Moving Back to Memories [Done]

[Tigeress]

Inca remembered a moment in her life, when she was much younger, walking through gates that looked a bit like these, but not. Why had her mother gone to the court of Hearts? This was their court, was it not? What was the difference between this royalty or any other? Inca didn't know if ambition would sweep her up upon entering, but her mother had made it seem so easy to ignore the temptations of being born worthy enough to enter the courts. Inca was not, and so naturally, she was curious to know what she was or was not missing out on.

Things had changed, she was moving faster forward than all of her other siblings, no joke intended in the case of her partially lame brother. She had to find something to do with herself before life just passed her by. She never wanted to end up like her mother, even if she did change her mind and wanted to be in the courts, she couldn't. With them to look after, and Igal's obvious paranoia about her leaving, she was stuck in a rut for the rest of her life. Maybe that made her happy, but it didn't make Inca one bit excited thinking about it.

Pushing the cold steel forward with her hand, she slunk forward past the gates, flattening her leathery wings to her back to avoid any unnecessary attention. But she looked as lost and bewildered as she felt. Where to start? What was she even looking for? Something to sway her or entice her perhaps, or maybe something to tell her she was better off as a home wife. No, there had to be something for her, and she secretly wished it would be here. Something to work forward for.

[Kitty]

[[ Tigs... I don't think I've played with you here yet! =3 And never fear.. .Osias won't be here long .... he has 'important matters' to attend to XD ]]



Well, not soon after she'd enter the gates she'd be greeted by the sight of two forms moving from the entrance, two rather brown forms. The pair was indeed that of the Lowland heritage, one bi pedal like herself and one much younger and in it's animal form. Neither of the pair seemed to notice her at first as they seemed to be busy arguing between themselves, the type of arguing that would suggest that they were related.

Osias pinned his ears back and pointed a bony finger at the youth, why oh why wouldn't he listen to him? He was going to the capitol and the boy was not coming with him, that was that. He knew the youth loved going but he had business to attend to and he would not, under any circumstances, allow the boy near any of his... .business associates. It was all just a matter of getting that simple fact through the boys thick skull, a trait he could only assume he'd inherited from himself.

Look, this isn't a pleasure trip. I'm going there for business matters and you are not going, there will be no swaying me this time around. Do you understand?

Morpheus on the other hand, wasn't pleased at all. Mis was gone to the Capitol to be with his other parent and if Osias left, well, that meant that Morpheus would have no one really fun to torment or make mischief with. He was not looking forward to the utter boredom that entailed and, to top it all off, the capitol was just filled with things to do and interesting people as well. He wanted to go, but he was slowly realizing that wasn't going to happen, sometimes the rat could just be so... impossible!

Fine! I guess I'll just stay here and waste away with boredom!

The young Queen snorted at the older King and placed his ears back as well, glaring at his mother until a rather bright, familiar color caught his eye. He thought it was Vessatha for a moment, but no, Vessa wasn't a deer was she? He perked up noticeably at the sight of a stranger, ears coming back to their forward position, standing up with interest.

Osias noticed the change in the boy and, curious as to what could snag him from his sulking so quickly, turned his head to look at the Kahmden stranger as well. He merely arched a brow at her, waiting for some sort of a move or word on her part.

[Tigeress]

[Ooooh someone new HI KITTY! <3]

Her eyes tried to train on something, anything interesting, who had her mother spoken to to actually get Inside? There weren't many people outside right at the moment, but it was so hard to remember what she was looking for. Oh blonde moment, she recognized the type as soon as she saw them walking towards her. It was hard to just master that kind of confident walk out of boredom, they had a reason for their purposeful stroll. Now, how high up was he exactly? She tried to not outwardly gawk at the marks on their chests, though when they were closer her intent would probably be a little obvious.

A King! And a... baby Queen? Well now, the King had certainly found a good match to produce kids like that. They were both looking at her as well, so this was a good chance to step up. But what if they were going somewhere? Oh well, it was less awkward than, say, walking up behind them yelling 'excuse me!' in vain. They probably wouldn't pay attention to her for much longer.

"Hello Your Highness, Your Majesty." Did you call kids that? Oh shit. She had no idea. Well, better to overflatter than insult, she assumed. Perhaps it would be obvious that she had never been inside the courts before, and they wouldn't just label her 'dunce' once she screwed up even slightly.

"Sorry to interrupt you, I'm looking to know more about the courts, this one in particular. My name is Inca." Well, who better to ask about court life and the inner politics than a King himself? The Queen seemed too young to know much of the technical stuff, but he seemed happy enough. If the environment was pleasant enough that someone would raise a child in it, maybe she'd been taking too many rumours to heart.

[Kitty]

Osias did take note of her look, and intent, and it was deemed as an intelligent move even if she had been 'gawking' a bit. At least the woman knew it best to find out how to address someone before doing so. It, at least, would save her from an immediate boot right out the front gates from whence she came. Bubble headed women were right up there on his list of people he couldn't stand, so as long as she never struck him as one she'd merely get short, gruff responses rather then outright nasty ones from him.

As a greeting the rat merely nodded his head as he pondered, well, he could take a few extra minutes to answer some questions as long as they were good ones. He'd forgotten something inside anyhow, something important.

I am Osias, and the youth is Morpheus. If you can walk and ask questions come with me.

And with that said he'd simply turn and begin walking back toward the palace doors, if she didn't follow then she didn't follow, her loss entirely.

Morpheus, however, puffed himself up when he was addressed by his proper title. He didn't get called it often, the more used titles were 'snot', 'pest' those sort of things. Then again his mother was, well, his mother and thus could get away with such nasty names, he'd get him back when he was bigger. But strangers, well, most of the time they were quite nice to him, lowlander or not. And, when he was introduced, he picked up a clawed paw and waved, giving her a goofy sideways grin as he did. When his mother turned back toward the palace he followed suit, curling his tail up off the ground and into a happy little s shape as he trotted at the rat's heels.

[Tigeress]

She let out a breath she hadn't remembered holding when she wasn't immediately bitchslapped or cussed out for any sort of social oversight or general lack of court knowledge. It seemed she'd approached the right royals, for though they seemed busy, they also seemed willing to indulge her curiosity for a while. She noted how the child puffed himself up and almost couldn't contain a smile. He reminded her of her when she was younger, always the mature one of the group, she'd held herself proudly throughout her childhood years.

But now all of her siblings were grown and mature enough to look after themselves, and her motherly figure had been shedded in hopes of finding a seperate identity not meant to impress anyone other than herself.

"Thank you, your Highness." She called towards his back as they'd already begun heading back to the palace. Oh gods. Was she really going in there?! She wasn't ready for this. The doe tried her hardest to appear casual, and it probably worked, if anything, she'd learned how to use her 'disinterested' face well. It worked in scolding her more rambunctious brothers when they were trying to get her excited enough to playfight, argue, or something of the like that she was supposed to be disinterested in.

She'd been taught to be a lady, her mother had made sure of that, and strangely enough, so had her brother Irving. Following along closely behind them, she tried to think of something good to ask to start off, she had so many questions!

"I am very curious about what goes on behind the palace walls to be honest. I've heard some unpleasant things about death and backstabbing, but if it is deemed as a suitable place to raise children, especially one so powerful as his majesty Morpheus, then I assume it isn't true?" She was reasoning things out out loud again, and while it may have sounded true to her, she was a woman who liked reassurance from someone who knew without a doubt.

[Kitty]

The rat was fully back to himself after the episode with that butterfly, and when he was within palace grounds he was to behave. Outside of these walls, however, he was free to do whatever he pleased. All in all, Inca was quite lucky and would receive a good temporary guide and answer book. Well, that was until the rat couldn't spare any more of his precious time, then she'd be left with the young Queen as a distraction, she seemed harmless enough and inside the palace he knew quite well only the biggest of fools would attempt something out in plain view, it wasn't late enough for the servants to be in bed yet.

Nowhere is really safe to raise a child, but the courts are actually safer then anywhere else if you'd to ease your mind a bit, Inca.

He reached out, pulling open the doors and stepping inside without really changing his pace much. He'd been in and out of these doors on many occasions over the years, the far to many years, that he'd been here. He used to wonder why a Diamond would want to stay in a lower court and if there was something truly wrong with him, but he'd been able to let that go. He liked it here and, well, truth be told it made him feel closer to Finistris.

He held the door for a moment, might as well play his cards and act like a proper gentleman. She hadn't made any fuss or faces over his being a lowlander after all.

Ah, I think you're making references to the other courts as of late? Generally those are only worries of The Queen, but politics can be a nasty business on any level. However, this is the only court to not experience any usurping as of late, if that's what you mean.

Morpheus simply traveled in blissful silence, he'd get his turn to be the center of attention soon enough and besides, it was interesting to see his mother on such good behavior. He'd certainly have to ask him about that later as it pulled at his curious young mind. Adults were so... .strange.

[Tigeress]

Truth be told, Inca was as much a rarity as her mother. Mostly because, her mother had been raised by an unusually happy and free spirited Torquehelm woman, and being raised by her mother meant that she inherited the same general lust for life, and lack of apathy that her father carried which was more characteristic of those from her realm. Similarily, her mother grew up with no prejudices, and passed those down to her daughter. She was wary of Corvistowne and those from it, but that was only because she didn't understand what they did or why they devoted themselves to it when it could cause so much harm before good. Inca understood that logic as well. Lowlanders were nothing special to her, just another type of person from another place.

Probably helped that she knew next to nothing of any place other than the Capitol and surprisingly enough, Avington. But that was her pet secret, she loved the idea of that place.

"I suppose if you have a high enough rank and a good solid base of power, you've much less to fear than being out in the open." She mused, a great deal more confident in the idea of the courts knowing that there truly were people who wanted to look out for you, and not just poison your food and steal your position. In time she'd learn it was much harder than it sounded to steal someone's hard earned spot in the courts, but for now, it seemed like every cook and servant might be out to get you. Or apparently they might help raise your kids.

"Ah, I suppose I am... I am terrible for... lumping them all together." She admitted with a blush that was hidden until he held the door open for her. Something which made her start in surprise before she did a hasty bow and hurried inside so as not to keep the busy man. His son was oddly well behaved, was that his son? It certainly looked a lot like him, and he hadn't said anything to hint that it might not be.

"I'm glad to hear that these courts have been quiet lately, though I suppose you never know when that sort of thing can change. Might I ask, how long did it take you to achieve your impressive rank, Osias?" Could she call him by his name because he told her it? Or was that just for knowledge sake? Ooops. She needed to start thinking these things out in advance.

[Kitty]

Well, Inca would be on the lucky end again because Osias was one of the rare few royals who didn't take to formalities all to well. Know your place at the beginning, but don't be redundent.... it was annoying. As long as she continued to use the proper respect she wouldn't receive a tongue lashing about it. His name was his name after all, it was perfect and fine on it's own.

From my own knowledge, the Court of Hearts tends to be the most brutal, but...

He shook his head, chasing away his own prejudices for the evening. He didn't have the time nor the patience to ramble on about those egotistical, hot blooded fools that were hearts. Besides, she'd asked him a question he hadn't expected, how long had it taken him, eh?

Years, sixes don't become Kings over night.

But in his case, tens did. That question was harder to answer then the others for the sheer fact that he'd lost track of time at some point, when was that? He honestly couldn't remember. He knew he'd left the lowlands in his early teens but... beyond that... everything seemed to have no real barriers, it all just bled together. Oh well, surely she wouldn't ask him for specifics? And no, he wouldn't be telling her intended to be a Queen, that was dangerous information to pass onto some stranger from who knows where. However, he was quite proud of the fact that he'd been born a six and had actually worked for his rank, unlike the ones who were born into them like Morpheus.

He led her to a simple, but spacious room, quite obviously a sitting room and motioned for her to take a seat. There were several chairs, and a couch if she so desired, and he slid into one of the chairs. His posture just oozed with confidence and comfort at all once. This woman hadn't yet begun to waste his time, and her questions were intelligent enough... .he might even like this one enough to not want to pull her teeth out one by one slowly. But he'd have to see about that.

And, once again, a little voice in the back of his mind reminded him of the proper way to treat guests and he turned his attention to Morpheus, who was in the process of making himself comfortable on the couch.

Morpheus, go to the kitchens and have whoever is there tonight whip up a batch of tea and perhaps something to eat on the side.

Well, damn, he was hoping to hear more of the conversation, or all of it really, but now he was being sent on an errand! He rolled his eyes and hopped back of the couch, speaking in a rather exasperating tone children used with their parents or siblings to try and get on their nerves.

Yes mother, of course.

And with that the little Queen was trotting off toward the kitchens, if he ran across anyone but Brindle, well, he was sure to get a tasty treat!

[Tigeress]

He didn't seem angry when she used his name, so she assumed it was alright so long as now and then (probably in the company of other people) she used his title or at least spoke to him in a tone and form that spoke of respect. And she most certainly did respect the Lowlander, so that shouldn't be too hard. His comment about the court of Hearts didn't receive a response, but she made a silent 'O' with her mouth, suddenly curious just how many of the rumours had been specific to the court of Hearts. If it was as many as she now was thinking.... yeesh, thank god her mother had been a Spade!

"A... six? You have obviously worked very hard. I should assume that must earn you more respect than someone who is born into it around the courts?" She asked hopefully, her eyes still wide in awe as she glanced down to the '7' on her chest. She'd though that rank would make her success impossible, but apparently, she had a Head Start compared to the vermin male! How incredible was that? She assumed his son had been born into the rank he had now, but she wondered idly if he'd been born a 10 or a Jack if he would have tried to raise himself up, too.

When they entered the spacious room, she couldn't help but look around. When he motioned for her to take a seat, it took her a moment to notice him, but then she sat immediately as instructed, her eyes still wandering without meaning to. The chair she'd chosen was close enough to the one that Osias himself sat in, but far enough that his son could easily fit in if he so chose.

"I suppose you get used to this after a while. As a Jack, and even as a King I suppose, was it very difficult to get into a Queen's good graces enough for them to choose you as their personal Jack or King? I suppose... some places are bound to be more... difficult than others." There was a slight discomfort in her voice, her mind making these fantastically horrific scenes in her mind of Queens of the court of Hearts with bristling fur and red hot tempers, wielding weapons and splitting heads off of necks. She was still fairly young and impressionable, being a late teen and one with the need for growing her own opinions.

She was faintly surprised when he sent the child to get them something to eat and drink. Suddenly her quick set of questionning had turned into a social interview of a sort it seemed. Hopefully she wasn't keeping him.

"I'm sorry, am I being bothersome? If I'm keeping you from anything, just say so. You've been more than hospitable just answering my questions." She smiled faintly, not trying to seem as eager as she felt to learn more and more. If he didn't say anything, she'd probably accidentally keep him all night. The child's tone almost mader her smile once more, ah, eavesdropping. She had known the joys of it well.

[Kitty]

The fox could certainly wait for Osias to meet him, he knew the rat was a King and therefor might end up with better things to do. But he knew the man would wait, the brief details on the job he wanted done that he'd given the rat initially begged for a face card's attention, and really, how many kings would the canine find to do such tasks? Osias didn't like him anyhow, but the job it's self sounded fun and the man was to pay him well... so he'd get there eventually.

Besides, he felt comfortable around this doe, and by the suits that was a rarity. She wasn't judging or talking down to him and her interest and respect seemed genuine. Yes, she was far better company that then downtrodden fox was any day.

In my eyes it does, shows you've got the smarts and conviction it takes to do whatever tasks the court needs you for rather then just 'good' breeding.

His tail was draped over the cushioned arm of the chair, the end of it twitching idly every now and again. How long had it been since he'd sat and had a casual conversation with anyone but his mate? Hum, well, if the trip here with Leur counted it hadn't been since he was a six which meant it had been to long. This was ... nice.

It depends on the Queen's own taste really, some Queens are rather disagreeable while others a pretty laid back. Just do as you're doing now, and you should be find. Mind you not all royals are as lax as I am about their titles, it's especially good to remember when addressing Queens.

He was making it a point to let her know that he'd noticed the missing title when she had addressed him, it would do her good to remember such a thing so she wouldn't upset the more trivial royalty. It was advice, not a reprisal.

At her next question he arched a brow, he hadn't felt like he'd been being rude or acting rushed at all. Perhaps she was just worried about overstaying her welcome? Whatever it was he waved the question away casually, a smirk finding it's way to his muzzle.

Not at all, the meeting I have planned can wait... Warren knows I'm a busy man. It's nice to talk to someone interested in the Courts that isn't some bubble headed waste of oxygen. No worries at all, alright Miss Inca?