Moving Back to Memories [Done]

[Tigeress]

She bowed her head to hide a grin to herself at his comment. Truly, she had been loosing hope, and had been having mixed feelings regarding jealousy towards Irving. His natural born injury made it so that he would forever be too embarassed to enter the courts, or so he said, and yet he was a natural born Jack. Well, by the suits, she'd work her way up to where birth had placed him, and someday, maybe she'd be sitting here again with the rat, talking about her journey up to the point where she would be then. What did she even really know about the difference of ranks, though? There was still so much to learn.

"Is that... really a common concern? High ranked individuals for... um... breeding stock? I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound so shocked, I just had never considered it." She hoped he wouldn't take that as some kind of shocked insult towards his kid, if he had indeed mated with the woman who produced the boy just because he'd needed a high ranked woman. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense, for Queens especially. Nobody wanted an heir that had the chance of being born anything less than a face card, or by the time they worked themselves up to where they needed to be, it might be too late. Hmmm, interesting.

"Oh, thank you for that. I was uncertain whether if a royal gave you their name, it meant to call them by it, or if it was just for the sake of knowing their name beyond their title. I will most certainly keep that in mind. If you don't mind me asking, who do you serve under? I don't know any of the Queens, so it won't make much different at the moment, but I assume someday it might be good to know." Maybe if she came in as a Jack, and she knew who to approach, they'd even set her up under the same Queen as the rat. Oh gods, she was really talking like this was going to happen, subconsciously, had she already made the call in her own mind?

"I very much appreciate the compliment. Suddenly I have the feeling you're a hard man to please on a regular basis your Highness. I am glad I am not boring you or being a bother, I can only assume there are more than a few Kings, even Jacks, who would find this to be... below them, not worth their time." But then again, it showed quite a bit of thinking on Osias' part to be so receptive to her questioning. After all, should he have decided to blow her off, well, sometimes one will find the enemies they make can grow surprisingly fast into larger concerns to their well being. The same thing would go for making good connections, surely he had thought ahead to know that his kindness to the doe would probably mean that upon her entry to the courts, when/if it should happen, he could count on an extra pair of eyes to watch his back. Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself and all that.

"I have heard that one undergoes a strange quest upon achieving the ranks of Jack and King, especially if they request entry into the courts. Is this true? If so, were they, in your opinion, especially difficult?" She'd also heard some of the quests could get.... eerily personal for those with skeletons in their closet, so to speak. She could only hope he wasn't one of those to go through that, she'd heard it was a real nightmare sometimes... literally.

[Kitty]

Most higher ranks prefer higher ranked children and yes, sometimes a union is formed specifically in hopes of higher ranked offspring. Then again, it happens outside the courts as well, although some in the courts forget they're simply people like everyone else. children are funny things though ... and Queen or not if I wasn't so damned enamored with the boys father I wouldn't treat him near as well.

Oh yes, the rat was an opinionated ass most of the time, but she was delighting him with her company and thus he'd be as straight as he could, but at the same time he didn't want her to go with where a lot of his facts would take her young mind. Even though there were politics inspired couplings, there were also those who went with their hearts instead of their their ranks. Or was that just the newly awakened sappy side of him rearing it's head again?

I serve her Majesty Lysaras, but not officially I suppose ... this isn't the court of my own suit after all. I think you'd get along with her quite well actually, she's quite a lady.

She'd put up with him for so long, of course he'd have some form of praise for her. He knew for a fact she defended him against that arrogant snit of a servant, Brindle, and she had even trusted him with a most important task.... and forgiven him for his little 'moods'. Yes, quite the lady indeed... but he wondered briefly how long it would be before someone challenged her, kind hearts didn't often last in the courts for long.

Her comment about him being hard to please caused his smirk to grow, exposing a small amount of pointed, but yellowed fangs briefly before he chuckled, shaking his head and resting clawed digits lightly on his forehead for a moment.

The Queen herself would be the first to agree with you there.... and probably add on some line about my thick skull and hot blood to boot.

Oh, she was bringing his humorous side out as well? What a fine young lass indeed ... he was beginning to hope she'd press onward and strive for the court, by the suits they needed the help that was sure. And he wasn't being kind to her because he had any interest in making allies, although that was a nice second thought, he was being kind because she was warranting it. If you didn't earn it, you didn't get it and that was that.

Her final question made him laugh again, a bit more deeply this time. His own quests? Well, he probably wasn't the best to ask about them... his quest had been rather out of the norm... and had resulted in the little Queenling as well.

Mine was highly unusual, therefor I'm probably not the best to ask about it. However I must warn you, they can be emotionally trying under certain... circumstances. My best advice is to just keep your wits about you no matter what, whether it's merely questions or something else.

[Tigeress]

She couldn't hide the surprise on her face when he said that he wasn't the child's father. Damn it, how rude of her to just assume... though to be fair, she'd grown up in a very straight household, to her knowledge neither of her parents had ever even experimented with anyone of the same gender. But it would make sense for her not to know if they did, there were just some things that were toooo much info.

"He doesn't seem much of a hindrance, but I suppose as someone not in the courts, I wouldn't exactly know how a child would interrupt one's duties. He's surprisingly well behaved, I'll give him that. He reminds me of me when I was younger, I took on the second mother role to my four siblings, else things got a bit out of hand." She realized she was rambling and that her history was probably of little interest or concern to the King, and tried to remember to refrain from such personal outbursts unless asked about her home life. She wouldn't want to give too much away while she was here, as though she trusted Osias, she'd heard every court had an extra several eyes and ears at all moments.

"The court of Diamonds did not live up to your expectations, then?" She had seen his suit before and assumed that no matter your suit, you were free to join a court of choice. Perhaps this wasn't so and there were special circumstances surrounding the court of Diamonds... which was an equally interesting thought. The court of Spades was starting to sound more and more like the only sane spot in a looney bin. Comforting, more and more.

"Well, I wouldn't know much about that myself. You're quite the gentleman in my presence, but I suppose I can't exactly bring down the Queenly wrath upon you that she could." She laughed at this, glad that her attempt at humour had been so well received. She was enjoying their little social talk, and was becoming visibly more comfortable and relaxed in her attitude. Her posture was rigid as a lady's should be, it encouraged good posture all the time and it was especially important when walking. Ugh, those lessons had been really drilled into her head, it seemed.

"Yes, I'd heard that... I suppose that even though I've little to play off of, someone could easily manipulate what... issues I may have in order to make things more difficult. It must be a little offsetting, going in blind to a quest and then having unusual circumstances befall you out of nowhere. I suppose I have more to achieve than just an increase in rank." Not that she expected she'd ever be able to prepare herself ahead of time to the point where it would be a walk in the park. But she needed to know herself a significant amount more. Just talking to the King had made her skin seem a little more comfortable around her, like she was developing into a person right in front of him, feeding off of his questions to grow.

"Are you truly happy here?" It was a strange question, and one that wouldn't be easily answered. He didn't seem to have his mate with him, he was stuck with a child for what may be day in and day out, she didn't know, and the court of Spades from the sounds of things were probably going to need a lot more members before they become overwhelmed with issues like the court of Hearts had been lately. Which really meant he was putting his ass on the line until more hopefuls came to apply for a position.

[Kitty]

He's well behaved now cause you're here, he can be quite the little snot actually. But I suppose he's better then most children.

I heard that!

Osias turned to see the youth returning with a tray balanced on his back and, well, his head as well, his tail also helping to hold it there. The sight was greeted with a roll of the King's eyes and a sigh, must the child always try and impress with such stupid.... antics? Really, he didn't know where the boy had inherited that trait from. He certainly never did anything near as strange as Mo did, and he was quite certain he'd never seen Finistris do anything of the sort either, pfft, children.

What? Wren's the only there right now, and she's kinda busy and she knows I've done this before ... so...!

The weasel-rat would have shrugged his shoulders, but that would make the tray fall for sure, so he only adopted a rather devilish smirk and glint to his eyes as he made his way carefully over to the short table in the midst of all the seating and deftly slid the tray up and onto it, looking rather proud of his accomplishments to. He turned, grabbed a muffin and hopped back up onto the couch and sprawled out, munching happily on it. They were blueberry... he loved blueberries!

It doesn't really... suit me. I don't know, I just didn't get the right vibes when I was there, on any of the times I was there really. The last was when Theofilus defeated Cerevanna.

He leaned forward, grabbing a tea cup in his bony digits and lifting it to inspect it carefully in the light, an old neurotic habit he'd developed and no longer really registered he was doing it. He lifted the tea pot and poured himself a cup, adding quite a bit of sugar, it drowned out the awful tea taste, and took a mixer to stir it with. He then sat back again, sipping the mix that was now primarily sugar. Her comment about his gentlemanly ways made him smile again, she sure did know how to flatter the egotistical didn't she?

You shouldn't let it get to you, no matter how hard you try to prepare they're almost always going to be able to throw you for a loop.

He shifted a bit, having sat back on his tail and pushing it into an odd angle. He was about the take another sip of tea when her question caught him off guard and he paused. Was he truly happy here? Well, there was an issue that prevented his utmost happiness... .but did she mean just politics wise... or something more? It took him a few more moments to figure out how to answer that.

No... but it has nothing to do with the Court it's self or politics for that matter.

It was a personal affair, and if she prodded further about it well, he wasn't sure how much information he willing to give out about that. Really, the only one in the court who probably knew anything about it was Varestes....

[Tigeress]

She snickered behind a hand as the child came in, not trying to upset Osias, but recognizing the behaviour from a lot of her brothers. Ah, being here was making her miss being a child a geat deal. Though she felt bad that he didn't have any siblings to share his fortune and happiness with, it also made her understand why he craved the attention. She willingly gave it, applauding his stunt before returning her attention to Osias. She'd probably take a muffin, but tea wasn't her thing. Why was that what everyone drank in the courts? E gawds, it was terrible.

"I would say not many children would be able to pull that off, but I'm biased I suppose as I've only seen his... finer moments." She casted a glance to the child and smiled to show that she didn't mean any insult by it. All children were hectic little brats. She'd had her moments too, but that was an entirely different thing and was hardly ever about her, but about people not knowing when to leave her the hell alone so she could nap. Ah she'd been such a personal space obsessive girl, and she still didn't like people getting in her 'bubble' without her obvious consent. It made her first bar visit SO very frustrating.

"I can assume being in the midst of an overthrow of power would probably cause that, but if you're happier here, why second guess it? It sounds like this is The place to be right now, anyway." She offered with a soft smile, moving to snatch a muffin and picking pieces off it carefully. She hated getting the little crumbs of soft bread onto her fur, they always made a mess of it. She couldn't help but grin at the rat's overuse of the sugar, thank god she wasn't the only one who couldn't stand the stuff. For a while she'd been worried she'd have to learn to throw it back with a smile like everyone else did, as if it was some royal ritual.

"Mmmm. I'll have to take your word on that, but it would be nice to have some kind of warning or advantage. I suppose not having many skeletons in my closet makes me worry about what someone might do to be... creative." Inca couldn't help but shudder a bit at this, she really was in no hurry to kill herself, or maim herself, or any of another million things that could happen as the result of a failed quest. Mind tricks wouldn't go far with her, but physically, she wasn't the most agile or the strongest, or... anything. She could only assume her magic wouldn't be spectacular either when she grew into it more a few ranks up.

"I'm sorry to hear that, but I am glad it has nothing to do with the courts, I won't lie. I hope that whatever it is resolves itself for you in good time, everyone deserves to achieve complete happiness at least once in their life." She smiled fondly at this, not knowing when her moment would come, but truly believing that everyone at some point reached that one point of perfect bliss where everything was just... right. As intrigued as she was, she didn't want to press the King for his personal secrets, she might have prodded a little if the child wasn't around, but she feared the secret might affect him, so the less she tried to make Osias spill, potentially the better.

"How many other Kings are there, currently? And Jacks, for that matter? I haven't seen hardly anyone around all day." Good things, and good things for her to take note of. Not that she assumed in a year everything would be as is, but for now, the emptier the better.

[Kitty]

Oh he's quite the ham... you should hear the stunts he pulls when I'm working.

He gave a rather melodramatic sigh and expression to make his point clear, the child got him in trouble quite a lot. Not major trouble, just upset servants and guards on his doorstep weren't pleasant in any sense... he liked his privacy and enjoyed peace and quiet when he worked. Paperwork could be interesting, but he had to be left completely alone to do it. It wouldn't do to mark something wrong cause you got distracted.

It wasn't the battle really, I do enjoy taking in a good fight you know, but... well.... it's difficult to explain. It just didn't feel right I suppose.

He'd been musing over that for quite awhile, as well as beginning to rethink his desire for the position of The Queen. It was restricting, he'd have to stay in the Court most of the time and really... he couldn't see himself gaining the support, or any Kings of interest, to really pull it off smoothly. There was only one King for him, and he wouldn't even be able to be his 'official' king. Besides.... he'd rather leave politics behind and enjoy the 'simpler' life somewhere.... different.

Just keep in mind that Court Kings are Kings for a reason. And... .I'm afraid I haven't been paying as much attention to that sort of thing lately, although being busy is no real excuse.

The corners of his muzzle twisted into a rather roguish smirk as he peered into the sweet contents of his cup for a moment before turning his gaze to the rather bored looking Queen who was sprawled out on the couch. He'd had a feeling the youth wouldn't find their banter all that entertaining.

I think Sezja might be itching for a walk if you're still trying to prove to me that you'd take care of a Bander, should I decide to get you one.

He perked up at that, he most definitely wanted a bander! He loved the feisty little furballs and would simply love to have his own, a purple one at that! He smiled and sat up on the couch, casting his gaze to Inca for a moment.

I think that's my cue to leave.... it was nice meeting you Inca!

And with that the young weasel-rat was dashing down the hallway toward his mother's room, fully prepared to take on the role of almighty responsible weasel-rat, rather then the sneaky weasel-rat. He rather liked referring to himself in the context of 'almighty' .... someday... yes... someday.

[Kiki]

Kitty and Tigs receive 1 token each, to be redeemed in Ashwin's Shoppe. This will automatically be added to your recorded totals in the shoppe. Congratulations, and keep up the good RP!

[Tigeress]

The doe could tell from his over-dramatic sigh that he probably got some kind of affectionate amusement out of his son's antics, and it made her grin at the thought. On the same note, she knew that kind of attention seeking probably got both the parent and the boy in interesting kinds of trouble. Not enough to get kicked out of the palace quite obviously, but probably enough for a few fatherly headaches here and there. The rat seemed to endure it well, good on him as a first time parent.

"Mmmm. Having not been anywhere other than this, I can only judge by rumours that I should be happy with where my suit has guided me. So far I think I feel quite comfortable." She admitted with a grin and a slight blush. If not for the kindness of the rat, she'd be out there still, twiddling her fingers and wondering if she was allowed inside, how far she could go, if she was allowed to seek anyone out for questions and who would even bother with her... This was just so much nicer.

"Oh? Is that so? Well, I won't be the one to go and tattle on you. Scout's honour." She raised her hand and mimicked his grin before continuing to pick at her muffin. It was quite good. Much better than anything she'd ever made herself, and she had such a want to learn how to cook. Perhaps this place would be good for her on more than one level. They would probably only have employed the best cooks money could buy.

"Nice to meet you as well, your majesty." She knew the child liked having his title used, and he probably didn't hear it often at all in his father's company, so she decided not to skip the formalities just because of his age. Someday when he was a Queen, she'd want him to remember the respect she'd given him, perhaps that would give her the opportunity to still be able to speak with him socially despite his status. If he grew up to be anything like his father, idle chatter would be something she'd still want to have.

"So what duties are these that have slipped out of your busy schedule? I must admit, I have little knowledge of what a Jack or a King might actually do in the courts." Probably little things like paperwork and meetings and those basic standard roles, but she was hoping to get a little more in-depth, dig a little deeper.

[Kitty]

Interesting for the boy, tiresome for the rat.... especially when that damnable Josiggy showed up at his door screeching at him about what his 'demon spawn' had done this time. They both held the ancestral hatred of the other's realms and didn't get along, ever. He wished beyond everything else that he could kill the monstrously foolish servant and that be the end of it, but alas, he couldn't inside the palace walls. And, really, he never ran into her outside so it just never got done. Stupid wench.

His ear twitched forward as he thought he caught a blush lighting her cheeks, but it was extremely hard to tell beneath that rather vibrant pink fur that those of her region all seemed to possess. If it was, he couldn't for the life of him see what she was blushing about, it was odd. However, it just dawned on him that there were muffins sitting just a couple feet away and that he was hungry, thus he leaned forward and snatched one in his claws. He was not nearly as dainty as she was when eating and simply popped it in his mouth and chewed happily, much like the weasel had done. He finished it rather quickly and washed it down with the rest of his super sugary tea and placed the cup on the tray before sitting back again. He had some crumbs on his coarse fur, but he really didn't care.

He grinned again at her attempt at humor, so she wasn't entirely stuffy either? Good, good, he liked the idea of having her around here more but..... he wasn't sure she'd want to stick around much longer. Perhaps he could convince her to speak to Vessatha? That ferret would simply love and extra pair of hands wouldn't she?

Depends on the talents of the individual and the needs of the Queen I supposse... Jacks are mostly paperwork unless they're assigned to a specific task, Vessatha manages the servants actually.

He mused over this a moment, he knew of two other Jacks and one other King, well, one other King that 'counted' in the court matter, the other King mattered to him but he doubted he was known throughout the court. Did Lysaras know about her King's little... secret? He doubted it, but then again, it wouldn't be strange if she did.

Tonight I'm taking on more of.... my own business pursuits if you will. As much as I delight in paperwork I've a few clients to meet outside of these walls.

He smirked at the thought of his 'clients' and at his own clever vagueness. He was giving her just enough information to answer her questions, but not enough for her to really know what it was the rat truly delighted in doing. He didn't really care if she thought less of him, but it might not serve well if she returned.

You know, even as a Seven you could be of use. I can talk to Vessatha and see what she think, maybe arrange a meeting if you'd like, I'm sure she'd love the extra hands.

He studied her face for this response to see how willing she was to work. If she were lazy his entire demeanor would change, but if she was willing, or had some rather good excuse not to work, he'd continue with his manners. It was all up to her now, really.

[Tigeress]

Listening to his explanations, the wheels in her head began to turn. She was great at math, or so her mother had said, her reasoning and logical skills were beyond most anyone her age, she'd grown up mature and so she'd had a bit of a head-start as far as that went. She was still in the learning stage, so of course screw-ups would be had, but she had a good head on her shoulders and the ability to pick things back up and keep on going.

"I don't know why I'm shocked to hear that upper royalty would have work outside the palace, I suppose I just expected one's life to be restricted to these walls once they are accepted inside. What do you do outside of your palace duties exactly? I hope I am not being too curious, your Highness." It was a tentative subject, one's own 'peronal pursuits' could often lead to opinion-altering topics. But so long as he wasn't a psychotic clown rapist by night, she probably wouldn't mind. His own thrills were his own, and what was to say that she wouldn't develop some interesting preferences for things to do with her spare time once she was in a similar position? Court life seemed so boring after all, what was a little excitement?

Her ears perked with anticipation at the thought, and her whole body seemed to wiggle for a second. All her life she'd craved a sense of danger, the unexpected, excitement... everything so long denied her in her long stay at home babysitting.

"Really? Honestly? I'll try to raise my rank as soon as possible, but if I can be given a chance until then, that would be amazing." She put a hand to her mouth to hide her excitement, she would do all sorts of things, anything! She was a great babysitter, an aspiring chef, or just general good cook, she was good with numbers and organizing so she could do office work...

"Could I meet Vessatha sometime soon, perhaps?" Oh, was she a King too? Inca would have to get used to using titles, though he hadn't said anything about her rank, so hopefully if she had a title, it would be okay to use just her name until she met her.