Joseph
Anyanka gave a soft chuckle at the comment about time with her being wasted. He really must have no idea who she was if he thought that, or, he was very good at hiding it. Either way, her nail tapped against the cup, sending a soft clink through the small parlor. 

She didn't personally know much about Taemar, she'd never been, and never had seen a reason to. All she knew was of the histories she used to read to Mikhail, but the ones in her library were dated, and she was sure there was much omitted from the passages. When he continued on about the soul, she pressed her lips into a tight line once more. 

Deciding to let him continue to speak, she kept quiet on his story, though her mind wandered from it. Was there implication there that the man _could_ heal a soul? Could he heal Mikhail's? He finished speaking, and she gave a small nod, swallowing and setting her cup aside once more, the red rim of her lip painting the side where it had touched. 

"You understand your position in my court would be based on your performance. And if, you should fall short on something that you should have been able to cure without miraculous circumstance, you'd be released from any contract that bound you here." She spoke evenly, with no intent to scare the man, just to be honest. If he couldn't prove himself worthy, she had no reason to keep him around and would need to seek assistance elsewhere.
Irene
Nodded as she spoke, completely understanding. "Of course, that's to be expected. You wouldn't want your physician to be a quack." His smile was more a smirk as he looked at the Queen sitting across from him. "I imagine it would be the same for any of your staff, from the guards to the kitchen boys, or any any of your personal... Attendants." 

As he flirted, Dayveth couldn't stop his mind from roaming to the magic energy he felt from her. It had definitely piqued his interest and he was determined to eventually get to the bottom of it.
Edward
Watched the prospective physcian disapear into the depths of the castle. From the main hall, Eric went outside where his baggage and supplies were being brought down. He didn't really have much in the way of personal belongings, but, Eric was about to take up residence in Knight's Landing. Training the first generation of knights for the new Feyshore. So, he'd requested all sorts of things. A few guards to come with his wagon, he'd hired a steward for bookeeping. Eric was never great with numbers, a librarian/birdkeeper for sending messages and keeping histories together. The rest of his retinue would come later, but for now, a wagon, and some horses to go and begin to look at the ruined castle. 

Eric had sent a few men already to inspect the old stronghold to see if it was still livable. It apparently was, but collapsing. Essentially abandoned and left to ruin. It'd been cleared out after the fall, and any bandits using it were either killed when Storm landed or fled. It was abandoned. 

The journey would take him South, closer to Stormalong which he preferred to be again anyway. Stormalong wasn't much more than a day's ride from the soon-to-be-academy. "Everything brought down?" Eric asked, as some provisions were stacked on the wagon. 

"Aye, sir."

"Good." Eric said, taking a look at the palace, and up to around the area the queen's study would be. He pulled the look away and mounted his horse. The group would gather and they began to move out, beginning their trip South.
Joseph
Anyanka nodded, ignoring the comment on her personal attendants. "My staff has earned my trust, as must you. From what I can tell, Sir Stafford wasn't put off by you or we wouldn't have even met. Generally he's a good judge of character." Anyanka mused, and let her finger dance around the rim of her glass as she thought. 

"I've a trusted nurse in my care, you will stay under her watchful eye until you've proven yourself worth of the position. We can offer a stipend for supplies that we don't currently have that you might find yourself in need of. I'd also expect you to keep a generous supply on hand. This isn't the worst of winters, but come spring we'll have our hands full of new knights being trained, I'm sure you'll be dealing with the aftermath of that. Sir Stafford, my head knight, will most likely call you to Stormalong and the Knights Academy for assistance." 

The woman gave a small smile. "I hope you don't mind travelling, Mister Coren."
Irene
Dayveth listened to the Queen's plans for him, smiling pleasantly. He was irked, only slightly, upon hearing that he would be supervised by a nurse, but he understood, and didn't show his opinion. He was more disheartened, however, at the thought of traveling to Stormalong. Dayveth had been a wanderer for years and he was quite looking forward to setting down for a bit, thought it looked like that would have to wait. He didn't show his emotion for this assignment either. 

"Of course not, Your Highness. I haven't had a permanent residence for what must be a decade now. My bags are already packed of course," Dayveth states with a smile, as to him it was a joke. He had barely paid the innkeeper before he was off to the palace. Dayveth's curiosity was not yet satiated, however. "Pardon my asking, Your Excellence, but what is to come once this nurse has vouched for me?"
Joseph
Anyanka's smile warmed at the question. "Don't take offense to being supervised, Mister Coren." She told him, thought it was lighthearted. "It's good housekeeping to assure all new hires are placed with a senior until they learn the ropes. It's to assure you're performing to my expectations and have the best possible start to this instead of us throwing you to the wolves and plotting your downfall. I _want_ you to be successful." She assured him, and brought her glass to her lips. 

"Once you've settled, you'll have the choice of staffing wherever you wish within my holdings. Obviously, if you're looking for stable work, Stormalong might be the place for you, but if, over your years, you've grown tired of seeing ailing men and want to focus more on research, you might find yourself liking the palace more. I'm always looking for someone to study their craft and work towards advancements. And being on my personal staff will be a lighter load, since I'm in well enough health and don't see that turning southward anytime soon, gods willing."
Irene
Upon hearing that the queen wanted him to succeed, Dayveth chuckled slightly on the inside. He was not used to anyone wishing good for him. The road hadn't been gentle upon him. "Gods willing. I thank you now for the liberty I will later receive, Your Grace. I imagine I will choose to stay here for the majority, with your permission. For research and other matters." His eyes gleamed with the last sentence. 

There was one matter that had plagued Dayveth's mind since he had met the Queen, however, and he wasn't going to let it go ignored. "Your Majesty, as we discuss the future, I am well aware my primary goal is to keep you in good health. To your knowledge, is there anything affecting you that one might deem... Unusual?"
Joseph
Her brow rose, and she leaned forward a bit. Her cup rested against her fingers while her others looped through the handle, and she watched him for a moment as he questioned her. "That seems a bit forward of a question for a first meeting." She mused, and after a moment of consideration she brought her glass to her lips once more, taking a long drink of the now room temperature brew. "But for the sake of clarity," She continued, and let her gaze fall to his. 

"No."

It wasn't a lie. She wasn't affected by any illness. The things that tested her mind and body were spiritual, and magical. If he took the position and stuck to it, he'd see the sigils soon enough, and ask about their purpose. If he knew anything of Astoria, South Feyshore, or herself: he'd know of Mikhail, and what had happened. Everyone from the Isles to The Witherlands had heard of his death, and the antics used to bring him back. The magic that brought him back wasn't an illness a doctor could cure, no matter how studied.
Irene
As her gaze met his, Dayveth made sure his did not shy away. "Very well then, my apologies for being forward. I'm merely attempting to be prepared for any situation that may arise." His smile was polite but warm. 

Dayveth felt a sense of slight relief inside, for he had somewhat accomplished his goal. Even though his travels were not yet concluded, he felt... Safer. At least he had a place to call his own. "It has been an honor, Your Grace. Is there any other way I may be if service to you?"
Joseph
The meeting seemed to come to it's natural end, and she stood, letting him know he was welcome to do so as well. "No, Mister Coren." She told him simply, moving towards the door. From this side of the room, it looked like an actual door, not the fake wall like the other side. She pushed it open, and called for an attendant. "Assure Mister Coren had everything he needs for a comfortable stay, he'll be studying with Mara for the time being until he feels comfortable on his own." She instructed, and the servant gave a nod.

Anyanka took the moment to look back at him, and gave him a knowing smile. "And for the record, I was only teasing about it being a forward question. I'm not opposed to intimacy and find it's general the best way to get results." The redhead dipped her head, and with that, left him to the servant to be shown his quarters and work space for the time being.
Irene
Stood with a smirk as the queen left him. He couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat at her hands. Smiling to himself, he followed the servant to his new quarters and made arrangements for his belongings to be brought there. He would go and get them with an attendant, of course. He didn't trust any of them to handle some of his fragile instruments and didn't want them snooping through his small library of arcane tomes. 

An hour later he was walking out of the castle and to whatever cheap inn he had rented. Receiving his bags and clothes, he soon returned to his quarters and settled in. He placed his sword and its belt around one of the bedposts, his staff in a corner behind the door. Dayveth set to work tidying up his new accommodations before relaxing and half undressing, wearing only a loose fitting shirt and pants, tucked into his boots. Dayveth wondered about what kind of attire he would be expected to wear and if he would be given his own steed. Poor buttercup had finally passed in her own old age some months before Dayveth had reached Zahrada. 

The mage took a seat on his bed and continued to ponder his new situation, his mind repeatedly returning to his new superior. "Not opposed to intimacy, hm?" He chuckled.

Hours had passed and Dayveth had finished moving into his new quarters. He stretched and sighed, taking a gander at his paltry possessions. He decided he would take a trip into town once he had a bit of coin and buy some in shiny things to decorate his desk. As for now, though, he felt it appropriate to explore his new home. Wearing the same clothes as earlier though with a belt and blue tunic, Dayveth ventured out from his room and through the hallways of the castle, with no destination in particular.
Joseph
Dinner had been quiet. It seemed, while she had been speaking with the physician, Eric had gathered the remainder of his supplies needed for the trip to South Feyshore and headed out. She didn't know why she had been hurt that he hadn't said goodbye in the very least, and yet, here she was; stewing over supper and dismissing herself early with intent to go and spend her evening in the gardens. 

Angelica followed close behind, the blonde lithe woman falling just a step behind the redhead. She was a ghost herself these days since Marcus had passed, and they'd reached a point in their very long friendship where silence seemed to be the topic of the evening. Angelica knew not to ask about Mikhail, and Anya knew not to ask about Marcus. 

The two retired to the veranda that lead to the gardens, and Anyanka brought them both a bottle of wine from the stock in the parlor at the end of the hall. She poured them both a liberal glass, and sunk into the cushions beside the blonde, letting her arm drape lazily over the back of the couch they occupied. Normally, fireflies flickered over the gardens, but the snow had driven them away. A fire remained in the pit by the door, and it radiated enough warmth to keep the two women from growing unpleasantly cold. 

Angelica took her glass, and pulled her feet up onto the couch, tucking them beneath her skirts before leaning back against Anya. The redhead found her fingers playing with a strand of pale blonde hair, and it reminded her of the Romanov boys.

"How was the doctor you met with today?" Angelica finally asked, her voice muted as she drank from her glass. 

"He seems competent enough. I told him he's welcome to stay so long as he proves himself." Anya answered, twisting a strand around her finger, careful not to catch it on her ring. 

"And you don't worry he's one of Vivayn's or Maith's?" Ang added, her head tilting back just enough to catch the silver eyes of her Queen.

Anyanka paused for a moment but shook her head lazily. "If he is, we'll know soon enough. I can't rule Astoria and South Feyshore in fear of Vivayn. If he's to come for me then he will, and I doubt he'd send a doctor to my door." 

"Unless it was to hope you'd hold a thought just like that."

"Nathaniel knows if I die he gets nothing. I'm only useful to him alive and in the North. Same goes with Maith, he gets no benefit if I'm hurt. South Feyshore will fall to ruins before it joins the Federation, and Mikhail will take Astoria, but under your council until he's of age."

"Will that-"

Angelica's question went quiet as footsteps were heard in the hall, and they both looked over the back of the couch to see who had intruded on their conversation.
Irene
Dayveth's exploration had lead him to the garden. He was curious as to what would flourish there and was surprised to find the Queen and a woman he did now know, both of them sitting close to each other. He had heard tales of the queen's beauty, but he wondered if the other tales were true as well. 

He stepped forward and bowed low. "My apologies, Your Highness, my lady," He said to the pair. "I did not mean to intrude. Shall I leave you two alone?"
Joseph
Angelica visibly tensed, and Anya's hand that held her glass pressed to the woman's shoulder. "Doctor Coren," Anya started, and it did nothing to make the blonde woman who leaned against her unfold. "No, not at all, we were just chatting." She gestured to the other seats, and the bottle on the table. 

"Please, feel free to join us if you with. Doctor Coren, this is my Chancellor, Angelica. Angelica, this is Doctor Coren, of whom we were just speaking about." Angelica sat up a bit, her tight lipped smile all too clear about her unease with the man. She normally was a much more pleasant person, but the cold had taken her warmth and her heart this winter, and she wasn't in the best of moods most days to begin with. The idea of an unvetted stranger now residing in their home without it being discussed with her was more than enough to keep her smile tight. 

"A pleasure, doctor." She said, and took another long drink from her glass as Anya shifted a bit to refill her own glass. 

"I take it your accommodations will do you well? Mara said you didn't bring much with you."
Irene
"The pleasure is surely mine, Chancellor." Dayveth said with a warmer smile than he received. He turned said smile to the Queen.

"Yes, I've settled down rather quickly, Your Grace. After such a long time on the road, not many possessions survive." Dayveth was telling the truth, technically. He didn't mention that some of his possessions were enchanted to withstand the wears of travel. "I plan to journey to the markets soon in search of proper attire. Maybe some small pieces of decor, if finances allow." His tone was light and cheery as it fought with the chilly air.
Joseph
She couldn't help the smirk that grew and she nodded. "I can have you escorted to the markets tomorrow, show you the best places to find what you're looking for." Angelica noticed the flush of his cheeks, and moved from her place. Standing, the blonde offered him her glass of wine, and disappeared back through the doors for a moment. Anya watched her, curious, but unsurprised as she took another long drag from her own glass. 

"I didn't expect you to come with a full set by any means, but a change of clothes might have been expected. Do you need more, I'm sure I can provide a wardrobe for the time being." She offered, and the sound of boots on the veranda pulled her attention back up. Angelica reappeared, with a set of furs and a blanket. She draped the white fur over Anya's shoulders, and the redhead rolled her eyes before pulling her hair out from beneath it. It had been in the storage trunk next to the fire in the parlor, she could smell the smoke on it still, and it warmed her shoulders almost instantly. Angelica offered the blanket to the man, and returned to her seat beside Anyanka, who shifted to drape the fur over the thinner woman's shoulders instead of her own. 

"The whole point was-"

"I'm not cold, Ang. Thank you though." Anya murmured, and Angelica made no protest, sinking back into her place leaning against Anya. 

"So, Doctor Coren, care to tell us a story of your travels? What brought you in our direction?"
Irene
Dayveth nodded his thanks and took the glass and the blanket, loosely draping the latter around his shoulders. "I have multiple changes of clothes, thank you," He proclaimed, feeling slightly embarrassed. "There are more suited for highways and dirt paths than city streets and palace corridors, however."

After taking a sip from the glass, he savored it for just a second before continuing. Royalty always had the good stuff. "The full story of my travels began over ten years ago. I have faced many hardships and known many men. I am here because it dawned on me that a royal physician might be of use to a certain royal woman."
Joseph
"Oh it dawned on you, did it?" Angelica quipped, and it earned her a brief tug of the lock Anya was twirling around her finger. She winced, and Anya cooed an apology about her ring being caught, though it was a lie and they both knew it. 

Anya lifted her silver gaze from the blonde to Dayveth, and let her head cock to the side a bit, pressing her cheek into her knuckles as she leaned against the back of the couch. "Please, we have time, why don't you elaborate on your tales? You said you remember Taemar first, and you've been to the Witherlands?" She prompted, lifting her glass once more. At mention of the witherlands, Angelica sat up a bit, but just enough to look like she was reaching for the empty glass on the table between them so she could fill it since she'd sacrificed her glass to the doctor. 

"Yes, Doctor, tell me all about the Witherlands. I've only been briefly, and hated the place. I'm not one for the cold like our Queen seems to be."
Irene
"Well yes. I grew up in a rather remote town in Taemar. When it came time for me to leave, I headed north after meeting a hedge knight. We traveled together for almost eight years until he passed." Dayveth looked wistful as he talked. "Since then I've been traveling, refining my medicinal skills. It was with him that I practiced most techniques."

Dayveth took a break and sipped again from his glass. "When I was alone, I traveled as a bard. Many small towns view my skills as witch craft."
Joseph
The mention of witchcraft made Anya's brow raise, and she gave a small smile. "Ah, there it is, I knew there was something about you." She mused, and stroked her fingers through Angelica's hair, earning a soft sigh from the woman who melted back against her, pulling the furs over her shoulders and chest more tightly as she lounged. 

"Your Knight, he taught you the craft?" She prompted, then thought better of it. "Actually, lets go back to something you said earlier, what did you mean that it dawned on you that you might be of use to a certain royal woman? Why does that imply myself, as opposed to, say, Queen Charity Lane, or Queen Elsinore Black?"
Irene
"The witchcraft was nothing more but peasant superstitions, Your Grace. A simple fever-breaking elixir turns into a false potion that you used to trick them, when in their reality you placed a spell and merely remove it." He raised his own eyebrow at the chancellor's reaction and intimacy with the Queen. 

"The knight taught me how to use a sword, the medicine I learned from home. As for my employment here..." Dayveth took a second to review his answer before giving it. "As part of my travels I pretended to be a troubadour as sorts. I've heard a never ending stream of songs and tales detailing about as many topics. Of all these creations, quite more than a few were dedicated to the beauty of Queen Anyanka Durkhan." His smile shifted slightly as he dared to look the royalty in her eyes. "I wished to see if the stories were true."
Joseph
Once more, Anyanka caught and held his gaze when he dared to give it. She was certainly a fan of people who weren't afraid to hold her gaze. She didn't see herself as anything close to intimidating, but she could see why strangers would think that. A woman who was so open about, well, everything wasn't the easiest companion. 

"And how well do they fair in comparison, Doctor?" Anyanka questioned, her voice as smooth as the wine they all drank. It would have been better warmed, but she didn't mind it in it's almost chilled state. The glass frosted at the rim a bit from the chill, and based on the pink of Angelica's cheeks, they were probably due to head inside soon before the snow started once more. But she was enjoying the crisp air and the pleasant conversation. She wished Stafford was around, or Charity still, to help even out the conversation. Hell, even a Romanov would have been nice to add. Someone to make the guilt of wanting to laugh less heavy in her chest. 

"You'll hear a lot about false potions and witch craft in Astoria, unfortunately. The stories credit my looks to that of a siren, last I heard in North Feyshore. A wicked witch with a full forest of creatures looking to eat children and an enchanted garden that never goes out of season." Her gaze moved to the snow covered bushes that lined the outside of the gardens, and in the center, in the distance, was Mikhail's obelisk. 

"As you can see, some stories don't hold true." She gave a soft smile and finished her glass of wine.
Lynn
The man approched the Veranda in a long black longcoat and black silk pants, his hair trimed nicely into a ceaser cut (modern)...His hands covered by furlined silk gloves... His boots are a certain type of riding. Expensive. The tip of his ears and cheeks a rosy red... He would walk onto the steps and keeps quiet for a few moments. His eyes looking at the Grand Duchess with a small smile


"I do hope im not interrupting, Grand Duchess."

He said his voice polite but somehow haveing a flirtatious undertone, not a apparent one. But it was somehow there. He looked at them pulling out a Blue ruby amulet, the chain twirled around his gloved fingers

"It caused me some pain, i hope you enjoy it~. The deed as been done. I would ask to sit but, well, may i sit?,
Irene
Dayveth chuckled once more, emptying his glass while the Queen spoke. He waited until she finished to begin speaking, glancing at the bottle, unsure if he wanted more. 

"Well, I have traveled through your forests and I am quite sure they have no child-devouring monsters in their possession. As for being a witch, I see no cauldron." Dayveth dramatically looked around the garden, a grin upon his lips. Once again, his eyes met the royalty's, this time preceding a bold step. "As the tales about your forests and garden prove untrue, the stories of your beauty unfortunately share the same fate." He waited a moment before continuing. "The real thing is much more stunning than the stories claim." 

Dayveth had no time for his superior to respond before a stranger entered, brandishing an expensive looking piece of jewelry. "Welcome, friend." Dayveth said with a slightly confused and agitated look towards the man. "Another one of my new coworkers, Your Highness?" Dayveth asked over his shoulder.
Joseph
Normally, visitors weren't allowed this late. Especially not unannounced. Anyanka was mid laugh at the flirtation when a voice sounded behind her. She and Angelica both jumped, the latter having dozed a bit in her place, and now wide awake. In the entry to the veranda stood a man, someone it took a moment to recognize until the light of the fire caught his purple eyes. 

She parted her lips to ask how he'd gotten inside the palace unattended, and how he'd managed to find them. She'd hired the man months ago, after Mikhail had left for the Isles, and hadn't heard word from him since. He claimed to be one of the best at finding lost objects, so she sent him on a quest to recover something long lost to her family.

In the glint of the fire, the sapphire colored gem he held glittered, and her eyes moved to it before she nearly jumped from her seat in disbelief. 

"Soveniss." Anyanka breathed, a smile replacing the look of surprise as she lowered herself back into her seat. Angelica was awake now, but she didn't recognize the man before them nor the artifact he held. 

"No, Doctor, a private hire. One who hasn't reported back in months, might I add. I thought you'd given up and moved along without notice."