Testing the Waters [Belated King Quest / Finished]

[seraaches]

He couldn’t help it: he stared at the Queen for almost one full second before his brain really started processing again. Fortunately, he was saved, in a manner of speaking, by a lower Heart ambling into the gardens as well. Rai inspected the person swiftly then simply implanted himself into the feline’s mind. Nothing truly important going on upstairs with this one; no need to be anywhere right now, no errands or messages to deliver. So the Four came trotting up just as quick as you please and dove into the chilled pond without hesitation. She paddled-walked to where the bangle hid beneath the water as koi skittered from her in fear. She swiftly and easily retrieved the bracelet and came right back out again. However, rather than immediately offer the piece to the Queen, the cat trotted off a short distance away from them; he couldn’t have her shake off so closely to the Queen. She gave a vigorous shudder now that she was far enough away to prevent the Queen from getting sprayed then quickly returned to the pair of men.

”Your accessory, Your Majesty,” the cat’s mouth moved, though it was Shinrai’s voice that emerged from behind the fangs. The cat bowed as she daintily held out the jewelry on one extended paw. Shinrai inclined his head as well, guessing that Queen Serafino likely wouldn’t want horse spit all over the bangle, leaving only the feline to return it.

[The Jenn]

That momentary disbelieving stare was gratifying, but Fino kept his expression eloquently blank as the equine came back to himself and began to think. It was interesting to watch, and even more so when he saw one of the lowly kitchen staff walk out into the garden, right into the middle of an encounter she really didn't want to be a part of. His expression slipped into a sneer at the interruption, but it quickly evened out again as he watched her trot forward and into the pond.

Well, good for Rai! That was a handy ability that very few Hearts bothered to utilize very often, even if it would obviously benefit them at times. Times like these. It was nice to see the equine didn't mind taking a little control for his own betterment, and, at least in this instance, for the Queen's.

He observed her hunt and return impassively, accepting the bangle and looking to the one controlling this dripping little puppet. "Why thank you," he returned, allowing a small smile to creep onto his lips. "How very kind. Come, let's find Bernard to raise you properly. I don't fancy giving myself a headache with that particular spell, and he'll need to have a look at you first. Leave the puppet to its own devices."

The sparkling object was held loosely in his hand, left dangling to dry a bit before he put it back on. That was that, apparently.

[seraaches]

A smile. He was answered with a smile. ”As you command, Your Majesty,” the stallion answered, finally bringing his head back up. He couldn’t describe his pleasure, but he was very careful to keep it masked behind a mostly blank expression. He needed more control over that, evidently. Queen Serafino made it seem as though his expressions were written on his theoretical sleeve. He was certainly glad to have, evidently, pleased the Queen of Hearts. Especially since this had begun as little more than a fact-finding mission, not an attempt to raise rank. This was a lovely surprise and he was going to be sure to keep his running start, as it seemed to be, to springboard the rest of his career here.

The Marshdweller followed the Queen’s lead to wherever Bernard may be, beginning to seriously try to map the Palace now that he was accepted into the ranks. He wouldn’t release the cat until they were well away from her; the stallion knew far too many sarcastic females to trust wot even this little low creature might say in the face of the excellent Queen of Hearts.

[The Jenn]

The two of them reentered the palace and walked through the halls, ascending a floor and moving into what seemed like a more private wing. At least, there were little if any people in the hall, and none by the time they reached the smooth wooden door with a small bit of decoration that was apparently their destination.

Fino knocked, waited, and got no response. He tried once more, then frowned slightly and pulled out a key. "Wait here a moment," he instructed, then unlocked the door and slipped inside.

Maybe two minutes later, he came back out again still frowning. "Sleep of the dead," he muttered, then sighed slightly in annoyance. "Very well then. If I want to resolve this matter before who knows when this evening, I'll just do it myself. Hold still." Expecting the command to be obeyed, he reached out one pale hand and placed it over the equine's mark. Closing his eyes and holding as still as he was able, he took a few slow breaths before he stopped breathing entirely and just wore a look of utmost concentration. He didn't perform this spell often. Spells outside of his 'specialty' left him feeling tired and tetchy and generally not at the top of his game, but sometimes they were necessary in the course of his rule.

After maybe thirty or so seconds, he released his breath in a long sigh and opened his eyes, looking down at his handiwork. A bright red 'K' stood out on the green chest where once there had been a 'J'. "Congratulations, Your Highness," he said formally, then grimaced. "Now. I'm going back to the meeting room to await the next caller. You can fetch me some tea and meet me there. I'll be waiting." He gave the horse one last long look, then turned and walked back down the hall.

[seraaches]

The stallion, of course, froze when the Queen told him to, barely even breathing though he had to or risk passing out on the other man which he –knew- would not go well. Nothing really felt all that different after thirty seconds, but he didn’t check the Queen’s work; if Queen Serafino said it was done, Rai would believe him.

”Thank you, Your Majesty,” the stallion replied, bowing his head again and accepting the request with a steady gaze. As soon as the other man was out of sight, however, the horse was backtracking to the garden to try and find that kitchen feline again. He would not fail in the first of his official tasks and if the cat didn’t appreciate seeing him again, well, tough noogies. Lucky for him, she wasn’t quite done licking herself dry and he conscripted her without hesitation and ignoring the sharp daggers she kept sending when she thought he wasn’t looking. But soon enough he was following her to the kitchens where he could acquire not only the required tea but someone to serve it for the Queen of Hearts. He would thrive here even if he had to force the issue.

[The Jenn]

Jenn and Sera both receive 2 tokens 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!