[The Pink Wing] Offices of Her Royal Highness, Officer for Public Relations

[Palacrisis D Jones]

3rd cycle Cryaxtum Era XV
Immediately following the events in the Minister of Wars Office.

The news about Nell’s sad demise had shaken them both to their very roots! J’lyara had been dear friends with the late Royal Princess even before he had got to know her down in Sheria in his time as thane of Taralon. She was devastated and unable to travel to Aelyria Prime at this time. Pala had left the War Ministers office with his new appointment under his arm .Still dressed in full dress military uniform with the three diamonds displayed on the stiff collar of his coat he marched towards the royal palace in order to present his deepest condolences in person.

Reluctant to disturb his royal highness in his candlemark of grief his destination was the offices of the royal princess the sister of his highness and someone he had met only briefly. The legendary Nikki a lady whom it was said in knowledgeable circles to have risen from the gutter to the top of the social ladder and was now possibly the most eligible spinster in the entire principality.

Not that Pala was in the market for another bout of romantic madness that had marred the previous era but despite being an old married man he still had an eye for a beautiful lady and as an old acquaintance had once remarked “there was no harm at looking at the menu whilst on a diet”.

He shook irreverent thoughts from his mind as he entered the inner sanctum of the palace suffering the inevitable perusal of documents and removal of weapons. He was here to present his deepest sympathies not to take a long look at the Princess Nikki to see what all the fuss was about but hells teeth he was a red blooded male it was only natural!

The pink palace was somewhere he had never set foot in before and indeed the shades of pink were a painters palette he had never investigated before. It was everywhere in a myriad of subtle hues and some not so much subtle as headache forming. Pala recognised pink after all J’lyara had some rather fetching gauzy pink under things which he enjoyed but this was a riot of the shade!

Pala had circumnavigated the security measures with a degree of patience and not a little interest. There seemed to be more of them than usual, hardly surprising considering the myriad of problems that faced the new kingdom and the tragic news that had been delivered to the estate .But eventually he was close to the inner sanctum and faced with the final barrier to the princess herself

Teresa Mindarves, of the violet eyes made him comfortable, he refused a drink, it was hardly proper to speak to the princess with whisky on his breath so he made himself comfortable on another pink chair and waited for his request to be given to the princess.

Would you kindly inform her royal highness that Palacrisis D Jones, Baron Austerfield of Sheria, Imperatis Imperial Legions High Command 26th Imperial Shields [Intelligence] that I would be grateful for an audience in order to present my personal condolences.

It was becoming quite a mouthful and already Pala was fed up with it, he could hardly get in the bit about royal commissioner. He had decided that once he got stuck into this new military job he would simply be known as “J”!

[Nikki L'Evienne]

"I can't imagine what amazing freedom that must give you" she said, looking at him with amazement in her eyes, her expression showing that her words were heartfelt. "I can't imagine that Milo will get me one of those for my birthbrightenings.. quite frankly, it's likely to be too much of a risk, flapping about above the Kingdom.. not good."

She grinned at him and nodded "Well, how about from the next one that there is a sort of.. I don't know, maybe a talent contest which is Kingdom-wide.... and the winner is allowed a slot in this performance? Something like that might allow the people to take some sense of ownership from it? And yes, a dinner before which is.. maybe a charity fundraising event for the chosen charity? I don't know, just a thought..."

She looked at Atl and smiled and the smile was beaming "I have a million of them.... and I'll stop at any point.." her smile softened and she watched him carefully. She didn't want to stand on his toes or any such thing... she just wanted to offer help and so she would do that until she wasn't wanted any more, and then she'd step back. Simple as.

[Nikki L'Evienne]

Pala:

Teresa let him in, and there, in the Pink Room itself was Nikki L'Evienne. She was doing a very good job of holding herself together, but the telltale signs were there... her hair was just a little too well kept, and her eyes were made up well, but no make up could hide the dark circles which her exhaustion left behind.

But that notwithstanding, as he was let into the Pink Room, there was Nikki standing, across the room from him and walking towards him "Palacrisis... It is good to see you.. and I can not thank you enough for coming... thank you" she said, looking at him. "I'm sorry, I'm not being good with titles at the moment, but how about I call you Pala and you call me Nikki? " she asked, smiling gently. She motioned him into the room and smiled "Can I offer you a drink? Some refreshment?" she asked and it was very very obvious that the younger L'Evienne was working almost entirely on auto-pilot.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Princess he bowed Nikki thank you for receiving me out of the blue I just received your kind letter and thought I must present my condolences…. our condolences. Nell was most of all a dear friend to both of us her loss in such tragic circumstances is a tragedy not only for the prince and your family but a blow to the nation.

She was looking wan under the make up, tired and holding herself together by willpower alone. More as a sop to the ailing weary princess Pala sat this time with a glass of whiskey in his hand more as a sop to the ailing weary princes than the need to drink. His dark brown voice was soft.

“Can I assist you, there must be a thousand things to do and everyone of them must weigh heavy on your shoulders? I assume that a full investigation surrounding the circumstances of Nells’ loss has been mounted already so my organisation will not interfere in that unless his royal highness wishes it. But there will be other things that need to be done some form of press release to the Herald arrangements for a service of commemoration ….we cannot hold a funeral as dear Nells’ body has yet to be recovered?

There was a hint of a question in his voice the bald facts in Nikki’s letter did not tell the whole story of that he was sure but as ever in matters concerning the royal family there was a need to know factor built in.

Finally Nikki but no less important there is you. Forgive an older man for once but you need to keep up your strength for what will face us in the following brightenings, you need your rest.You are the public face of the royal family and it would not be wise to appear in any state other than perfection. You have loyal staff who care for you let them carry the burden for a while get some rest girl.

Perhaps he was over stepping the mark in offering such advice to a princess but someone had too!

[Nikki L'Evienne]

Pala:

She smiled at him gently and nodded "I will pass it on to Milo, he'll be grateful I'm sure. He... yes, it is a blow to the nation.. and to us... Milo of course. The children are safe and well, and thank the Gods for that, it could have been so much worse"

She poured him his drink, and got herself a glass of fruit juice "I.. that's very kind of you, but it's quite surprising how much of a well oiled machine Milo runs. It's always seemed a bit.. well, slapdash to me, but now that I'm here and doing this, things are just happening, and I'm getting done what needs to be done. The Herald Article is pretty much ready to go, but we just have to wait on a few details. There'll be a funeral, or a rememberance ceremony, I think. That's the plan. No... we can't find her body, but we will.. gods, I hope we will."

And then he told her to go and rest and she smiled "I promise you, Palacrisis, that I am. I am going to bed and sleep is eluding me. Tonight I'm going to take a draft that Mrs Stromb has prepared for me, for just that reason.. I can't afford to be seen in any state other than perfect at the moment. It's just... " she shook her head, not sure that he'd understand, but she said it anyway.

"It's just that I'd feel a whole lot better if we'd found her body.. I know that sounds macabre, but until then there's this doubt... this niggling doubt. And... and the children... Milo.. they deserve to have Nell here, with them. But if that isn't possible, then by the Gods, they deserve to lay her to rest"

She shrugged, looking away "It probably sounds a little crazy, but I can't explain it any other way. I just want to make it as easy for my brother as it can be... but yes, I'll get some rest. And you know, there is something that you could do, if you would?"

She looked at him and smiled softly "You and J'lyara were Nell's friends. I am the executor of her will, it comes to me to deal with it. But you knew her in a way that I don't. Would you advise me if there are any issues, which I think there might be, as to what her final wishes would be? I can't promise to adhere to what you say, but I can promise to take it into account. Would you help with that?"

That had, indeed, been something that she was worrying about and so the thought of an advisor who was Nell's friend too was something that pleased the young Princess mightily.

"Do you want me to ask Milo if he wants to see you?" she asked, looking at him and thinking that he would, she thought, understand if Milo didn't want to.

[Romeo Navende]

Arrival of a Letter. Late in the day, Fourth Brightening of the Month of Cryxatum, the Season of Spring. Era XV.

Dated: Third, Cryxatum, Spring.
Upon opening the envelope, a single pink rose petal fell out.


Her Most Royal Highness, Officer for Public Relations.

While you may find the following to be odd, forward and perhaps laughable, to ask if you would read the following.

I ask for the simplest of things in my life, I have done so always, lived the life many would only dream. My dearest Lady, I am but a humble storyteller, fresh from travels and laden with tales of such. I write to ask for the opportunity to be of service to you, to spin tales of such places, of your wonderful people and of the monsters that stalk the roads at night.

Why do I feel this would benifit to you?

I was the greatest of entertainers in Jaedaxia. In the cold of winters past, you would find me, rosy cheeked and singing to the growing crowds, lifting the cold from their hearts with simple song.

I feel, that a lady of your nature, stature and office deserves such entertainment.

Life needs to be filled with such trifle joys my Lady. Who is more deserving of such other than yourself?

I often been told I am forward, if not 'pushy'. If I were not, I would be a starved husk of a man, lying in the gutters with death ash upon my face. I offer my services, your most humble servant.

Storyspinner, Romeo Navende.

Attached was an RSVP to the Crown Inn Tavern, detailing that he currently had no accommodation, but will be waiting dutifully for any reply.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala listened his fingers gently stroking his beard listening carefully to what the princess had to say. There were nagging doubts in his mind about the death of Nell,

It seemed such a mundane demise for such a wonderful lady lost at sea and yet the children surviving, it did not ring true but he had no facts no eye witness reports to peruse nothing to build a theory with.

He sipped the drink and placed it on the table by his chair looking directly at Nikki…..

Yes I am certain that the wheels of state have been moving and that all possibilities have been considered. Dear Nell’s body will be recovered from the depths of the Eunasian ocean even if the princes men have to use a squadron of Mer to do it. No opportunity or means will be over looked I am sure ……

his voice trailed away and the doubts returned doubts that would not be voiced….not here at least …..

It did not fit together properly drowning was too convenient …could this be some form of plot against the prince and the burgeoning principality?

Pala was being paranoiac again but then he was paid to be ….it went with the territory!

He filed his gloomy thoughts away for later and raised his head setting his brain in a new direction. The co regent, princess royal deserved a legacy and one that was suitable for her status, background and her interests. ….

There is one thing that strikes me immediately Nikki back in the day when she was governor of Sheria and I was her thane she set me a charge to build and finance the Adam Du’Galle hospital in Taralon. Perhaps it is squaring the circle bringing her back to her roots and family traditions if she could in death provide for the future of her beloved Sheria by sponsoring a new wing to that hospital. One that bears her name for perpetuity, I just do not see Nell being comfortable with statues and the like it is…er was not in her nature. She was a lady of deep feelings for the poor and neglected all the work she did to promote good governance of the empire was with that in mind something like a new hospital wing would satisfy her in death, Besides it would give the Andares brothers something to do!

The last waspish remark was probably not right for this occasion but it slipped out unbidden! He recovered quickly and bowing his head spoke sincerely.

My princess I am the servant of the prince …if it please him to see me I am at his will. If he does not then I understand fully!

[Atl Myrsa]

Atl smiled at her expression. "That is were changing form is nice. Few people care for a regular bird." he said with a wink.

"Thoughts sounds like good ideas. I think though that the competition would be best for latter performances, right now I am still trying to learn the ropes and the planning involved for that would take longer then I have before the Opera reopens."

He leaned back and though. "I do like the charity for the dinner though. It would be good for the opera and the Throne. Besides parts of prime and other places in the empire can use the help any way."

He looked over at her. "So tell me a little about your self. I have been around his highness for a while now, but I still now so little of his past and his family."

[Nikki L'Evienne]

Romeo: Replied in your thread with Leto.

Pala:

The remark regarding the Andares brothers passed Nikki by, but she nodded, thoughtfully. "I think that's a very good idea. She adored the Sheria, I know that, and to do something for her there would be a fitting thing. I think that would be excellent, Palacrisis, I'll talk to Milo about it.. umm... soon. I'm not quite sure when, to be honest, I'll have to.. well, play it by ear."

At his next words, she looked at him and a smile broke through on her face, and although the smile was brief, it was genuine. "Servant of the Prince my rear end" she said, most primly "I was asking you as his friend.. which is all the answer I need... you are his friend. He'll be informed you're here and if he wants to come, he will. I don't like keeping things from him, and I'll get it in the neck if he finds out you were here and I didn't tell him... I'm having enough trouble stopping him from actually doing any work, never mind seeing people he cares about"

She nodded, and stood, walking to the door to tell Teresa to go and tell Milo that Pala was here. This she did in hushed tones and came back. She sat back down and smiled "There.. it's up to him, now, which is by far and away the best way for it to be"

Then, she looked at him and her green eyes were very very serious "I know how suspicious it is, Palacrisis, and believe me, if there is anyone behind it, they'll pay. They will, I promise you, pay."

The Princess had no intention of running off after anyone, but some thoughts were forming in her mind as to just what she could do. She would have liked to have discussed them with Alexis, as Minister of War, in truth, but since he had ignored her last letter, she was ill inclined to go to him with this.

[Nikki L'Evienne]

Atl:

She smiled slightly, pleased that he approved of her ideas. Nikki was a young woman who sought approval from those around her, even though the confident flake that she seemed to be might indicate differently.

Then he asked her about herself, and she chuckled, rather thrown by the question. "I... well, Milo and I share a father, not a mother. I was raised by my mother and step-father, although our father was a regular visitor to us" she said. All of this was true, of course, but none of it painted the picture of her childhood as it truly was... she didn't feel the need to share such details, frankly, and disliked the way they made her feel anyhow.

"I didn't know Milo when I was growing up, but we met up long before he became anyone important" she said, with a cheeky wink ".. and in truth, there's not much about him that's changed. He's the man he was, which is quite an achievement I think."

She considered then, and continued "I'm 20 ordinations old, I'm single and I have just about the largest collection of dresses on Telath, I guess. I like them.." she said, and smiled gently "Now that Milo is the Crown Prince, I thought I'd best be useful, and I can do very little better than bossing people around and looking good, so Milo suggested this job. It's a good job... um... that's about it, really.... nothing major, but that's me."

She looked at him and smiled. Sure, she sounded like an immensely shallow young woman, but she was fine with sounding like that. People didn't have to find out until they had to find out, and she was happy with that. "Oh... and Milo's going to be accepting suitors for me from sort of, well, this point on. It's all part of the Royalty thing, I suppose, the need to settle down, be seen to be respectable and wed and stuff..."

Harder to remain honest here, in truth, and just for a moment the woman that she hid so well was there in the slightly cynical, vaguely amused glance that she gave him. She was playing the game here, and so she always would, she imagined.

[Straylor Leonard]

Timestamp: Late Cryxatum, Spring Era XV Post Fractum.

To The House L'Evienne
Offices of Her Royal Highness
Officer of Public Relations
The Imperial Palace,
Aelyria Prime

Greetings from the Carmelyn. And it is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences to the family of His Royal Highness, Milo L'Evienne.

The House Leonardes will only be a small fraction of the countless mourners in the memory of Her Highness, Nell du'Galle.

She will be missed by us all.

Signed,
Straylor Felix Leonard

[Riconus Xind'ell]

25th Brightening of Cryxatum, Spring Era XV To the Principality of House L'Evienne, Though I'm sure my letter will be mixed within what I can only imagine to be thousands from citizens within every corner of Aelyria, please accept my deepest condolences for the lost of your Matron, Nell Du'Galle. As a man who has lost a wife as well, I can unfortunately say that I understand your pain. It is with deep regret that I wasn't able to spend more time around her, but I knew her to be a perfect mate to Milo, and that alone tells of her immaculate character. My city will be sacrificing to the gods come next brightening's sunset, in the hopes that she may ascend to the immaterial plane safely. Yours Respectfully, Sir Riconus Xind'ell, Earl of Portshire