Courtyard.

((This is an open thread, anyone can join in. This thread will be AFTER whats going on in the current meeting. I just fancied posting something up.))

*The castle had taken some getting used to. It was amazing that somehow she had finally adjusted to the cool temperatures of Icehold only to be thrown back into Aegis weather. The sun was shining, and Angel had to squint her eyes as she stood in the courtyard and looked up at the sky.

Today Angel was out of her gown and into her light chainmail, a silver breastplate hung protectively over the top of her leather garments. Her beautiful blonde hair was twisted and braided into knots that tied her hair back neatly. Fully aware that her escort was present and standing guard, Angel paid no heed. She trusted each and everyone of them.

Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and relaxed, savoring the peace and quiet. After a few moments had passed, Angel's hand ran to her side unsheathing the sword AngelFire. Its steel whispered as it glowed, its beam of light unmistakable. She swooped it in the air - left then right, her footing sure and confident.*

~approaches quietly, not wanting to startle Queen Angel while she's doing swordwork. She stays off to the side and smooths her deep blue dress, both to make sure she's presentable and to check on her bottles of water tucked in their hidden pockets. One hand brushes over her middle for the briefest moment, and a tiny smile plays on her lips before she folds her hands in front of her.

She watches the Queen with a mixture of caution and curiosity. Angel has made it clear through her recent actions that she's not the person she used to be. It's understandable, but it leaves her feeling uncertain of how to behave toward the new queen of Aegis, and what to expect from her. Despite her experience as Queen Bathory's lady in waiting, she feels as if the tides have changed and spun her into unfamiliar waters. Still, she's grateful for the chance.

The queen's movements fascinate her, having long wished she knew how to use a sword herself, and she allows herself to get caught up in watching~

=There is a low thrumming sound and a thud as a crossbow bolt buries itself, quivering with the force, at Amarra's feet. Catona detaches himself from the shadows, allowing the heavy weapon to fall from his hands in the same motion as he draws the broadsword from his hip, the efficiency of his movements almost as poetic as they are dangerous. He steps between Angel and Amarra, throwing the crimson cloak over his shoulder as he moves so that it won't tangle his arm.

"State your name and purpose."=

~jumps back in shock at the sudden threat. Her hand reaches for the closest bottle of water, instinctively ready to protect herself and Queen Angel, until she forces her mind to calm enough to see who it is that's threatening her. With a half exhalation of relief, half growl of annoyance, she moves her arms out from her sides just enough to show that she's not intending any harm. Her tone is calm, mostly, though she can't entirely hide a certain amount of frustration at having been startled almost out of her wits just for being where she is supposed to be~

You know who I am. Lady Amarra Seastar previously, now Crimsonflame. One of Queen Angel's ladies in *hiccups* waiting. My purpose is to accompany and wait on the queen, as is my duty and privilege. May I pass, please?

=The blade remains leveled, and Catona's eyes hold Amarra's for an uncomrtable length of time as he stands silently. her sarcasm was noted, and disregarded as the chidings of the ignorant and fearful. He wouldn't be baited by her hurt feelings more than he would shirk from his duty: complacency breeds sloppiness, and sloppiness breeds death in his line of work.

"As you will be aware, my duties supercede your own, and my caution bears more weight than your wounded pride." He lowers the blade, guaging the distance between them instinctually, and glances to Angel. "My Queen, the Lady Amarra Crimsonflame, if she is welcome."

He turns back to lock gazes with her with his unsettlingly calm eyes, waiting.=

~watches Catona's blade with a frown. She'd been entirely serious with her words, so she is confused by his reaction to her. Perhaps more of her frustration slipped into her voice than she'd intended, which she knows is entirely possible given recent events. She reminds herself to be more carefully controlled in the future, and to be more careful about how she speaks to him. She keeps her arms where they are, away from her sides, despite her instinct to go for her water bottles to shield herself~

Forgive me, I did not mean to imply that you should not do your duty. Your caution is justified, and I would rather be challenged myself than to see harm slip by to reach Queen Angel. Is there some oath I could take, or some task to fulfill, that would assure you I mean no ill intent toward Her *hiccups* Majesty? We'll likely be seeing a lot of each other, and it would be less stressful for both of us than to have to draw weapons on me each time I approach.

=Catona stares, unblinking, for a long, almost uncomfortable amount of time, his eyes showing a coldness similar to Jaric's, impassive, objective, appraising, judging. He returns his blade to the scabbard, moving with an easy grace into an at-attention position, hands resting within easy reach of blades. "Simply accept that I will do my duty, though it may be inconvenient." His voice is as cold as his gaze, and very quiet, a low tenor that would be soothing were it not for the hollowness in which it was delivered. He nods once, as if the conversation was moot now, and seems to step back slightly into the shadows.=

*Angel had been intently studying her blade, Angelfire and the moves that she had practiced had been smooth and well versed - yet she remembered something Wolfgang had once taught her. 'Not everyone is predictable - not everyone will fight fair.' Ah yes, that had been true on more than one occassion and now was no different.

The sound of voices talking caused Angel to open her eyes and glance over her shoulder at Catona and Lady Amarra. She watched the exchange with some interest as she placed Angelfire back into its rightful place and began to approach the two. Her strong blue eyes looked up to her protector, Catona, first.

"Catona, I see you're doing an excellent job of watching over me - I trust you have just become aquainted with my new Lady in waiting, the Lady Amarra."

Angel inclined her head from Catona to Amarra and she gave a small smile of warmth.*

"I hope you are settled into your new home, Lady Amarra. I'm glad that you were able to come and work for me, despite your current condition and I also hope your husband is well."

~blinks a few times at Catona, uncertain how to respond, or if she should at all. Eventually she contents herself with a return nod, then hears Angel coming and turns to curtsy with relief~

Your Majesty. Thank you for asking. We are getting settled. There's a lot to get used to. I thank you for granting me the opportunity to serve and will do my best to perform at least adequately, whatever condition I happen to be in.

~smiles and forces her hands to her sides instead of hovering over her middle~

There must be a lot of adjustment for you, too. How have you been?

=Catona returns Angel's look with a barely-perceptible nod and moves with long, steady strides to where the crossbow bolt was buried into the dirt, pulling it free from the ground before replacing it into his quiver and taking up his position near watching over Angel, slowly drawing back and reloading the finely tooled crossbow with a razor-tipped bolt that could punch through armor like it was so much cloth.=