A Princess In A Fairy Tale

[Maeve]

Maeve had ridden into Gwent very early this morning. She took the long, scenic route to appreciate all the beauty it had to offer and the beauty was abundant. The trees....the estates...even the fertile land... it ached her heart a bit as she missed home, but at the same time, knew what she had to do in order for that home to remain in existance. So far, her perilious journey proved to be unsuccessful. She wanted...no... she needed to find someone who was willing to help. Though Camelot was not the best place to go for that, it was one that she heard about having a lot of encounters with magical beings. And that was the only reason she kept returning.

But now, she was in a new place, and for the first time too! She was excited, though calmly. There was much that needed to be done, and so she had to send those who traveled with her, to ensure her safety, back home and bid them farewell. Auta e' quel seere ar' varna. They bowed their heads and reluctantly turned around. As Maeve watched them leave, a single tear streamed from her cheek. It was getting harder and harder to watch her people go, never sure if she would see them again for the fading Old religion was heavily impacting them.

Once she saw the gates of the city she dismounted from her horse and took the single pack which contained everything she needed to set up shop. She turned to the animal and gently kissed its snout. Auta amin vellon She told him softly and the horse rode off into the woods, only to return when she specifically called for him.

She entered the marketplace. It was not too busy since most people were setting up. She picked a comfortable location, setting up a small table as she set out various pieces of jewellry and ornmanets, unique to the land. They were unique to any land for they were handcrafted by faeries themselves; actually, mostly by her. Some had stones and gems, while others were just pendants and intricate carvings. Each one had significance though and depending on who expressed interest, Maeve would suggest which was best suited to them. She lowered the hood of her cape, untucking her hair from underneath it so that it would conceal her ears which to a human, may look abnormal. And she sat, patiently awaiting a customer.

~ Tag Isadora de Caerleon ~

[isadora]

Lately, Isadora had been spending an increasing amount of time amongst her people, venturing into the marketplace and just talking to her people, getting to know them, hearing what they had to say. Of course, her actions had nothing to do with a vain hope to catch a glimpse of a certain druid...no, of course not. She was here for her people; what other reason did she need?

She'd been visiting the market enough now that her guards didn't even insist on following on her heels anymore; she'd worn them down to the point that they were content to wait on the street corner while she spoke to the people she knew. They were quick to move in whenever anyone suspicious got too near to the princess. She supposed that was a good thing; she didn't relish being held at knife point, after all, and it had happened more times than she cared to admit now. Being a princess was a little bit more dangerous than it would appear.

She moved through the marketplace rather slowly, pausing to greet and speak with anyone who approached her, hardly glancing at the wares on display at the stalls. She wasn't here to shop, and most of the goods consisted of different kinds of food, none of which Isadora needed. She wouldn't even know what to buy, or how to cook it; she had servants for that. Her gown was a deep bordeaux wine color, laced up the back and belted over her hips with a silver braid woven in a floral pattern. The sleeves were black and hung loose and long from the elbow,

So it was somewhat startling when something unusual did catch the princess' eye. She had just bade farewell to a baker's wife who she'd become quite fond of lately, when her eyes caught something shiny. She moved towards the unconventional stall, looking up and smiling at the unfamiliar woman purveying the unique jewelry. "Hello," she greeted her, glancing down at the intricate and exquisite designs before her. "These are simply lovely...I've never seen their like before."

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[Maeve]

Maeve looked up when she saw a woman approach her stall and compliment her items. Maeve did not say anything right away. She looked at the woman, familiarizing herself with her through an unspoken power that could not be explained through words. She was sensing a mix of emotions from her, and while she had never met her before today, Maeve knew, that she was the Princess of Gwent. She lowered her head in a bow, but did not stand up from her seated position. Her eyes met the woman's once again.

Thank you very much, she answered politely and in a softly spoken voice. She could not say where they were from for she feared the same inhospitable reaction and disrespect for her people, which was a risk she simply could not take. She did not sense danger form this woman but she treaded very carefully when it came to protected her race.

Meave suddenly felt very compelled to give this woman something. If I can suggest something for you, she began as she looked through the different pieces. She was looking for something very specific, and something she thought would be well suited for the woman. When she found it, instinctively, she passed it to the princess. It was a necklace. It had a simple silver chain with a pendant. The pendant was three teardrop shapes, connected with a stone in the middle. Within each of these was a small wave of stones, and each of the diamond shapes possessed a different stone ( Click to see picture of the pendant! ).

Maeve began to explain the meaning of it. In druid beliefs, the trinity knot represents three aspects from one unity. Somehow, she felt that would mean something to her. The small ruby stones in the leaf shape will bring you clarity of mind and protect you from harm. The garnet stones will bring you tranquility and protect you against physical illness as well as provide you with security during your travels. And the stones that are opal in the third leaf, will bring you joy and contentment, preventing any evil from befalling you.

Maeve felt that these stones, were something that the princess needed. The diamond in the middle which joins all of these together, will give you bravery, but more importantly, it is a symbol of fidelity in love. All these stones represented different aspects of what Maeve sensed a person needed in their life. She could feel certain emotions from a stranger, and quickly assert as to what they needed. She felt like the Princess could use this, that it could offer her protection and security from others for herself.

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( I was looking for an image that showed what exactly I had in mind, and I found the perfect pendant, but more ironically, the first thing it said was about Druids! I thought that was very funny and extremely ironic! ) [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[isadora]

Isadora looked over the finely wrought jewelry slowly, aware that the woman was watching her even as she looked them over, but she didn't mind. She had seen designs that looked somewhat similar, but in comparison to these, they seemed like pale imitations. No, these were unusual and beautiful...and strangely familiar. The designs looked simple at first glance, but there was an intricacy that proved to be exquisite when examined closer, and they reminded her of the trees and the water and the sky, and something warm and wild and wonderful.

She looked up at the woman when she offered to suggest something, and she smiled warmly, then nodded. Sure, why not? It wasn't like Isadora could find any one that spoke to her in particular. She watched the woman now, as she searched through her own creations. She was beautiful, but there was a haunting quality about her, something that seemed to both scare and entrance Isadora at once. It didn't take her long to find one, and Isadora took it, holding it up to get a better look. "It's beautiful," she murmured softly, before the woman began explaining its meaning.

Druid beliefs. Isadora's heart skipped a beat, and she hoped the woman didn't notice. It was a coincidence, it had to be. But mentioning druid beliefs wasn't exactly a good idea in a kingdom that had outlawed the practice of magic; Isadora wasn't going to have her arrested for merely mentioning them, of course. The rest of her description seemed innocent enough, and Isadora's eyes went to each of the features she mentioned as she pointed them out. Until she finished. Fidelity in love. Did she really deserve to wear a symbol like that? She hadn't been disloyal yet, but one day...she would. She couldn't be with the man she loved, and she couldn't be alone, either.

"Thank you for telling me..." She nodded politely as she placed the necklace back in its place on the table, already feeling guilty for something she hadn't done yet. She forced a smile at the woman, despite the breaking of her heart. She didn't want to betray him...but what other choice did she have?

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((Haha, that's awesome! And it's totally perfect, too!))

[Maeve]

Whatever thoughts were running through the Princess' head, Maeve could not read. All she could do was feel a strong emotional connection and channeled that to select which stones she felt best suited for her. And even in doing this, this was very limited. She was curious though. Curious as to the woman's past. The quality of each gem had some sort of significance, even if it was a very vague and brief one. She continued to watch the future Queen of Gwent as she placed the necklace back down.

She gave another drawn out nod, briefly closing her eyes as if it were an action of respect, which indeed it was. You are very welcome, she reiterated, aware that she had said these same words only a moment ago. Even if Maeve herself was royalty she did not see why she should deprive this woman of the respect she deserved. Not only because she was born into a royal family, but she was someone Maeve felt to be kind, compassionate, and a ruler who would be true to herself and just for her people. The last was an assumption based on what she sensed from her right now. Things could change. Circumstances could change.

It is yours, She told her, continuing to speak in a very gentle voice. This time, she did not pick it up to pass to her. This time, she wanted her to take it and whether she felt its power or not, that did not change the fact that it was still there. A gift. I hope it will bring you some peace of mind.

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[isadora]

For a moment after putting the pendant back down, she couldn't help but stare at it. Despite the fact that it had made her feel guilt, and that she'd put it down of her own free will, she still felt some loss for having let it go, a pang of some sort. Which was ridiculous, it was just a bit of stone and metal, and she knew that. Still, while the logic escaped her, she couldn't help what she felt. She distracted herself by looking at the woman again, inclining her own head slightly to return the respectful gesture, although Isadora's was neither as long or as deep.

She smiled, noticing again that while there was nothing exotic about the woman's appearance, there was something foreign and extraordinary that caught her eye when she looked at her. She couldn't quite identify it, try as she might. She had never seen anyone with the mysterious quality that this woman seemed to exude. She considered asking her, but before she got the chance, the woman was offering her the necklace she'd only just set down...as a gift? Isadora looked back at the necklace for a moment, then up to the woman. "...Are you certain?" It had to be an expensive piece, but this woman didn't look like the type to joke around.

It would be rude to refuse, wouldn't it? Yes, and Isadora wouldn't want to offend a visitor from a distant land, of course. She nodded her head respectfully to the woman again, "I must thank you again," she said softly, gingerly picking up the necklace. "I am the Lady Isadora of Gwent. May I ask what to call you?" She introduced herself, realizing that since this woman was a visitor --because she couldn't possibly be local-- she may not know who she was. And it would be rude to accept a gift without knowing who it was from.

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[Maeve]

There was pain in her. Maeve did not know why, what had caused it, why was it so strong. But there was something there. She was not shy to ask, for she felt a comfort with this woman. She knew her limits when conversing with certain people but with her, who now identified herself as Lady Isadora, Maeve felt she could ask without causing offense of being penalized for her curiosity. Now whether she would answer or not, was an entirely different story.

This time, Meave stood up. Furthermore, she walked to the other side of her table so that she was standing in front of Isadora now, but still with some distance between them. In a drawn out, elegant bow, she curtsied, lowering her gaze to the ground for a few moments before standing straight again. It is a wonderful honor and pleasure to make your acquaintance, she told her rather honestly. I thank you for granting open access to your land, Perhaps it was a strange thing to thank someone for, but she did feel grateful that she was not encountered by unwelcome guards or anyone to discourage her from coming. She had faced such opposition before, but it would not be here.

I am Maeve, she told her formally, though leaving her title behind her. She often did not use it, not only because it would raise the question of which kingdom she was royalty of, but because she found no purpose in it. Her people recognized her, and that was all that mattered to the Queen. She then began to take a few steps towards Isadora. The necklace was in the Princess' hand and so gently closed Isadora's hand so that she was clasping the necklace in her palm. She did this so that Isadora knew the necklace was hers (perhaps she was destined to have this piece of jewelry), and more discreetly, she wanted to feel her emotions more strongly. Feeling them, only caused sadness in Maeve and she was never good at concealing her emotions. Her eyes showed this sadness.

My Lady, what causes you distress? Why is there such sadness in your heart? Maeve did not presume she knew this woman, but she could not help and question it. She was not shy. She knew the social protocol; not to touch others of nobility or royalty if you were regarded to be lesser in status. But this did not stop Maeve. She looked directly into Isadora's eyes, holding that gaze while her eyes glistened ever so slightly with tears.

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[isadora]

Isadora was surprised when the woman circled the table to face her, and even more surprised at the elegant way she curtsied before her. The princess had often been complimented on her own grace, but she felt a brief pang of jealousy at the easy, effortless way she dipped before her, wondering who this woman was that she could outdo royalty without even appearing to try. Her envy quickly faded out, and she found herself smiling and nodding deeply to acknowledge the gesture; princesses did not curtsy to commoners, after all.

"The pleasure is mine," she responded politely, and nodded again when she thanked her for keeping her lands open. Isadora liked to encourage free trade, because of course, the crown took a small percentage of all the profits, to keep the country running. Besides, having new goods from all over made Gwent a very welcoming place; even if it did somewhat lessen the security of the kingdom. There were downsides to all things, but at least Gwent's economy was prospering.

Maeve. It reminded Isadora of a little girl she'd known, Mae, a druid girl. And of course, that made her think of him again. Why couldn't she go five minutes without that druid crossing her mind? She smiled at the woman. "Such a beautiful name." She was somewhat taken aback when the woman stepped closer, placing her hand over hers, and while her eyes widened with alarm, she didn't step away from her. She closed her hand around the pendant, and Isadora looked into her eyes as they suddenly filled with tears.

Alarmed, she was about to ask the woman what was wrong, when she beat her to the punch, and Isadora stared at her in stunned silence. How did she know? She wasn't the one with tears in her eyes, in fact, Isadora had always thought she was very good at hiding her emotions from the people around her; so how was it that this woman saw right through her? "I...I don't know what you mean." She replied, her carefully constructed facade slipping for just a moment, a tremor of sadness in her voice.

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[Maeve]

Instead of expressing words of gratitude for the third time, she nodded her head politely in acknowledgment as she appreciated the woman's compliment. But she was more focused on the emotion behind her words. Maeve knew full well that her abilities could be a bit intruding and often hesitated in questioning them for it was a risky revelation, especially in Albion. But this was where her naivety came into play. Though she was careful, she was also concerned and now that concern was for this woman. She was a Princess, future Queen; so what had the power to affect her so much?

Maeve gazed at her for a few more moments, lowering her hand which had been rested on Isadora's. She took one very small step back. Words had the power to lie, and she knew that the Princess was not telling the full truth. But Maeve knew she could not be expectant of her to tell his strange nomadic merchant about what secrets dwelled in her heart. And yet, Maeve felt she was not prepared to let it go. Though she did manage to hold back the tears from releasing themselves. They stayed in her eyes for now, and she fought back from allowing them to make their way down her cheeks.

I wish to help you. She said this in the most compassionate voice she could, trying to sound as genuine and sincere at possible. Maeve tended to trust others easily, again, a quality that could land her in trouble...but because she did so, she carried the hope that others would as well. It was a bit of an idealistic view on the world, for it everyone trusted each other there would be no dishonesty, no lies, no corruption. But that was not the way of this world. It made her miss her home even more. But I can not, if you deny the sorrow you are feeling. She did not want to come off as accusatory and hoped that the Princess would take her offered hand to aid her through whatever emotional journey she was going through.

[isadora]

Was she really so easy to read? She thought that she wore her mask well, no one had seemed to be able to see her heartbreak before. And yet, here was a woman she had never even see before in her life, who appeared to know exactly what she was feeling, and who felt...sympathy towards her. She wanted to help? Isadora stared at her for a moment, a lost expression in her eyes; no one ever just wanted to help her...they wanted to use her, to befriend her and then betray her to accomplish their own ends. It was a lesson she'd learned a long time ago.

Yet...she trusted this woman. Something about her eyes...they were warm, inviting. She felt that she could trust her, even though she hardly knew anything about her. Isadora didn't have many friends; she had servants, and then she had some friends who were nobles, but there wasn't anyone she could really trust. She had no one who she could tell anything to, for fear that if she revealed anything compromising, it would be turned against her. So she'd learned to hide it from everyone, to smile while her heart was breaking, to pretend everything was all right.

"How...could you know about that?" She kept her voice low, she didn't want anyone to overhear their conversation. Looking around, she realized that this wasn't the place for this at all...people had been watching Isadora already, and now that she was talking to this beautiful, mysterious woman, they were attracting more attention than ever, and Isadora could see people craning over to listen to their conversation. No, this wasn't the place to be having this conversation. "We should speak later. Do you have a place to stay for the night?"

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[Maeve]

Maeve could tell the uneasiness in the Princess when the conversation was taking a more intense turn. It made sense, and Maeve could completely understand. At the same time, she felt immense relief that Isadora was not simply walking away, or continuing to deny anything. Quite the opposite; she was suggesting they meet at a later time, in a more private setting, she assumed. This caused Maeve great ease of mind. She wanted to help her; she felt compelled to help her.

It was ironic; here she was, seeking out somewhere to help her and her people, and now she had the opportunity to possibly help this woman, even if it was to only listen. While Maeve did not do it for reciprocity, expecting anything in return, she wondered if one day, she would have the power and means to help her people. Maeve was a desperate woman, and any kindness shown towards her, only increased her hope.

A soft smile formed on Maeve's lips. My Lady I will be staying in the nearest motel for the night. I would truly love to be in your company again though, at your convenience of course. She imagined it would be more difficult for Isadora to be lenient as to where she could go, than it was for Maeve. She was regarded as a nomad. The Princess was in the public eye. But she was very eager to continue their conversation, in a place that would make her more comfortable and where she could talk with ease. Maeve lowered her voice when speaking again. Where would be a place of more comfort for you? She asked, ensuring that those around them, who she had only noticed when Isadora had looked, could not hear.

[isadora]

Isadora nodded when the woman told her where she would be staying...it might be a bit too public for her to visit an inn in the city, and would probably lead people to all the wrong assumptions. She considered where she could speak with someone in privacy, and the only place that occurred to her was the castle itself. It wouldn't be uncommon for her to have a visitor, she often met with merchants and the like in order to encourage trade and the like. It would only be unusual that Isadora was meeting her in private, and even that wouldn't be so bad; they were both women, after all.

"Would you be able to come up to the castle tomorrow afternoon for tea?" It was as innocent a reason as any, and the refreshments might provide both women with a measure of comfort. Isadora still wasn't entirely sure why she was even considering this, it was simple insanity to think that she could trust someone with her problems; the woman had probably been hired by her enemies to gain her trust and learn something useful. Well, if that were the case, she wouldn't want to disappoint, right? Maybe over tea she could learn something useful herself.

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[Maeve]

Maeve's expression transformed into a more serene one, as she gave her a sincere smile. Such an invitation would be the highest honor of any traveler. This was not a lie for Maeve really did want to spend more time with this woman. She had no ulterior motives. Something that always surprised her with humans was the idea of helping another with the idea of reciprocity, expecting something in return. What happened to helping someone for the sheer desire of wanting to see them happy and content? Gone seemed these days, and now people became more greedy and ruthless with their own secret plots and intentions. Maeve did not understand this, and doubted that she ever would.

I must thank you in advance for his very generous act of yours. Gwent is blessed to have such a kind and compassionate leader. She was not Queen yet, this Maeve knew, but according to the rules of kingdoms, she would be...one day. It only raised Maeve`s curiosity as to why she sensed so much, distraught from her. But she would not ask again; she would wait for this time and place and Isadora had so kindly designated.

I look forward to it she added, lowering herself into another curtsy. Be in peace My Lady, she said in a soothing voice. And do not despair for there is always hope, she reiterated unsure if it would provide her with any comfort, but she felt the need to say as much as she could before tomorrow. She did not know specifically what she was providing her with hope for, but would try to find out tomorrow.

[isadora]

Isadora smiled when the woman accepted her invitation, wondering why she had even given it, but glad she had. If nothing else, it would be an appropriate thanks for such a generous and beautiful gift. "Delightful. I'll be looking forward to seeing you then." She nodded, and blushed a little at the woman's unnecessary praise. She was used to flattery, but somehow, from this woman...it didn't seem like merely empty words. Isadora would have to watch herself around this woman; something about her made her want to trust her, and that went against how Isadora typically acted.

"Thank you, you're truly too kind." She answered politely, not sure how else to respond to the compliments. She nodded at the woman's parting statements...they were unusual. "You as well, Maeve." She smiled and nodded deeply, again unsure what to say. It was unusual for anyone to put Isadora so off balance in a social setting, but here it was. She was about to walk away, but the woman's final words stopped her. Despair and hope? She definitely didn't know what to say to that, so she gave a wavering smile and turned to go, trying not to look as though she were trying to flee.

The next afternoon, Isadora was seated in a small, private sitting room, looking over a letter while she awaited her companion for tea. This room wasn't formally used for receiving guests, but after yesterday's encounter, she felt she needed a more private setting, and the larger rooms afforded too many opportunities for curious servants to poke their heads in and find out things they ought not know. She had given one of the servants a description of the woman in question and directions to wait for her in the courtyard, then bring her up here. The princess was a little bit nervous, but kept telling herself there was no reason to be; she had nothing to fear from a merchant, after all.

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[Maeve]

It was the next afternoon and Maeve had no intention of setting up her small shop, which really as only a cherade for she did not do it for monetary gain. It was just the easiest way to meet others while avoiding suspicion. She had however, not met anyone as interesting as Isadora so for that reason, she was looking forward to going over and having tea, hoping to engage in conversation. She also knew she could not be too intrusive. She would be in her home, and therefore had to be a polite guest which would not be too difficult.

And as a guest, she could not enter the castle empty handed. She had to take something, and decided to make something for the Princess. She had the entire morning and ended up making something native to her land, but unrecognized by those outside her realm. Maeve never left Mabon wearing her crown; she left it behind for it would look far too rich for the image she was trying to portray. So she decided to make one for Isadora. She made sure the design was intricate, while keeping it fairly simple and elegant so that she could wear it without looking overly extravagant. It could be something regarded as just a head band, or unique crown, but Maeve wondered if she would ever Isadora would ever know the origin of it...if she would ever reveal it. (CLICK to see crown!])

Once it was done, she wrapped it in silk cloth and tied a ribbon around it, as she had to ensure it look presentable. She then pulled her cloak over her dress and began to head towards the castle. She was easily enough welcomed, with a few questions regarding what was in the parcel she had brought with her. She was lead to the room by one of the servants, and took down her hood as she thought it was a bit rude to wear it now. Maeve took the opportunity on their short walk to look at the design in the castle, noticing how different it was from the one in her home. She enjoyed looking at all the differences and she did not have to see the entirety of it to determine that it was a beautiful castle.

The servant then entered the room that Isadora was waiting, and Maeve bowed in her presence. The servant did the same before leaving. You have a beautiful home My Lady, she said honestly. I have not seen many castles, but this one is extraordinary. She then took a couple of steps towards her I thank you again for this very generous invitation, and while I can not express my full gratitude, She then held out the parcel for her to take.

[isadora]

Isadora looked up when the door opened, quickly folding up the letter and putting it away as she rose to her feet while the servant bowed the woman in, then left. She smiled, and nodded respectfully to her bow, then gestured for the woman to sit in the comfortable chair opposite her. The room was set up with two chairs, oriented towards the large window that overlooked the castle grounds and with a table large enough for tea for two placed between them. "Thank you, you're too kind. This castle has been my family's home for many generations." She told her, Caerleon had originally been built up as a Roman fortress, but for many years now her family had called it home.

She was curious about the parcel Maeve carried with her, and her eyes widened when she held it out in offering to her. Well, that was unexpected...this meeting was supposed to be a thanks for her last gift, which was currently hanging around Isadora's neck. She smiled, accepting the package, she supposed it was customary to present your host with a gift, but she had already done so! "Thank you, again. It's a very thoughtful gesture, although entirely unnecessary! The gift of your company alone shows your gratitude." She answered, knowing it would be rude to refuse.

She placed the gift on the table, and smoothed out her skirts before she took her seat again, nodding to Maeve to indicate she should do the same. Once they were seated, she pulled the ribbon delicately to untie the silk wrapping, letting it fall away from the gift. She inhaled sharply at the sight of it; it was truly a work of art. "Oh, my, Maeve, you shouldn't have! This is stunning." Her response was one of surprise, there hadn't been anything like this for sale yesterday; how could she accept such a gift and give nothing in return? She'd have to come up with something to repay her with.

Lifting the crown to examine it, she looked to Maeve. "Do you make all of these yourself? If so, you are truly the most talented artisan I've ever met." She inquired, setting the present aside as the servant who had brought Mae up returned, this time with a tray laden with tea and refreshments for the princess and her guest, pouring them each a cup of tea before he bowed out of the room again. "I hope the refreshments are to your liking...if there's anything else I can get for you, merely say the word."

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[Maeve]

Maeve waited for the Princess to first be seated before she followed suit. She unclipped her cloak allowing it to drape on the head of the chair before fully sitting down. The view was indeed incredible as Maeve valued sights such as these; the nature of the world. The small details that others took for granted every day. She smiled at Isadora as she went on to say that the gift was unnecessary. But the generosity of your invitation is something that can no go unrewarded. It is a gift on its own. Maeve did not meet many royals who welcomed her into their castle; it was a rare kindness and for that, she was greatly appreciative.

Maeve continued to smile gratefully at Isadora`s reaction to her gift and the compliments she bestowed on her. Thank you. To hear a woman such as yourself say these things is highly valuable. Maeve paused, giving a nod to the servant before she left the room. If I may be a bit vocal for a moment My Lady, she began to say, hesitating for a second before continuing her sentence. She was not sure if Isadora would be offended by what Maeve was about to ask, or if she would regard it as rude. Either way, Maeve felt the need to question it for it was part of the reason she was here in the first place.

What made you so reluctant to accept the necklace yesterday? Was there something about it that she did not like? Whether that something was the design, or what one of the stones stood for. You wear it today, and it looks as if it was made solely for you. It suited her perfectly, and from the moment Maeve had met the Princess, she knew it would. But when you first laid eyes on it, I sensed some hesitation. If I may inquire as to the reason of this. Maeve made sure she phrased the question as politely as she could, and made sure her voice , as always, was soft so that no one else could hear but her...just in case.

[isadora]

She smiled as Maeve brushed off Isadora's remarks of the woman's generosity, she was used to receiving gifts from other nobles and the like, but it was somewhat different to receive such gifts from a simple merchant, even one so wholly unusual as this woman. Nobles could afford it; she wondered how much it would cost this woman to give away something that she must have spent a great deal of her time and money on, and she was truly grateful. She would have to make sure that the afternoon tea was worth all the trouble.

She wondered, then, if maybe there weren't some other reason for giving her these gifts. If the princess started wearing this style of ornament, it would quickly become fashionable for other women to wear similar pieces. She'd have to make sure to wear them often, then, as a sign of her gratitude; maybe she would be able to make back whatever she had lost on these pieces. "You're much too generous. Thank you," She wondered if she'd ever have a conversation with this woman where she wasn't expressing her gratitude; not unless Maeve stopped with the exquisite gifts any time soon.

She raised her eyebrows when Maeve hesitated before asking if she could speak her mind; likely, she was going to ask about what she had already asked about, yesterday in the market. That was the point of this meeting, wasn't it? She braced herself, giving a nod and lifting her cup to her lips while she waited for Maeve to finish asking her question. When she had finished speaking, she set the cup down carefully, and with one finger, traced over the three-pronged design of the necklace, as she considered what she could say. She couldn't tell her the truth, surely, but maybe she could tell her some of it.

"I...wasn't certain that I deserved to wear a necklace such as this." She wasn't sure she should tell the woman the reasons behind her discomfort wearing it. Fidelity in love. The words rang in her head like a bell, cutting into her mind disconcertingly. She was glad to have the necklace now, but what if he saw it, and knew what it meant? He was a druid, for all that he didn't act like one. To everyone else it was a pretty trinket, but to him, it could be a promise. A promise she would one day break. She frowned as she thought about that.

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[Maeve]

Maeve felt rather relieved that Isadora did not feel any apparent annoyance at her question, nor did she seemed offended that a merchant would ask her such things. She wanted her to open up though. That was the reason they were in the privacy of her home and not out on the street. Maeve could not help but continue to be so curious, and without force, slowly allow the truth to be revealed. This would of course take time for Maeve knew the hesitancy to trust others, even if she tended to trust far too easily. It was a weakness and she feared would one day be her ultimate downfall.

Is it the necklace itself that you felt you did not deserve, She paused for a moment, having a feeling that it was not the material object that the Princes did not want to take, but rather the symbolism. As a Princess and future Queen, Maeve was rather certain that Isadora was used to be given gifts of extravagance. She had the wealth as well to purchase whatever she pleased, so there was something more that prevented her from taking this particular piece of jewelry.

Of course, Maeve felt the need to ask instead of trusting her intuition for as she previously noted, she wanted to build this woman's trust; not blurt out assumptions and reach her own conclusions. Or was it the attributes associated with it? She looked at her curiously and innocently, not wanting her to think that Maeve would judge her for any answer she would give. Or would she not be too concerned with the opinion of a merchant? Maeve was still learning about this woman, and so far... she was pleasantly surprise by her nature.

[isadora]

Maeve seemed able to pick up exactly what Isadora was feeling; how did she do that? But the more the woman seemed to be able to read her, the less she felt inclined to tell her. Why was she so curious? How did she know so much about her? What was her end game? Isadora couldn't believe that she just wanted to be her friend, that she genuinely wanted to help her...maybe she was a tad on the suspicious side, but no one ever wanted to just be her friend. How could she trust someone she'd only just met? For all she knew, she was working for someone who wanted to use the information she learned against her.

She had to force herself to unwind the tension that pulled at her, still uncertain about trusting a stranger, but she'd brought her here for a reason. There was something about the woman that Isadora felt she could trust, and while she knew that was the first asset she'd look for when hiring a spy, she didn't think Maeve was faking it. After letting her thoughts tear her one way, then the other for a moment, she nodded slowly to the second option, her finger resting on the diamond that made the center of the pendant.

She didn't know what to say. She couldn't say what she wanted to, couldn't tell anyone, she was terrified if she told Maeve the truth, what would that mean? She didn't have anyone to confide in, and she wasn't sure if she could, even if she did. She used to tell her father everything, but now she lied to him all the time. Isadora bit her lip, looking up at the strange woman uncertainly.

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