Eric
Sir Jax Brightwater
Zahrada Palace, Astoria 

Jax could feel his bones shifting as he lowered his right knee and sat back on his haunches, feeling like a warrior from the East who he heard meditated before battle in a similar position.

"My Queen, I came to swear in my service to you. My sword is yours, my life is yours, and my body is yours. I will go wherever you command me to." He paused, raising his head. "However if possible I would request to still be able to guide young Aleks, my squire."

The fire warmed his back, a welcome comfort after his time on the road. Jax may be a knight, but he didn't actually own a horse, being forced to walk the long distance between the two capitols wasn't something he minded though in fact he enjoyed the quiet for once. Thinking on it now, Jax's only "Knightly" Posession was his sword, the strange mix of rapier and saber that favored his old Feyshorian fighting style was definitely out of place among his muddy and beaten rags he called armor.
Joseph
Queen Anyanka Durkhan
Zahrada Palace Astoria

A soft smile overtook her lips, and she pulled her gaze from the ceiling back to the man who now had taken a position on both knees. The mother in her wanted to insist he sit fully and comfortably, but she hel back any remark as he swore himself -body and sword- to her. 

It wasn't the first time she'd heard it, and he sounded just as genuine as any other who served her. "You and your squire will both be given housing in Zahrada, feel free to continue his studies as you see fit." The woman paused, looking over him. 

"Considering the hour, it's too late to awaken Lord Cromwell for the sake of assigning a room, he's got an early morning and I'd hate to see him groggy in training. I'll have a spare room turned down for you," Another beat, and this time she looked to the door, her brow furrowing a bit in question. "Is your squire with you?"
Eric
Sir Jax Brightwater
Zahrada Palace, Astoria

"I'm afraid not at the moment, Your Grace. Aleksandr had some family matters he had to attend to, I've sent a messenger to fetch him but it should still be some time." Jax was half expecting to be turned away, but welcomed this surprise anyways.

The thought of a bed made his muscles pulse in anticipation of rest, but he refused to take advantage of hospitality.

"I appreciate the thought, Your Grace, but I'm perfectly comfortable staying at the tavern until more permanent arranges are made, you've been too kind already."
Joseph
Queen Anyanka Durkhan
Zahrada Palace Astoria

"Nonsense. You're here on my request, and the gatekeepers claimed you arrived on foot. If you're willing to walk from Brindelle to Zahrada for the opportunity to serve Astoria, I'm more than happy to assure you a place in my home." With that, she moved to stand, holding her hand out to help him from his place.

"You arrived on the tail end of dinner, so I'll have a meal warmed for you. Feel free to partake in the bathhouse, we'll find some clean clothes and a room ready by the time you've eaten and bathed."
Eric
Sir Jax Brightwater
Zahrada Palace, Astoria 

The man knew better than to argue with a woman that's made up her mind, and this one was a queen to boot.

"Your will, Majesty," He took her hand but didn't pull as he rose, "My Hand."

His stomach growled at the mention of a warm meal, and the scent of travel hit his nose at the thought of a bath.

*Next time, bathe before you meet with Her Majesty, you dolt.*

"Thank you for your generous hospitality, Your Grace, I look forward to testing myself under your command." For the first time since he arrived, he flashed a smile.
Joseph
Queen Anyanka Durkhan
Zahrada Palace Astoria

She nodded, glad to see the smile he'd thrown so liberally before. "Of course." Her hand moved from his, and she headed towards the door. The two guards that stood posted on either side shifted as the heavy wood parted. The one to her left was instructed to secure one of the private rooms in the bathhouse for him, and to lay out a few pieces from the guest wardrobe for him to chose from when he was finished. 

The other was sent to prepare a room for the man. Her fingers flickered over his shoulder as she gave the order, a subtle indication that she wanted the man close enough that he'd be watched should he not have come here of his own volition. 

After they departed she looked to the man still in her drawing room. "Dinner first?"