Kingdom of Barath *Advanced* discussion

Everything else that goes on in the castle is posted here. The castle itself is made of dark stone. The halls are lined with curtains and other decorations of the Braxtons colour and crest.

Rain Braxton crept out of her room. She had just changed from her heavy gown into more comfortable trousers and shirt. Her usually straight hair comes down in crimped waves from the tight braid her maid had it in for the day. The slipper like shoes on her feet mute her footsteps as she creeps through the castle.

Usually this was the time she had her lessons on writing, but today she had a day off. Her teacher was in a court meeting with the King and the rest of the Kings close members. No one else was allowed in there. So that was exactly where Rain was going.

Jaquelyn Dorian was roaming the castle empty halls. She absolutely hated when she came here, it was a slap in the face that her family had lost the throne. But ever since she was 14, her dear father has made her attend with him when he had business here. She utilized the time to play in the courts of royalty here. On a personal level, she wasn't impressed with any of the guys in these courts either. But she knew her duty and obeyed.

So here Jaquelyn was, walking the empty halls and bored. She skipped out on any functions for the day until the evening. She wanted to join her father in the meeting, but knew that was not allowed. As Jaquelyn passed a mirror, she paused to glance at her facade. Her hair was up in big and little braids that wrapped around her head in intricate patterns. She had donned on a silk gown that was low cut in the front and back to show off her flawless skin. And unfortunately she had put on the matching shoes that hurt her feet. She sighed and kept walking on slowly.

Jaquelyn then saw a small figure down the end of the hall. She admired this stealthy beauty for a second after realizing it must be Rain. Jaquelyn only met the girl once briefly, but have heard many stories about her. Jaquelyn had always had a little envy and respect for the girl. As she kept walking, she was sure her loud shoes would make Rain well aware of her presence. So Jaquelyn made sure to put on a smile on her face for the encounter.

Rain heard the echoing footsteps coming down the long hallway. She whipped her head around and saw a girl. Most of the time all the ladies in the castle look he same to her and this one was no different. But Rain did find her face familiar. The girls brown hair told her that she was likely from the Dorian House. She didn't want to miss the council meeting but her maid had taught her about manners and to walk away from this person would be very unmannered.

Rain switched directions and met the lady. To great her, Rain nodded her was and curtsied, but it probably looked funny since she wasn't wearing her gown. She was trying her hardest to be a lady but she was still a little young.

((Don't take it the wrong way that Rain doesn't know her lol it's just she's to young to really take in everyone since they have only met 1 ))

Jaquelyn smiled and curtseyed back. She looked at the little girl and realized she probably doesn't remember meeting her. It took Jaquelyn years to remember faces and names with one encounter. So with a genuine smile and genuine pleasant voice she said, "Good day m'lady. I'm Jaquelyn from the House of Dorian......Actually between just you and me, I am happy to see you but I am really wanting out of these shoes. You won't tell anyone if I take them off, will you?" Jaquelyn always liked kids, especially the ones she could see potential, and she saw lots of potential in Rain. She sighed in relief and smiled wider after she slipped off her aweful shoes.

An unsure smile crept across her face, but when Jacquelyn took off her shoes the smile turned genuine. Rain always liked those who didn't fallow the rules. Rain wiggled her own toes in her flat shoes, appreciating that she didn't have on those uncomfortable shoes anymore. "It's ok," she said in a sweet voice that, despite her disapproval, people seemed to swoon over. "Your secretes safe with me," she smiled.

"Well thank you, you looked like a fellow young lady that would understand and keep a secret. So now what to do? Were you going someplace in particular? I'm just bored." Jaquelyn began to chat. She was genuinly enjoying her conversation with Rain. Rain didn't try to put on a facade like all the women in court (and those are who Jaquelyn are around now). So she was bored, but deep inside, she was very glad to have met Rain (again).

Rain loosened her shoulders, feeling no need to be proper around Jacqueline. Thinking through Jacqueline's question though, unsure whether she should tell her about the meeting or not, she bit her lip. After a few moments she decided to trust her. "The council meeting" she confessed. "I like to listen to them, it's funny," her cheeks turned red and she looked to the floor.

((Sorry I'm not writing very long, I'm semi busy))

So that's where Rain was sneaking off to, Jaquelyn thought quickly. Well in truth she had always wanted to go to one, but for different reasons. She had wanted to have a voice at the table like the "men". Being stuck as a woman had its moments, but mostly is just sucked.
"ooohh, the council meeting? thats a no no, u know that? I would absolutely love to go to one though. In fact, its not fair we can't go. So you found a way in without being seen? I won't tell anyone if you let me come along too. I promise to be quiet. I really have been wanting to go to one."

Rain thought for another moment. Her hiding spot was a little tiny, and she wasn't sure Jacqueline would be able to get there with her dress. But Rain always wanted a person to share the funny experience with, so try could try. "I'll show you, but it might be hard with your dress," she pointed at her gown. "You will just have to be careful."

"my dress", Jacequelin whispered. she looked around to make sure no one was around. She was luckily wearing one of her gowns that was made to ride in as well. She unlaced the sides and the gown fell off. She was left in the top of the dress and matching pants (that were under the gown). Jaquelin giggled and felt free. She actually hated wearing gowns all the time like she did when she was at court. So she was in stocking feet and part of the gown gone. She felt great. She stashed her shoes and bottom of gown behind a statue of armor quickly. Figuring she will get it later. "let's go!"

Rain beamed a smile at Jacequelin's rebelious act. "Perfect" she said then grabbed Jacequelin's hand, pulling her along down the hall at a slow jog. The meeting had probably already started, but it was okay because her father was always late and nothing ever really started until he got there.

The two of them raced down hall after hall. Surprisingly no guards had come along. Usually there was at least one or two. Rain guessed that her father probably sent them out to the Wall or the perimiter of the castle incase of any attacks. All of the Lords from the surounding cities were here for this meeting and that put her father on edge. It was more likely for an attack that way, since the enemy was inside the castle.

No one really knew who the enemy was. Rain had gotten that much from the many meetings she had snuck into. Right now, the land was one big mess. There had been a few small batlles but no real big ones had started yet. Most of the attacks had been secrete and sneeky assasins. Everyone knew that the Dorians were threatening the Braxtons because they wanted the throne, but a lot of the other cities were attacking to for their own reasons. Rain didnt really know the politics behind it, but she knew enough.

Suddenly, as Rain and Jacequeline rounded a corner, they spotted one of the Braxton guards leaning against the door. It wouldnt be so bad if he saw them, except Jacequeline was wearing have her clothes and no shoes and Rain wasnt supposed to be out here. Pushing Jacequelin back around the corner before the guard cold spot them, she whispered franticly, "Theres a guard right there! and thats the way we need to go." The Guard was standing right between them and the hallway that leads to the kitchen, which is where they needed to go if they wanted to make that meeting. Rain could have probably pulled off sneeking by but not Jacequelin.

((not sure what to rp/...))

((Oh lol okk I'll respond later, I'm busy right now))

((ok........ if u don't like this than throw it out....its a leap even for my charrie))

Jaquelyn peeked her head around the corner to see the tow gaurds. She saw by just the uniforms that they were at the bottom of the totem pole. Then she recognized one! He had been trying to catch her eye the night before. She did notice him (after all he was kinda cute) but she knew princesses didn't date gaurds so she had ignored him. For a second she felt bad, but no one ever said the life of a royal was easy and all fun. But recognizing him gave her an idea.

"Wait right here, I can take care of them" she whispered to Rain. Jaquelyn then trotted over to the one gaurd she recognized and began talking fast about planning to ride and couldn't find her exact matching boots. She knew how to play dumb and ditzy when called for. With that both gaurds followed her down the hall and left the post at the door. In minutes, Jaquelyn was back by herself pleased that her and Rain can continue with their adventure.

Sabrina surveyed the front lines of the castle. The way the walls held so strong with their gray bricks and rare green vines snaked from window in and cracks on the structure. There was an easy access point on the second level, an unguarded window just a few feet higher than a near limb. It would be easy to get in. With more stealth than most humans had now days, Sabrina snuck through the gardens, hidden to everyone. She quickly climbed the tree and leaped into the window. No one was in the room and it gave her full access to the rest of the castle. Sabrina pulled the bag off her shoulder and retried the elegant deep blue silk gown she managed to squeeze into the bag. 

She slipped it on as well as the shoes that put her two inches higher. Sabrina had full intel of the meeting of the lords and knew most guards would be focused on their safety, not a master thief. So, she choose this day to make her steal of a royal treasure that had been taken from Sorrel 23 years ago when it was first found. It was supposedly one of the most valued things of the land, but she'd be the judge of that. 

Marie was cleaning parts of the castle that are used often, but for the moment was empty since the lords had a big meeting. She needed a break. She kept a rag in her hand, just in case she needed to look busy. She began to walk the halls quietly since her shoes barely had soles. As she went outside from the side of the castle, she could see some of the gardens. The gardens were pretty but what caught her eye was a blue gown. It was so beautiful. And blue was her favorite color. She normally didn't even think of doing something like this, but today was her birthday, what the hell. She kept her distance but began to follow the blue dress. (she is not the best in stealth, not bad but Sabrina could pick up that she is being followed)

Sabrina knew as soon as eyes laid upon her, she had been taught to notice such things. She had managed a glance at her onlooker from the corner of her eyes without the girl noticing that she saw her. It didn't trouble Sabrina any though since the girl was simply a maid from the looks. Sabrina was graceful on her feet as she went up a few steps. She walked down a long hall and took a few turns before she came into eyesight of the door that would lead her closer to the treasure she sought out. 

Marie kept her distance but stayed in eye sight of the blue dress. Now the blue of the dress intrigued Marie, but as she followed she noticed other things too. She noticed this lady walked quietly and like she had a destination on her mind. She acted like no other lady Marie had seen. Come to think of it, Marie has seen all the ladies in this castle, and she has never seen this one. This puzzled Marie for a second.

Then Marie saw where the blue dress stopped. It was at a door that wasn't extravagant like so many others in the castle, but still very heavy and well made. Marie knew where this led. There was no way this lady, one unknown to her, would want anything behind this door. Marie then thought maybe she is lost.

Marie only took a few seconds to decided what to do. She decided to go and see if she could help this lady find her way. "Ma'am" she bowed deeply as she came closer to Sabrina. "May I help you. I know how this castle is big and confusing. I get confused all the time and I have been living here since I was a babe." Marie kept her eyes to the floor and tried to act like she was supposed to when around lords and ladys. She didn't just out right say that the woman was lost or that no way she was wanting what was behind that door. Marie kept her mouth shut on those points. She had kept her talking short and in a quiet voice, hoping not to end up with lashings for this incident.

"Oh, yes dear girl," Sabrina chimed in a happy voice that sounded fully sincere. "I do believe I became quite lost in my efforts to find the one I came with," she continued. "Perhaps his name is known to you?" Sabrina knew plenty of who all had arrived in the kingdom the night before. She knew each face, each secret, and each detail needed. From the city of Sorrel is where Sabrina planned to claim to be from. Her hair matched their color and her looks seemed fitting as well. Plus, one of the men that had arrived from the dark city was indeed single. "The Lord of Sorrel's right hand, Braylin Wes. I had told me he was to be waiting outside of the courtroom considering his likelihood of lashing out what due to his temper and all." Sabrina flicked a strain of hair over her shoulder as she spoke on with a smile stretched over her lips. "He requested me come to him, but seems I have become mixed up in this large place. Perhaps you could fetch him for me?" She figured within the time the maid went to the court room and discovered Sabrina's lie, Sabrina would have her prize and be well on her well out of there. "I would go to find him, but I must admit, I am quite weary from all the searching i have already endured."

Marie listened to the story. It sounded very convincing and she almost went to "fetch Braylin Wes" but something inside her told her something was still amiss. Usually Marie does not listen to herself, and continues with her duties...its how she stays out of trouble, but like she reminded herself...its her birthday, what the hell. Whats another set of lashings to her compared to for once listening to her own gut.

"My dear lady, your story is plausible and very true about Mr. Braylin's temper. But I was there when everyone arrived yesterday and since. I have eyes and ears all over the castle. So who are you really?" This time Marie looked up when she spoke. And spoke with more of a confident tone. She didn't have ears all over the castle. But she did make it her personal business to know about the royals and lords. Kinda like how one tries to learn everything about a celebrity.

She knew she would never hear the end of it, if she was mistaken. But she felt this "lady" was not who she appeared. Something about how she was so quiet in her steps, her confidence is different from the other ladys, and just something that Marie couldn't put her finger on.

((oh Marie is suspicious but if u choose to let her know who your charrie really is, she will be a friend not an enemy))

"Well my, my," Sabrina started in a mocking tone as she tapped her finger to her chin. "Someone is bold." Sabrina had learned to act a part perfectly and knew how any other true lady of high quality that thought far to highly of herself would act. "Bold is not something that was taught to you, I am sure." 

It was slightly shocking to Sabrina that this simple maid had not believed her. Was something off in her story? It fit perfectly. But the girl claimed to have seen everyone when they arrived. "May I ask your name? I'm sure it shall get mentioned later when I join those I came with as well as the company they came to see." The treat was hopefully enough to get the girl off her back. 

Sabrina had no intentions of giving her name or what her goal was. A very hefty bounty was over her head--well "Fox's" head. But, her all the same. Death would be in her future or at less a lifetime in a cell. 

"My apologies lady, forgive my boldness. I am not normally like this. Please forgive me. There is no need for my name. I promise that after i find Mr. Braylin Wes, I will go to the appropriate authorities for my punishment and tell them you need another apology." Marie bowed and began to slowly back away but not putting her back to the lady in the beautiful dress. She still felt something was off, but being reminded of her place made her squash all of her courage. She had every intention of "fetching" Mr. Braylin then adimit to him how she had stepped out of place with his lady friend. Then she knew she would need to go to the royal gaurds for her lashings. This thought almost put tears in her eyes, for she knew the guards would do more than just lashings. She guessed she deserved it cause she did speak out of place.

"So you were raised correctly, then?" Sabrina asked with a corked brow and hands to her hips. She shut her eyes and let out a sort of huff. "I will accept your apology and ask you not bother with speaking of your little boldness to anyone." She reopened her eyes to look upon the girl. "Seems you already have been put in your place. No need to have men beat our gender any more than they have especially when the reason has been taken care of already." She hoped her mercy wouldnt suggest anything off of her royal-ship, but Sabrina wasn't exactly wishing for the girl to get beat from something that the girl had been correct to question. 
 

"My lady, I only ask for your forgivness. I know all actions have consequences so I am not one to run from something when I am wrong. I will be back shortly. There is a gaurd just down the hall, I will get him to be by you till Mr. Braylin comes. It will only be a moment."

((a guard will come before Sabrina can finish))

((gotta get off soon, have a good night))

((are you going to back on later? You should ^_^.))

((i will try but no gaurantee, but since its Friday, i will stay up late tonight...so perhaps. I will try, u know how it is with me. Anyway I kinda am wanting Sabrina to tell the truth to my charrie but if u dont want that (since she is wanted, ect) tell me and I will have my charrie back off))

"Oh, thank you," Sabrina chimed, already knowing what she would need to do to remove the guard from the picture. A simple seduction trick and a quick few movements that would render the guard unconscious would be all needed to allow her entrance to that room. If she played her cards right,  she might even be able to get the guard to open the door to allow them somewhere more "private" for what she had in mind for the two of them. Though, his mind would be full of sexual pleasures, Sabrina's were full of much different things. 

"You have my forgiveness," she assured.

West Snow was extremly bored. He hated comming to this castle because most people knew who he was and where he came from. They knew he was the comander of the knights for Sorret. But most of all they knew him because he was a bastard child of the Lady of house Sorrel. People from higher class looked upon him in discust but West had grown up smiling through it, taking everything lightly. Or making it seem like it.

So, as he walked through the castle, he kept his face carefully blank. West was supposed to be hanging around the council room incase his Lord Max got introuble but West couldnt handle standing still anymore. Telling one of the knights that came with him to stay there, he wandered off through the castle, searching for somthing to do.

As the maid had said, a guard did come. "My Lady, I was told to keep you company until the maid fetched your company," the guard said with a small smile as he bowed to her. 

"Oh, well I am indeed of some company," she charmed as he stood straight. He wasn't at all the type of guy Sabrina would ever go for, but at the time being, she had to fully act like he was. She took a step forward and ran the tip of her finger over his cheek, wondering her eyes along his body. "Do tell me, are you...in need of company, handsome knight?" 

From there it was a piece of cake. The guard did whatever she asked, opening the heavily locked doors to the room she needed to get in. Within a few seconds after closing the door behind them, Sabrina had made three small, quick motions that resulted in her having his neck tightly locked in the crock of her elbow and his back to her. Twenty or so seconds later, Sabrina was laying his unconscious body to the ground, dragging it out of sight. 

Sabrina let out a small breath as she went to a large chair that looked very simlar to that in the throne room. It was mounted to the wall and hide the room Sabrina had learned about all to well. She stood beside the chair, searching for a small hinge lock. She unclasped the lock and shoved the chair hard, causing the whole part of the wall it was connected to to slide and reveal the small room holding one thing. 

It was oddly beautiful and a little smaller than one's head. The color was a deep purple and jewels glittered in the light. Sabrina was almost stunned by the dark beauty of the unknown treasure. But, she had no time to waste. 

She went into the room, carefully picking up the egg. She pulled a small cloth out from with her bosom and wrapped the egg, cradling it like it were a baby. She shoved the chair back into place and left the room.

Guards looked her way and just assumed she to be caring a child. 


((egg, but imagine jewels on it.



))

As West wondered the hall he heard a sweet vcoice talking to a guard around the corner. Slowing down he peaked around and saw a very beautiful girl talking with a guard. West could tell from here that the girl was playing him, he could tell it from anywhere, mostly from experience himself. The guard took the bate, falling for her beauty. Together they walked down the hall. Curious as ever, West followed, wanting to know where it was this girl was taking the guard. Soon though he figured it out. The guard opened every door she comanded and it was then that West realised that he didnt recognise her from any of the houses. What was going on he wondered.

Soon they got to a room and West watched with mild amusment as the girl passed out the guard. Predictable, West thought. He wasnt going to rat out the girl though, he was way to interested in why the girl wouild go through al this trouble. He stayed hidden while she collected something and when she walked out of the room he got out of her path and hid so she wouldnt have any chance at seeing him.

When she walked out of the room, West studied where he thought she was headed and then took a short cut around a few more halls so he would end up infront of her. Speed walking, he managed it. She was just about to round a corner when West stepped out infront of her. "Well, its nice to finally have a conversation with you," he smiled crookedly. "Where would you be headed?" He quickly glanced at the bundle in her hands but looked up so she wouldnt know what he was interested in.

And that was when Sabrina's heart skipped. Damn her luck. Not only did Sabrina know the man's face and name, but she knew he was rather familiar with the other lords and very familiar with Braylin and Max, so the lie she told the maid was out the window. 

But, she could handle this surely. "Well I do believe I am headed no where currently seeing as you have stepped between me and my way," she chimed as she made an effortless turn that just allowed her to get by him. She didn't figure West would stop his questions there. He probably knew she was not of royals. But, she could easily agree and admit to not being a Lady but rather the daughter of a small city's ruler perhaps? They still dress nice. So, a small city right out of Manera would work. Ruth Village would be the name of the place thrown out, very small but living off the wealth of Meanera and practically a part of Meanera even. So, Sabrina prepped her lie. 

West liked her sarcastic remark. It wasnt everyday that he met a women who would talk back. And that comment only added to the fact that she wasnt of royal. No royal, propper lady would talk like that. So he followed her, easily falling into step beside her. "Well pardon me miss," he sarcasticly, lightly appologising for stopping her. "You wouldnt mind then if i walked with you? Then you could tell me where you are going." He noted how carefully she craddled the wrapped thing in her arms. He needed to know what it was.

Sabrina smiled lightly and looked to him, not letting her unease be shown. He was cute with his tone in ways, but that could be for a long range of reasons. Perhaps he just found her pretty and wished to speak with her on a different level than the average conversation. But, regardless, she needed him to be away from her. It was seriously dangerous for her to be with a stolen treasure talking to a general.  "On normal, I would gladly allow such a fine man as yourself to accompany me," she said gently. "However," she looked back before her. "I head to my fiancé's home who lives right outside of Manera. I feel he would disapprove of his future betrowed to be seen with a single man as yourself, alone none the least." 

Without meaning to, his smile faultered. For a moment he thought she might be serious, but then remembered her way of dealing with the guards and taking things from a locked chamber. She certainly wasnt a normal peasant women from an outside town. Quickly replacing his crooked smile though, he went along with her lie. "I am deeply sorry, i didnt mean to offend you or your husband. I had no intention of the sort." He eyes the bundle again in her arms. "But, if you wouldnt mind, could you tell me why you passed out a guard and took something from a locked room? it may help me figure out why your lying." He stepped infront of her, looking her dead in the eye, but there was still a smile on his face and his words were light not accusing. He readied himself incase she tried to run, because he still wanted to know what was under that cloth. There was no intention of telling the guards.

At first, Sabrina's smile faded. There was no lie to cover this up and she was still in the castle with plenty around to try and hinder her escape. She might even be able to get out, but not with the valuable object she held. So, she debated shortly what to say, staring darkly into the man's eyes. Then, another lie started to bubble. 

She'd heard tall tells of what the thing she held was. An egg--a dragon egg. There was tale of a master to the beast with the jeweled shell as well. It had been taken from the deep forest of Sorrel, so Sabrina assumed the master would be of Sorrel City residence. 

So, her lie based on tall tale was formed on why she carried the egg. "You know as well as I, this kingdom is corrupt," she spoke in a strong voice still. "The king wishes to keep other's hindered and unable to come against him. So, when the treasure in my arms was found deep in the forrest of your own city, the king ordered it to be taken from your home and locked away here. It was only right of mr to take it back to it's home and keep the playing ground for Sorrel even with others. Because, without the dragon master of your city having his or her dragon, you and your home would be at a great disadvantage." She wondered what he would do with the hopefully plausible lie she tossed out

((sound okay? Sabrina is rather smart on her feet and has a lot of knowledge of this like this and what not...)) 

((hey girls, sorry that i had left u hanging. it was my intention to let my maid go fetch and you two begin to rp....so it all worked out good))

((it's okay :). Braylin is actually standing outside of the courtroom, so your maid would actually run into him if you wanted to RP that with me, im down with that :).))

((K, i can start it...need to settle in, just finished chritmas shopping...i know i'm late! Lol))

The scowl hadn't left Forrest's face since he had arrived at the castle. He wanted to be back home but to his fathers wishes he obliged coming to Meneara, visiting the castle of sorts. He huffed, he could see the way the others looked at them. Like they were below them because they come from the North City. The women were a different story, gazing upon him in awe as he rode his black stallion by. He smiled at that.

Jocelyn had been sent into the castle by her mother to speak with her father about a small matter that had yet been solved in their home. Her father had been very busy recently with the threat of war, so he had been near the king in protection almost nonstop. 

So, Jocelyn was to deliver a message from her mother. Her face was known in the castle and she was fully welcomed, but she still felt out of place somehow. Her dress wasn't the finest silks or most elegant that she'd see on others, but the light emerald fabric was comfy and still looked pretty enough to make her appear as of royalty. 
 
Her eyes roamed the beautiful artwork that she'd gazed in awe at each time she stepped foot into the palace, her mind completely oblivious to any others as she came to a slow to look more intently at a painting. 

Forrest was still roaming the halls, trying to find something entertaining to do as he procrastinated from his duties. He came to a halt across the hall from a beautiful young woman. His eyes soaked her in, she looked like someone he should know. He racked his mind for any Princess or royalty that he knew of that resembled her but came out clean. He had never bet her before. He blinked a few times, trying to figure out who she was. He took a few deliberate steps toward her, sliding up against the wall by the picture she was looking at.

Jocelyn had been so absorbed in the painting that she hadn't heard the approach of anyone, so she was slightly startled when someone appeared beside the painting and caught her attention. She stepped back a few unsteady steps and brought her hand to her chest as she took in a few breaths quickly. "My, I do apologize, Mr. Milton," she rushed out after she had gotten over her mild fright. She had seen his face once or twice when his father brought him to Meanera and her mother burned his image along with other eligible--and ineligible for that matter--men of noble blood. She curtseyed perfectly. "I should have been more aware of your presence," she scowled herself as her cheeks started to red slightly. 

Forrest arched a eyebrow at the sound of his surname on her lips. "Have we met each other? I'm sure to have remembered a pretty face like yours." He didn't really know who she was at all, only that she was dressed in royal attire. Well, as royal as he knew of growing up in his kingdom. There was also the fact that she knew who he was and that she was in the castle halls. He cocked his head slightly to the side. "Call me Forrest, my father is Mr.Milton." he gave her his most charming smile.

Jocelyn had went fully into the lady like woman her mother and father had molded at this point. She let a small giggle escape her lips in response to his dazzling smile and his offer to use his informal name. "If you insist, Forrest," she said, still smiling. "And to answer your question, no, we have not directly met before. I am vaguely related to the king. Jocelyn Frost," she introduced. 

Forrest raced through his mind once again to connect the name to the face. The last name Frost sounded vaguely familiar, his father had made him memorize all the ranking families years ago. He remembered faintly of a Knight, that was all. He decided that he needed to brush up on his studies when he got back. He laughed in his head at the thought of that. "What might a lady like yourself be doing within the castle walls on this fine day?"

"I assumed everyone would be here on this day considering the discussion of the Lords and King himself," Jocelyn semi rambled out before noticing. She quickly recovered with a small laugh and a shake of her head. "But, I do suppose I am here for an entirely different reason than those great me. I'm going to deliver a message from my mother to father." She almost wanted to shun herself for her previous slip up, but lightly pat her back for her mild recovery. Mentioning the meeting brought forth from threat of war wasnt something that was considered a "lady's" responsibility or grounds by what she had been taught. 

Forrest couldn't help the smile tugging at his lips at the sound of the beginnings of a ramble. He couldn't help himself to have several different assumptions as to what the message may be about that she was referring to. He didn't dare ask her though, he knew it was obviously privet business. If it was news of the war arising, he needed to know. "Do you mind if I assist you to deliver the message? I have been longing for some company. Perhaps afterwords we could get to know each other better." Hit two birds with one stone.

The first thing that popped into Jocelyn's mind was something along the lines of Oh, I'm sure you have far more important things to do. But, she knew how if her mom found out she destroyed the chance to 'get to know' a lord's son, she'd never live it down. So, naturally her response was, "I'd be most honored to have you escort me." She paused for a moment just to allow her smile to form wider. "And I do suppose I could only repay you by allowing you to know a little about myself afterwards." Plus, she was certainly not against the idea of getting to know him. He seemed nice--though she'd heard plenty of rumors of how he was just a charming 'lady's man' and was never truly one to commit.  Maybe the rumors were wrong.