After Galad lead her to her new rooms, he returned her sword to her and showed her to his so that she would know where to look for him. She could barely hide her awe when a servant brought a large tub to her room and filled it with hot water. She climbed into it eagerly, it was bigger than the tubs in Baerlon, and the soap was nicer too. She climbed out only when the water was turning cold, and she wrapped herself in the thick towels they provided as the servants disposed of the tub and water and brought her a selection of grand dresses that they said should be about her size.
After a while she selected a red silk dress with flowing sleeves, and a golden slash at the waist. On the loose sleeves and the hems there were beautiful swirls embroidered into the fabric.
She pulled it on carefully and brushed her hair, pausing when she spotted her reflection in the mirror. She no longer looked like the young girl who left Emond's Field. She looked like royalty." she took a deep breath, fastening her locket around her neck, before jumping when there was a knock on the door. She took a deep breath before calling out, "Come in."
The door swung open to reveal a the younger of the two men that she had seen earlier, one of the princes if she was right. He was smiling at her nervously, "Rana, wasn't it? I'm Elyan." he greeted her, "I thought... you mentioned going to fetch your friend and I thought perhaps you'd rather do it without being surrounded by guards. I could escort you down to the inn now if you wish."
Rana hesitated, "You know... it will probably be easier to convince him to come that way..." she smiled at Elyan. "Yes, I think that sounds ideal. If you would just give me a moment we can go."
Elyan nodded, his eyes widening when she strapped her sword to her waist. "I saw that Galad had one too many swords... but I didn't realise the sword was yours."
Rana blushed, "My father's been teaching me since I was old enough to hold a sword.. I know it's not the most suitable activity for a woman... or for a Princess for that matter but..."
"I won't judge." the man grinned at her. "I should be a much better with the sword than I am. My brothers are more skilled than me." he held out his arm "Are you ready Princess?"
Rana nodded, "I am." she laid a hand on his arm, letting him escort her from her room. "It may take me some time to get used to being here. I could get lost in this place easily enough."
"I suppose the Palace is fairly large." Elyan stated slowly, "If you're not used to it."
"And I most certainly am not. Until recently I lived in a small village in the Two Rivers, called Emond's Field, I think the Palace is probably as big as the entire village."
Elyan laughed, "Really? Then this must be strange for you..." he raised an eyebrow, "You must not be used to dealing with Royalty either. No wonder you looked so nervous when Galad brought you in. But do not worry, I'm sure you'll learn fast enough."
"I hope so." Rana nodded. "I really do." she let Elyan lead her through the Palace and she followed him when they reached the gardens
"Mother will probably not want you going out without guards, so I thought that perhaps we should sneak out." he suggested, "Once it's done there's nothing she'll be able to do about it." he grinned at her, and Rana laughed.
"Well, as long as I won't get in trouble for that."
"You won't, if mother asks I shall tell her it was my fault. After all you're hardly used to the limitations of Royal life." Elyan winked and Rana laughed brightly as she followed him through the gardens towards the wall, to a spot under several trees. "I would ask that you don't tell anyone about this, only Galad, Gawyn and I." he grinned, "I discovered it, Galad found it when he caught me and Gawyn sneaking out."
Rana laughed, "I doubt he was happy...or that he'll be very happy with me for sneaking out with you."
Elyan grinned "Well, you can simply tell him that you're not used to being cooped up inside."
"Ha!" Rana laughed, "This place is bigged than the whole of Emond's Field!" she declared as they headed further under the cover of the trees until they came to a small door that was painted the same colour of the wall. Elyan opened it carefully and slipped out, with Rana following closely behind, and the blond closed the door quickly behind them.
There were more trees on the other side of the wall, and Rana let Elyan take her hand and lead her through the trees into the city, and he nodded, "We'll stand out a bit due to our clothes but if we keep our heads down then no one should recognise me." he stated decisively, "Now let's see if we can find the Queen's Blessing shall we."
"We shall." Rana grinned at him, heading out into the busy streets of the city.
Before long Rana recognised one of the stalls and she glanced at Elyan, only just realising that their hands were still clasped together, and she blushed when she released his, "I know where the Queens Blessing is from here. Follow me." and she took off, weaving through the crowd, with Elyan close behind her.
When they reached the Queens Blessing Rana headed inside quickly, trying to ignore the curious looks her outfit garnered in favour of padding up the stairs quickly and heading straight to her and Mat's room. She let herself in quickly, frowning when she saw that he was still in the bed. "Have you not so much as moved since I went out to explore?" she asked, gesturing for Elyan to wait outside.
"Why would I go outside?" Mat asked darkly, I don't like this place or these people, the others are probably already dead." his eyes narrowed. "What are you wearing? Have you-"
"Mat shut up." Rana snapped, "I'm sick of this. The Queen has made us guests in the Palace and you have a choice, stay here or come with me. The Palace is much safer than here."
Mat scowled, "Light Rana, what have you gotten us into? I'm not leaving here."
"Mat please." Rana leaned forward, "I shall explain at the Palace... they won't harm us, I swear to you. Just trust me." And after a moment Mat slowly got to his feet, scowling. "Fine. I'll get my things and come with you. But don't expect me to leave my rooms. I don't trust anyone here."
"Fine, just come with me." Rana watched him pack his things before grabbing his wrist and pulling him out of the room.
"Rana." Elyan smiled "We can bring the Innkeeper some coin if you'd like."
Mat glared at him, "Who's the pretty boy?" he asked Rana, his eyes narrowed.
"His name is Elyan, Mat, and he's the Prince of Andor." she hissed, slapping his arm, "Show some respect."
"The Prince!" Mat shook his head, "Light but how do you get yourself into these situations?"
"It's a long story, now be quiet and come with me." Rana gripped his arm and dragged him along out of the inn, silently swearing to return with some coin for the innkeeper, who had been so willing to help them despite their lack of money.
Together they made their way back to the wall, to the small door hidden by the trees. When they stepped through Rana paled, "Ah."
Elyan groaned, "Gawyn... we can explain, this is the friend Rana mentioned to mother."
Gawyn glared, "So you decided to sneak out and find him? Galad found Rana's room empty and he panicked."
"Galad needs to relax Gawyn, we didn't run into any trouble."
"You were lucky. Me and Galad might disagree on some things but he was right. You shouldn't have ran off like that."
"Perhaps not." Elyan sighed, "Rana and I shall go and find Galad, can you show Mat to one of the spare rooms at least?"
Gawyn eyed Mat wearily before nodding, "I suppose." he sighed, "Follow me then, Mat."
Mat sent Rana a weary look before following Gawyn and Rana turned to Elyan.
"Will Galad have told your mother?"
"Possibly, we should go and see her, he may there." Rana followed Elyan closely as he headed inside, leading her to a different room, "Mother often spends time here." he told her, pausing in front of the door, going to knock before hesitating, "I hear Elaida in there with her.. I wonder what they're talking about."
Rana hesitated before smiling slowly, "Perhaps we could listen." she suggested.