I nod, knowing my mission is complete. All I was told to do was set a meeting, and now I have. For some reason I figured it would be harder, take more time maybe. I guess it doesn't matter, "I'll leave in the morning, inform Queen Nefite and the Prince."
     She smiles at me, this time a sad smile. "The ride is a day long if I'm not mistaken?"
     "Yes, Princess."
     "Shall we meet in four days? You and your Queen would arrive just as our Harvest Festival is scheduled to begin." Her demeanor returns to being bright and positive. "We could enjoy the festivities and discuss where our Kingdoms stand."
     "It sounds lovely, Princess, and I'd be honored to enjoy Dalgonian tradition." I smile.
     "You know, we would also be happy to host you for those four days, we could send a raven back to Varasia. You wouldn't have to be on the road for so long."
     "The offer is tempting, Princess." I think about it for a moment, remembering my mother. "But I have someone I must visit. My mother is sick."
     She places a hand on mine, "My deepest sympathies are with you. If there is anything we can do for you or your mother you'll tell me and I'll have it done personally."
     "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." I say to her.
     "By now your carrier should be free from the fallen tree, if you must go now I can send men to accompany you." She offers.
     I look into her kind eyes and see nothing but genuineness; something I didn't think existed outside of fairytales. "You know, Princess, I'm sure my driver is tired, as am I. We will leave tomorrow if it suits you."
"Of course, Aston. Follow me to your room."
I follow her up a steep corridor and to a large furnished room with a couple women fluffing the pillows and lighting candles. "Ladies you are excused, why don't you go enjoy the sun for the rest of the day." Princess Elara tells them. They smile and run off into the hallway giggling.
     "Mealtime is in a few hours, which gives you time to rest. Of course you may skip supper if you aren't hungry. If there is anything else you need-"
     "I'll find you first, Princess." I interrupt. "I appreciate your kindness."
     I bow to her as she exits the room, closing the door behind her. I take off my belt and jacket, laying them out on the vanity before collapsing on the bed. Even the beds are nicer here, I think as I melt into the mattress. It's soft fur lining and linens make for the most comfortable nap I could have hoped for after a long ride.

   After a couple hours I hear a knock on my door. I rub my eyes and get up to answer. I open the door to see one of the young girls who was cleaning the room before I arrived with the Princess. "I'm sorry if I woke you sir."
I yawn, "No, no it's alright. What is it?"
She smiles. "The Princess wanted to know if you'll be dining with her, first course is served in ten minutes."
The girl looks very young, just barely a teen. Her hair reaches her waist and her clothes reflect her position as a lady in waiting, a personal servant to the Princess. I look at her tiredly, "You can tell Princess Elara I would love to dine with her."
Before I can ask where the dining hall is the girl runs off with a smile. "Wait!" I call, but she's already too far to hear. I sigh, putting my belt back on. "Guess I'm on my own," I mumble as I follow the path the girl took down the hall.