Irene
"Of course, sir. Dayveth Coren, with many less titles than your self, I must say." Dayveth bowed his head to the man in front of him. His own clothing paled in comparison to the knight. He hoped it would stand enough for the Grand Duchess.
Edward
"Only one that really matters is the 'Sir', I suppose. But anyway, so you're seeking to become, what was, a sort of Court Physician, I'm assuming?" Eric asked, raising an eyebrow. They really didn't have one to his knowledge. "I suppose it would be useful. You'd have your work cut out for you, since you concern wouldn't only be Zahrada, it'd be something more to the effect of the realm as a whole. We're still disorganized, and outbreaks are common and deadly right now. Not that I intend to scare you off, but her grace may be sending you everywhere to help wherever needs it. Though, I can't quite speak for her myself. Just make assumptions. How trained are you in medicine?"
Irene
"Rest assured, Sir, I am daunted not by either tasking work or travel. As for my medicinal worth, well, I must say I'm no common street surgeon or root vendor, though I hope you'll be understanding that I did not bring any equipment to prove such with me. I decided it would be more sensible for it to remain in my lodgings than bringing it here." Dayveth's face displayed a warm smile as he promoted himself to the knight.
Edward
Nodded, "Very well, so, incase you aren't aware. It's customary to kneel when her grace enters the room, don't let her preferred title fool you, she is also Queen of South Feyshore. It's also customary for you to wait for her to address you first before you start speaking. Other than that, just remember who she is, and you will do fine." Eric said, stepping to the side to wait for the queen to come down.
Irene
"Thank you, sir. Your warnings are much appreciated. I believe I have heard of the Duchess' other holdings." Dayveth nodded his thanks and began to wait.
Joseph
Anyanka had been in her study when the knock came, and a petite woman pushed open the door to let her know there was a visitor waiting. Despite the titles, he preferred her staff and home to operate as it had in Vincentien. As if this wasn't the home of a newly appointed Queen, but a Duchess or Lady. The issue with that was the informality that seemed to irritate her guards. Since her return from the North, however, she was starting to see their way on things. 

It was no longer wise to keep herself in the open politically or physically, and with every day that winter trudged on, she grew more and more uneasy. She couldn't wait until spring came again, and her home would once more blossom. The woman nodded to the messenger, and set aside the inkpot she'd been working with. Sir Stafford was overseeing the reformation of the Knights Academy, and she was also itching to see the results of his work as well. Winter had been long so far, and she was more than annoyed with feeling like a sitting duck in the snow. 

She stood, and smoothed her hands over the front of her gown before heading downstairs to the receiving area. Her gown was made of thick velvet in it's skirts, and though her bodice was much of the same, her sleeves were sheer. Just enough to cover the sigils, but not enough to provide warmth. Her time in the North had made her a bit... Accustomed to the chill on her skin, and she felt better having the lighter fabric on her arms and neck instead of the thicker velvets. 

Anyanka didn't bother taking a seat as she entered the room, and the twitch of her fingers hand the servants opening the door for their guest.
Irene
Dayveth snapped his head towards the door of the throne room as it swung open, the faint sound of oiled metal grinding against itself. A servant stood respectively with their hand behind the door, obviously waiting for Dayveth to enter. The mage took a second to gather himself before entering. "Here goes," He thought with a sigh. 

"Dayveth Coren, your majesty," Announced the eager servant, his voice projecting clear across the room. Dayveth entered slowly, now increasingly aware of poorly he was dressed when compared to the court. He felt uneasy in the room, it had been many years since he had last been in a proper court. 

If he wasn't nervous enough already, Dayveth was worse off when he laid eyes upon the woman he was there to see, for several reasons, the first being that she was beautiful. The second was one that truly put him off guard. He felt a sort of, itch, in the back of his head when he looked at her. It was something he hadn't felt in quite awhile, and it took him several moments to figure out why. A pang if realization coursed through him as he looked at her. She was like him, though different, he felt. He couldn't tell why or how, but he definitely knew the feeling. She possessed some form of magic. 

Dayveth was able to reign in the anxiety produced from his discovery in able to kneel a safe distance from the royal woman. He was glad his head was bowed. Dayveth wasn't sure if the shock had shown on his face.
Joseph
It had. The man who entered was nothing like what she'd seen in the last few months. Lords, dressed to their finest in efforts to appear the part they wished to play. With so many counties in South Feyshore looking for leadership in the hard times, she'd seen hundreds of families move through her court to petition for a place among the hundred. She assumed, wrongfully, that whatever visitor she'd be seeing today would be looking to join the court of South Feyshore, but from the looks of him, he wasn't. 

He also wasn't Astorian, she could tell that much. The Astorian's weren't particularly well off, they'd come from the Underground in Vincentien, and nothing about that rang royal. They did, however, dress a certain way, and maintain their features in a way that had started to rumors that Astorian's were the talk of fairy tales. 

He bowed before her, and she gave a small smile, clearing her throat softly. "Thank you." She murmured to the servant who addressed her, but her eyes didn't leave the man before her. "Please, rise, mister Coren." She told him, taking slow steps towards the man. Her heels clicked on the woods, and she offered a hand to help him stand once more. "Would you like to tell me why you're here?"
Irene
Dayveth took note to remain calm as he heard the queen approach him. He felt slightly anxious as he carefully took her hand, rising to his feet. He was sure to only place a small amount of his weight in that hand as he stood, careful of the rough callouses produced by his travels. 

"Of course, Your Majesty. If I'm being honest, the reason for my visit is two fold. I have traveled across many nations and lands in an attempt to further my knowledge in the medicinal field. After many years of travel, I believe I have become experienced enough to be of some worth to you. I humbly request to serve as your court physician, if you'll have me." 
Dayveth finished his plea with a short dip of his head.
Joseph
Her silver eyes moved over the man who now stood before her. He was nothing like what a court physician should project himself as, and her brow rose slightly. He'd barely used her hand to help him stand, something she appreciated, but he needn't fear hurting her. Her hand fell to her side while the other moved to her chin, her thumb tucking beneath it while the other curled just below her lower lip. 

"A court physician isn't a position to be taken lightly." She reminded him. "You say you've traveled and trained? Where?" She asked, and glanced behind them to the throne that sat in the back. She wasn't personally a fan of it, and she hated sitting with others stood before her, but she certainly didn't want to have this conversation standing.

"Tell me what makes you believe you're qualified in the art of medicine, and why you've come to my court in particular. There are others, not too far from here and undoubtedly willing to compensate better a man who claims to be skilled."
Irene
"I am well aware of the weight that the appointment brings, Your Highness, but after curing many ailments from pox, fever, and other evil afflictions, I am quite confident in my abilities. I even have experience with battlefield medicine, though it has been some time." 

Dayveth stood with his back straight, his hands clasped behind him. He continued to feel uneasy as the queen seemed to examine him, but he refused to let that show. His faced mirrored the message he was trying to sell, hoping she wouldn't press him on exactly where he learned. He doubted she would be as warm to a mage, despite whatever magic she possessed. In his experience, mages were a jealous bunch.
Joseph
He gave a short answer, and she pressed her lips into a tight line, her gaze moving from him to the door at the side of the throne room. It lead to a parlor, one that was always kept with a fire and refreshments for when she was asked to host. Her distain for the formality of the throne room wasn't unknown to her staff, and they always kept the parlor ready and waiting when someone asked for an audience with her. 

"You've still not answered my questions, Mister Coren." She reminded him, letting her fingers lace together briefly before she unlaced them, stroking a nail idly instead. "I ruled the Duchy of Vincentien for years after my husbands death. I developed an army capable of successfully managing the second siege of Stormalong. I placed myself in good standing with the Council of Marin, I've carved out nations out of ruins." The redhead paused, returning her gaze to him. "These accomplishments make me qualified for the position I hold. I do not speak of them out of pride, but out of acknowledgement that some positions require more than just _trust_ to be granted." 

Anyanka released her nail, and her hands fell to her side as she guided him towards the parlor. "You come to my court asking for a lucrative position within it, one that needs to be filled by someone competent and endless trustworthy. If I can't trust you in the hands of a servant, I can't trust you on my own life or my sons." She continued, and placed her hand on the panel next to the door. It was an illusion, and the hidden door swung open to reveal the warm parlor. 

"So, spare me the vague confidence, Mister Coren. I want truths, and I want proof of them, lest I turn you away."
Irene
"Why of course, Your Excellence. I have heard of your successes and I am afraid that your grand list of successes might have unseated my confidence. Please forgive my shortcomings." His eyes showed slight surprise as the parlor was revealed to him. They didn't, however, show the pang of anxiety that he felt as he realized why the aforementioned room was now being shown to him. He was to enter and be alone with the queen, which he felt was like entering a bear's den. "I'd prefer the actual thing," He thought, wary of the many eyes watching him as he entered the parlor. He hoped to walk out of it in the same health that he entered. 

"I'm afraid I have no current means of proving my medicinal prowess to you, Your Grace. If you bring me a stricken man, I shall cure him. Bring me a wounded one, and I will save him. Alas, I have brought neither with me. I also did not believe that putting one of your subjects in such a condition as to require my services would endear you to me or my plea." He stood by a chair as he talked, knowing better than to sit before told.
Joseph
Hearing more than a few words from him was reassuring, and she nodded as he spoke. "Of course, I'd never intentionally harm anyone under my protection for the sake of testing the powers of a healer." She assured him. The room was warm, and his hesitation wasn't uncommon, even if it was unfounded. The woman moved to the table, and let her palm linger over the tea set that made it's home in the middle. Warmth radiated from it, and she took a seat on the settee before it, gesturing to the seat he lingered by. "Please, feel free to take a seat." 

As she spoke, she poured herself a cup of the pungent brew. It wasn't anything like the ones back home, but she was getting closer to the proper mixture with every blend she tried. This one had the undercurrent of spice, and paired with some cream, it did well to even itself out and sit warm on the senses in the winter time. 

Anya's gaze moved from the tea cup she poured to the one beside it as she poured one for him as well. Her hand extended over the table, holding the saucer and cup out to him in offering. The moment he took it, she lifted the small cheese knife from the table and ran it in a sharp motion over her wrist. 

It took a second, but a line of blood formed before flowing freely down the curve of her hand and fingers, dripping onto the table. "Impress me, Mister Coren." She said calmly, holding her hand out just as she had before. "My staff can bring you anything you ask for, whatever you might need. All you need to know is what to ask and how to use it."
Irene
Dayveth quickly examined the lush parlor, noting the warm fire and plush furniture. He was sure to sit back in the chair as to not appear untrusting of his host. He was sure it would seem offensive if he sat on the edge of his seat, ready to run. This is also why he took the tea and saucer from the intimidating presence across from him. He had just gotten semi comfortable in his chair and was about to reply to the Queen when the first drops of blood sprang from her arm. 

His eyes widened in shock as he was met with his challenge. His eyes quickly moved from her wound to her eyes. "Summon them, then, and tell them to bring cloth, honey, and some wine." 

Dayveth jumped from his seat and took the same blade that had begun his challenge, swiftly moving to the fire and holding the blade so that it became heated. He gave little care that his own hand burned as he moved back to her and gently, but firmly, grabbed her arm. "My apologies, but this will hurt." He held the hot blade to her wound, waiting for the heat to cauterize the cut. Once the servant had arrived with his supplies, he quickly set about applying the honey, using the wine to sanitize the cut, and finally tying the cloth neatly around her wrist, tight enough to hold but not too tight. He gently held her arm aloft to examine his work. 

"A bold move, Your Highness. I wonder what would have happened if I wasn't as experienced as I had claimed." Dayveth wondered if he shouldn't have used his magic instead, but it was over with now.
Joseph
The knock of her free hand on the wood of the doorframe summoned the servant who had been monitoring the throne room. She didn't see Anyanka, thankfully, or she might had panicked at his request, thinking he'd been the one to inflict the wound on the Queen. He took the blade, and moved to the fire. 

It hurt, but she'd gone through worse things than cuts, and she watched with mild interest as he warmed the blade. It wasn't the move she would have made, but she wasn't going to question him on it either. Her task had been to see how he handled it, and she wasn't going to coach him on it. When he returned to her, taking her arm, she lifted it with ease to him. He pressed the blade to her skin and she gritted her teeth at the uncomfortable sensation.

Thankfully, the knock pulled the blade from her skin, and she could see the faint glow of the sigils on her arm as magic stirred in her veins, already working to try and heal the wound she'd caused. It was by no means an instant process, but she'd be left with nothing more than a scar in a day or two, and it would fade before the week was out. He slathered the honey on her wrist, and the wine to clean it before tying it firmly. 

She smiled at his comment about it being a bold move, and her shoulder lifted easily. "You would have found yourself dismissed with best wishes." She told him simply, and lifted her hand to inspect his work. "You said you worked on battlefields?"
Irene
Dayveth released a sigh at the same time as he released her arm, closing his eyes for just a moment to collect himself. When he opened them he was still close to the Queen. He glanced at her arm and then her eyes. Now that the small ordeal was over, he wondered if he had truly felt a small surge of magical energy from her, or if it just been his imagination. "Bold indeed," He commented, thinking that her confidence might've come from some regenerative powers she possessed. If she had those, she must be a powerful mage indeed, Dayveth thought. 

"In any case, I imagine it's the best for both of us that I performed as promised." As she asked about his work on battlefields, he had to hesitate slightly, thought not due to dishonesty. 

"Yes, I have. I have tended many wounds like the one you had just inflicted, though usually much larger. Though none that merit a name, I'm afraid. Mostly just scraps between militias and outlaw bands, though occasionally I have served the companies of nobles, though I'm sure you wouldn't know their names, Your Majesty." He smiles warmly.
Joseph
Anyanka took a seat once more, producing the napkin that had been used to catch droplets of tea from the pot to wipe the blood that had dropped onto the table. Once it was cleaned, she folded it twice and set it down on the edge of the table to be taken away later. Royal blood was a powerful thing, and she wasn't going to let anyone get their hands on a sample. Lifting her cup to her lips, she took a drink of the warm tea as he spoke. 

"If that's the case, you must not mind me asking your age, you don't seem old enough to have fought in any of the affairs that rocked the world." She mused, letting her lip graze the cup as she spoke before she lowered it a bit, her gaze moving over him to try and place him herself. "And which kingdom you come from, I suppose I need more information on you." Anya gave a small smile.

"I don't intend to waste your time either, Mister Coren. The moment you preform or tell me something that would hinder the possibility of a position within my court I will tell you. Likewise I'd expect if you hear something from me that goes against whatever you were hoping to find, that you tell me and we cut this meeting short. We've both got better things to do than prolong the inevitable." She let her cup rest on her thigh. "That being said, tell me the worst thing you've come across in your travels. The most difficult thing to heal."
Irene
Dayveth waited several moments before taking his seat, allowing himself to relax in the chair, sure that the Queen wouldn't pull any other surprise tests. His expression lightened as Dayveth even allowed a slight smile to break out upon his lips. He retook his tea, forcing himself to drink some and hiding his reaction to it. He was more of a coffee type. Dayveth listened carefully as she spoke, making sure to look her in the eyes, perhaps just slightly more than a mere peasant should when his eyes are meeting a Queen's. 

"No time spent with you is wasted, Your Grace." Dayveth's tone was one filled with flattery, though the experienced conversationalist could hear a tinge of challenge. He set his own cup down before continuing, his tone now being one of monologue. 

"Of my technical birthplace, I have no knowledge, though my first memories are of the wilds of Taemar. My homestead was... Removed. After my training I had decided to travel and left home, roaming around our continent. I have seen the snows of the Witherlands to the beaches of Southern Feyshore. I have traveled over seas on such occasion. For a man of twenty-four years, I have seen more than most." His smile remained, though it noticeably faded as he answered her latest request. 

"The hardest thing to heal is the soul, I find. I have cured many a slash and many a sickness, though a soul is much harder to mend. I traveled with a knight of the name Sir Horus of House Jyund. He was the last of his blood, and wished to see the world before he departed from it. Once he had done so, he and his soul were done with this world, and so left it."