Introducing Charm

Princess Guard - The New Era 2015/02/12 	 Lorelei Titan Charm Ghost

9

Introducing Charm
The group return home, wherever home is. Undermoon for Lorelei and her party, Colonial Bay for Titan. Some time passes, a couple of weeks. Then Titan gets a message from Ghost inviting him to join the Duke, Lorelei, Lorelei's daughter, the twins and their daughters, Ghost, and diverse others, at Westmarch Castle.

Titan steels himself for the visit. He knows it's been quite some time from the Fae perspective, but still... He dresses much like he normally does, but he throws a sports coat over his normal button-down shirt.

Ghost is waiting at the Embassy for Titan. She kisses him, "How are you feeling? If you don't mind some advice, just be yourself, Johnathan. I've grown to know the Duke well over the years. He is an honourable and decent man and I do not believe he holds any ill feelings towards you."

Westmarch castle, from the perspective of fortification, looks even more formidable than the castle at Undermoon. It backs again the sheer cliff-face of a small mountain, and has an extremely high outer wall, curving round to meet the mountain at both ends.

But still, it is a Fae castle and within the walls are pleasant gardens as well as more businesslike structure.

Titan returns the kiss. "I'm...not looking forward to this. But I'll try to relax and be myself. At the very least, I can cover up how I'm feeling." He takes a deep breath and lets it out, "I'm a reasonably good actor, after all."

The ducal residence is a beautiful tower rising rising needle-like amidst the gardens, and standing so tall that from its top one has a clear view even over the massive walls and towers.

Ghost has arranged for the Firebird carriage to convey Johnathan and herself to the castle. As the castle comes into sight she points to the fortifications, "You can tell this was on the front line of the Goblin War, can't you?" she says. The carriage lands outside the gates and enters on the ground. At first sight it's the twins waiting inside to greet you and Ghost. But then you see these twins are too young to be Jenn and Jess. And they are proudly wearing smart new Palace Guard uniforms.

Titan says, "I realize that time moved faster here, but this is making me feel like I was frozen in amber in comparison."

Ghost nods, "Me too actually. My duties rarely let me leave either Undermoon Castle or the Embassy. Lorelei and her friends have been on a very high time rate dimension for almost six years their time in the two weeks since we last saw them."

The young twins salute Johnathan and Ghost. One of them tells you, "The Duke and Princesses are in the grand Hall awaiting your arrival. The other guests are already here having had less distance to travel."

Titan nods. "Thank you." He doesn't have any idea where he's going, so he lets Ghost lead the way.

It maybe be just as well. The layout inside the castle is confusing - it seems to shift about, in fact. This is partly to aesthetic effect, but is also a useful defense if an unSighted enemy should get inside the walls.

Ghost certainly knows her way around this castle. She lived here for many years and guides Johanthan with easy assurance. The stairs are indeed steep and long, spiraling up around the perimeter of the tower. Finally, when any lesser person would have aching thighs, the stairs end at a pair of open doors. The sound of chatter and conversation precedes sight until the last turn is passed and Johnathan can see the hosts and guests in the grand hall. The Duke and Lorelei of course. A charming young lady close by them. Also Lady Surion, and Lord Elrohir. The twins too.

Titan takes another deep breath before he steps into the room. And he does his best to put on at least a facade of ease.

The imposing figure of Duke Vanatherion excuses himself from the conversation he is engaged in and moves over to meet Johnathan at the door. His handsome face carries a smile and his voice is welcoming, "Ableman Johnathan, welcome to Westmarch Castle. We are pleased you could attend and regret it's been so long since our last meeting." His knowledge of Earth customs is evident as he extends his hand to you.

Titan smiles and shakes the Duke's hand. "Thank you for the invitation. I hope you have all been well?"

Lorelei gives Johnathan a welcoming smile, but no more than that at this stage. There are after all proprieties to be observed - and rumors to be discouraged.

The Duke nods, "We have been, thank you. Have you met everyone?" he asks.

(editor's note: Lord Elrohir got thrown out of Greyfalls for 'going human' and has joined the Westmarch guard, and has shown himself to be trustworthy. His only ongoing problem is still his temper.)

The Duke beckons to the charming young woman/girl, "Meleryniel, my dear, come and introduce yourself. This diner is for your benefit after all." he says with a slightly teasing grin.

Titan nods, "I believe I have. Though it has been some time, at least from your perspective."

Ghost dips to one knee briefly when Princess Meleryniel approaches. "Your Highness."

Charm comes over with a strange mix of grace and awkwardness - perhaps apprehension. She greets both Ghost and Titan formally, with ranks. Then says, "But father - should my name be spoken, even here? There is no point to the disguise should word get out!"

Ghost smiles, "Highness, I arranged the security of Westmarch. There is no more secure location in the known dimensions. And all here have proved their trustworthiness many times over."

Titan waits for the other shoe to drop. He figures that just about...now...Elrohir will voice an opinion.

Charm nods. "I fear not being.... quite myself.... has me on edge."

The Duke nods, "Still, you are right to be concerned. Even here we should get used to using your new name."

Elrohir remains engrossed in conversation with Lady Surion and largely deaf to the discussion near the doors.

Titan raises a brow. He's at a bit of a loss in terms of what the princess is going to be called, and why she needs some kind of undercover name.

Ghost explains to Johnathan, "Ablewoman Charmer will be joining the Princess Guard." The comment is short and there's a slight edge to her tone.

Charm curtseys to a depth appropriate to her supposed rank.

Titan bows his head, "Welcome aboard."

Charm says, "Thank you," and awaits the further shoe-dropping.

Ghost sighs rather heavily, "Your wish is my command, always, Hig... Ablewoman. And I've never had much success at talking you into changing your mind since you were about eight. But you're making my life difficult with this. Ableman Johnathan has considerable experience and he is the field commander. That means you listen and in the field you obey him."

Charm frowns. "I don't see why you're so opposed to this. If the whole point of this is for me to be somewhere safe and where the Guard can watch over me then isn't it safer if I'm actually *with* them, sometimes?"

Titan tilts his head and looks to Ghost, "You don't think it will actually be safer, do you?"

Charm points out, "Mother was in a superhero group when she was no older than me."

Ghost shakes her head, "Ablewoman I am a highly logical and rational person. Mostly. What I want to do is wrap you up in cotton wool and keep you in the most secure and safe place I can create. It may not be rational. It would certainly harm your development as a person and potential future ruler. But," she casts an apologetic glance at Lorelei, "you are the daughter of someone I would willingly give my life to protect from harm, physical and mental. Rationality controls my actions, which is why I agreed to you joining the Guard... but rationality does not control my emotions."

Charm says, "Anyway, how else am I to practice my arts? I couldn't if I were disguised as a human *all* the time."

Titan just realized...Ablewoman 'Charmer'. She likely has the same skill set as the enchanter he was affected by at the wedding. He takes a deep breath, controlling his reaction. "Well, assuming that her parents approve, then I'm okay with it." He looks to the Duke standing next to him.

The Duke nods to Johnathan, "She has our approval."

Lorelei comes over. "It isn't just about joining the Guard. She's going to Earth for her protection."

Titan raises a brow again, "Protection from what?"

Charm says, "Those inter dimensional assassins for a start. But there's also the political situation. The Marquess of the Armies has just resigned."

Lorelei explains further. "Undermoon is likely on the verge of civil war."

Titan says, "The assassins appeared on Earth, though. Speaking of which...has anything been done to set aside some space for them if they can be contacted?"

Lorelei says, "Yes - but that's a big if. And relies on Grandfather keeping the throne, of course."

Titan nods. "I'm afraid I'm not up on the political situation. So, who are the players in this potential civil war?"

Lorelei says, "If we're lucky, it will just be Silidhor leading a conservative coalition. If Duke Tuveril has resigned so he can ally with him then - it could be very bad."

Ghost nods, "He is a genius in the arts of warfare. Worse, because we worked together during the Goblin War he knows most of what I'm capable of, just as I know what he is capable of. If we are on opposite sides it could get very bad indeed."

Lorelei says, "I can only hope he would feel that wouldn't be honourable to fight us, even now. Still, his resignation alone encourages the rebels. Even his neutrality is damaging. And I fear his private interests are no longer aligned with the crown."

Titan nods again, "I see. What was his official reason for resigning?"

Lorelei says, "That his duties as Duke no longer afford him the time also to serve the crown in that capacity."

Charm says, "But really it's because the king stopped him expanding his duchy. Everyone knows that."

Lorelei nods. "The peace with the goblins - and generally more enlightened attitudes towards non-fae - has not gone down well with everyone. Some see the peace with the goblins as a betrayal - that's where all this started."

Charm says, "SO now to keep me safe I've got to go to school on Earth and pretend to be a human...."

Charm doesn't sound thrilled with the prospect.

Titan nods. "Well, look at this this way: It's only temporary. Besides, travel is good for you."

Lorelei says, "I always thought it would be a good idea for you to spend some time on Earth. It's just that things kept getting in the way."

Charm says nothing.

Lorelei says, "Mum's made two disguises for Meleryniel, Johnathan. One for as part of the Guard - as a fae, but one that doesn't look at all like her. The other disguise looks very different again - and human. It should help with the whole secret ID thing. The Guard should know who she is - but it otherwise should be kept a secret. Even at the embassy, only a few people will know. If things do get as messy as a civil war - well, loyalties are likely to be divided."

Ghost nods to Lorelei, "The original idea was for Ablewoman Charmer to live in the Embassy with your mother. But if we are to hide her as a human that is not such a good plan. Mmm... Maybe Caleb will let her live in his home? I recall he looked after Lady Markham-Lothven's girls for a while."