a path you wish to follow, you can. It is not a 'forever' deal." Now to Kalei Missiah focuses once more, "You seem to have some sort of plan." notes the Queen to the Debutante as she tilts her head towards the bag. The brought drink is picked up for a sip before it is settled down once more. "What plans have you in mind, I wonder?"
As Jesse takes a seat, settles, and begins to unwind a bit of his nervous energy, Kalei's bright smile turns his way. She nods at some of what he says, but it's more a nod of understanding when someone chooses to defer, rather than agreement that defference is the correct choice. Her nod to the Queen's words, however, seems to be genuinely supported. The Holy Knights are such respectable pieces of their society, any support to their ranks is something which Kalei personally fully encourages, even if that encouragement does come silently.
When her soft, dulcet tones speak again, it isn't with an opinion about Jesse's future, nor his own path that he will need to walk for himself. It's to the Queen about what her own plans may or may not be. She giggles as Missiah asks what is on her mind, assuring softly, "Plans only for gratitude, Your Majesty. Your kindness when we met at the tailors was so very generous. I merely asked that they give me a few samples of fabrics, that I might offer them to you in hints as to what your kindness is having sewn up. I am truly grateful to have the honor of your patronage for a dress when I debut."
There's a sense of melting worry that comes from Jesse as Kalei's silent assurances and bright smile are aimed towards them, and for the first moment it would appear that the Guard sighs in relief and offers a genuinely happy expression, unburdened for the moment. Perhaps even the words about that newfound path have breached the Guard, for they only timidly nod in reply. However, the guard looks on in wonder when those ruins are mentioned. Sure, it may not have relevance to the kingdom Jesse serves, but there is a certain pull of interest that comes with such mysteries and it seems to have encapsulated them. There is also the matter of Jesse's clear interest of this journey, and perhaps the Queen's well being. So they worriedly reply, "You would not go alone, I hope?
That said, the curiosity is immediately turned to Kalei when the mention of a plan comes out, and they lean in to listen intently. There's a bubbly, good-natured chuckling after, and the guard softly observes, "A sample of the fabrics? Quite some care must be put into its make then, I have never heard of such a hint being offered!" Perhaps Jesse's naivety is to be expected given their station, though their eyes are now glued to Kalei and the bag.
"I would love to see what you have chosen so far. I suspect it will be exceptional. I have yet to meet a Courtesan that lacks taste." The damp Queen lifts a hand and starts to twirl a finger, causing water to start spiraling upwards and around her, light 'showering' down on Missiah. Missiah had started to sound like breathing was starting to get hard for her. The consequence of Missiah's magic is well known (+profile missiah) by all the kingdoms. She is basically unmatched when it comes to her water magic but the cost for it is, after all, steep. To Jesse "I was considering it." Choisi is a nomadic kingdom so it is not surprising that adventuring with no one is common. "Though, I never turn down people curious to what it is to travel across my lands."
Jesse takes on a crestfallen expression at Missiah's first words, but the second set tend to ease the guard and there's a glint of eagerness in their eyes. "I would never doubt your skill of course, Your Majesty, but if your offer extends to little me, I would love to journey with you." They lean in and conspiratorially admit to both Missiah and Kalei, "Other than an opportunity to travel alongside such an esteemed person, of course, I might be a little curious about these ruins. I've the time to spare anyway, and perhaps a journey will loosen me up a little more than staying here all the time." There's a sheepish scratching of their neck, and then more reassurances, "I suppose I am known by the other kingdoms to assist in their endeavors in their land as well! I'm sure the officers will call it a great training opportunity." Jesse giggles some at the end.
The Choisian Queen is both amused and concerned by Jesse's crestfallen look. "You can come if that is your wish. The rumors I have heard, makes me suspect the Gods are involved in the discovery of the item for rumors of it to have reached my ears and to have not been found by my people. So, there might be conditions for finding the island and item." Missiah gives a light shrug of the shoulders at that. She gives a brief glance to Kalei as she works on sorting out the fabrics for Missiah to look at.
Jesse sucks in a breath through their teeth and concludes, "While I may not be the best at tracking islands, perhaps I will be of use when the time comes to venture there." There's a bright smiling aimed at the Queen, followed by a few quick nods. "But I do wonder why the Gods would deem it fit to do so! Could it be a test of sorts? It has not been unheard of. I believe I have travelled before with those that are tested by the Gods for various things, perhaps I am to assist you in Their machinations. Maybe if I were more conceited, I could claim that I am a good luck charm!" The Guard's shoulders shake with amusement, and then ends up bowing their head more respectfully after. "Thank you, Your Majesty! When you are to set out, I shall be ready to strike forth with you. Readiness tends to be preached often in the ranks, so it is typically not hard for me to be mustered at a moment's notice anyway.." Jesse looks about the establishment for a moment and then seems to come to a realization, flushes, and then shakes said thought away.
"I would not expect someone from a kingdom based upon the mountains to be skilled in stuff related to the waters and island just as I would not expect those raised on an island to understand navigating mountains. They are very different ways." The Queen gives an assuring smile to Jesse, "I have no doubt that you accompanying me will be invaluable. Everyone can provide something, after all." Missiah does chuckle a little, "One of my children, less impulsive than I, keeps telling me I need to plan better."
Jesse hastily shakes their head in response, tossing short strands of red hair this way and that. "Impulse creates a drive to explore, right? I am sure it is a feature of your excellence!" They eventually go to swear, "Well, whatever keeps you from your goal, you'll have my service as you please, of course. Until then, I wonder, what is it you hope to find and recover?" There's a spark of interest in the guard's eyes as they look over the Queen carefully, clearly wondering as to Missiah's own goals and leaning in some.
As Missiah and Jesse talk about travels, exploration, and other things, Kalei merely listens attentively, her mercurial gaze taking in each in turn, focusing in any moment on the one of them which is speaking. Her smile is easy and bright, her demeanor cheerful, and her presence in some ways calming and designed to attract towards her to those who are open to the scents of her perfume.
While tending towards quiet, unless there is something that would add to the discourse rather than interrupt it, the Debutante's natural curiosity and chipper disposition eventually leads her to murmur, "Your future plans sound truly fascinating, Your Majesty. I hope that your travels are safe ones, and that you find only good in your discoveries as you make them. I cannot wait to, should I be lucky enough, hear all of the stories upon your safely triumphant return."
"I can't say I know." observes Missiah. "The only solid stories I have been able to get are that it is potentially a Choisian Artifact and of great interest to my kingdom." Alas, she might be whimsical and impulsive but like all the rulers, it is hard to read what it is she has planned. Especially the Choisian leaders since they do not seek to 'gain' much. They are content to travel and be at peace with all the kingdoms. "You would not have an interest in attending as well? If it is Gods related, as I expect, there will be something for all types to do. From my understanding, when Gods are involved, the way to 'reach the end' adjusts to those involved."
Jesse bobs their head to Kalei eagerly when the Queen also extends that invitation, quickly offering with both hands over their heart, "Oh, that would be quite wonderful to have you along! And shall I make sure no harm comes to you, of course. I feel you would brighten the spirits of us all!" There's a slight pause, then the Guard admits, "Tis true, I feel better already having just sat here.." Maybe drawn in and relaxed by scents, mannerisms, and kindness alike has left Jesse comfortable in their seating, an endearing smile aimed to Kalei. "Not that there would be anything harmful normally, of course. Nothing to worry over!"
When the Queen inquires as to if Kalei would not be interested in joining the expedition, the Debutante's smile is turned to the Choisan head of state. "Should your trip have space, Your Majesty, I would be honored for the inviation, and for the chance to see more of the world. I simply wish not to presume that there might be space for the company of a tourist. However, if you are gracious enough to include me in your travels and your search, it would be a delight, for which I would be unspeakably grateful. Thank you."
As Jesse also includes that wish for her presence, the debutante-to-be blushes ever so faintly, and nods an incline of her head towards him, some of her strawberry curls falling across her face as she does. It is not his offer of protection that earns him that blush, but the acknowledgement of his comfort in her presence. Still. She brushes that talent away with a soft-spoken assurance, "The Siren's Song strives to be a comfort to all we are blessed to visit us. I'm happy that you find our company charming. I shall be certain to pass your praise up to those responsible."
The mention of the rest of the establishment has Jesse peering around a little, and there's a soft shaking of the guard's form in a sense of light laughter. "Tis not a place I visit often, I must admit. But I would never be disappointed, that is certain!" Jesse shuffles a little in their seating, then looks over Kalei a little more curiously. "And of course, perhaps it would show favor if she is right and the Gods are involved, to have one so blessed by her side as you. I know very little of their ways and gifts - I've been confounded more oft than not - but that may simply be due to my simple mind and not of anything I had missed." A little laugh is taken at the guard's own expense, as the shoulders gently settle back in.
Drew's continued compliments leave that faint blush coloring Kalei's freckled cheeks. And her bright smile grows warmer. As he laughs, she does as well, assuring him, "As much as we adore all of those who are regular patrons, we're always equally happy to be able to host and comfort those less familiar, too." All of the courtesans are usually full of social grace and welcome invitation, but they're something in Kalei's warmth that sometimes hits just a faint dose of stronger in terms of genuine comfort and gentle invitations.
As to potential involvement, and her possible usefulness should deities play a role in the Queen's quest? Well. Jesse isn't wrong in his assurances. Kalei lifts a hand from her lap to tuck her fallen curls back behind her ear once more. And as her fingers retwine into her lap again after, she tells him softly, "Attia's acolytes raised me, once upon a time." Her associations to the temple are not at all hidden nor unknown. Kalei's head inclines towards the Guard once more. "Should that be of use, it would be a true pleasure to be able not just to accompany the journey, but perhaps to be lucky enough to offer assistance and usefulness along the way."
"We'll be going on one of my ships. There are none faster than a ship from my personal fleet." Of course the Choisian Queen has a personal fleet. "There is always room on them. I don't need a huge crew." Likely not surprising since Missiah likely handles a ship better than almost everyone in even her kingdom. Over a glance is slanted by the Queen and she observes, "It is no surprise Attia's clergy would raise you. She is a kind God, after all."