(1111) Alice, Martha, and Asa

[Martha Villiers]

Martha was probably alert to the limited nature of Alice's forgiveness, but it was a forgiveness she had not had a few moments before and was therefore seizing it with both hands. Her good humour mounts. A smile brightens. Nodding obediently as Asa dampens the intention to host a concert. Twin tails bob even more as she offers Asa a sincere curtsy and nods as he wishes to make an announcement about Courtly activity.

"Yes, Alder Prince. Of course, sir!" she enthuses. Watching the Prince with wide eyed glee, "Do you wish to handle the Presentations personally, sir?" she asks. Clearly with an eagerness to do something to help.

[Asa]

Asa considered the question, scanning the new arrivals.

"I believe so," he answered, nodding.

His tone dropped slightly as he became more serious. "It would give you a chance to focus on the... demeanor... of the new arrivals, some caution we might consider given recent events."

He was, of course, alluding to her command of Auspex, and the intrusion at Avalon.

Asa turned his attention back to Alice. "And if you would stay, as well? I shall entrust myself to the security of your hands."

The words were serious, but there was just a hint of humor in Asa's eyes at the innuendo. It was a legitimate request of a capable Deputy, but it was also a sincere attempt of ruffled feathers soothing.

[Martha Villiers]

Martha dipped a humble curtsey to the Prince, "Yes, Alder Prince. Thank you, Alder Prince. I shall make the announcement." she shares a careful smile to Alice. Seeing the Prince carefully distribute tasks to them both. Both tasks requiring trust. Nodding, she smiles again. Clearly delighted to be obeying.

Martha backs away from the Prince in the approved manner of European Courtly Manners and, after brushing a moment at her twin tails and adjusting her hat, she makes her way to the centre of the room.

After a moment of standing there, waiting for the moment that seems to cause least disruption as people move about and converse, Martha raises her hands to gently and momentarily calm conversation as she makes her announcement; "Ladies and gentlemen," she begins with a tone of great clarity and dignity, "Ladies and gentlemen. I beg to interrupt. The announcement shall be brief. His Majesty, Asa Clarke, the Alder Prince of Sacramento, wishes it to be known that he shall now receive to his presence those who seek to petition for Acknowledged status within his Domain. Petitioners should approach one at a time. Thank you." she nods respectfully to those nearby.

The announcement over, Martha carefully hobbles back to the Prince's side.

[Alice Brown]

'Of course, your Majesty.' Alice bows her head, with a sincere smile visible that soon thereafter disappears behind the Daeva's emotionless mask. 'It would be an honor.'

And for her it is, to stand next to the Prince. While looking at Martha she adjusts her quite tight dress. But before the Herald returns, Alice inclines her head towards Asa and speaks softly, 'Good luck.' Her lips curl up so slightly that it was merely the beginning of a chuckle, yet it was more sincere than most of the smiling the Daeva did.

Naturally, the Prince doesn't need any 'luck'. However, Alice can imagine that these new arrivals can be quite boring, or offending. She had seen some public acknowledgements before. Good luck was more: let's hope this time everything will go smoothly.

[West]

Alice, Martha, and Asa continue here...