Meanwhile, Back at the Keep, Secondary Unsworn Thread

[House Lueni]

"Hail, matriarch. I have returned with a royal party from our neighbors to the East, Frigjokbura. I apologize for the duration of my expedition, but there's is a large and untamed land." Ben Green had departed from the lands of Frenosia over a year and a half earlier, charged with finding out who owned the lands beyond the great forest. "Their leader is called 'Princess Kjordan.' From what I gather, she is the heir to their throne."

Jennifer Staven Lueni smiled a little smirk as hopes she had for her house and for her son finally seemed to materialize around the catalyst of the current situation. She had been spending the last few years trying to arrange for Cedric to marry into one of the ruling families in Lakeland or Cargil, but a land that was still a kingdom... that put Lakeland and Cargil onto the back burner with Telfec. "Excellent work, Ben. You and your family shall be amply rewarded for your time abroad. However, you may not yet have rest, for you have become our house's foremost expert on the culture of this... Frigjokbura."

"I shall do my duty, Lady Lueni," said Ben, bowing low.

"Steward!" Jennifer called out, "ensure that they are still suitable for inhabitation, then show our guests to the guest wing for visiting kingdoms. Oh how good it will be to finally get to use those." The wing in question hadn't seen real use in 47 years. The only purpose it had served since then was twelve years ago when her deceased husband had made a point of not offering it to that self proclaimed "King of the Forest." "And make sure our guests have everything they need to be comfortable. Treat them as though they were the party of the king of Ellegion itself. Better yet, treat them as though they were the party of the patriarch of House Lueni..." She spoke in a clear crisp voice, but then finished silently, "...with any luck, they soon will be."

[House Lueni]

Grytchun was awed by the massive stone walls of the great keep that stood before her. In Frigjokbura, there are hardly even any real hills, much less mountains, and so the towers of the keep seemed to scrape the very sky above. She did an excellent job of hiding it, though, for she knew that showing weakness in front of her servants would lead to panic. She could tell that her twittering hand maidens already thought that the people here must be as gods. Grytchun was starting to think that these people believed themselves gods, on account of the wait that she and her party were being put through outside the gates.

"Lady Kjordan," the voice of a man she did not recognize broke her out of her reverie. It was the steward, "Please forgive our delay, but it has been so long since we have had guests of your stature that the rooms reserved for you required some extra cleaning. Please, allow me to lead you to them that you may be fresh when you meet with our matriarch, and not weary from the saddle."

"I shall forgive this one trespass, for the reason given seems valid to me, but do not take it as a sign that we may be walked upon."

The steward led the 39 Frigjokburans to the royal guest wing, through the winding corridors of the keep. The largest structure any of the party had ever been in was the grand council pavillion, and so they became rapidly lost in the seeming maze. When they finally reached the rooms reserved for them, they were once again awed. These were the most ornate rooms in all of Frenosia, ever since Cedric, the current patriarch, had decided he didn't want his bedroom being so stuffy, and it was rumored that they were second in Ellegion only to the king's own castle. Those rooms were leftover from when Frenosia was still a kingdom, back before Jacob Lueni swore fealty to Ellegion in 1038.

"These rooms will do nicely. Tell you matriarch that we will see her in two hours' time."

"Excellent, Lady Kjordan. I am certain that the matriarch will approve. She will send someone to bring you to the court when you are ready." The stewart bowed, backing quickly out of the wing.

[Secret Dreams]

* * * * *

Outside the Castle, shortly after the entrance of the foreign dignitaries

"Herald, sound the arrival."

Pearls dripped off of the speaking woman, brocade and silk lace seeming to sprout from assorted places on her outfit. Three words could be used to describe her attire -- opulent, extravagant, and tacky. It was as if she couldn't decide which overpriced accessory to exhibit, so she wore them all.

"Yes, Lady Decadus. Right away."

The sentries on the walltop of the keep had, of course, noticed the coterie approach -- twelve Knights, one noblewoman, and a cadre of attendants and courtiers were hard to miss -- but they had ignored them out of protocol. It was considered respectful to wait until the first trumpet sounded, which the herald quickly did. The notes blasted clear and loud through the air, before the herald shouted out.

"By order of His Grace Ranis Sykal II, King of Ellegion, Steward of the East, Templar of the North, Protector of rock and water and wood, here is Madame Karin Lady Decadus, Viscountess of Sweethaven-by-the-Sea. She entreats audience with Cedric Lord Lueni, Patriarch of House Lueni, by virtue of the King's Authority."

* * * * *

[House Lueni]

"Matriarch, I have some unfortunate news," the steward adressed Jennifer Lueni. He sounded as though he actually felt remorse over having to deliver bad news, but not as though he felt fear, for he knew that Jennifer was not one of those psychotic rulers that one so often reads about.

"Speak."

"A party sent by the king of ellegion has arrived outside the gates. It is being led by Madame Karin Lady Decadus, Viscountess of Sweethaven-by-the-Sea. She wants to see Lord Cedric."

"That is a terrible shame for her, but I do not see where the problem is for us. She can settle with seeing me, or she can go home."

"But matriarch, they are a royal party. Surely we must give them the wing for visiting kingdoms."

"Don't be rediculous. None of them are the king or his immediate family. In fact, I know of this Lady Decadus. I think she can settle for the secondary provincial wing. After all, we have to keep the best available in case of any more visitors. I'm sure she'll understand."

"As you command." The steward bowed, then left to do as he had been told.

* * * * *

The gates opened to reveal on one side, the lone steward, and on the other, Decadus's party.

"I regret to inform you that your entreat for audience with the patriarch can not be completed. You see, Lord Lueni departed a few weeks ago to go meet with King Ranis Sykal II himself. The matriach, Lady Lueni, has however deigned to allow you use of one of our guest wings for as long as you desire our hospitality and will be willing to find time in her busy schedule to fit in an audience with you if you so desire."

[Secret Dreams]

Lady Decadus smiled as she heard they would be shown to the guest wing. This was proper. In her years as a diplomat of the royal court, she had often entered paroxysms of rage when these uppity Easterners offered her rooms reserved for "visiting kingdoms." The emmissaries of Ellegion were not "visiting kingdoms," they were THE Kingdom. The Easterners seemed to be finally learning they were incorporated citizens, not independent allies.

Pleased by the recognition of Ellegion's status, she turned and spoke to the messenger, "If Lord Lueni is not here, then I cannot demand an audience. It is perfectly acceptable to speak with the matriarch. I graciously accept your hospitality. Please lead us to the rooms...we will wait there for her ladyship's summons. Which, of course, we desire to come sooner rather than later."

With a nod of her head, she waited for the courier to perform his duty.

[House Lueni]

The steward led the party of Lady Decadus to her assigned guest wing. He was mildly baffled that she hadn't taken offense at being given second class rooms. He had been a steward for Lady Lueni for too many years to actually show it, though.

After showing them the facilities, the steward took his leave in order to report back to the matriarch.

* * * * *

"How strange," mused Jennifer, "I expect she would have recieved those quarters much less graciously had she known how much better the kingdom level ones are and why she was given them. Do try to ensure that Decadus and Kjordan remain seperate."

"Of course, matriarch."

"As for her request to see me sooner than later... well, I expect she will be quite long winded. I see no reason to send for her until after my meeting with Princess Grytchun."

* * * * *

"Oh! It's like a pond inside of a tent! And the heat! It's amazing!" The cheerful, empty headed delight of the hand maidens was grating on Grytchun's nerves. She couldn't even tell which of them was making which comment anymore. "We hardly ever get to swim at home. The people here have so much luxury!" It was true that there were not many bodies of water in Frigjokbura suitable for bathing of any sort, but Grytchun very much just wanted to be able to relax and enjoy the heated basin without so much twittering. Unfortunately, she was loathe to let her charges out of her sight in a strange land full of strange men, especially after the looks she saw some of the guards giving their party's women.

[Secret Dreams]

The good lady was beginning to regret her failure to demand the rooms for visiting kingdoms. Every time she had been offered them in the past, they had been richly furnished, with mahogany fireplaces and mother-of-pearl inlaid cherrywood bedposts. The room she was now looking at was spartan, oak furniture dominating the decor and simple granite mantles.

But the steward had left...she would have to express her disappointment directly to the matriarch, then. Why in the world would House Lueni, arguably the strongest house in the East, want to offend the power who could take it all away? Then again, with the Kingdom split right now, House Lueni could possibly afford some disrespect. They should just take care they do not offend the victor.

[House Lueni]

When she had only half an hour remaining before her meeting with the matriarch, Grytchun emerged from the watery basin. Her fingers were lightly pruned, and water dripped from her long hair, which clung to her back and breasts with the weight of the water. Her hand maidens, who she had sent out to dry before her, rushed up to towel her off. She smiled at the reminder of why she bothered to keep the twittering imebeciles around.

In her mind, she was selecting the garments that she would wear to this upcoming meeting. Something nice, but not her best. The best would have to wait for a final meeting, not just a preliminary one. She decided on the red tunic with copper and garnet bangles that tinkled so melodically when she moved, and the matching pants that were bangle free, but had garnets sewn on at the seams. A few quick commands and one of the hand maidens rushed off to get it out of their luggage with one of Grytchun's bodyguards in tow.

* * * * *

Jennifer had the servants arrange a table in front of the thrones of Frenosia, with two ornate goblets upon it. A servant was standing by in the vaults, already informed of which wine to bring up whenthe time came, but no sooner so as to allow the wine to stay as cool as possible at the time of serving. Good chairs were waiting in the wings in case any of Grytchun's people desired to sit. Her steward was fully breifed in the coded signals that would indicate that she desired an interruption or other excuse to postpone the continuation of the meeting. An assistant steward had been briefed with a slew of excuses for Lady Decadus.

* * * * *

Grytchun, her unshakeable bodyguards, and the empty-headed handmaidens were led ceremoniously into the throne room by the steward. Formal introductions were made, although the fancy raimants of the two powerful women made it quite clear who the leaders of each group were.

"My son, the patriarch is currently on a diplomatic mission to the king with whom Frenosia is allied, and so his place remains vacant. These thrones are quite easily the best seats in all of Frenosia, and so I invite you sit in his place during our meeting." Jennifer paused, then added in as one of the doors at the side of the throne room opened, "Ah, and the wine is here."

"You are most gracious, Lady Lueni. Of course I will accept your offer."

The two women then spoke for for hours on the differences and similarities of their cultures. Meanwhile, no word was sent to Lady Decadus at all.

[Secret Dreams]

Beginning to settle into her rooms, Lady Decadus removed many of the excess layers of clothing she had on. It was a favorite pasttime of hers...these Easterners were often quite dismissive of those who wore extraordinarily gaudy clothing, and it was her common practice as a diplomat to dress in the most garish outfit possible for the first impression. It put them off their guard...when she began to drive her bargain they would not know what whirlwind had hit them.

Slipping out of her last layer, she began selecting her clothes. She put aside a bright green ballgown -- too showy -- but also went past a plainer, if well-designed, dress. What she needed was a blend of power and elegance, and she finally settled on a dark burgundy gown, cut modestly around the neck and conservatively around the hem. She was dealing with a matriarch, who would not be impressed by a sweeping neckline and provocatively visible thighs.

Selecting a single gold necklace inset with diamonds--simple enough to appear nonthreatening, yet expensive enough to declare the power and wealth of Ellegion--Lady Decadus reclined in the chair. Although padded, she could feel the hard wood underneath. Trying to read a book she had stuffed in her clothes chest, about a half-hour later she was pacing impatiently. This was unacceptable. The seats were uncomfortable, the wait was unbearable.

Flinging the door open, she accosted the lady who stood outside the door. "Stewardess, summon my retainers and show me to the matriarch immediately. My duties cannot wait any longer."

[House Lueni]

"I'm terribly sorry, Lady Decadus," cried the assistant stewardess in real distress, "but Lady Lueni has taken faint and gone to bed a few hours ago. I would have told you sooner, but our custom is to not intrude upon the guest wing without invitation, and you did not come out to see me." Pamela was very much regretting that she let Greggory trade positions with her for the night. Despite all of his excuses about wanting to spend more time with that girlfriend of his, she was now certain that he had just not wanted to have to be the first person to recieve the brunt of whatever anger Lady Decadus might have. She blinked back the tears that were beginning to form in her eyes. This job was too much for someone as early in her training as she was. She just wasn't comfortable lying to nobility.

* * * * *

"You say that those suitors are a real bother, but were you my age, I believe you would appreciate all of the attention. I only get the occasional suitor these days, and never anyone I'd actually want to use." Grytchun chuckled a little at Jennifer's nearly indecent statement. They were not drunk on the wine, for in the hours that they had been drinking it, they had only actually managed to get through half of the bottle between them, at which point Jennifer had ordered one of the servants to take it into the kitchens for the next day's cooking. "Please, tell me about some specific suitor's attempt.

"Well, I could tell you of the saddest suitor," said Gyrtchun with a smirk.

"Please do."

"Well, this was a man who came from the clan of Rakjan, which is quite probably the most old fashioned of all of our clans. To top that off, he had been raised by the two most old fashioned people in the entire clan. Somehow, he'd gotten it into his head that courting a princess would work the same way as when his father was courting his mother. He came to my camp one day, and he tried to just carry me off! Of course, we only realized later what his real intent was, when the enxt suitor from his clan arrived. You see, my loyal guards had thoroughly dismembered him before he could so much as lay a finger on me."

As soon as Grytchun finished her story, the steward rushed up to Lady Lueni and delivered a rapid message in whispered code. "Decadus is growing restless. The assistant steward I assigned to her traded duties with a barely experienced girl who was only recently promoted. She used the bedtime excuse right off."

Jennifer replied to him, whispering in the same code, "ready the inescapable maze." Then, to Lady Kjordan, in normal tones, "that is quite a sad story, yet I cannot help but let it make me smile a little. I readily accept that men have their uses, but they do seem to forget sometimes the power of powerful women."

* * * * *

Some of the men of House Lueni were setting about the task of caging a powerful woman. They were, of course, acting on the matriarch's orders. Every guest wing was connected to the keep by several different sets of poorly marked, twisting, turning, criss-crossing corridors. At various points in every corridor, there were panels that could be slid out, blocking off that corridor entirely, while making it look like an ordinary bend in the path. In Frenosia's days as a kingdom, one of House Lueni's kings had ordered the place built so that any given guest wing could be entirely cut off from the rest of the keep, while maintaining the illusion that the guests could leave at any time, if only they could find their way out. In order to facilitate this, all keep staff were kept out of the sealec portion so that they could not be used as guides.

* * * * *

Pamela, the assistant stewardess, heard the bird call that indicated that the inescapable maze was being assembled. She waited a few minutes, as though the birdcall had been from some sort of bird that was actually found in Frenosia and therefore meant nothing, then made an excuse and scurried off to the outside of the maze. "I shall just check to see if the matriarch might have woken up on her own. If she has, then I am sure she will have me come and get you."

[Secret Dreams]

Lady Decadus was immediately impatient with the stewardess. "Your custom? I have been to these Eastern provinces enough to know the customs of every no-account hedge knight between here and Saltsea Bluff, and Frenosia is no exception. I've been intruded upon without invitation more times than I can count. Now, I respect that you are protecting your mistress, who no doubt has more important things to do than deal with the emissaries of those who could destroy her --" these few words were spoken softly, yet with unmistakable emphasis -- "but I'm afraid she can hold me off no longer."

Suddenly, a soft cry split the air. Lady Decadus missed it -- it could easily have been the sounds of birds outside the window nearby -- but the stewardess made a clumsy bow and began to hustle off, mumbling words of pardon.

Now more than a little angry, Lady Decadus strode forward and grabbed the stewardess by the shoulders before she could vanish...but, as she did so, a panel slid forward between them, almost crushing her arms. With a ferocious heave, she gripped Pamela's shoulders tightly, threw herself into keeping the panel from sliding, and with a force of strength almost equal a man she dragged the stewardess through the gap before the panel slid shut.

Enraged, yet masking her fury, Lady Decadus stared the stewardess in the face and said, "Now, my dear, I asked you to summon my retainers. I suggest you show me to them now, and then show me to your lady's chambers. If you do not do so immediately, it does not matter which faction takes the throne of Ellegion. Either one will see this castle burned to the ground. Hurry, my darling, before I decide to leave this place and return with an army."

Lady Decadus' eyes were now cold and hostile. She had been bruised by that panel and whoever was moving it...now she wanted to know who was behind such nonsense.

[House Lueni]

Pamela didn't really hear anything that Decadus was saying at that moment. She had burst into sobs, knowing that it was her fault that things were going wrong. She knew she'd be fired and have to go back to her parents' farm, and then they'd marry her off to some smelly farm boy in order to be rid of her again. Worse yet, if the results of her mistakes were terrible enough, maybe she would be sentenced to treason. It was all too much.

* * * * *

Luckily for Jennifer, the servant sliding the interrupted panel was aware of what must have been happening, when a House Lueni stewardess appeared on his side of the maze, then was pulled back. He immediately rushed off to inform the steward, who was once again faced with the task of bearing bad news to the matriarch.

"Matriarch, Decadus has captured the assistant stewardess. She will no doubt force the girl to lead her here soon." The steward was once again whispering in code.

"Thank you, steward," said the Lady Lueni out loud. "Lady Kjordan, the steward has just brought the late hour to my attention. Shall we reconvene on the morrow? Perhaps we can continue our discussion over brunch."

"That sounds delightful, Lady Lueni," responded Grytchun."

"Steward, have the cooks begin preparation of tomorrow's brunch." As she said that to the steward, she also flashed him a look that said, "come back for more orders the moment Kjordan is gone."

* * * * *

The steward returned moments later, with an asortment of servants, to the now nearly empty hall. He gave a few orders, and the servants arranged the room into the formation Jennifer had decided upon for her audience with Decadus. The table by the thrones remained, but a new one was added below the dias. Behind that table was placed a hard, oak chair. Upon the table was placed a small pitcher of mediocre wine and a stone goblet. When the servants cleared out, twenty of the patriarch's guard lined the throne room in full dress uniform.

Jennifer Staven Lueni, matriarch of House Lueni, sat on her throne and waited.

* * * * *

Eventually, the threats of Decadus managed to push Pamela into the other side of tears. Like an empty husk, she got up and led the way to the farthest out of the sealed spots. There was no secret handle on the inside of the guest wing, so she knocked a rapid pattern. It was answered by an opening of the panel, which revealed the steward, fully composed, and fully expecting them.

"The matriarch is expecting you. Please follow me."