Naveen

Rina:

“You can change when we get there.” I said curtly, ending the conversation. The entire rest of the way there I thought about the fact that I would be returning to my childhood home for the first time since my father stole me away. And no one would know me.

I nodded once, continuing to ride. I kept it to myself that it would better to change sooner rather than later. Less chance of being seen. But I knew exactly what kind of look would happen if I pointed that out.

Rina:

Loathing Talon kept my mind off the fact that I might actually see my family today. I noticed everything he did, every way he moved and every sound that came out of his mouth. And it all preyed on my nerves. I was almost relieved when we neared the castle.

Talon:

I had kept silent through the rest of the journey. The castle itself was nearly in view, and she still had yet to give any orders, or tell us her plan.

Rina:

“You should change now. Before we get to the crowds.” I told Talon, slowing the pace of my horse so we could stop.

Talon:

"To what?" I asked, sliding off of the horse and opening the bags.

Rina:

I thought about it for a second. “Servant.” I said with a hint of a smile.

Talon:

I nodded once before pulling out a rolled bundle and heading off into the tree's. I changed quickly, coming out in more drab clothing, but still fine enough to show I was a servant of a lady.

Rina:

I looked him over once then back to the road. “Your soldiers, they aren’t going to all stay with us will they? I will seem very important if I have a dozen guards with me. It’ll draw unwanted attention.”

Talon:

I raised an eyebrow. "Your in charge, Brian said that, and you won't listen to what I have to say." I said simply before my face settled into the look of the attentive servant. My soldiers were immovable as stone on their horses.

Rina:

“Send them away but make sure they can see us if we signal for assistance.” I decided, though I doubted we’d get into much trouble.

Talon:

I raised an eyebrow again but nodded slowly, I made a single gesture and all of my men slid off their horses and moved into the trees.

Rina:

I lead Talon to our seats after the guards were gone. I was confirmed as Lady Sage and my servant was accepted without question. I talked with those around us trying to lead the conversation into gossip about the state of the kingdom. Any weaknesses someone might have heard of. Brian had spies of course, but I had been told to find out as much as I could. Plus I was curious. Things became too active to keep up conversation once the parade started. I watched the soldiers and officials make their way down the street. Finally The young prince and the Queen in the carriage. I watched them intently, tuning everything out. I had never seen the prince Carcen before. And seeing the queen, even though she had aged a bit since last I saw her, tugged at my heart a little. I knew she was weak and boneless, but I couldn’t help it.

I stood behind Rina, my eyes forward, my expression one of the rapt disinterest, but with a bit of nervousness. As if I was a spring ready to go at my lady's command. I was also watching the parade with interest.

Rina:

I was informed after the parade that there would be a feast and a ball. Brian had said nothing of this but I assumed he knew. Maybe that was why he had Talon dress so nicely.

Talon:

I waited behind her seat still, waiting for her command to move, to do anything really. It had been a long parade, but that didn't mean I was tired from standing.

Rina:

I followed the rest of the people attending the ball nodding to Talon to follow me. Once the dancing begun I felt utterly out of place. I stood by a pillar with Talon, watching the dancing couples. I wanted to leave but someone, I glanced at Talon, would probably snitch to Brian that we left early.

I grabbed Rina's hand and turned her to face me, putting her between me and someone else I had noticed at the party. I was cursing quietly, the words no more than a breath. I kept my eyes on her, though I really was paying attention to what was happening beyond her.

Rina:

I jerked my hand back, once again feeling the tingling and a little jump in my stomach from my allergy. “What do you think you are doing?” I hissed.

"Stay still." I whispered, my voice full of cold rage, and a mix of emotions that was close to sheer terror. Though my voice betrayed my feels, my expression was one of rapt interest in what ever it was my mistress wanted from me. As I was still in my servants outfit.

Rina:

I crossed my arms. “Tell me what is going on.” I demanded flatly before glancing over my shoulder.

Talon:

"Ever wonder what I was doing out in the woods when you were on your way back to camp? I had spent a year tortured for being an elf. The man with the yellow shirt, talking to the lady in green. He was the one who captured me." I said, my eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

Rina:

“Oh.” I said with less hostility. I moved a little closer to him and lowered my voice. “What do you want to do? It’ll be a disaster if you’re caught.”

Talon:

I flexed my fingers a bit, shifting restlessly from foot to foot before I closed my eyes and forced myself to calm down. "We should leave...or I should leave. I don't want to ruin this night if you were having fun." I admitted softly.

Rina:

I gave him a flat look. “You must think me rather dull if you think I’m having fun at this.” I said.