The Royal Ladies
Disclaimer-Thayet, Buri, Jon, Alanna, Alianne (who is supposed to be in future Tortall books), Kel, Neal and co., the K'miri people, Daine, Numair and the Palace belong to Mrs. Tamora Pierce. Tallialanthalasa, the fief of Stag Mountain, Kamada, Lara, Moonfire, the S'hintle, Brightrose and the messenger belong to me. Tamora Pierce refers to the Royal Ladies in Page, so I guess the concept of them is hers too. Oh yeah, the Shang stuff is Tamora Pierces' too.
~*Windwhisper*~
Tallialanthalasa of Stag Mountain looked out over the packed ballroom floor. She had been at Court a half-year, and she liked all of the balls and fancy dresses and charming young men. She saw Sir Keladry of Queenscove and Mindelan, Lady Veralidaine Salmalin, her husband Numair Salamin, Sirs Owen, Merric, Seaver, Faleron, Nealan, Kel's husband, and Roald, the Crown Prince. They had just become knights; the Midwinter Festival had been two months ago.
Just then Sir Cleon walked in, with his wife, Sir Alanna's daughter, Lady Alianne. Talia smiled. They made such a cute couple together. He was, after all, one of the top knights, and she was renowned as the Shang Hawk.
Just then the Queen, Thayet, and her King, Jonathan, walked in. Tallialanthalasa gasped. This was the Queen's first appearance at a ball this year! Thayet was clothed in a dress of floaty pink silk, with a flowing skirt and a tight bodice with a low neckline. Diamonds graced her throat, and two tiny diamonds glittered at her earlobes. Her hair was swept up and woven into a shining black braid, which was wrapped around her head like a crown. Pearls danced of the neckline, cuffs and hem of the dress. She was a sight to behold.
The King, Jonathan III, was dressed in white hose, a white shirt and a sapphire tunic that perfectly matched his eyes. All were of the finest quality. His black hair shone in the enchanted light, exactly the shade of his calf length boots.
The Royal couple passed by her, and she curtsied deeply, bowing her head. "Sire, your Majesty. I hope I find you well?" she murmured reverently.
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Queen Thayet surveyed the girl as she passed her. She looked to be about 15, and of K'miri descent. Golden skin shone at her face, neck and hands; her eyes were a deep, shining brown with flecks of gold that seemed to search your soul. Her hair, long and wavy, was a wonder. Dark brown, almost black, it was cascading down to her ankles in loose waves. Her dress started in a bell skirt, pleated at a narrow waist, and sparkling with hints of intricate silver embroidery. The bodice was skin tight until it reached the upper arms. The sleeves of the gown were loose and flowing, showing off callused and hard worked hands at the cuffs. Intricatley carved light blue buttons shone, marching up her back. The entire dress was a deep blue, almost blackish, and of a shimmery satin material. At her earlobes round droplet earbobs of a silvery/gold color glimmered, catching and throwing the light. Around her neck was a gold chain, from which hung a single deep blue sapphire. Her feet were covered in lacing leather slippers. She had a tall and slender form; she looked to be about Sir Kel's height! Thayet nodded regally to her as she passed. The girl curtsied nicely and spoke some nicety reverently. "What is your name?" Thayet asked her. The girl looked up, startled.
"Why-Tallialanthalasa of Stag Mountain, your Majesty. For your convience, you can call me Tallia". Realizing what she had just said, she blushed and looked down.
"It's all right, Tallia" Thayet responded gently. "I will see you again." And with that, Thayet swept off, leaving Tallia deeply shaken.
~ much later ~
Talia was sitting in the palace gardens, after a light evening of dancing, flirting and chatting. She smiled. It was so peaceful, the quiet and the glow of the full moon, interrupted only by the fountains splashing in the distance. Suddenly she heard footsteps; her delicatley trained ears flicking back and her body tensing. She turned noiselessly and saw it was only a messenger, wearing the garb of one attached to the palace. She sighed. "Yes?" she inquired.
"My lady, I was told I would find you here" he said, bowing respectfully.
*Darn it! Lara must have told him- and she knew I wanted to be left alone! * she thought, annoyed. He interrupted her thoughts by handing her a folded piece of parchment bearing the Royal Seal.
"Thank you" she told him, flipping a copper for his trouble. He bowed, and left. The note read-
Tallia-
Please meet me at the Palace stables at sunrise tomorrow morning. I would like to see an exibition of your talents, as your features point towards K'miri descent. Please be on time.
-Thayet the Peerless
Tallia gasped. The Queen herself wanted to know of her talents? Of course she would be on time!
One bell before sunrise