Long Live the ..........? [ONC 2024]

Chapter Four: Cassien

One week later...

The smell of a fresh spring morning, intermingled with paint fumes, greeted Arlon as he stepped out of the main palace entrance into the outer courtyard. The courtyard was busy with a small army of painters and their assistants who were preparing to repaint the external walls. A large pyramid of Hint of Dafodil paint tins stood at the edge of the courtyard while the painters placed and moved ladders. Argued with their assistants and with each other as they all vied for wall space.

A royal carriage entered through the archway of the gatehouse, narrowly missing the pyramid of paint. It then slowed and came to a halt at the steps of the main entrance where the Halfling was waiting. Arlon suddenly noticed his pocket case was dangling out of his bright red waistcoat, made even brighter by the rest of his beige uniform. Quickly, he slipped the case in his pocket before anyone noticed.

The Privy Council had summoned an archivist from the University to search the family trees of the noble houses of Metica with a hint of royal blood. In order to find a suitable husband for the Queen Regent.

Out of the carriage stepped a tall, baby-faced young man. He was wearing a long but simple brown robe and carried a leather satchel with the sigil of the University of Metica stamped on it. His fawn-coloured hair almost reaching his waist was neatly tied back in a loose ponytail covering his ears. Just as well as Elves were not common in these parts. He looked about his surroundings like a wide-eyed puppy.

Arlon strained to look up at him, even though he was standing at the top of the steps. Elves were not his favourite people. They were too perfect, too good looking and too tall. Nevertheless, Arlon shook his hand and gave him a big, wide, toothy grin. "You must be Cassien. Welcome to the Royal Palace of Metica. My apologies for the maintenance currently taking place. I am Arlon, the Queen Regent's personal assistant.

"Yes, I am the one called Cassien of the Clan of Elms. It is a great honour to be summoned to assist the royal house of Metica. I thank you for your gracious welcome Arlon of.....?"

"Just Arlon, we don't stand on ceremony here." Elves tended to turn a simple conversation into something long, complex, and tiresome.

A slight blush appeared on Cassien's chiselled cheeks."Oh er, very well."

He did not seem as arrogant as some of the other Elves Arlon had met. But then, this was only their first meeting. Arlon gestured to the Great wooden doors that were still covered in beige paint. "This way, we had better not keep the Queen Regent waiting."

Cassien joined him at the top of the steps. His soft leather boots made no sound. He continued his curious gaze as they entered the palace entrance hall with its white and red marble floor and grand staircase. The walls were still beige, but some coloured drapes and paintings had found their way out of storage. "I never thought I would see a building more beautiful than the university. The palace is certainly magnificent."

"Surely Elven architecture is far more impressive," replied Arlon.

"As a forest Elf, I never grew up in the Elven cities. That is where the High Elves dwell."

Arlon then went on to explain that the staff would send Cassien's belongings to his guest room.

"I haven't brought anything with me except for this. I travel light," replied Cassien, indicating his satchel.

Arlon frowned. "But you will need at least one change of clothes and if there are any events in the palace while you are here. You will be expected to dress accordingly."

Cassien replied with a soft chuckle. "Do not concern yourself. I shall endeavour to fulfil all that is expected of me."

Arlon led Cassien through the beige corridors where portraits of long dead kings had been reinstated after being evicted to the cellar five years ago. Cassien prattled on excitedly about meeting some of these kings in person. Arlon endured his chatter politely and wondered just how old this Elf was.

"Queen Rosamund. What is she like? I have never had the honour of meeting a dragon lady before. Does she look dragonish?" asked Cassien.

He seemed very interested in the queen's appearance and Arlon took great satisfaction in correcting him."The term is lady dragon. A subtle but important difference. Lady dragon denotes who the queen is. The other term denotes rank. As the Queen Regent ranks higher than a lady, the term would therefore be an insult."

"I'll be sure to remember that, Arlon. You have my gratitude."

"As for Queen Rosamund, she appears as any other fashionable lady of her age. Save for her eyes. But she rarely changes into her Draco form unless she has a good reason."

This did not put off the Elf in the slightest. He seemed even more curious. "Have you ever seen her? In her Draco form."

"Of course I have. She lit her father's funeral pyre. It is much less impressive than it sounds."

They arrived at another set of double doors that led to a bright and airy conservatory. It looked out over the royal gardens and was filled with various exotic plants. A large glass and metal table, painted beige, stood in the centre of the conservatory surrounded by several metal chairs, also painted beige.

A butler waiting by the table showed them to their seats. Servants had laid the table with an array of cold meats, cheese and bread, all served on the finest porcelain. "Queen Rosamund will meet us here shortly. She is always hungry after a shoot," said Arlon.

"A keen archer, is she?"

"Not exactly. The Queen prefers more modern pastimes such as clay pigeon shooting."

Cassien raised an eyebrow. "Does she indeed?"

As the butler poured them both tea. Arlon noticed the Queen striding purposely toward the conservatory from the far end of the gardens. She wore a woollen tweed jacket with matching plus-fours. Her loose bun was tucked under a flat cap and a rifle was slung across her shoulder. She handed the gun to the groom, who was trying to keep up, then removed her hat and gloves before mounting the steps to the external doors.

Arlon and Cassien stood as she swept into the conservatory. "Ah Hector, I see our guest has arrived." She confidently strode towards Cassien and shook his hand. "So you're the Elf the University sent. Not quite what I was expecting."

Cassien bowed and introduced himself in a lengthy manner. "I hope I do not disappoint, Your Grace."

"Oh, so you are a Forest Elf. Well, I am sure you are just as reliable as any other. Otherwise, they would not have sent you. But for now, let us eat. A good shoot works up an appetite. Hector, I hope the tea is piping hot."

"It is, Your Grace," muttered the butler, and he poured another cup. The Queen settled herself in one of the seats, leaving her hat and gloves on the table. "Well, gentlemen, don't stand on ceremony." and indicated they should sit.

Arlon sat in silence, observing the Queen, and Cassien as they dined. When he did try to join in the conversation, the Queen often spoke over or interrupted him. She expressed an interest in Cassien's life and his role at the University. And seemed to find his flowery language amusing. But then Elves did have a charm about them that Arlon found rather irritating. At the end of the meal, the three of them vacated the table. Leaving the butler to summon the servants to clear up.

"So, Cassien. Do you have an answer to my predicament?" asked the Queen.

Cassien tapped his satchel that was still attached to him via a leather strap across his shoulder."I have been studying the trees of the noble houses and I believe I may have found the solution. Do you have a large table? I have a lot of paperwork to show you."

The Queen gave him a coy smile, and there was a slight flush about her cheeks. Arlon rolled his eyes and hoped she was not getting any ideas. Sneaking the odd groom into her chamber was one thing. But an Elf was another. The Queen took Cassien's arm, and they strolled out of the conservatory, barely acknowledging Arlon.

"Perhaps the privy chamber might suffice, Your Grace?" he called out.

The Queen carried on walking without turning around. "Excellent idea Arlon. Go fetch the council members, will you? There's a splendid chap!" 

(W/C 1425)