How dost thou fare this day?

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Carraig... Her home.... It had been at least a month or so since she'd left its familiar borders to return to active duty. Or well... since she returned to service for sure. She trusted the people she left in charge of her bar, unable to not wonder if they'd truly be alright. She had just hired a couple of newbies, but they had done well enough by her testing standards which were apparently surprisingly difficult. Cretans, did they think if they could make a couple of drinks that would suffice? Ah well, they learned as they always did. But now, to the task at hand.

Her heels clicked against the pavement slick with moisture from a light rain that had descended upon the country, an umbrella protecting her from its gentle caresses. Her green eyes glanced about as each step she took pinged the Dragons pulse and cast an image for the area about her. The palace.... It was here she had received her orders to go over sea's to gather information... It was here she had been years long past now... Giving off a steady ping as she took a moment to stare at the grand facade before her, the red haired woman took a deep breath and walked up to the guards that stood so stiffly there. "Rosaleen Quinn reporting." She spoke as she saluted them, the gesture seeming rather out of place as she stood there in comfortable civilians clothes. A white, poofy sleeved shirt with embroidery along the neckline with a brown vest that remained open. A deep green skirt that flowed down to her ankles covered the tops of her brown boots, a seeming crocheted belt hanging at an angle about her waist. There were various bangles upon her wrist, and the familiar necklace with its green pendant that matched her eyes so.

"Of course." Came the response with a return salute, the man gesturing for her to follow him inside, sliding her umbrella closed. An escort? Well now, this was unexpected! It made the older woman smirk slightly as she lifted up her skirts and followed him inside, sensing the other guards look. Had they read the reports on her? If they had, then her "condition" as some would call it was a point of curiosity to them. Few ever realized she was blind thanks to the skills that... The memory made her smile. So long ago it seemed....

Then she realized they were slowing to a stop within the foyer, nodding to the guard as he returned to his post while taking her umbrella to leave it... somewhere. It really was gorgeous inside, but it was... strange. She couldn't identify why it was, but it was. Maybe she was still so used to being some lowly soldier who wouldn't have had reason to enter their seat of government despite all those years of being inactive. Maybe it was a combination of things, all she knew is that she felt truly honored to be in here. Though once she gave him her report, what would happen then? Would she return to Creta and Kildaire's? Or would she stay here? It made her bite her lower lip as her eyes slowly scanned the foyer, her hands hanging at her side. Mmm... maybe she should visit her pa while she was here. He had to miss her terribly. Probably was worried about her not that he'd openly admit it in front of anyone but her. Heh... Folding her arms over her chest, she began to hum a tune to herself as she waited patiently.

[Gavin Etheridge]

The smell left by fresh rain was always something Gavin enjoyed immensely, finding a certain tranquility in knowing that this rain was the gift of the sea, and the sea was what gave Carraig life. The water that fell was clean but carried the smell the sea, and its essence was infused into everything in that rocky island. Gavin loved it. It was uplifting and soothed him inside and out the same way his smithing did. Today, however, called for something more delicate. Not to say there wasn't something delicate to be found in the fine details of the iron he'd shape to his will and its tiny details or jeweled settings, but the gentle mist outside and the freshness that it bought had called the young king to one of the palace's drawing rooms on the lower level; his favourite of them, though it was rarely used by anyone but hi. The walls were covered in paintings of the former rulers of Carraig and ancient tapestries depicting battles or great acts of bravery by Creig mercenaries. Tall windows stretched from the floor to the high, lofty ceiling that arched upward to a peak in the center. A small, sparkling chandelier hung from that central point, the light from the windows refractng through the crystals and dancing along the walls and polished mahogany beams that followed the curve of the ceiling downward and tapered into wall sconces between each window, holding heavy red drapes in place and away from the windows to allow the light in and overlook the hills beyond.

It was in this room, full of light and ancient memories and furniture that hadn't been in style in over three centuries that the young King of Carraig found peace and could easily lose himself. It had been added onto the castle at the requst of his mother when she was a young queen and wished to entertain select guests for tea, and where as a boy he would entertain his mother's friends and foreign dignitaries with his violin or cello. Here was where Gavin was home. The polished wood was held tightly between his knees, his fingers pushing the strings down swiftly as the bow moved against them. The reverberations from the cello moved through Gavin and echoed off the parlor's curved walls as he played with no music, playng solely to please himself with none but the paintings of his forefathers for an audience. The neck resting against his shoulder, Gavin felt every note extend from the core of his being, a reflection of his soul. Sometimes he envied those who were skilled with alchemy and could change one thing to another, and often wondered if what he did wasn't the same; he would change raw iron and steel into weapons and tools and beautiful decorations and treasures. His rosined bow would move against strings set to spruce and turn something that had no life on its own into something warm and very much alive under his fingers. The warm and inviting melody of Bach's cello suite, Gavotte, carried the sound and feel of a ride through the woods in the fall, a stag hunt with friends and coming back in to hot mulled drinks. The music told of leaves drifting down into the creeks and spices floating in your brandy, of the smell of the forest after the rain on a clear day. Of that noble stag leaping through the rocks and trees eluding them all. Gavin closed his eyes as he played, knowing the piece so well that he hadn't needed the music in years; he no longer even needed to look at his fingers play as the notes came out obediently.

Today was a relaxing day. Sorcha was off playing somewhere, probably in the research lab tormenting McGrath or beating him at Halo. Artemis was nearby, possibly in the kitchen snacking but probably much closer than even he would guess. That woman was his saving grace most day. Gavin's hair was pulled back into a small ponytail, a few curled strands falling out and framing his face. Gavin hated dressing up unless it was needed, and today was no exception to that, dressed simply in a pale blue sweater and jeals, that much blue and light causing his eyes to look more blue today than green. His appointment book was even relaxed today, most of his paperwork done already and only having scheduled to reconvene with a soldier of his. Ms. Quinn. The former captain who'd lost her eyesight in service to her country, released from duty with honours... And then asked to return to duty as a barkeep to keep an eye on Creta in these troubling times. She'd been there for a few weeks, and the rogue soldier he'd assigned to keep watch on her and guard her from a distance had reported that all was well. Today she would be coming to give her own report. After Creta's advances on Amestris, Gavin hadn't been sure how that would affect his people. Even after a brief meeting with Dietrich and lending him one of Carraig's best snipers to discreetly assist him with the strike on Drachma, Gavin still wasn't wholly certain that the Cretan king would be satisfied with that act of good faith enough to keep them as a business partner and not try to take them over. That was why Ms. Quinn had been so important, and why the placement of her bar had been so exact. It would have been a hotspot for soldiers to use as a watering hole, and soldiers were always more willing to talk to a pretty barkeep than fess up under direct questioning.

A gentle tap against the side of the parlor's open doorframe and caught Gavin's attention, the music of his cello stopping abruptly and causing the last of the note to linger in the air and echo off the walls until it faded completely from life. "Sir? Captain Quinn has arrived and is waiting in the foyer." Setting the bow down, Gavin moved his cello aside and stood, then leaned the large instrument back against the side of his chair. This probably won't take too long, he thought, straightening his sweater and picking up his speech aid. [/i]I can just resume practicing when I'm done unless plans change.[/i] He moved his hand to his lips and then outward, signing a quick, polite thank-you to the guard as the man quietly turned and left to resume his post, Gavin walking out of that parlor room and through the hall, back to the large foyer of his home. As he stepped into the open receiving area, Gavin turned on his aid and pushed a button, playing what he'd typed earlier and left to play now.

"Welcome to Castle Bhaile Átha Cliath, Captain Quinn, and welcome back to Carraig." He reached out his hand, shaking the Captain's once more before withdrawing it to tap at the pad quickly. "Thank you for coming to deliver your report. Shall we go sit?" Reports were generally very dull things, ofen involving paperwork, but since this little task had been entirely off the record... Well, it wouldn't do to have a paper report, now would it? They often took ages to read, even when they said nothing of any particular use; an oral report could take just as long. May as well be comfortable, and he already knew this woman was not a threat to him or those in his castle at all. Gavin smiled gently. "If you would, please follow me."

[Rosaleen Quinn]

A few servants passed by her on their duties to... wherever they were going throughout the huge castle, offering a polite greeting. But she knew they were curious. It was just something you could sense, or at least she could. Being blind did have certain advantages to be sure. She could get a sense for the overall emotions in the room, more acutely than she could before despite having to learn the trick from being raised in a bar. With that occupation, it helped tremendously if you could read people to be sure.

There were faint vibrations in the floor... someone was coming. Turning towards the doorway, her pings revealed that it was indeed Gavin, her king. Immediately she saluted him, a warm smile spreading across her lips as she relaxed and shook his hand. "Welcome to Castle Bhaile Átha Cliath, Captain Quinn, and welcome back to Carraig." Aye, she had just shook the kings hand. It did blow her mind, she'd openly admit that. "Thank you sir, it's a pleasure to be here and back home." Their hands separated, and came to rest at her sides as he typed away furiously upon his speaking pad. "Thank you for coming to deliver your report. Shall we go sit?" She nodded once, "Indeed. No sense standing about eh?" Chuckling, Rosaleen had entirely relaxed out of any potential soldier-like stance, brushing some red locks from her cheeks. That was one downside to having heightened senses now, she was painfully aware of when little strands of hair were touching her face in infuriating fashions. Before it was something that never really bothered her, but now? She couldn't stand it! Maybe she should try cutting her hair....

Another ping. He was smiling to her now. "If you would, please follow me." Again she nodded and followed her lord, pondering upon the expression she had seen. He had a nice smile, it was almost too subtle for her to really detect. Her boots thuds upon the floor were muffled by carpets, but they still seemed to somehow echo in the great space they found themselves, walking in silence until they reached a rather antique looking drawing room. It was gorgeous though, turning her head slightly this way and that with each steady ping she made to the Dragon's Pulse. A cello was resting on the floor next to one of the chairs causing an eyebrow to raise as her smile grew. Had he been playing before she got there? Or was it someone elses? No, if she remembered correctly, his daughter Sorcha was more often found tinkering than playing music. "I'm sure you've heard this before, but I do love your home. Its gorgeous." Her eyes turned back to him as they now stood fully in the room, herself positioned by one of the other empty chairs. "Though its not like I've been to many other castles to really judge properly." Another chuckle escaped her as she glanced about the room once more. "I'm assuming you've already seen Gabby's report?" She was here for business, so she may as well refocus on it. It was why she had been invited to the palace after all. Though.... she suspected he wouldn't really mind if they also simply chatted. But it was best not to assume such things.

[Guest]

{BUMP}

[Gavin Etheridge]

It was rare that Gavin had guests of any sort; he would occasionally play host to a foreign politician or diplomat, but often meetings with his own generals were a rare thing and conducted on the grounds or at the bases. Very few of his own high-ranking militants had been invited into the castle's living areas or had done business with him and not in his office. To his knowledge, Ms. Quinn was the first he'd invited into his parlour room. But it really was too nice a day to be formal, and he'd already glanced over the reports given to him. So... no harm, really. Besides, he loved having company and mingling, no matter how much it vexed his poor guards.

Gavin watched Rosaleen for a moment, watching the way her sightless eyes lit up. At least it was nice to know she enjoyed speaking with her king. As he turned she quietly followed, not needing any assistance or anything to hold her hand, just as fluid and graceful as he'd seen in her bar. He really did find it remarkable. Perhaps I should ask her about it sometime... Though I suppose that would be rude and a bit too personal, wouldn't it? The large oak door was opened and held in place by an attendant as Gavin entered the large parlour and smiled, breathing in its light and immediately feeling himself return to his peace. Whatever knews the captain had would automatically improve simply by this room's magic. Gavin walked to the chair he'd been playing in only minutes ago and took a seat slowly, watching Rosaleen look around the beautiful room as she entered. He watched quietly and patiently, momentarily absorbed in the colours of the afternoon and how the light bounced off her hair and made it seem brighter. Natural light had a special quality to it that seemed to just make colours bolder and richer, but then again, that may have just been his deep love of where he was. Ah, I should have been born an artist and not a King! At least then I could do something with the inspiration that comes to me like this.

"I'm sure you've heard this before, but I do love your home. It's gorgeous. Though its not like I've been to many other castles to really judge properly." Gavin's breath came out in short puffs of air through his throat, ac close to chuckling as he could manage. He'd thought about having Sorcha install a recorded laugh somewhere on this silly device, but all the ones he'd heard just felt too forced. Though he didn't know what his own natural laugh would sound like, somehow he imagined it wouldn't be much like the canned laughter of a studio voice-over. Gavin's gaze moved out the tall windows for a moment as his fingers tapped before moving his eyes back to Rosaleen's face.

"Thank you. It's my favourite room; it has the most beautiful view." As Rosaleen took a seat, Gavin reached for the thin folder sitting on the little table next to his chair, opening it up to glance over it again even though he'd read both reports already a few times. Gabby's report was there, as well as Finn's.

"I'm assuming you've already seen Gabby's report?" Right to business, eh? Still, at least there was something to be appreciated in a woman who didn't mindlessly ramble about nothing and drown them both in empty chatter; the last lady guest he'd entertained had been a Cretan duchess who had come to visit with her brothers. The hunt had been fun and all, but dear Lord, talking to that woman... Gavin had better exchanges with Cinder, and neither of them could talk. The keys padded quickly and quietly before the voice spoke up again.

"I have. She seems certain that Lord Dietrich will uphold his alliance with us. But with the current state of crisis on the mainland, I would appreciate your input on the matter as soldiers can be very talkative over ale." Part of Gavin felt a little guilty for having Ms. Quinn spying on Dietrich's military like that, especially after he'd lent the Cretain Prime Minister Gabby's services out of goodwill. But it never hurt to listen where one could and make certain that the same was being said across the board. After all, a verbal agreement wasn't worth the paper it's written on.

[Rosaleen Quinn]

As she had been observing the room, Rosaleen couldn't help but notice that eyes had been upon and considering he was the only other person in the room (unless someone was peeping from somewhere which was highly unlikely in itself).... Heh well... It was sort of.. Oh whats a good word... Well, it made her curious. Was there something upon her? Or.... Now, that was hardly likely. It was a moment that had passed, and now they were back to what they were. A king, and his loyal soldier enjoying a lovely chat amidst the relaying of information gathered.

The interesting puffs of air he emitted she recognized to be laughs judging by his expression that she could detect via her pings, a smile rising to her lips as her head tilted slightly to the side. What was it like to be mute? To not be able to sing or speak? Obviously he had adjusted to his disability just as she had adjusted to hers, though.... Would it be so bad to not be able to speak? And it wasn't like he couldn't entirely thanks to the speaking device he typed away on. That he was typing on right now. "Thank you. It's my favourite room; it has the most beautiful view." View... She turned her gaze towards the windows and she sent out a couple of pings towards them. No... No she couldn't go past the walls. Her range was limited otherwise she would be able to see that view he must admire from it. At least she could still see within at least a good twenty feet about her. She could hear the rustling of pages which meant he must be holding the folder containing the reports, her hands folding in her lap as the smile had faded.

She asked her question and he didn't take long to answer in the least bit, waiting patiently for the sound of the keys clicking to stop. "I have. She seems certain that Lord Dietrich will uphold his alliance with us. But with the current state of crisis on the mainland, I would appreciate your input on the matter as soldiers can be very talkative over ale." She couldn't help but chuckle, leaning back in her chair some as she thought over what she had heard. "When they aren't hitting on you at least." Another chuckle as an amused sort of smirk came over her lips, lifting her clasped hands towards her face as her two index fingers touched her lips thoughtfully. What exactly had she heard.....

"On the whole there was really nothing terribly alarming to report. As the whole fiasco in Drachma drew closer, they were more agitated, expressing their concerns over what may happen there. But thats normal in itself. Before a big war there is always worrying." Sighing lightly, she turned her eyes towards Gavin, green depths sparkling in the light like emeralds while her hands lowered back into her lap. "Some were noticing some tension in one of the female Royal Guards whom is close to Lord Dietrich, but again nothing worth worrying over. Considering what else followed after that, I can hardly hold it in high regard." She spoke softly as shook her head a little. Young military men. Heh, they could be so amusing sometimes. "They seem to remain loyal towards the alliance between our countries and most appreciative of our inventions. And ale. Heh." Rosaleen smiled and chuckled once more, brushing a few red strands from her face as her legs crossed. Mmm, she should visit her father after this.... "So what comes now m'lord? Do I remain at my post, or is there something else you had in mind for me?" It didn't please her to ask such questions, but she did need to know. And well... she wanted to know. Was she going to return to being a simple bartender back here in Carraig? Would she get to do more in service to her country? Or was this brief time back in duty merely a dream? No matter what his answer was, she would (of course) respect his wishes.

[Gavin Etheridge]

Gavin's posture, perfect and intense, held no regidity as he watched Rosaleen and listened carefully. His eyes were on her mouth for a moment, watching her speak. Her smile slipped slightly as he saw the soldier resurface while she gave her report. The young kng listened, for a moment leaving his hands in his lap. "On the whole there was really nothing terribly alarming to report. As the whole fiasco in Drachma drew closer, they were more agitated, expressing their concerns over what may happen there. But thats normal in itself. Before a big war there is always worrying."

He nodded, not wholly paying attention to if she'd catch it or not. It was true, though. Things had been so tense on the mainland for weeks. In less than two months there'd been two full wars plus many other little skirmishes, and even with Creta holding off on their endless border conflicts for now in lieu of assisting the severely-wounded nation of Amestris, the unrest still carried over and was felt by everyone. "Some were noticing some tension in one of the female Royal Guards whom is close to Lord Dietrich, but again nothing worth worrying over. Considering what else followed after that, I can hardly hold it in high regard. They seem to remain loyal towards the alliance between our countries and most appreciative of our inventions. And ale. Heh."

Relaxing into his chair more now, his posture slipping just slightly, Gavin propped his chin in his fingers, his elbow up on the chair's arm. Most of what Rosaleen had been having to sift through was nothing more than bar room gossip, but it had at least confirmed that they could relax for now. If there was no hint of soldiers planing to invade them while nobody was looking, then that went along with the other reports he'd been given and was good enough to put him at ease. He let out a small breath. That... was all very good news, at least, and hadn't killed his previous mood of wanting to enjoy the day.

"So what comes now m'lord? Do I remain at my post, or is there something else you had in mind for me?" Ah, yes. That was an important question, indeed. He could easily send her back to Creta to listen and report anything else important, but at this point Gavin felt if he pushed his luck, Lord Dietrich may find out and not be too thrilled about Carraig spying on him when they finally had developed such a good working relationship. But to just send her back to her father's bar when he could tell how much she itched to serve? That hardly seemed like an appropriate thanks, to be used for one small errand and brushed aside. The pad of the keys clicked swiftly, Gavin pausing only a fleetingly to consider his words.

"For now, Captain Quinn, sending you or anyone else to watch Creta is unneeded. However, I would like to call upon your services again in the future, if I may." Gavin leaned back in his chair further, thinking about the rest of his afternoon. This was all he'd had planned for the day, really. He was waiting to hear back on other things, but as his mother used to tell him "The cares of tomorrow must wait til this day is done." He smiled faintly, thinking of that song. He typed again for a moment, and then slowly moved forward in his seat, fingers barely restraining themselves as they yearned to reach for his bow. "But for now, would you care for something to drink? Unless you have another engagement to attend to, it's a nice afternoon for company."

[Rosaleen Quinn]

As she gave her report, Rosaleen was trying her best to observe her king to try to judge if what she was saying was at all helpful or new. The apprehension of what would happen to her was growing slightly in her chest, and not even the memory of that visit from Miguel was enough to keep her calm. At least he nodded once while she spoke, but generally he seemed much like she was, all business. Unreadable. As it should be she supposed. It wasn't necessarily a good thing to make it obvious what was on your mind. Especially not when you were a King. Though... It was always nice to see ones leader appear human as opposed to some untouchable being.

He was relaxing. This was good. He even let out a small breath, possibly a sigh of relief. Yes... it was good that they didn't have to watch their backs of those that were those allies. RIOTE seemed to do that easily enough with their hands in all of the pies. So much trouble had been caused because of them, and Amestris was practically crippled for it. They truly had many trying days ahead of them on the road to rebuilding all they had lost. Would Creta aid them in their need to rebuild? Everyone was suffering in some degree at the moment, except for Aerugo and themselves perhaps. Maybe Esparia. The man that had visited her bar had seemed cordial enough, though... that was before the war with Drachma.... Had he been there? Had he been involved? Worry pricked at her in the most frustrating manner, distracting her from the here and now of her King. Oh dear... What was going to happen to her?

"For now, Captain Quinn, sending you or anyone else to watch Creta is unneeded. However, I would like to call upon your services again in the future, if I may." Nodding slowly, she felt herself relaxing, coming to realize just how tense she had become. "Of course my lord. I am always happy to serve in whatever way I can." Oh thank goodness.... She wouldn't necessarily be reduced back to a bartender back home once more again. But now she knew for sure that she'd have to let her staff back at Kildaire's know that she wouldn't be returning, that they would have to carry on in their stead. Mmm... would the Esparian find her again she wondered.... No, onward to the now. "But for now, would you care for something to drink? Unless you have another engagement to attend to, it's a nice afternoon for company." She had to admit, she wasn't quite expecting the invitation, though the warmth that blossomed within her chest spread to her features as a smile tugged at her lips. To be asked to join her king was an honor indeed! "This was the only business I had to tend to today. So, if I may, some ice tea would be lovely. Thank you sir."

Her pings revealed how he had moved forward in his chair, confirming the sound that she had heard as that. She glanced back to the cello by his chair, her green eyes raising to Gavin as she bowed her head ever so slightly. "However, if I am imposing in any way, I can take my leave. I wouldn't want to keep you from anything you'd like to do. Such as Miss Sorcha, or your music." Oi... She was so aware of her current position... She wasn't relaxing fully at all! Of course he must not mind her staying, why else would he have phrased his words as such? Some things never changed, no matter how old you got. Being proper and paranoid was one of them. So much for years of military training.

[Gavin Etheridge]

So she'd freed her whole day to give her report... Professional of her, and a definite plus. It really was too nice a day to waste in the office or sitting alone, but wasn't really a day he felt up to pub-hopping; poor Artemis really did hate when he did that. He wouldn't keep her all day; no, that would be far too imposing and rude, even at the request of a king. But she had been such pleasant company to talk to at her bar, and she'd had such a relaxing air about her. Her ability to see without seeing was both astonishing and inspiring, and the way she moved and her patrons looked to her for silent cues...

"This was the only business I had to tend to today. So, if I may, some ice tea would be lovely. Thank you sir." So she would stay. Excellent. A smile played on his lips as he reaced a hand down to his pad, pressing and holding a button down. Really, the princess was beyond clever, but her designs made life simpler for everyone in Carraig, from her machines to her programs, to the systems she designed to keep everyone safe. "However, if I am imposing in any way, I can take my leave. I wouldn't want to keep you from anything you'd like to do. Such as Miss Sorcha, or your music." Gavin chuckled silently, tapping quickly on the device.

”Not at all, Ms. Quinn. The Princess is off playing; she will come show me what she's made at dinner, I'm sure.” Quietly, a young lady in a long skirt presented herself at the door, bowed slightly and entered quickly, standing near enough to Gavin and Rosaleen to be seen. Gavin turned to the attendant, raising his hands to sign quickly. ”Bring ice tea please, and tea cakes.” The up side to having most of the same people remain your staff and their family members become your staff is that after a while everyone had picked up on enough sign language and Gavin's personal habits to not need him to type what he needed. They either understood the signs or understood him well enough. The girl, looking hardly out of high school, smiled and gave a short nod and turned, her brown ponytail bouncing as she left the room. Gavin watched her leave before turning his attentions back to his guest. He tapped at the keys once more, music and notes running through his head as he prepared to “speak,” and knew that if he had a voice he might have been humming.

”It really is a nice afternoon for company, and music is best appreciated with others. After all, without music life would be a mistake, correct?” He knew she must have liked music at least a little; he'd heard her sing at her bar, and it was a lovely thing to hear. Music sung by one who doesn't love it leaves the sound lifeless and distant, no matter how perfect the tone or pitch is. No, no. There was love in her voice as she sang to please her patrons. Love for her bar and patrons that loved her, love for the song and the words that came through her, and love for her beloved little town that the song was about. Gavin didn't need to look up as the girl returned, her smile like beaming sunlight as she pushed a small hotel cart into the room. Quietly she poured two glasses of the tea over ice and set them down on the little table that divided Gavin and Rosaleen. A thin glass bottle similar to an oil bottle was placed down as well, holding a sugar syrup to sweeten the tea. Gavin smiled, watching quietly as a large plate of tea cakes and raspberry cookies were placed down; his staff really did know him too well. ”Thank you K-A-T-Y” Just as she'd bounced in, she bounced back out, pushing the cart with her and leaving the two alone once more.

”Please, help yourself. Her mother makes the best sweets.” Gavin poured in a little of the sugar syrup and gave it a small stir before tasting, loving the sweetness of the cold tea. So few people in Carraig and Creta liked sweetened iced tea, it was funny; the Cretans in London couldn't fathom why you'd ruin a perfectly good pot of tea making it cold on purpose. Gavin thought a moment. He hadn't planned on what would happen if she actually said yes and stayed. Would she actually enjoy listening to him play, or merely stay to listen out of polite respect for her king? An idea hit him as he typed quickly. ”I was working on a piece I've known for years before you came, but I think I know it so well that I have become lazy with it. Perhaps you could critique, Ms. Quinn?”

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Her ears pricked at the sound of the button being pressed, glancing to the sight of him holding down the button. But soon enough he was typing once more, and she felt her nerves ebbing away ever so slightly.
”Not at all, Ms. Quinn. The Princess is off playing; she will come show me what she's made at dinner, I'm sure.” She exhaled slowly and felt a smile of relief cross over her features, closing her eyes for a moment. It was still a relief to hear. "Of course. One can't resist the tug of food hm?" She could only imagine what a young girl would hunger for in any case. It wasn't like she saw many children where she worked since... well.. they were just a smidgeon too young. Just by two decades or so thats all.

There were footsteps that entered the room, Rosaleen picking them up before she saw the girl there, turning her head towards her to get a glimpse. Ah, a maid. Of course. Another shift of movement, another ping to the dragons pulse. He was signing to her. It was unfortunate that she hadn't tried to take up sign language when she was younger. Not that it would do a lot of good for her now heh... That whole difficulty with seeing. Nah... She was fine now. The girl was a pretty young thing, trying to think back to when she was her age. What in the world had she been doing? Well... depending on the girls age, she either would have just gotten out of high school, or else she would have just been joining the military. Oh the early years.... She had still been so bushy tailed and bright eyed... Fit right in with the boys... Ah the early years...

”It really is a nice afternoon for company, and music is best appreciated with others. After all, without music life would be a mistake, correct?” Mmm, he did have that correct for sure. "Oh absolutely. My mother always seemed so happy when she sang for everyone at our bar. Probably gave that little gift to me." She had to giggle a bit at that, the sound like little bells tinkling together. Maybe like a celesta in an orchestra. Aye.... It was the same thing that had captivated her father when they met. Heh, maybe her and Gavin would perform a duet somehow? It wasn't like there were many cello-vocal combinations but.....thats what they had. Footsteps again. Same weight as before. Looking up, she turned a little and looked up to the girl and flashed her a small smile, noting just how her youthfulness seemed to fill her with such life. Ah to be that young again.... Heh, she was talking like such an old fart yet she was hardly out of her golden years yet. "Thank you darling." She said softly as the girl finished serving them tea and nummies. When was the last time she had tea? Dear lord far too long...

Picking up her glass, she sipped at the iced tea and smiled. Perfection. Not too tart, not too sweet.... It was good to be king hm? ”Please, help yourself. Her mother makes the best sweets.” Smiling softly, she nodded once and picked up one of the raspberry cookies to nibble on-- Oh lord. That was delicious. Swallowing that little nibble Rosaleen raised her green eyes to him and grinned, licking a couple of crumbs off of her lips. "You weren't kidding sir." She murmured incredulously with a small chuckle, her brows furrowing as he was quiet. A couple of pings told her he seemed.... thoughtful maybe? Some of the finer details of his face was lost to her. Her alkahestry could only do so much. ”I was working on a piece I've known for years before you came, but I think I know it so well that I have become lazy with it. Perhaps you could critique, Ms. Quinn?”

Now she truly was surprised. Her? "Truly sir?" She couldn't believe... Well, did he ask this of anyone else? Leaning back in her chair a bit, she let her eyes close and stopped pinging the dragon's pulse. Let her vision remain dark for a few moments. Tilting her head in his direction, she could hear his faint breath still. "I would be happy to sir." She finally answered, finishing off the cookie so that the chewing wouldn't interrupt anything. Her, some lowly soldier critiquing the king? It was... unheard of! She couldn't believe it at all!

[Gavin Etheridge]

The sweetness of the treats lingers on his tongue and made Gavin think back. Katy's mom worked in his kitchen now, as her grandmother had when he was a boy. He'd watched Katy grow up and almost saw her like a little sister more than a servant, but that seemed to be how he felt with a lot of his staff. They were his family and this castle was home for all of them. He was King, yes, and always would be. But all of his staff knew that when he wasn't on business, he wasn't the King of Carraig seen on the news and papers and magazine covers. He was Gavin. Rosaleen was his staff, too, even if not directly or living in the castle. He let out another soft, silent chuckle, shaking his head lightly as he typed. Rosaleen had accepted his invitation, but there was something else he needed her to do for him.

"The business of our meeting is over, Ms. Quinn. As such, you and I both are technically off-duty now." Gavin smiled gently, moving to the front of his chair to reposition the cello between his knees and reach for his bow, the speech aid continuing to speak for him to finish the statement. "As such, you needn't address me as Sir. Simply Gavin is fine." Gavin looked down at the speech aid in his lap, lamenting slightly that it wasn't a true voice. The man the company had hired to record each words did a fine enough job, but the flow wasn't natural, and would never carry the tone or inflection he wished the words could convey.

It also made things horribly inconvenient that it couldn't simply read his mind and say what he wanted so he could leave his hands free to do other things. Like play his cello or violin and talk at the same time. Speaking was such a simple concept, and yet something he didn't understand. He knew how it worked and what it was, but couldn't describe how it felt if he tried; those nerves just didn't stimulate the muscles to vibrate against each other to create any sound. He managed without it just fine, but wondered if it was something anyone could learn to manage and live without. Surely not Ms. Quinn - she sang and seemed to shine best through her voice talking. It's how she connected to her world and her patrons, through her voice and her music. No, no. People weren't meant to be silent things. He was silent by God's will, and knew that what he had to sho instead of tell would make a greter impact than words alone.

The strings pressed down, falling into place as though they had walys been there and belonged there, the bow beginning to cross the breast of his beloved cello. Bach's Courante suddenly burst from the strings, one strong note easing in gently and then maintaining a warm strength in the song as it bounced. It was a sunny hunt in fall in the room all over again, the leaves caught on a gentle breeze as his bow danced acraoss the strings. Gavin's eyes closed, looking at the memorized sheet music in his head, seen so many times that he could copy it down by hand if he'd wanted. So many hours practicing as a boy, having his wrist tapped when his bowing got lazy or practicing fingering techniques until they became calloused or bled. Some minutes later the last invisible leaf fell and the music held in the air of the room, humming into silence as Gavin finally pulled his bow away and looked up expectantly at Rosaleen.

[Rosaleen Quinn]

It was rare for her to allow the world to be dark as it had when the... event.. had happened. She had always hated not being able to see. Always hated this reason that prevented her from being there on the front lines, taking out whatever enemies she had to. She could have gone to Drachma with Gabby and Toss had she been able to see! And then she would have shown them a good what-for! Oh but Gabby.... Sad news had come back from the front, another sniper was taken from the world. They were a dying breed it felt like as more passed each day. Probably painted a bright red target on their back without even meaning to.

But the king was chuckling, and it caused her to turn her head a bit at the sound, resisting the urge to ping the dragons pulse. She.. had survived before learning of alkahestry. She could return to that for the moment. Yes... The quiet that filled the void of her mind, any possible stimulation from her eyes gone for the moment and the shadows swallowed her. She opened her eyes, but they did not see, listening intently to the fingers that typed on the keyboard. "The business of our meeting is over, Ms. Quinn. As such, you and I both are technically off-duty now." Now it was her turn to chuckle softly, leaning her head back in her chair as the rest of her senses began to strengthen in themselves. The smells of the wood, the lingering sounds of breathing and rustling of clothes, the touch of the rich chair beneath her fingers. "As such, you needn't address me as Sir. Simply Gavin is fine."

"Very well, Gavin. You do make a very good point. Then may I ask you to call me Rosaleen, hm?" Turn about was fair play yes? An amused smile rose to her lips, leaning her cheek against the back of her hand as she propped her elbow against the arm of the chair. You could say she was quite relaxed now. She could hear his shifting about, the sounds still soft upon the air. He must be preparing to play. Time for music then! Not a time for voices, just.... music.

And music did she hear. It was quiet for another moment but then.... the sound. It reverberated in her bones, in her chest, in her spirit. The cello was such a gorgeous instrument. It was so rich, and sang so strongly with such feeling. That was the joy of it, at least in her opinion. The room was gone, the castle was gone, and it was just the two of them in their chairs amongst a grove of tree's whose leaves fell all around them. It was as if those tree's came alive themselves and danced to the sound, waltzing like the brightly clothed nobles at court. It was.... beautiful. She was watching with her own eyes, her own eyes. She could see again. The colors... they were so vibrant... Had she ever.... Was this... Tears rolled down her cheeks as she sat there and listened, just two small droplets the descended gently to plit into her lap.

And as soon as she that warmth was brought back into her life, it was gone as the final note hung upon the air, alone and fading fast. They were back in the grand palace, the sun soothing against their skin, the treats smelling fresh in the room. It took her a moment to find her voice again, the beauty of that scene still lingering in her mind. It was amazing what one could forget when one hadn't used such things in so long. Taking a deep breath, she called up a small smile, blinking as she resumed pinging the Dragon's Pulse, her vision returning in its black and white flickers. "I've never heard anything so beautiful Gavin." She whispered, her green eyes seeming to focus upon him as she now sat up straight in her chair. With a finger, she wiped away those salty trails upon her cheek, her breath shuddering as she exhaled slowly. Goodness.... That.. made her day really.

[Gavin Etheridge]

Even though the automated voice was choppy, Gavin smiled, knowing it would be able to say her name with only a mild stacatto. If nothing else, he would have her record her saying her name into his aid so that for now he could say her name the way she did (even though it would be with her own voice) and later have a male voice record the name and import the data. Dammit talking was a pain in the ass. But he smiled, glad he was being given permission to address her on a firstname basis, the young King honestly feeling more at ease that way.

It was always hard to separate himself from his duties, the line of where the king stopped and Gavin started often blurring and intertwining until there was little to no differentiation. It was why he took up blacksmithing to ease his mind and give him a hobby, and why he terrorized Artemis with wanting to hit up the pubs in town and drink with everyone else. There was a life outside of politics and heavily-weighed decisions and everyone watching you expectantly, almost waiting for you to screw up. It was why he tried all his life to be as informal with his close staff as he could, to make it more like one large, overly-dressed family. He knew that no matter how hard he tried he'd never be as wholly accessible as he wanted to be. Close, never to be clsoer, the embodiment of Carraig and its people without really being one of them.

Moments like these were savoured. Moments where he could be in a room with someone and open up just a little, just enough to let them peek at who he really was. Sure, he'd played for a few of his guests before. That silly Duchess and her family, he'd played his violin for them in this very room. But they hadn't appreciated it. That woman didn't know how to listen to the vibrations of the strings and feel the reverb in the air and from them hear his voice. But this was how Gavin spoke. Of course it would be in a language most people wouldn't pick up off the get go. But the song carried on, Gavin playing a little less casually than he had before, actually playing to impress as the heavy black notes dotted and danced across the paper in his mind. He could see each one of them, knew exactly where each one was. He could scribble it on napkins if he really felt like it.

Slowly the song came to a close and the final note melted into the air with a gentle hum, Gavin's bow moving down and to his lap as he looked up to Rosaleen. Fingers delicately moved across her lower eyelashes, her smile soft and warm as the beaming sunlight that filled the room and pooled on the floor around them. "I've never heard anything so beautiful Gavin." he smiled, picking his aid back up Damn, if only there were some alkahestry to make him telepathic so he could just think loudly at people.

"I am very glad you liked that Ros-a-leen. I have been playing violin and cello since I was a child." Gavin glanced over to a cabinet along the wall, his lovely violin mounted on the top shelf inside as though it were decorative. He knew it wasn't. It hardly rested long enough to get dusty. She was singing at her bar. I wonder if she would sing with a violin accomaniment....Or would that be rude to ask of my guest? He reached out, lifting his glass to take another sip of the sweetened tea with a small smile. A nice early afternoon, pleasant company, sweets and music. Dear lord he'd needed this.

[Rosaleen Quinn]

Wow... Rosaleen still needed a few moments to get herself gathered back together, the colors lingering for as long as they could in her mind. 'What is your favorite color?' That used to be such a simple and easy question that everyone had some kind of an answer to. But what could she say now that she had almost forgotten how beautiful they were? How they painted life in such a perfect way? She supposed at this point, any color would be fine with her. For now, she settled with her black and white sonar images, her very soul shuddering within her chest as the last of that beautiful scene left her.

[b]"I am very glad you liked that Ros-a-leen. I have been playing violin and cello since I was a child."[/i] The choppiness of the machine saying her name brought forth a chuckle from her, her eyebrows raising to learn this new information. Well, with how well he played, she could hardly really be surprised. One wasn't just born with such a talent! Ok, so a few were, but those cases were rare and far between. Prodigies. "That is quite impressive, and wonderful. Sometimes I fear that a passion for performing music is fading from our modern society." Rosaleen noticed that his head was turned elsewhere, shifting her gaze to follow after (though she could only approximate where he was actually looking). It appeared that his gaze was resting upon a cabinet of some sort, the glass of it causing a bit of distortion with her sonar sight. There must be something nostalgic in there for him, though she could only use speculation as to what it was. "What is in there? I'm afraid I can't tell." She asked softly, no sense of embarrassment in her voice. She was genuinely curious, and she had been living with this disability long enough to have gotten over the awkwardness of it. Her blindness was merely a fact in her life, nothing more.

But his gaze had shifted once more, and so did hers. She nibbled on another sweet, relishing the relaxed atmosphere that surrounded her. In all honesty, it was reminding her of when she was a child with her mother and father at the bar. "My mother had me sing with her whenever I was at the bar with them once I was old enough to. Father would be serving the drinks, the band would be playing... I'd wander into the room and everyone would greet me with their smiles and cheers. Mother would beckon me to her, and sit me down on her lap." Her voice had gone distant as the memory danced to the forefront of her mind, tilting her head ever so slightly to the side. "Hehe, I learned drinking songs at a very early age which caused some concerns at my school when I'd sing in the halls or at recess. My parents even got called once about it! Oh the confusion on the principles face.. It was priceless." Laughing softly, the blind bartender shook her head slightly, turning her emerald eyes back to her lord with an easy smile. "Forgive me if I have bored you, this..." She gestured with a hand to the room as if it could explain exactly what she meant, "Reminds me very much of how things felt back then."

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