An Invitation
JP with Lasesexpanther, Jaxx, Redsword and Cindy
"I have here an invitation from her Highness Queen Maud. She has requested the presence of the entire team for a high tea tomorrow at 4:30 PM." Elizabeth paused very briefly. "Queen Maud is British and this will be a British fancy tea. So, more formal than the teas which we usually partake in. If anyone needs pointers or a refresher on how to handle this kind of situation please feel free to inquire with me or Mr. Sung. Miss Lily, I hope you do not mind but I am volunteering you for this task as well. If anyone else would like to be available for questions regarding a British formal tea, just let me know." Elizabeth paused. "I have met Queen Maud briefly twice. My parents know her so if anyone has any questions about her, I will do my best to answer them." Elizabeth then paused to allow for questions. (edited)
Lily then spoke up as she asked, "I will do my utmost best Lady Elizabeth." Then Dr. Jackal asked, "Correct me if I am incorrect but does that mean we need to get some fancy outfits for court?" Cronk looked at the good doctor and sighed as he said, "Fancy clothes are stuffy." Vor looked up from his book and nodded as if he was already covered for this event.
"Yes," Elizabeth stated, "And thank you for reminding me Dr. Jackal. There will be a tailor and seamstress coming tomorrow, after breakfast, around 9 am. They will have semi- formal outfits for the tea with them and a team of workers to help make any alterations necessary. For anyone that needs that service. I do realize not everyone would have packed for such an event." Elizabeth then turned to the Orc. "Cronk, there will be an Orc semi-formal outfit as well for you." Orc clothing was normally very casual - work clothes. Some of that was practicality, some was their size and tendency to be slightly...clumsy. More formal Orc ware was more dressy but not so much to be completely ruined if something got on it. No formal lacing or ruffles and usually mostly black or dark brown. Also, a shirt and top - jackets were cumbersome for Orcs and therefore not required as part of their more formal outfits. (edited)
"Were there any other questions regarding Queen Maud or the tea?" Elizabeth asked.
Sung thought for a moment. "So, tea is a social event. Should we bring a gift for the queen?" Suggested Sung, thinking about what to give a queen.
"We could bring something from the team, if anyone had any suggestions but the Queen is not likely expecting anything. Elizabeth explained. "Still it would be a nice gesture."
"It will take a minute, but I always carry a few things with me just for this occasion," said Sung, standing and leaving the room. He came back with a lovely ornate box. He set it on the table and took out a tanto knife, the blade gleaming in the light. It was a masterpiece, hand-crafted and very well made.
"Would this be worthy of a Queen, Lady Elizabeth?" asked Sung.
"Just a moment," Elizabeth said. She had one if the servants fetch the butler, Askel.
Askel came quickly and bowed to Elizabeth. "How may I be of service, Lady Elizabeth?"
"Yes, Askel, my team wanted to present the Queen with a gift. In your culture is something like this blade appropriate, as a gift?" In many cultures giving a knife or sword as a gift was considered bad luck or an omen that the ties between the giver and receiver would be cut. Elizabeth was aware of this but unsure if it was that way in Norway or personally with the Queen.
"No, Lady Elizabeth, there would be no problem with that as a gift and Queen Maud would likely appreciate the gift very much." Askel stated. "You see she is a collector of bladed weapons and, as you can imagine, getting those from the East are a rare commodity here."
"Thank you for that information, Askel. You may go." Elizabeth watches Askel bow then leave the room.
"Well, Mr. Sung, it looks as if you have picked the perfect thing." Elizabeth stated.
"It appears so, Lady Elizabeth," replied Sung. This was made by hand by a skilled craftsman, I think so, anyway. If she asks, just as you know, it was crafted in Japan in 1861 by hand and with the best metal or steel. The box is made of Japanese oak, also known as Akagashi, and as you can see, it has no nails. It is truly a magnificent box, " Sung explained in great detail and pride.
"It is very beautiful," Elizabeth agreed. "Now, were there any other questions regarding the tea?"
Cronk looked around and then raised his hand as he asked, "Does Cronk need to drink tea?"
"Queen Maud is known to be quite accommodating. I believe she will have food and beverages to suit everyone's taste." Elizabeth explained, before adding. "However, with that being said I do ask that no one over indulge themselves. We still want to look as professional as possible in front of her Highness."
Dr. Jackal smirked as he replied, "That's comforting since I was invited. I'll try not to lose my cool." Lily nudged the good doctor and replied, "I am sure we will do our best to properly represent Lady Elizabeth." Cronk scratched his head as he said, "Cronk try not to break stuff......again." Vor shook his head and asked, "Will I have time to read some of the books you purchased Lady Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth nodded to Dr. Jackal, Lily and Cronk, then focused her attention on Vor. "Yes, they books are coming on the trip north with us but you are welcome to peruse them ahead of time, if you wish. Just let me know when."
Vor thanked Lady Elizabeth since he was always eager to read more books. His thirst for knowledge was as vast as Cronk's thirst for liquor.
"Queen Maud, when I met her, was polite and friendly. I just ask that we extend the same courtesy back to her, and always remember we are here as invited guests. The Order does not have much of a presence here in Norway. My father would very much like to change that but he is not going to be heavy handed about it. He is expecting us to be - in a sense - "Good Will Ambassadors" for the Order. Please, keep that in mind, especially for tomorrow's tea."
Elizabeth paused. "I think, then we should continue on with the meeting, if anyone has additional questions about the Royal Highnesses or the tea, I'll have time for additional time at the end." She paused again, then asked. "Cronk? Do you see that box in the corner?" Pointing to a wooden crate. "Can you bring that over here?"