Gamun had to work to push down the rising anticipation in his nerves.  The girl he had watched over for so long, who had never laid eyes on him before, was about to be face to face with him.  It was against everything that had been done as long as the guardians had been in existence.  It was only the rarest of occasions that called for direct intervention, and it was always considered failure.  Had he failed?  Every thread of his soul told him yes, he had, but he knew better.  He would not have failed until Lerin overran the kingdom, and that<em>would not happen.</em><br/><br/>Outwardly, however, Gamun was still, even as his thoughts ran in circles.  In truth, the King himself seemed more ill at ease than Gamun did, but there was no nervousness there.  Only restlessness.  Gamun couldn't blame Caolán; he had an entire country depending on him for protection, and every day, they drew nearer to possible doom.  It was enough to make even the most stalwart of men jump in their seats.  It didn't help that he was mortal, of course; they were always in a hurry.<br/><br/>"Enter," the King called out in a clipped tone, and the door creaked faintly as it swung open.  Gamun needed no introductions for either the russet haired princess  nor her lithe Champion Khalida.  He moderated his reaction anyway, albeit with some effort.  The princess' eyes, steely-gray, seemed to take in much more than her expression let on, and Gamun wondered.  Had he taken a bad direction with his ruse?  Her age had marked her the perfect choice, but perhaps he had chosen poorly after all.  No matter.  It was done.<br/><br/>Caolán stood from the wide seat at the head of the chamber, taking on a regal bearing immediately.  It was truly second nature to the man.  Adjusting his robes, he smiled at the women.  "That was surprisingly timely, daughter.  I had heard you were... well, no matter.  You are here now.  Gamun, this is my daughter, the Princess of Fereshard and heir to the Emerald Crown, Catáryn Tiarnán.  Her companion is our Champion, the Lady of the Riders of Fereshard, Khalida Aindriú.  Princess, Lady, this is... Gamun.  Of Irelki."  The lack of titles or surnames was conspicuous, even in the King's tone.<br/><br/>Gamun bowed deeply, though with no more flourish than he had for the King, and smiled.  "Thank you, majesty.  It is a pleasure to meet you both.  I must apologize if my lack of formality offends you... I'm afraid my situation makes it necessary."  It took a monumental force of will to keep his eyes from fixing themselves on Khalida, but he managed, if only just.