Coming of Age Part 1 – Arrival at the palace.

“I can’t believe it.” Reiline said and pressed her hands against the window of the carriage. The maid had managed to get her hands on a brown dress that might not be very glamorous but at least fitting for the occasion. Being a medic and a white mage Lacos luckily got a pass on the whole outfit debacle under the pretence that his skill might be required. Stef however had insisted that he at least wore the better, less used half of his identical wardrobe. Speaking of Stef, the knight cleared his throat, “I know this is probably very exciting for you, Reiline but could you behave more ladylike for just today?”

Reiline quickly sat back into the cushions of the carriage, next to Lacos. Stef was sitting all on his own at the bench across, Sarine having chosen to ride the cart in front of them on her own. As was fitting for the Princess.

“I wish the Princess would have told me what she is planning today.” Stef grumbled in his usual grumpy fashion. “Lizard, do you know anything about it?” Reiline clicked her tongue, “Maybe he does if you ask nicely, Stef.” She said and crossed her arms, “Or should he call you ape from now on?” “Reiline, please, be nice to Stef, he is a bit tense.” Lacos said and put his hand on hers. Reiline noticed that his grip was a bit more forceful than needed for a gesture that was usually meant be calming. Lacos realized to after a bit and smiled apologetically. “Sorry, a bit charged myself.” He said and let go.

Reiline sighed, “Can anyone tell me what this is about?” “Can’t you guess?” Stef asked. “Excuse me some of us are busy cleaning and living and don’t have time for politics between sleeping, sending **** letters to distant nobles and 'cleaning their hammers'.” Stef started to run red. It was well known that he was unable to find a wife for a while now. “I don’t even use a hammer.” He mumbled but stopped trying to beat Reiline’s sharp tongue. “Lacos, you tell me what this is about, now.”

“Mhm.” The tail of Lacos tail flopped from left to right and back as he thought about how to answer correctly. “Tonight is relatively likely to end in tears for us.” Reiline leaned in until a few inches were between them, “For the more simple minded of us, please elaborate.” She said very slowly, almost threatening, “Because that just explained nothing, my dear, dear, Lacos.”

“Well, from what I hear Tolfin has invited mostly nobles that are loyal or leaning towards him. If the Princess were to take a decision today the he doesn’t like, in the centre of his power surrounded by people who support his cause….Well, the Princess wouldn’t leave before renouncing her claim to the throne.” Lacos explained. “So get ready for your first and maybe only ball.” Stef added but kept staring out of the window in a dignified fashion.

Reiline breathed in deeply. Followed by long, long exhale and her hitting Lacos on the shoulder. “Jerk, tell me stuff like that beforehand.” Lacos shrugged, “Would you have come if I did?” “Of course!” Lacos was genuinely surprised but Reiline just smiled widely and snuggled really close to Lacos side, “It’s exciting isn’t it?”

Before he could come up with an answer to that the carriage came to a halt and the door opened. “Knight, Medic we have arrived.” The driver said and vanished as quickly as he had appeared. Stef was the first to leave, closely followed by Lacos “Not even addressing me, huh?” Reiline complained under her breath as Lacos helped her out. “What do you expect, you are just a maid.” Stef said and stomped ahead, not wanting to hear the response. “Try saying that if the lid of your chamber pot is suddenly missing.” Reiline said anyway, although not loud enough to be heard by the surrounding people.

Lacos giggled a bit, “You shouldn’t use such language from now.” “Lacos, have I understood it right that you have the slightest interest in me?” Reiline blushed as she asked such a direct question. Lacos scratched his cheek with the clawed finger of his left hand, “A bit more than slight.” He admitted, “So do you think I am dumb enough to not realize that?” It was better to give in here. “My mistake, I apologize.” Reiline smiled, “Indeed you do, Medic.” She said triumphantly and hooked her arm on his. “Now shall we?”