<div class="floatleft">(http://i.imgur.com/rHrFn.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong>Mary, Handmaiden to Vera Hellatious  (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=162286.msg7505250#msg7505250)<br/><strong>Location:</strong>The Palace Courtyard<br/><strong>Time:</strong>Day 1, Noon<br/><strong>Tagged:</strong>Open<br/><br/>Mary watched the odd procession leave the courtyard. It was so very typical of Princess Vera to go out in plainclothes and her guards were dressed likewise. At first Mary had thought that Princess Vera might feel herself above all the flaunting that other of the ladies of the court seemed to eager to do whenever an opportunity presented itself. However, it hadn't appeared further from the truth. She'd seen Princess Vera inside of the palace in all manner of lavish dresses and attires, but unless there was an official ceremony to attend or a spectacle where her official presence was expected, she usually left the palace in the most hideous of clothing. No fair and bright colors, but dark hooded cloaks and sometimes even armor made out of ring mail or boiled leather. Mary thought it very unladylike, but it was not her position to criticize her own princess. If she wanted to be rebellious, that was her choice and no one but the Emperor and his council would be able to influence her behavior.<br/><br/>The handmaiden walked over to the courtyard pond and sat down on the stone edge. She let her hand touch the clear water and drew circles in it with her finger. Unlike the other handmaidens, Mary had been instructed to remain at the palace. She would remain here in order to approach any champions or their servants that may find themselves going to or leaving the palace for whatever reason.<br/><br/>