Durga lounged in her cusions on the litter. An outsider might see it as a bit obnoxious, were they to catch a glimse through the throng of servants and guards. The common people stopped to watch the procession, and Durga imagined she could hear them wispering that the future queen was passing. She certainly was not incorrect, though whispers about her adventure last night contributed to the feathery sounds of the crowd, along with whispers of the Elsent.

They soon reached the gates, and Durga decided to walk for herself once they had reached the clean-swept cobblestones. She called for the men to stop and let her descend. To do this, she had to carefully hop down using the shoulders of one of the men. She decided to use the shoulder of her father's handsome guard. Once safely on the ground, she caught sight of the drunken soldier who had harassed her last night, and looked him coldy in the eye with an equally cold smile. He turned pale and left quickly, afraid she would reveal his indiscretion. Fool, she thought to herself, as if I would endanger my own reputation seeking the ruin of yours. She walked ahead of her litter with the straightest posture and hightest head (some may say nose) that a woman of her height could muster.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

THe sun beat down with unsual force as Dea walked at the side of the litter she kept her head down. When Durga left her litter Dea noticed her father's slight frown but did nothing to discourage the behavior. Dea followed just three steps from Durga. Dea was amazed at the Palace it was monsterous the palace was a mosic of copper and gold domes that sent rays of light everywhere Towers dotted the sky gardens filled with oasis of flowers. Fountains played cherrfuly. the Floors in the buildings where of marble or granite. THe entrance Gate had two Stone Dragon circling the sentry towers shaped like colums. Peacocks sang their call in the distance, the main lane to the main palace was lined with hundreds of statues of each Elsent, the new Kings tried to destroy the statues but each time a mason went to deface them they were driven mad. Dea looked in wonder each statue was perfectly realistic each Elsent held something signifcant, a septer, a stone, flame, a hammer , or an animal. Dea found her Elsent the Elsent that she was named after. She stood regally, her hair flying wildly behind her, she held nothing she simply pointed to the east, Dea wondered why she carried nothing she would have to ask Tainar later. the Last Elsent was a Male the last of the Elsent line supposedly other bases where placed but bore no statues Dea figured these were for the Last Elsent's children.
when they entered the Palace itself the Great Wooden door swung open reveling the stone dragons that guraded every door of significance. the the rest of the family left their litters or horses and entered the palace. they were met by slaves to led them to the throne Room. The room was made of yellow sandstone and pink marble color and light overwhelmed Dea it was dazzling. The King and Queen sat on ther thrones and the Crowned Prince sat next to the king and the Princess Korin sat by her Mother. they were led to the very front of the dais, Where Dea knelt and touched her forehead to the floor and stayed that way.
out of the corner of her eye she noticed a woman heavly cloaked by her dress and veil, but she seemed fimilar she hd three companions two men and another woman she was small very small. but dea's attention was snatched by the kings words.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

The Ardol family entered the throne room, Lord Ardol first, closely followed by Lady Ardol on his left, Dorgon on his right, and Durga modestly walking behind her father. He announced himself, "Your Majesty, it is an honor to be once again in your presence! I have brought with me Lady Ardol, and my children." He gave a slight bow, his family each giving a deeper bow. The king gave a small laugh, clapped his hands, and stood. "Formalities aside, my friend, it is a great comfort to see you in dark times such as these. Please, sit, and let us talk. Tell me of the world outside these walls." While her parents sat to one side, she took her seat on the women's side of the room. She smirked at Korin, who smirked back, and sat. Dorgon sat with the crowned prince. Once seated, Durga turned her attention to the figure in the corner. She glanced at Korin to get her attention, then looked over at the figure. Korin shook her head, rolled her eyes, and raised her eyebrows, conveying her ignorance. Curious, thought Durga to herself.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

THe sages who stood in the back kept looking at the figure in the corner with nervous glances. The Woman in the back would turn to her companions every so often and whisper something to them smiles broke out. THe figure seemed to be the leader of the group she was petite and delicate but she had an air of command who she was no one knew thought the sages seemed to be unerved at the presence of her even though it could have been because she was on the Men's side of the room.
Dea watched carefuly from her position as best she could. she was knealing beside Durga with her forehead pressed to the floor it was uncomfortable but it was protocal.

Korin whispered to Durga after awhile of silence " what is this adventure I keep hearing about " she was implying Durga's encounter.Dea sighed her head hurt and her knees where screaming. The king looked please with the court seeing no one daring to speak of the Elsent or His return. " THe elsent is but of a tale of long ago there is no one to cause me trouble" he siad to himself

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

"How does news travel so fast?" she whispered in an exhasperated tone. "I was delivering your message and a servant followed me, like a little flea, and gave provoked the man to attack! Had she not been there, there would have been no need for any fuss." Her revenge was beginning to come into play. Korin raised her eyebrow, "You know, you needn't deliver messages by hand." Durga hissed back, "I don't want my missives read!" Their conversation was drawing looks from sages and guests alike from across the room. Durga leaned back in her chair and stared back.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Dea bit her tounge to keep from talking back she just sighed again and rolled her eyes. Korin took out a fan from somewhere and covered half her face and leaned over to Durga " the servants know everything, the servants know tidings long before the messengers can even be told what to deliver!" she giggled Her Father finaly stood up Korin rose as well along with the Princes and the nobilty while every one else bowed except the Traverlers in the back one seemed to be implying that they too should bow but the leader THe woman with pale skin made a comment " I do not bow to False Kings" she said her voice echoed across the hall. The king didn't seem to hear as he dismissed the court and Invited everyone to the banquet that night. Korin turned to Durga "come lets go somewhere where we will not be overheard!" she said walking out of the Hall Dea scrambled to her feet and followed with her head bowed so low her chin touched her chest.

The King exited the Hall towing Lord Ardol, and the captain of the guard to a chamber reserved for private meetings. once the door was shut THe king showed his true emotion he was raging, " WHo WAS THAT!" he seethed the captain of the guard swallowed hard " we don't know, She arrived yesterday night...the night the flame was first seen of the El...." the king GLared dangerously " WHo do she thing she is to defy my Rule!" Lord Ardol stood calmly he had no imput he wasn't even sure why her was here. " Find out who she is...If need be kill her I don't care ..."
THe Captian looked worried " Sire what if she is Of Gondor? and is a messenger by law we cannot harm..." he was cut off again " if she is of gondor send her back " The King sighed.

THe Group in the back left the room quickly and rode out of the city before the captain could find any trace of them.
The sages were flustered the Fire in the Hall of FIre flared flames licked the ceiling but did not burn. this continued for a day and then died reduced to simple flames...the Elsent was there at court and no one knew. the sages figured it was the quiet man that stood near the woman he looked of Elsent blood tall and stern. they were sure he was the elsent...

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Durga walked apace of Korin, but turned back to the following Dea. "Did I ask for you to accompany us?" she hissed. Not waiting for an answer she continued, "You don't seem to understand. A slave must be like a well-trained dog: obedient, silent, submissive, and coming only when called!" She turned and caught up with Korin, who had stopped a few paces ahead to watch. "Very nice!" she said. They walked into the Royal common room, where Durga, Korin, Dorgon, and the Crown Prince could all converse in complete propriety.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Dea remained with bowed head she turned and left the corridor without saying anything. she found a quiet courtyard it was extravagant in it's taste but seemed to be simple and common. a couple of Peacocks strutted about. Dea sat on a bench letting the patches of sun shine on her lap. it was surprisingly quiet here she felt at peace with the palace. " Why do you sit in the Queen's courtyard?" a young voice asked Dea's heart leaped she stood up realising who was addressing her threw herself to the floor " Prince Sahil, please forgive me I did not know this was the queen's courtyard!" sh explianed tripping over her words, Prince Sahil giggled " it's not my mothers courtyard it's the Elsents mother said this is where the Elsents sat to have a moment's peace " Dea dared to glance up searching for a jest "really?" she asked meekly he nodded " my brother hates this courtyard he says it's haunted but I don't beleive him I think he is trying to scare me " he wore a serious expression but his eyes where pure joy Dea felt strangly at peace with the young prince he suddenly turned back into the little boy and skipped off when he heard someone call for him.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

By the time the two ladies entered the room and sat down, Dorgon and the Prince (name?) had already sat. Dorgon flicked a cherry pit at Durga. "Fashionably late, once again." Durga rolled her eyes, "Forgive me, I did not realize you were in such a hurry." She turned to the Prince and asked playfully, "Silent as ever, I see, you highness."

(Would you mind playing the Prince for now?)

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

(no not at all )
THe Crowned Prince Sabar gave a diplomatic smile "I see you are doing well Lady Durga" He said he seemed unsure of how to talk to her but whatever was bothering him seemed to vanish he wore a geniune smile. " I have something for you " he announced snaping his fingers a hidden slave came forward bearing a gilded box. the prince opened it revealing a stunning ruby necklace. The pendant was a rose made of a single ruby the size of a gold coin (a quarter) it was delicatly curved and formed it was a skill that would be hard to master. several rubies dotted the neck line each ruby was clear and almost perfect a rare find it would have had to cost a fortune. "It is from the Crown, I am told Deawen the first wore this on her wedding day " he said softly, he opened a smaller compartment to the box and took out a matching pair of earrings " The Elsents may have been Unatural , but they certainly had good taste" Korin remarked nudging Durga " The Crown? how on earth did you single that set out? there has to be thousands of choices to choose from how did you choose?" Dorgon asked Sabar Laughed " True the Elsents had wealth that was unimaginable, but truth be told I have always loved that Necklace it seems to hold a regal power that I can't explain, " Drogon shook his head " Deawen the first? the one that disapeard after a year of rule? that means that this necklace is two thousand years old! it looks as if i was made a week ago!" he exclaimed

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

Durga caught her breath. She had never seen anything quite as exquisite as this work of art. "With all my heart, I thank you." She accepted the necklace from the box and gave Sabar a kiss on the cheek and whispered in his ear, "There is no need to by my affection. I am yours, garuanteed by law and treaty." She smiled and sat again. "So, what has promted this gift?"

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

" It is a tradition my family is starting before a crowned couple is united it is custom to give a gift to the bride to be" as thoughtful as this sounded he failed to mention his mother put him up to it he had no notion of giving Durga a gift and it was his mother who chose the Necklace. But none the less he smiled.

At this point the Queen entered the room flanked by Lady Ardol,she was smiling and full of warmth. " Korin, Durga I think it is about time for Durga to try on her robes for the wedding" the Queen announced.
The queen led the way to her private chambers in a robing room was already a platform for Durga to stand on and the robes were held by Dea who had been summoned for this.
the robes were long and flowing and the color of a red rose but not as bright and embroided with gold thread and beads. it was heavy robe and in the Bredena heat it was would be stiffling. but it was a work of art.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

"Alright," Durga said, frostily gazing at Dea. No one caught this but Korin, who gave a dry laugh. They went into Korin's room and deposited Durga alone with Dea to change. "Come out when you have changed so we can judge," said the queen, who was giggling with Lady Ardol as they went to sit in the other room.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Dea Held the robes and admired the weave it was beautiful the fabric shimmered the gold thread glinted and the beads dazzled.
Dea sighed what she would give to wear such a work of art...she wondered if the Elsents wore this robe or if it was made for Durga. It seemed the that Royal family used what the Elsents left behind.

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home

As soon as the heavy fabric hit her skin, Durga began to sweat. Silk was not an airy fabric when it was so thick, and it was not a cool day. The realization of her impending ascention to the throne also hit her. She smiled at her reflection in the burnished bronze mirror and went to model her outfit.

"Lovely!" gasped the Queen when Durga entered the salon, looking demurely at the ground. "She will be excellent! A royal Bredenian bride never smiles!" Durga but her inside lip to hide her smirk. "If you see fit, I would like to change back. I shouldn't want to ruin the robes before the wedding." The queen waved her away and continued her conversation with Lady Ardol. Things will be different whe I am Queen, though Durga gleefully.

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Reasons I love England #217:
I saw "whilst" on a traffic sign

Dea noticed how Durga looked uncomfortable in her robes "maybe if I am lucky she'll die of heat" Dea thought with a small smile.she replaced the robes on the stand carefuly placing folds exactly with the flow. something glimmered on the floor Deawen moved closer to see what it was and gasped with horror...it was one of the beads from the robe...one must have worked it's way loose!

_________________
Lips, ripe as the berries in June
Red the rose, red the rose
Skin, pale as the light of the moon
Gently as she goes

as always a hero comes home