Greeting A Queen
JP with Lorem, Redsword, Jaxx, Lasersexpanther and Cindy
Carefully mimicking Lady Elizabeth, Lorem curtsied as deeply as her small frame allowed, her movements shy yet precise. She remained in place, peeking through her lashes to observe the Queen without lifting her head too quickly. The rich fabric of her dress flowed around her as she moved, and for a moment, she felt genuinely feminine in a way she wasn’t used to. It felt… nice—different, but nice.
When the Queen welcomed them and took her seat, Lorem hesitated for just a second, waiting for Lady Elizabeth to move first. Once Elizabeth sat down, Lorem climbed up the small steps to her specially made chair, settling in as discreetly as possible. Though the chair’s raised height allowed her to see the table now, the towering figures around her still made her feel small in a way that was oddly comforting rather than intimidating. She tucked her hands into her lap, smoothing her dress with a light touch as her cheeks warmed faintly.
Keeping her gaze down but her ears open, she glanced shyly at the Queen, then at Elizabeth for reassurance. Lorem may have been out of her comfort zone, but she realized she was enjoying the moment far more than she expected. Being here, dressed so finely, surrounded by such grandeur—it was all overwhelming but strangely wonderful. Still, she hoped to stay unnoticed, blending into the group while quietly soaking in the experience.
Sung bowed as the Queen passed. It was a bow he had taken throughout his life, perfect in every way. He watched Elizabeth take a seat and nodded for the men to sit. He waited until the women were seated before taking his seat. He placed the box on his lap and waited for the Queen or Lady Elizabeth to start talking. The tea, which is half the battle of Etiquette and scrutinized, was not a problem with the servants giving tea. It was the drinking that Sung wondered about now.
Sasha bowed along with everyone else. Her bow had her left arm across her stomach and right behind her back resting in the small, both at ninety degree angles. The dip somewhere between dualist and ballerina. Being the last of the women to take her seat.
Masao's was respectful but more casual. One arm behind his back, the other at his side. Masao's not knowing all the rules he followed Sung's lead.
Lily followed Lady Elizabeth's example properly and took her seat afterwards. She was respectful in her actions so she would not bring any shame to Lady Elizabeth. Dr. Jackal, Vor and Cronk followed Mr. Sung's example since they were worried about messing things up. After Cronk took his seat he sighed in relief that he didn't knock anything over this time.
Queen Maud glanced around the table, giving a welcoming smile. "Please everyone, I do not expect perfection, just that you all be courteous and polite." She turned her attention to the team leader. "Tell me Lady Elizabeth, how are your parents? It has been so long since I have seen them."
"They are doing quite well, thank you. They wanted me to pass on their well wishes and let you know that they missed you, your husband and son at the mage ball, your Highness."
"Yes, I was saddened to miss it, but things needed tending to here. I am glad to hear that they are doing well." Maud said.
"How is your family, His Highness the King and your son the Prince fairing, your Highness?" It wasn't a prying question, just one if polite conversation
"Both are well, thank you. My husband is, of course, busy. My son, Alexander is traipsing through the backcountries of Russia and Sweden. He was getting antsy so these trips are good for him." Maud explained.
Prince Alexander was around Elizabeth's age and the two attended boarding school together. They had developed a friendship of sorts but she had seen him in a few years.
Queen Maud continued, "He will just come bounding through the palace doors at some point this summer, I suspect." She smiled, as she spoke fondly of her son. Clearly they had a good relationship and Maud understood the adventurous nature of younger Eldren.
"Your Majesty, if you do not mind. Mr. Sung has a gift for you, from the team." Elizabeth stated.
Maud clapped her hands together, "Mind? Of course not, who does not love to get gifts?" She focused on Mr. Sung. "Mr. Sung please..." giving him permission to present her with the gift.
Sung bowed, "Your Majesty, we present this to you. Please accept this small gift on behalf of Lady Elizabeth and our team." He said he always maintained a respectful and formal demeanor, holding the ornate box out for the queen to accept. He laid on his hands, with the box, if opened, facing her. His hands were flat, palms up, so she could take the box without having to touch Sung in any way.
Maud accepted the package, she untied the ribbon that had been tied around the box into a bow and opened the box. A distinct nod of approval. "This is lovely, thank you." It was said to the group as a whole. "Mr. Sung, I feel like this might have been your idea and I am grateful. I collect bladed weapons and it is difficult to find ones to add to my collection from Asian countries. Is this Japanese?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, crafted by hand. I like to think of one of the better smiths in Japan. With the most sought-after materials, the case is also a work of art made of rare wood from Japan. The craftsman's name is Kyu-Satori. This tanto can be used as a real weapon; the edge of this blade can split a hair. Only three tantō's are made in this set, and you now possess one of them. The name of this blade ah... translated "The Dragon's Claw,” Your Majesty." Sung maintained his respectful and formal demeanor while talking.
"Impressive." Maud said with an air of respect regarding the blade. "Well, thank you, again. It is a wonderful addition to my collection." The Queen focused back on Elizabeth. "Now, Lady Elizabeth, I would like to be introduced to the rest of your team."
"Of course, your Majesty. Well, first may I introduce Miss Ipsum, she is the engineer of the team." Elizabeth explained.
"Miss Ipsum," Queen Maud addressed the gnome directly. "I believe you must be a prodigy to be as young as you are in such a position. That last name - are you German by any chance?" Maud inquired. Her tone was one of genuine curiosity.
Sung returned to his seat gracefully, making no sound. His formal demeanor did not even waver as he moved and sat. He looked over to Miss Ipsum, giving her a smile of encouragement.