Joseph
"Well-" Her answer was cut short, and she looked to the door to see Eric returning. He was freshly shaven, and looked like the youth she'd met all that time ago. His baby face was adorable, and she hoped he didn't grow out of it too soon. 

"It appears that's all the time we have for that conversation, Doctor." She answered, returning to the title over his name for the time being. No sooner did Eric take a seat did Zane return, and she happily held her glass out to the man as he raised the bottle. 

"Good, top me off, darling. We're about to be forced into terribly personal conversations for the sake of the betterment of our nation. You're all going to tell me about the best day of your lives, and _if_" The woman paused, her hand that was holding the glass out to Zane lifting a finger to point at him and Eric in turn. "You mention my name in it I'll make you pick a new one. I want genuine not pandering."
Irene
Dayveth couldn't help but scrunch his nose slightly as their conversation was cut short but quickly reigned it in and smiled at the men as they returned. "Of course, Your Highness, another time. 

He topped off his glass and reclined in his seat, wondering if this was what being high and mighty was truly like, sitting and drinking and joking. He wasn't sure if he liked it, he felt out of place, as if he was going to pollute it somehow. He stomached this down with another sip of wine.
Edward
He thought a moment as Anya asked him that question and his face got a little low. "I guess I'll go first," Eric said, shifting a little. He didn't slouch in his seat much. His back touched the back rest, but the posture was still straight. "Well, for me it'd have to be..." He paused, going through all of his memories. Only one stood out. "When Lord Storm made me his squire." Eric said simply, "I had imagined I would live and die in Taemar as something I hated doing. He gave me a chance to do something else." Eric stated, pouring himself a glass of wine and took a mild sip from his glass, turning his attention to Zane to hear his story. Eric wanted attention off him now, he didn't want to talk about Storm much longer.
Miguel
Zane took to sitting on the arm of the couch by Anyanka. He grimaced a bit at the question, and the stipulation which was added. "Of course, as if getting freed from slavery wouldn't be considered one of the greatest memories of my life." He mumbled softly, leaning back against the couch.

He took a moment to think about it, a thoughtful look on his face. "Well, I would say that it'd be when me and Marcus first got drinks as free men." He let a small smile grow on his face at that. "We decided to get more drunk then we could handle, and we paid the price the next morning. The next morning was one of the worst of my life." 

He turned his gaze to Anyanka, but not before drinking down half of his glass. "So Anya, what about yourself?"
Joseph
She scrunched her nose, her hand finding her chest at Eric's answer. Story had put him on the path to her door, and her on the way to meeting him. She owed the man a lot, and she wished she had any idea as to how to find him. He'd disappeared, and she wished she could have at least given him a proper goodbye. In an ideal world, he would have joined her council, he was a better fit for South Feyshore, but she wasn't allowed to admit that anymore. 

Instead, she gave a smile, and lifted her glass to her lips, letting it linger there for a moment as Zane too his turn. At mention of Marcus' name the smile faltered, but she left it hidden behind her glass. "Marcus could always drink us under the table, I never managed to keep up with that man." She murmured, and pulled Zane down into the spot of the couch beside her, suddenly craven for the intimacy of just _sitting_ close to someone. The Doctor was too far, and she couldn't see him willingly vacating his seat to show closeness towards her, despite their flirtations. Zane was an old friend, and she knew she could lean on him with no real questions.

"There's a lot to be grateful for, and I think, the best day of my life is yet to come." She shrugged.
David
Everything was prepared for her trip back to Terresol, and she had some odd hours left before she should leave, Charity figured that the only thing left to do was to say farewell to her gracious host. She went around, asking the castle staff where she could find the Grand Duchess. She was directed to the parlor, where it was also said the Grand Duchess was entertaining guests. The Terresolian Queen retraced her steps back to the parlor from when she was there the first night of her visit. She remembered the night fondly. It didn't take her long to find it, and slinked quietly through the entrance, hoping not to disturb anything.
Irene
Dayveth day quietly, listening. If he didn't feel out of place before, he certainly did now as they shared tales of old friends, ones he of course didn't know. He saw as the queen pulled Zane (if he had his names right) to her. She seemed to be slightly put off at the mention of this Marcus. 

Dayveth decided to stay quiet until the attention was forced upon him, noticing the newest occupant but only nodding if her gaze turned his way. He soon focused back in on the discussion.
Edward
He looked over at the door to see the Terresolian Queen slip into the parlor, Eric didn't say anything, just noticed and then looked down to his glass of wine and took another drink from his glass. Eric didn't drink very often, so he took it slow especially when he started to feel the alcohol, it was creeping on him. Taking the time the attention was off him to listen to the others and guage who they were. All of them were strangers, even the queen he'd handed a kingdom to off of a trust more in Randall's judgement and haste to get rid of the pressure of his position. So far, thankfully, it was a good choice. Eric had received letters from Zane and the name was familiar, so, it was nice to put a name to the face.
Miguel
Zane nodded softly to the Terresolian Queen, raising his glass in greeting. "Madame." He mumbled, as he then raised the glass to his lips and finished off the glass.

He took a look around the room, smiling as he saw everyone in there. "Well this is quite the group, isn't it? We have two Queens, a spymaster, a doctor, and an Eric. Not quite sure where he fits in all this, but we'll figure it out." He sent a small smirk towards Eric at that last comment.

Reaching to the table, he grabbed the bottle and refilled his glass. It wasn't until he leant back into the couch did he take notice to something, Anyanka was beginning to fall asleep. He felt her lean on him, her face relaxing from stress she probably didn't know she was holding onto. He smiled softly at that, and wrapped an arm around her, raising his eyes towards the people surrounding him. "Well now that she's tiring out, how about we move onto some lighter topics. How are you all finding your stays here?"
David
Despite her attempts at a quiet entry, several of the persons within turned their attention to the Queen momentarily, but none seemed to mind her intrusion. "My stay here has been wonderful, sadly today is the last day" Charity spoke up, the first to answer. She thought it was a good chance to interject herself into the conversation at hand.
Irene
Dayveth smiled cheerfully and looked at the growing group. "That's good to hear, Your Majesty. I'm of the same way, except I'm staying, of course." Dayveth wasn't quite sure what to say. He felt a stranger to the group, but he would slowly attempt to change that.
Edward
Eric looked up at Zane with a half smile, "Only made one of them a queen. Just keeps me around as a thank you, I suppose." Eric responded to Zane. Turning his gaze to Charity "It was nice having you here, your grace." She had been there when Anya finally knighted Eric, two monarchs were there when he was officially a knight, if he could go back and tell younger Eric about himself currently, he would never believe himself.
Miguel
His smile dropped a bit at hearing Charity was leaving soon. "I'm sorry to hear the, Madame. I wish I was here earlier to make your acquaintance."

Turning to face the Doctor, he raised his glass. "Here's to hoping that your time here is kind to you, Doctor."

Eric's joking helped liven the mood up a bit, and Zane felt his smile return at that. "I'm sure she keeps you around for more then that. Like letting me take you to the tavern for a few rounds of drinks."
Joseph
Anyanka hadn't drifted to sleep, but she had let Zane place his arm around her waist and pull her close. In truth, she just didn't want to be the center of conversation, and didn't mind passing the reigns on to the boys. The wine had made her dreamy, and she couldn't keep her eyes off the newcomer. 

She'd known Zane and Angelica for years. If asked, she could sketch every plane of their features, mention ever mannerism that made them distinctly _them_. Eric she was learning, but the Doctor was new territory, and she wanted nothing more than to observe him as he slipped into the habits of life within her court. She lifted her glass to her lips lazily. Dayveth looked to be floundering for conversation, and she turned, pressing her lips to Zane's shoulder in a silent command to release her. 

Moving to her feet, she finished her glass, set it down onto the table with a motion that had her fingers moving from the glass to the neck of a bottle. Her other hand extended to the doctor, and she gave him a warm smile. 

"If no one minds, I'd like to steal away our newest court member for a little while." She said, knowing damn well there wouldn't be a word of protest from the rest of them. "Would you come with me, Doctor Coren?"
Irene
Dayveth was studying the Astorians as they chatted, making sure he would be able to act similarly in due time when he noticed the Queen rising. He paid it no attention and drank again until she beckoned to him. 

Dayveth hastily stood up and placed his glass down. "Of course, Your Majesty. I assume we will be going to talk about my work?" He asked as they left, smiling at her while he politely took her offered hand.
Joseph
"Something like that." Anya agreed, and lead him from the room. When they entered the hall, she released his hand, and let her eyes stay on her bare feet as they kicked out from the skirt she wore while they walked. She lead him towards the end of the hall, and pushed open the heavy door to a private balcony. It overlooked the gates of the castle, and the view wasn't anything impressive after the sun had set. 

There was, however, enough room on the small balcony for three, four if they were standing uncomfortably. Because of this, it was rarely used except by her and Angelica when they wanted a place where they knew no one else would bother them because they _couldn't_ be bothered. 

"You looked like you needed a breath of fresh air. Overwhelmed already by court life?" She asked, setting the bottle on the thick balcony railing.
Irene
Dayveth followed her willingly, slightly glad to be out. As kind as they were, he was being thrust into a group of friends made close over the years. Dayveth cocked his head and eyebrow at the queen as she replied to his assumption. He didn't say anything, however, and just walked out onto the balcony with her. 

Dayverh chuckled as she queen questioned him. "I'm not sure that's the word I would use. I'm more... Out of place than anything else." He found he was close to her on the small balcony. He was glad. "I feel as if I'm too filthy for this place, like I would leave a stain if I sat in the wrong chair." The doctor smirked in the cold night.
Joseph
The woman smirked, and let her head dip a bit to hide the smile. "Trust me, you're not among purebloods here." She told him, and let her fingers curl around the railing for a moment, bracing herself as she shifted her weight to one side. "You've got a Queen who is a shitblood whoress turned royal. A chancellor who was raised in the brothels. A head knight who was born a blacksmith's son, and a spymaster who spent the first decade of his life a slave. None of us come from this life." She let her gaze move over him, and she straightened, reaching for the bottle. 

Zane was a saint, and had already loosened it's cork. She went to remove it the rest of the way, and the effort it took slipped the cork from her hands. It released with a distinct _pop_ before flying over the edge of the balcony. Anyanka paused, then laughed, raising the bottle to her lips. "I suppose we have to finish this now." She mused, taking a long drag before passing it to him. 

"The point is, you're not going to make the wrong step here. The path is being blazed as we speak, the standards and traditions of other courts in Marin don't apply here. We'll tell you when you step a little too far off the trail we're trying to make, but you're in no danger of being sent away. Despite my empty threats." She teased.
Irene
Dayveth listened to her little run through of her court. "That is reassuring, but that doesn't change my task of worming my way into a group of tight-knit friends. Though their opinions of me aren't as much of a priority of someone else's."

Dayveth's eyes flicked to the cork as it flew over the balcony edge. He resisted the urge to reach out and snatch it from the air as it sailed down below. He turned his attention to the balcony's only other occupant, smirking as he replied. "I suppose so," Dayveth said softly into the cold night before taking the bottle from her, using it as an opportunity to step closer.
Joseph
"Well, luckily for you, you're in the favor of the ringleader of the group. And to be fair, those friendships were forged through war and hard-times. You're going to have the privilege of taking your time with me." Anya paused. "Us. I meant us." She amended herself, glancing down as he took a step closer to her to take the bottle. 

He lifted it, taking a drink, and she cast her attention back out over the edge of the balcony. "You'll do wonderfully here, Dayveth. Just give yourself time."
Irene
Dayveth set the bottle down on the edge of the balcony between himself and the queen, leaning one arm against it as he too looked out. No wonder most royalty seemed to think they were above others, the view was better from above. 

"It's a pleasure to hear that, and forgive me as I know I've said this frequently, but I'm not used to be staying in one place. My longest stay of the past decade was in Iron Gate, and that only lasted a few months." He paused and shifted his feet. "My point is that it will take time, definitely."
Miguel
Zane took some time to speak to Charity and Eric after Anyanka and Coren left, before he felt his fatigue hit him again. Yawning softly, he turned towards the door of the parlor and made up his mind. "Well I believe it's time I left, it's been a long few days, and I've gotten very little sleep. I'm sorry I wasn't able to make your acquaintance much, your Majesty. Eric, I hope to see you soon."

Excusing himself, he left the parlor, a larger yawn escaping him as he walked out. He spent a few minutes walking, and decided that he was just going to sleep in Anyanka's room, as it was closer to the parlor then his own. He entered the room, and caught sight of his bags on the floor and a smile graced his face. He forgot it in here when he woke up. Well, there were clothes in there that he could use tomorrow, and that's all that mattered to Zane.

He removed his boots and his shirt, stretching out his back and shoulders as he did, the relief he felt was second to none. He laid back in the bed, pulled the blankets over himself, and let himself sink into the bed.
Joseph
She gave a soft hum of acknowledgement. Silence fell over the pair, and she reached for the bottle between them. Her fingers wrapped around its neck and she took another long drink. 

The wine was sweet, and she drank it easily before setting it down and turning towards him fully. Her hands caught his shoulders and she pressed her lips firmly to his, pressing against him with the taste of wine still on her lips.
Irene
Dayveth was only slightly caught off guard by the Queen's actions. He certainly kissed her back, enjoying the warmth of her lips as it replaced the cold. 

The mage laid his hands upon her waist and pulled her into him, careful not to unbalance her. Dayveth was determined in that he would not be the first to pull away from the other.
Joseph
Anyanka grinned when his hands moved to her hips, and she stepped into him. He didn't back away from her kiss and she was admittedly affected by the wines, but it seemed so was he. 

When finally she broke the kiss, a bit flustered she laughed, and pushed her hands through her hair. "My apologies, Doctor. The wines have made me.." She paused, and shook her head, pressing another kiss to his lips, stepping forward fully to wrap her fingers into the fabric of his shirt.
Irene
Dayveth gently put the queen's back to the balcony's edge, one of his hands sliding to hold her lower back. He knew they were both feeling the effects of the alcohol, but he didn't care. Dayveth also believed the alcohol wasn't to blame. 

He smirked as she pulled away. "Your apologies aren-." Dayveth was cut off as the queen stepped back into him. One arm moved so that his hand could gently hold the back of her head as they enjoyed their time together.