Arrival of the Sell-Sword

[Shin]

Two weeks had passed since Nicoli’s arrival in Emain Macha, a boat ride from Cizok had taken the handsome and tall man part way around the world. The trip had been decided on rather spontaneously for Nicoli, he was man that preferred to plan out his arrangement and make my prior plans to assure that when he arrived in the city he did so with all of the information the Moonshades could gather. This trip had not gone that way at all, a very uncharacteristic move for the sell-sword.


Word of his arrival had preceded him and Nicoli had been pleasantly surprised when an informant had been there to greet him and fill him on the events taking place in Emain Macha; the power structure, the important figures, and where to and not to tread lightly. Nicoli absorbed every word the informant had told him and over the course of two weeks he had gone and gathered his own information, using various guises and pseudonyms to fulfill his purpose, all the information he had gathered lead him to where he was now. Sitting in barracks waiting room for a man by the name of Blackburn, a man of no small importance Nicoli reminded himself.

This day Nicoli opted to where the garment he was most comfortable in; a dark gray almost black trousers and matching shirt. Both simple pieces of cloth that blended behind the masterfully crafted leather vest he wore under a deep brown cloak. The outfit was rather somber and boring to look at and truthfully that was how Nicoli had designed it. Nicoli was a rather handsome man by many standards, he possessed a strong jaw and small nose above full lips that were usually pressed tight in a look of displeasure. High cheek bones suggested a more exotic nature that were a prelude to his most disturbing and striking feature. His eyes. They were very portals to the abyss itself some said, large, depthless, and impossibly black. They were unnerving to many of the cliental that Nicoli so often worked with, a hard look was enough to silence even the hardiest of men.

He had been checked for weapons prior to being allowed entrance into the Barracks, though the guards hadn’t requested he remove anything, only that he was honest with what he carried. Nicoli had told them the truth, showing them the hilt of the two weapons that rested on either hip and telling them of the daggers he carried on his person. With the guards satisfied he was lead to the small and simple waiting room where he did what one did when waiting for anyone of importance …. you waited.

[Igraine]

By all accounts Gavin Blackburn was the man to see about getting a position in the Castle. He was the man that gave out the jobs and signed off on payment. His reputation preceeded him on many occassions and so, when he finally stepped into the moderately sized room with Nicoli...the man might think the world was joking with him.

Gavin was only around five foot eight inches and he had soft mouse like features under a mop of dusty brown hair. He had large brown eyes that were markedly warm and kind. He was a pale young man, as were so many of Ulsterian descent. His posture spoke of kindness but rigid protocol. This man, just because he was a good man, wasn't someone to be taken advantage of.

"Ah yes, you must be Nicoli. A pleasure, sir. My name is Gavin Blackburn and I'm the personal advisor of the Queen, among other duties." Gavin nodded and took a seat across from Nicoli. He didn't offer his hand, but he did dip his head in acknowledgement of the man. Gavin had found through years of experience that men like Nicoli didn't particularly care for a handshake or niceties that the people of the Court often required. In a way, Gavin felt most comfortable with men like Nicoli -- even though he knew that not a few members of the Court had intentions of hiring men like him to kill Gavin for his position.

"I have been briefed that you're looking for a job among the swordsmen in My Lady's army? If you will excuse my forwardness, I would like to know your reasoning behind incorporating yourself in High Queen Igraine Lothair's army. I can see that you're not a fellow countryman of Ulster, but few mercenaries are. I am in the position that I have to make sure that you aren't an assassin attempting to kill her." That was the reason why Gavin met each and every single one of the men he hired personally. No one got through the gates and into the army or personal guard of Igraine without meeting this man's shrewd gaze. If he didn't like a man, the man was turned away and Gavin never forgot a face.

"If you can assure me, without lying, that you are not here to kill her -- then we will discuss your asking price. Army recruits get paid a flat monthly rate and if you are aiming for the Queen's personal guard you get higher pay per month. She hasn't had as many death threats or assassination attempts as her mother, but her mother just stepped down three years ago." Gavin didn't explain Kahlan Lothair, he felt like he didn't have to. If Nicoli was curious he could ask anyone and he might be disgruntled to find out that the old Queen wasn't exactly...old. Oh, surely she was old in the fact that she was centuries upon centuries old -- but she didn't look a day over twenty five.

"If you're deemed worthy of such a position in the Queen's Personal Guard then I will escort you to meet the Queen. I do believe she is back in residence for the time being. You will have to excuse her acknowledged lover. He can be very unorthodox. So, tell me about yourself Nicoli, and don't think about lying." Gavin warned.

[Shin]

Nicoli was on his feet as the door opened and in stepped a mouse of a man, though the resemblance was one that started and ended with his facial features. Dark, bottomless eyes of the purest black studied Gavin as the door closed behind him and he moved to take a seat across from Nicoli. Small, but a man of no nonsense when it came to business. Nicoli could respect that.

He took a seat as Gavin sat, never taking his eyes off of the man. So this was the man of such great importance Nicoli mused. Nothing special to look at, rather short and not intimidating in the slightest. A ruse? Nicoli mulled over that thought for a moment, then man could be a mage of sorts he concluded, but he could also just be nothing more than what he appeared.

“I am, Nicoli Salvatore.” He stated flatly, deciding against his better judgment to use his true name and not an alias as he had before. It was against protocol but Nicoli didn’t really care about such things anymore, he had a personal score to settle and this man Gavin would be a building block to help him achieve that goal.

The slight hint of a smile flashed across Nicoli’s features, pulling at the left side of his face for a brief moment, it flashed so quickly that Gavin could of easily missed it. The first instinct Nicoli had was to lie and to protect himself, it was a task he was sure he could have completed easy, he had even gone as far as to create a compelling and believable story for exactly this occasion. He abandoned that train of though now.

“ I am not here to kill her or anyone else in this court.” Nicoli verified in a flat tone. “My reason for being here is…selfish and truthfully I don’t care what you offer to pay me. I will be a member of the Queens personal guard, a shadow within a shadow.” Nicoli stated.

“My skills would be wasted among the common rabble, furthermore, I possess the very skills that so many Queens fear. I have killed Queens.” He clarified, watching Gavin’s reactions to his words carefully before taking a sip of the water, just enough to wet his lips and tongue. “I will be honest with you Gavin, though that may hurt your opinion of me. I feel that you are a man that values honesty and practicality. I am here not to only offer my services as a mercenary, but I also represent a guild of informants that are interested in selling their services to your Queen, for a price of course.”

The wooden chair groaned as Nicoli leaned back into it, he was done speaking and if Gavin had questions he knew the man would ask them. To Nicoli he seemed like a man that knew his position and valued it greatly, he wouldn’t let Nicoli out of the room until he was a hundred percent sure that Nicoli was telling the truth and even then there were certain variables that Nicoli certainly didn’t know, such as the off-handed comment about the Queens lover, a man that Nicoli knew nothing of nor cared anything about.

[Igraine]

Gavin kept a shrewd gaze on Nicoli as he spoke. He noted the flat tones of the man's voice and his lips twitched ever so slightly at the knowledge that this man could bring informants to the table. There was nothing off hand that seemed to scream that the man would kill anyone. If he tried, well he was in the wrong castle for that. Thorin would keep Igraine safe if this man went rogue.

"You seem to be telling the truth." Gavin spoke amiably after a long minute of silence. "You're lucky, not all men that pass through this room make the cut. More than half lie, and you would certainly be one that could lie if he needed to." Gavin stood and gathered his clipboard, the one thing he always had with him, and motioned to the door.

A man not much taller than Gavin himself walked through. He was more statuesque though, with a handsome face and well defined features. He had bright blue eyes and dusty blonde hair. He was someone that, while handsome, could be overlooked if he needed to be.

"Nicoli, this is Arthur -- head of the Queen's Personal Guard." Gavin motioned to the man and Arthur bowed smartly from the waist, his hair swaying forward ever so slightly over his forehead.

"It's good to have another sword to rely on. There are fifteen of us, counting you now. We stay within the castle and within reach of the Queen at all times. This means we share the Queen's wing." Arthur spoke, his voice was quiet but there was no doubting the muscle under his leather jerkin. He might be small but there was a physical power about him, and a definite reason for him to be the leader.

"My second in command is on leave at the moment, but you will meet him later. His name is Aiden." Arthur didn't offer a last name for himself or his second in command because they didn't use them. They were a personal attribute that had no place in the job they were committed to.

As Arthur shifted to walk to the door, his cloak fell away from his shoulders and across both biceps were black leather straps studded with sharp metal. On the inside of his left forearm was an insignia, what looked like at a quick glance, a dragon's foot flanked by angel's wings. It was tattooed in blue woad and easily concealed. Nicoli would learn, later, that it was the insignia worn by the leader of the Queen's Personal Guard. It had a significant meaning, especially the angel wings.

"Come, the Queen will want to meet you. I believe she's currently working in the garden." Unusual for a Queen, but every member of Royalty typically had some quirks.

[Shin]

‘I seem to be?’ The words almost made Nicoli laugh and he did well in hiding a true smile. Nicoli Salvatore could ‘seem’ to be a lot of things or do any number of things. Perhaps it was just a poor choice of words on Gavins behalf. Nicoli only had to assume that there was some sort of magic at work here, or perhaps the man in front of him possessed the ability to detect lies? He couldn’t be for certain on any of those theories, only that he knew no spell had been cast directly on him. ‘Interesting.’ He mused.

There had to be more to the process of becoming a member in the Queens personal security force than a simple interview, interrogation by magic, combat testing...something. He raised a single brow, as if questioning the line of tactics that Gavin was using. A tactic used to place Nicoli off his guard perhaps? Again he kept his thoughts to himself and rose when another man entered the room, this one carrying the stature of a warrior.

Protocol dictated that Nicoli bow back in return, yet, even such a simple gesture was nigh impossible for the slightly paranoid man and he gave a curt nod instead. One warrior acknowledging the presence of the other, nothing more. He quickly sized up the man in front of him, a man that had been introduce to him as Arthur.

“You may call me D’Angelo. It is name that has been attached to me and that I have grown fond of over the years.... sir.” Nicoli had paused briefly before adding the honorific title, not out of a reluctance but simply because it was not a term he used very often and even in these conditions it was not an admittance of superiority, never that, but merely a title of respect. Though the respect was a tentative thing, he believed that respect was something that had to be earned and not merely given because of age or rank.

“Very well, lead the way, Arthur.” Nicoli turned to Gavin then, giving the slight decline of his head, as much a show of respect as he would give. “Thank you for your time.” With those words spoken the sell-sword turned to follow Arthur to the garden.

“I have a few questions of my own, basic information really. What is our training regime like?” Nicoli started off. “I assume that the fourteen of you don’t see very much combat due to being inside these walls day after day.” It was a simple observation, one that Nicoli wasn’t entirely pleased about, but then again perhaps other uses for his many skills would arise.

[Igraine]

Arthur didn't look at him as they navigated through the courtyard and castle. He spoke calmly and didn't seem disturbed at bringing a man to his Queen that had gone through very little to be close to her.

"We train daily behind the barracks from sun up to mid-morning." Arthur did cast a glance Nicoli's direction when he mentioned being stuck in the Castle all day. He let out a bark of laughter before shaking his head. The new guy wasn't exactly in the loop about everything that happened.

"We don't stay in the castle. We go where the Queen goes, without question. We just returned from Xexoria. The Queen has family and business interests there." Arthur slipped through a few doorways, avoiding colliding with the bustling castle servants and errand boys. He brought Nicoli down a long hallway that ended in a grand set of glass double doors before branching in either direction.

"Queen Igraine does travel quite frequently and it is understood that her personal guard goes with her everywhere she goes. Today she's in residence and given that she's outside we're taking care to watch over her." Arthur glanced out the double doors and smiled. It was common knowledge that Igraine and Arthur were old friends, having grown up together practically.

"There are certain things you will be expected to learn, such as the calls we use to call attention to one another. None of them are verbal. Where Igraine travels there are very few reasons for verbal commands." Arthur commented as he opened the door and stepped outside.

The gardens were expansive and some of the early spring flowers were already in bloom. Nicoli would hear a feminine voice echoing softly across the lawns before he saw the source. As Arthur rounded the corner of a nearby series of hedges, Nicoli would get his first sight of the High Queen of Ulster.

"By the gods, what was this Gardener doing? Certainly he couldn't have been doing his job. Just because I'm gone a lot doesn't mean the job doesn't need to be done." Igraine's back was to the upcoming pair and she had her hands on her hips. She wore a long pale blue dress that was tight all the way to her hips before flairing out and falling in crisp folds to the ground. At first glance it didn't seem as if she had been working in the garden personally, but there were a few attendants that were scrambling to get whatever she wanted done.

Arthur cleared his throat and Igraine turned with a smile. She was relatively tall for a woman, around five foot nine, with long wheat blonde hair that was pulled back in a braid threaded with some early spring flowers. Her eyes were a startling shade of emerald.

"I have a man that you will want to meet, Majesty." Arthur spoke, saluting her with a fist over his heart and a bow from the waist. "He prefers to be called D'Angelo." The introduction was simple but Arthur was a man of few words.

"A pleasure, D'Angelo." Igraine extended her hand to Nicoli and smiled. There was a reason that the man hadn't been touched with magic. Igraine was a font of magic and Nicoli would be able to feel it. She was a powerful woman in many respects, though it would only get better with age. Her mother was a force to be reckoned with.

"D'Angelo. What an interesting name." Igraine tilted her head as she regarded Nicoli with her piercing emerald eyes. "Angels are fascinating creatures, wouldn't you say, D'Angelo?"

Arthur looked a little startled at such a question directed at the new man. No one had questioned his name, yet the Queen took particular interest in it. Then again no one outside of the Queen's personal guard and her personal advisor really understood how much Angel blood ran through Igraine's veins, or that her mother was an Angel herself.

[Shin]

There was indeed much that D’Angelo didn’t know; a problem that could only be remedied by time spent exactly where he was. Though, truthfully, information wasn’t his primary concern and anything he learned was merely a bonus. He refrained from speaking as they walked, deciding that to ask any more questions would by pointless, he would learn everything he needed to with time.

A sight tinge of excitement coursed through D’Angelo at the prospect of traveling. That was always something he enjoyed and despite the fact that he was a well traveled individual there was always something more to learn and something new to see. Perhaps even more than traveling the prospect of sparring against these other fourteen individuals would be his greatest joy, all he assumed were experts in their craft.

The castle was beautiful and distinctly different in its appearance when compared to the architecture of other nations; Cizok, Xexoria, Greoul and others all with distinct patterns in their architecture. D’Angelo decided he would come and inspect what he saw later to give him a better insight into the kind of people he would be living with.

D’Angelo approved the garden he stepped into, while chaotic, he approved of the natural beauty of things. Proffering them over the tamed, cut, and trim gardens generally were; and what this one would likely turn back into when it was done. His attention turned back to the Queen as he was introduced, his black orbs studying her careful as he took the hand offered to him.

“It is an honor, your majesty.” Though D’Angelo took the hand that was offered he merely bent low and touched the tip of his forehead to it, it was a subservient gesture, but one that made it very clear that he was indeed a mercenary, a man hired and loyal to her thru the coin he was given and not out of any love or respect for her or the country she represented.

“It is a title that I was given, your Majesty.” He said, though he kept his tone level with only a slight infliction pride. It was a controlled movement and response, above all things D’Angelo remained in control of himself. “Truthfully I have met but a single Angel, though it was surely a glorious thing to see.”

“I have learned that the nature of the creature hardly matters when sufficient power is present. Be them Devil, Demon, or Angel – for I have met all three – they all expect and demand a certain amount respect simply because of their nature. Granted, the Angel is less likely to tear you limb from limb…” D’Angelo let his sentence trail off and finished with the shrug of his shoulders. It was Nicoli’s sense of humor; dry, sarcastic, and slightly morbid. But then what could one expect of one that spent several years of his life in the very presence and care of those three creatures.

“I am here not only to offer my services as a personal guard, but as an ally. I represent the interests of the Moonshades. We are a small collective of individuals that have no small amount of influence and knowledge in Cizok and Xexoria, though we are currently broadening our horizons.” He said with his first smile, his eyes locked onto the Queens as he spoke. There was much one could tell from a person by looking into their eyes, there was much D’Angelo could tell about the Queen even now, but much more he was sure he could learn.

[Igraine]

Igraine did something that Nicoli probably didn't expect. She laughed. She let her hand drop to her side as she chuckled and nodded at his judgement of such creatures. Her eyes danced with her mirth and she looked back into Nicoli's eyes without flinching. There was a lot this man could learn about her if he were intuitive enough.

"I would not be so sure that Angels wouldn't be apt to tear anything limb from limb. Some of them are rather cruel given the chance." Igraine spoke as she motioned ahead of her to indicate that the men should walk with her. Arthur took up a comfortable position behind her, but Igraine wouldn't let Nicoli go and would insist he walk with her and talk with her.

"You see Master D'Angelo..." Igraine tilted her head in his direction and whispered, as if to a confidante. "My mother is an Angel." He could take her for a strange woman, lost in her wits, but there was no reason to. It was common knowledge among her personal guard, but the knowledge ended there except for a few select individuals.

However, with a mother that was an Angel that would make her at least half Angel. That realization might not surprise Nicoli if he had actually met one of her kind before.

"I think you would like my Mother. She has very interesting stories to tell, that's for sure!" Igraine grasped her hands behind her back and smiled, her eyes distant in thought for a moment.

"I would pay well for good informants. I have family in Xexoria, the Xanathi clan no less, and I am very much interested in the things that go on there. The country of Cizok is unknown to me. I haven't had the chance to travel there yet, you really must tell me about it some time. I am intensely interested in any information you might be willing to sell from that area."

By the time Igraine was finished speaking they were in another area of the expansive gardens. It was a wilder area, as if someone had planted the plants however they desired and then left them to grow. Closer inspection would show that they were well tended, but encouraged to grow however they desired. Igraine's eyes softened as she looked at this particular part of her gardens, obviously a soft spot for her.

"You can tell a man by how he reacts to certain events in his life. For example, I can tell that you could care less about the trappings of royalty and you must be here for some reason. You don't seem to be the type of man to sell himself so easily. However, when I first laid eyes upon you, you looked almost wonderously at the plants in my garden." Igraine spoke, keeping her eyes on Nicoli, watching his expression -- but mostly watching his black eyes.

"How is it that a man so unaffected by those around him is interested in something like a garden?" Igraine sat on a bench near some early pale pink roses, the color of the petals so close to the color of her skin that Nicoli might question her lineage. He would learn, at some point in his stay with her, that she was part Fae. At some point, but not right now. Igraine smiled and rested her hands in her lap, waiting for Nicoli's reasoning behind his actions.

[Shin]

“I cannot claim to know much about such creatures.” He replied back, shrugging in indifference as he continued to study the women in front of him. To his credit D’Angelo did not flinch or miss a step when the Queen claimed her mother was nothing less than an Angel. A look of intrigue did cross features. “How peculiar.” He commented, he had never been good at accurately expressing his emotions.

There was much that D’Angelo could have said in regards to the Queens sudden proclamation, yet he decided none were a wise course of action and kept his mouth shut, instead he focused on what she said next. “I will alert the guild that you are interested in our services. “ He said in a proper, diplomatic tone. “Cizok… is an interesting place. Many of their lords do not take kindly to outsiders. I was lucky enough to prove myself in combat against a Kensai, a sword saint,” He clarified for her. “ and through victory I was able to find a place where I was excepted as a warrior, though still a second hand citizen I was afforded to train with them. Really, it is most interesting.” D’Angelo said with the tinge of excitement in his voice.

“To be honest your Majesty, you are correct. I believe, and have seen, that many kings and queens, senators and many in places of power become corrupt or tyrannical or become so over burden with the trappings of their position that they become a puppet for someone else. And as far as the garden, well… what’s not to love about the uniqueness of nature?” He asked, gesturing to the very area around them.

“It is subtle at times, harsh when it needs to be. It is fair, non-judgmental, powerful, and beautiful.” As he spoke he only glanced at the Queen and instead focused his eyes on the many colorful flowers that littered where they were. He refrained from taking a seat and instead stood, hands resting in the small of his back.

“Nature is perfect, your majesty”

[Igraine]

The emerald eyes watched him carefully as he spoke, taking in his every move, his every falter. When he spoke of Cizok she detected almost a hint of pride in his voice and that made her smile. It was so rare to find men proud of learning these days. In the end Igraine smiled and laughed softly, it was a musical sound that showed she was not a stranger to such emotions.

"Cizok sounds fascinating, D'Angelo. I must make plans to visit such a place if you recommend it so highly." Igraine arranged her skirts around her legs better and glanced up as Nicoli continued to speak.

"I would have to agree, Master D'Angelo. You will learn at some point in your stay with me that Nature plays a very important part in my life. This particular garden is precious to me and only I tend it." In the corner of the garden was the shed that she and Thorin had fallen out of earlier yesterday afternoon. The gardener used it for storage, though it looked to be cleaned out now and was well on it's way to becoming an apothecary. Igraine stood and walked toward the shed and motioned inside.

"Nature gives us many things. Rain, soil for planting, food, and medicine. So many things that are important to us that so many people take for granted. It's sad really. I am glad to hear that you respect the natural world and it makes my men's judgement of you even more cemented in my mind."

Igraine turned and looked at Nicoli, then she smiled. "I think you will fit in just fine. The fact that you can bring a wealth of information is guaranteed of that." She wasn't an idiot when it came to such matters. A man could be worth his weight in gold for the right information. A Monarchy was only as good as it's informants reach, and to have a man that knew a country that she didn't was invaluable to her.

Igraine glanced around Nicoli's shoulder to where Arthur still stood watching the two of them. It wasn't that he thought that Nicoli would hurt the Queen, but he was there to make sure that her lover didn't think she was meeting the man for a love tryst. That would be a very messy mistake on Thorin's behalf, but a mess none the less.

"I want you to answer straight to me. You will be within my personal guard but any information or requests you have bring them to me. I don't care if it's in the middle of the night and you don't want to wake me. If you can't find me you're to hold on to any information you might have. Don't even tell it to Blackburn." Ah, so there was a little intrigue. Then again she was in a position where anyone could be manipulated by the Unseelie King given the right persuasion.

"Just don't make it seem like you're usurping Arthur. That would cause a very sticky mess for the both of us." Igraine smiled as Arthur caught her eye and waved at him. He was used to her meeting new recruits and talking with them in such a fashion, so the information that passed between Nicoli and Igraine was lost on him.

[Shin]

Nicoli nodded at the Queens proclamation. “Everyone needs a place to call their own. A home away from home.” He added in to her reference that she was the only one that tended to the garden. Nicoli was continuing to look around, the smells of the flowers and other plants forming an intoxicating blend of aromas to his extremely sensitive nose. He was mentally cataloging and identifying the plants as he followed the Queen to the small wooden shed.

“You are into the blending of herbs for medical purposes?” He asked, taking a step closer to peer inside, his dark eyes scrutinizing what she had in there and what else was needed. “You are well on your way to having a very fine apothecary.” He added, taking a step back, hands still clasped behind his back.

“I am well versed in such arts, and know of some….actually,” Nicoli paused and tossed his cloak back over his shoulders, not only revealing the two magnificent crafted weapons at his side, but many small pockets and straps containing various items. From a small pouch near his hip he pulled out a small cloth that was wrapped around something obviously very delicate. “Crushed night blossoms, a rare flower that only blooms under the full moon deep in the Uncharted Territories. They say it’s effects our powerful, it can greatly magnify near any potion or salve it is added too. There is enough for two doses there.” He reach to hand the Queen his gift.

“I suggest a contract your Majesty, outlaying the parameters of our agreement and the stipulations on how I report. That way no one will be offended. I can assure you that I speak with full confidence and full authority of the Moonshades. Consider this gift an offering that signifies the alliance between us.”

Nicoli would once again clasp his hands behind his back and turn his complete attention back to the Queens intense gaze. “I wish to ruffle no ones feathers. My tenure here can be seen as a diplomatic one with the added bonus of having my swords at your call, your Majesty.”

[Igraine]

She took the herbs with care and smiled brilliantly. It was a smile to rival the brightest sun and she brought the flowers quickly into the shed. Nicoli would hear some clanking and shuffling as she found the best opaque jar to put the gift into. Among the rattling of bottles and pans and things he would hear her talk.

"Consider it done, Master D'Angelo. I will have the document drawn up by Blackburn and sent to you tomorrow for your approval. If you approve you can sign it and send it back to me through Blackburn." The bottles continued to rattle and then when they quieted down Nicoli would be able to see her once again as she stepped out of the shed and dusted her hands on her blue gown. Small little dust smudges smeared across her hips but she didn't seem to mind, not like most women of her status.

"If you're to be an ally then your status raises you out of my personal guard. It is purely your choice to lend me the aide of your sword. I accept your gift most whole heartedly. I am quite excited to make use of it as a matter of fact. It requires that you stay in a different wing of the castle as a dignitary, though. If that is okay with you? For tonight you can stay with the men of my personal guard if you like, or we can make arrangements to have your rooms set up where you like." Igraine motioned to where Arthur was standing and began to walk that direction. When she met up with him she smiled and took his arm and began to walk back toward the castle.

"Do tell me more about Cizok, Master D'Angelo. I find myself taken with the idea of this place I've never visited before." Igraine's eyes were dancing with curiosity as she looked over at Nicoli from where she leaned on her guard's arm very lightly and properly. It hadn't been spoken, but Igraine was pregnant and the guard around her took extra care that she didn't get hurt. It was Thorin's orders, and she obeyed them -- if only just.

[Shin]

Nicoli weighed his choices carefully, for as simple of a decision as it seemed there were certain underlying factors that he had to determine. On one hand he knew that he could stay with the soldiers and build a relationship with them, but on the other he could elevate himself and establish a standing among those in the court. The soldiers, no doubt elite in combat, provided the need and want to keep his skills sharp and battle ready; while those in the court provided valuable knowledge.

Nicoli surprised himself by how quickly he came to a decision, it had been easy to shrug off the idea of furthering the Moonshades with what knowledge that he might have gathered from choosing where he slept. In truth, his decision for staying with the men had nothing to do with keeping up his martial prowess or teamwork; it was fueled solely by a single underlying emotion. Revenge.

“I would be most pleased to see the contract that his written up. I would also like to keep this as secret as possible your majesty. The strength of the Moonshades is not in our arm, but our ability to move unseen behind the curtain.” As he spoke he gave a slight nod and stepped to the side as the Queen moved to take Arthurs arm.

“I would prefer to stay with the men, just another sword for hire. Not to mention I look forward to testing my own abilities against the very best that this country has to offer.” He walked to keep pace with the two, though a half-step behind.

“The country is beautiful and the people are no less exotic. From dusk till dawn they devote themselves to a single profession, and perform that task with in a ritual like manner. From the farmer that sows his seeds to the might Samurai that learn to wield their weapons. I do not think words can describe it. Has your Majesty heard of Bushido? It is a code similar to a knights Chivalry…though with some very distinct differences.” Nicoli continued to talk as he walked behind the Queen and Arthur, explaining as best he could the nature of the Cizokian people and their culture.

[Igraine]

Igraine tilted her head in Nicoli's direction, keeping her gaze downcast. She was listening intently with her eyes closed, drinking in the warm sunshine and allowing Arthur's steady step to guide her. Listening was one of her shining points as a Queen. Everyone felt as if they were listened to and she was so quiet that some wondered if she thought of herself at all.

Of course she did. There was valuable information found while listening instead of speaking.

"I have never heard of a Samurai or a...a...Bushido is it? I know what a knight is because I have many, though I can't fathom that a Bushido looks the same? Do they wear armor like a Knight, Master D'Angelo?" Igraine opened her eyes and cast a glance back and up at him. She was genuinely interested in what the man had to offer about a culture that she knew nothing about.

"Isn't it strange that I've lived my life travelling to so many places, but I've yet to plunge myself into a place so rich in culture as Cizok?" Igraine mused, running the fingertips of her free hand along her bottom lip. "I think, Master D'Angelo, we have very much to learn from each other. I will have the required documents drawn up and presented to you in your room in the morning. It is common practice with new recruits, you see, to fill out the proper paperwork to join my personal guard."

Igraine let go of Arthur as they neared the castle proper and smiled at the man. He bowed smartly from the waist and saluted her with a fist to his heart.

"Arthur, find Blackburn and tell him to meet me in my office. I will escort D'Angelo to his room." When Arthur made to protest, his brows furrowing together, Igraine raised her hand and silenced him. "It is not an inconvienience to me. I need to walk, and besides I have to walk right by my office in order to show him where my men stay." When Arthur started to protest some more and mentioned the baby she was carrying, Igraine frowned.

"Do not lecture me. I will do as I please, and I highly doubt Master D'Angelo will let anything harm me or the child I carry. Now please, go find Blackburn and wait in my office." It would be the first time Nicoli learned that she was pregnant. If he glanced at her belly there would be no indication of pregnancy so she had to be very early on. She was all of about a week pregnant given the time differences between the Faerie Realm and the Human World. Pretty soon she wouldn't be able to wear such form fitting clothing without some difficulty. Not to mention looking like a human balloon.

"I apologize for Arthur. He means well but he does tend to take it personally if I don't have him by my side constantly. He takes my well being as the largest part of his job. Though, I dare say, he rather enjoys my company and feels that you might usurp that with your knowledge of what is unknown to me." Igraine chuckled softly and motioned for Nicoli to walk with her. She wouldn't lean on his arm, and she would stay a respective distance from him.

"Yes, before you ask, I am pregnant. I'm carrying a daughter." Igraine offered the information freely though Nicoli might wonder who she had taken as her lover. If he stayed around long enough he would be very amazed that she had taken Thorin into her bed. The man was crass, mean, and very uncomfortable with his surroundings.

However, it was evident that something in her loved him.

"So, what is a Sam-ur-eye?" Igraine asked as they ascended the stairs to the back door of the castle. Her hands were tangled in her skirts to lift them free of her feet, which were bare. She was so much a Queen and yet so unlike a Queen that it could make a normal man's head spin. "Am I saying that correctly? The words they use are so unfamiliar to my tongue!"

As they entered the castle her feet patted along softly on the cold stone floor until they reached the carpet. They ascended a few stair cases and turned right down a long hallway. Arthur was already standing outside a huge oak door near the staircase, and down at the very end of the hallway were two huge doors that signaled the beginning of the Queen's rooms. All along the hallway, though, there were twenty doors studded at regular intervals after the expansive office near the front. Igraine brought him to a room four doors down from her own on the right side of the hallway.

"My men have their own rooms. At any given time I only keep twenty personal guard, though I only have need of fifteen right now, including yourself. This will be your room until you leave, and should you return, you are more than capable of having the same room." When he stepped inside it would be a series of simple rooms, a warriors set of rooms, but moderately large -- obviously the rooms given to expert warriors and well kept men. There was a place for armor and weapons near the door for quick use. There were three rooms. A sitting room, a bathing room, and a bedroom. The furniture was simple but elegant, indicative of being in service to a Queen that understood that frills were of no consequence to a Warrior.

"Welcome to Ulster, and my service, Master D'Angelo. If you need anything please let me know. If I'm not in my office then I'm either in the dining hall or in my rooms." Igraine said as she turned to go, seeing Arthur move from foot to foot in anticipation of her coming to her office. Obviously she had to tell Blackburn to work up that document for D'Angelo's approval.

[Shin]

Nicoli smirked despite himself, the Queens mistake was an honest one. He thought for a moment before he continued on with explaining the country to her. “Bushido is a code, your Majesty. Similar to Chivalry. Though, it is important not to think of it as Chivalry, there are many differences. It is a moral code that stresses frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery, and honor unto death. It allows a Samurai’s normally very violent life to be tempered by wisdom. It guides them.”

He hoped that he explained it adequately enough, and though the concept wasn’t new to him, even Nicoli was surprised by it’s application when he had been around the warriors. Perhaps calling it a code wasn’t correct, it was a way of life.


“Not so strange, Cizok is a very isolated place. They are self sustaining and have no need of outside influence, nor do they particularly want outsiders in their country.” He explained as they continued to walk, maintaining his half pace behind the two as the traversed the castle.

Nicoli stood there, impassive, as he listened to the ordeal between the Queen and Arthur, he was obviously a very protective man. Of course Nicoli had the common sense to look the other way and continue to look over the plants and flowers that decorated the area they were walking though.


“Congratulations.” Nicoli said with a bow, though, if the news truly surprised him or not he didn’t show it nor did he have much more to say on the subject. What could he say? It was truthfully no business of his, and he much preferred to keep himself out of family matters. Get into deep and emotion ruled over logic, rush decisions were made and a sort of animal instinct took over. This was especially true for women.

With a nod Nicoli fell in line a safe distance from Igraine, hands clasped behind his back as he walked. “He is a good man, a fine choice in Captains for your personal guard.


“A Samurai, which literally means ‘One who serves’, is a warrior noble. Though, they are warriors of extreme prestige and skill, they also serve as diplomats and scholars. Very complicated individuals, always worried about their honor. They would take their own life with nothing more then a word from their lord.” He explained, casting his gaze over to the Queen to see her reaction, if any.


“Yes, their language isn’t the easiest to speak. I know just enough to get by and render the proper titles as to avoid having my head removed. Though, they prefer me to not butcher their language and the individuals I stayed with were kind enough to keep a translator with me at all times.”

“Very well your Majesty.” As he stepped inside Nicoli was surprised, though he didn’t know why. He always expected conditions to be less than what they appeared to be, yet a three room section of the castle to call his own was far grander than what he could of asked for.

“Thank you.” He said again with a stiff bow. “The room is more than adequate.” As the Queen turned to leave Nicoli also turned, closing the door behind him and moving to inspect the rest of the rooms much more closely, a slight bit of paranoia provoking him to make sure everything was as it appeared and nothing out of the ordinary was present.