Into The Fire [Arthur]

[Romily de Braose]

She couldn’t have been anymore nervous than she was now. This was all Arthur’s fault! He’d persuaded her to take up an audience with the King of Camelot and had arranged the whole thing – now she was on the verge of walking back out of the courtyard of the castle again – she’d almost turned and walked back out a few times, but knew that she couldn’t. This was either going to be one make or break milestone for her.

Where was Arthur anyway? He’d promised her that he’d be there throughout the whole thing, yet here she was waiting until he showed. She’d already paced up and down in thought. Should she or shouldn’t she. Would she be laughed at or not? Would she even be listened to? Arthur had said that she would be, so she held some hope that the King would indeed do such a thing.
Romily smoothed her dress down. She stood out like a sore thumb – it was a very bright pink after all, and she needed to prove her nobility. Then again the King could always ask whether she had robbed a noblewoman on her way there. She looked more of a noble today than she had done in the last three years, so at least she had that to fall back on in some ways.

It was no good. She was sure that Arthur wasn’t even going to be there and the audience would be starting soon enough. Romily made her way over to a guard – surely he would know something. She had no idea how these situations worked, so the whole situation would be screwed if he had no idea of what was going on either.

“Excuse me – im Romily de Braose, I have an audience with the King?” she told the guard who was busily looking her up and down with a sceptical look. On her saying this he nodded and gestured for her to follow him. Obviously he’d been waiting for her arrival. He led her down some halls, she looked around at the walls and up at the ceiling in awe. The castle was beautiful in every possible way, from every stone to every piece of décor that gave it some of the credit for its beauty. The only word that seemed to come to mind was ‘wow’, and even that was an understatement.
The guard left her outside two large doors without so much of a word as to where he was going and what she was to do – no doubt that he would be back though as he’d only told her to wait there.
Now it was really happening. She could do this. She was a noblewoman so it was time to act like one. Romily straightened herself out once again and clasped her hands together resting them gently against her stomach. It was now or never.

Tagged: Arthur Pendragon
Timeline: Post S3 – after the coronation of course
Setting: The Grand Hall
Notes: OMG IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING!!!

[Arthur Pendragon]

It had been a long day. Then again, that was not uncommon for a king. For the day had been filled with matters of court, meetings, discussions . . . everything that his father used to do which now fell under Arthur's jurisdiction and responsibility. He of course had not alternative, and while he knew this day would come . . . he wished he had more time to prepare. On the other hand, perhaps not amount of preparation would have been adequate. Never the less, here he was, sitting on the throne that not too long ago had been his father's position. At least one good thing came out all these non stop duties in the day: the busy aspect of them kept his mind distracted from all the darkness that had dwelt in Camelot. All the pain that filled his heart. It was why night time became so dreaded for him . . . for it would be when everything else came to rest, and he was forced to stop, burdened with his thoughts and emotions. Guinevère would sometimes be there for company, which he always found peace in. But he wondered if the pain of everything would ever truly subside.

A guard came in, informing Arthur that there was a Romily de Braose to see him. This name caused Arthur to smile. For today would be the day that she would discover who he truly was. Instead of believing he was a simple worker of the king gone knight . . . she would find out that he had been a prince gone king. He wore his crown, his formal kingly attire, and he was sitting in the throne. A far more blunt relevation then him having to have tried to say it. This audience was not about him revealing himself though . . . it was about helping a dear friend through the difficulties she was being faced with. That was ultimately the object of this. A meeting between friends, rather than an audience. The only difference was that it would be a bit more of a public meeting, and her perception of him may change. He hoped she could still speak to him with the same casualness and comfort she had in their previous encounters.

Even having to remove their clothing and fall on one another, created a casual environment in their following interactions. Because perhaps, after all that happened in the cave, they both realized that things could not possibly get more awkward; that nothing had been as uncomfortable as that. And hopefully, today would not change that mindset. Arthur nodded, indicating for the guard to open the door and allow her to come inside. As soon as he saw her, his small smile remained. She truly looked like a noblewoman today, clad in a fancier attire than he had ever seen her wear before. Today was a big day for her as well; for perhaps it would be the day that she revealed her secret. Of course, he would not object if she wished to speak in privacy, for this was not their first conversation. Arthur rose from his seated position, a sign of respect, for he thought himself no better than others. "Romily de Braose," he greeted, with subtle hint of playfulness in his voice.

[Romily de Braose]

Romily waited for the guard (who had disappeared into a room) and straightened herself out some more. She needed to look like nobility – she needed to prove herself so as she could appeal to seek refuge in Camelot.
Where on earth was Arthur?! Surely he wasn’t going to ditch her in her time of need, and allow her to face a King who she didn’t even know! Perhaps he was already in the hall?
The guard came back out, “This way miss…once the King has spoken first, then you may speak to him” he instructed her and lead her through the two big doors into a very large hall.
If it hadn’t have been all the looks that she was given now, she would’ve taken more time to take in just how big the room actually was. It was the dress, it must be the dress. No woman courtier here was wearing a very bright pink. Romily suddenly felt very self conscious as to whether or not they were thinking badly of her for turning up in such a shocking attire.

Romily took a deep breath and finally looked ahead of her.

WAIT!

No…no way…

"Romily de Braose,"

The little tinker! The playfulness in his greeting could only confirm that this was the man that she…OH NO…
A horrible thought hit her. Not only was she suffering from shock that ARTHUR was in fact wearing a crown, but also that she and he and the cave and…good grief! This could never be mentioned to anyone!

The guard stopped and Romily walked past towards him, a small smirk on her lips, almost wanting to laugh lightly at the situation. She swept down into a low curtsey, just like she’d done so when she used to greet visitors at Wolfhall, before rising again.

“Sire” she looked at him with a mischievous look in her eye. So. This had all been a plan to get her here and then break the news to her subtly in front of the court. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me – although I must say that im quite lost for words – which I think you know why”.
Her words were musing. Arthur certainly had a lot to answer for! “But would it be possible for us to speak in private? You are clearly aware of why”.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur could see her shock. But he could also see something else; a certain gleam in her eyes. And her words suggested that she was playing along. Rather well at that. Arthur smiled, wanting to question if his life was in danger if they were to be given privacy. But he knew better than to make such a joke. Others in the court, and the guards, were unfamiliar with his and Romily's obscure past. They would not understand the casualness and sense of humor with which Arthur had made the joke. So he remained professional; formal even. Knowing that it may soon change when they were alone. Or perhaps it would not . . . and that had been one of Arthur's concerns in revealing to her his true status. He had claimed before not wanting special treatment, and so sometimes, it was rather refreshing to be spoken to as a friend, rather than someone another was forced to be polite and respectful to.

After all, the line between status was becoming more and more blurred. After knighting commoners and planning to put a previous servant on the throne, it was clear that Arthur did not prioritize rank and status; but rather the strength of ones character and heart. Arthur remained smiling and shifted his gaze from her to the others in the room. "Please give us a few moments," he announced. The guards were slightly hesitant, but were even more so reluctant to defy an order from their king. So they skeptically left, though Arthur knew that would be just outside the doors should he need them . . . which he was absolutely certain that he would not. Once the room was empty, only with the two of them now, Arthur's smile turned into one that showed less formality and a bit more playfulness.

"I told you I would be here with you," he reminded. When convincing her to seek an audience with the king, part of the agreement was that he were to be present with her so she would not have to be alone. And if Arthur was anything, he was a man of his word. He just failed to mention the little detail of him being the one she was seeking an audience with. "Now, what brings you here to have sought an audience with me?" He was joking; teasing even for he knew exactly why. After all, he had been the one to set it up and was actually quite glad she had agreed to it. But he could not help but make a joke or two about it. Knowing she would take it in good humor . . . or at least hoping, and hoping she would not in fact, take offense to any of this. For it was not meant to mock her or make jibes at her expense.

[Romily de Braose]

Arthur dismissed the court after she had asked whether they could speak alone. Romily watched as everyone filed out, looking at her more now with suspicion, as though she would do something to the king. Even the guards were reluctant to leave, which was understandable, but Arthur dismissed them too. Romily wouldn’t kill him, they both knew that – even if she did feel like strangling him for giving her the biggest shock of her life.

"I told you I would be here with you,"

“Yes” she mused, “so you did”. Her lips broke into a broad smile. There wasn’t any words that could really sum up this moment. “Don’t take offense if I faint, its not from shock but more of the fact that this darn corset is laced too tight” she gestured to the dress.
“I thought I’d dig out this old thing and make an impression – but I don’t think that the court appreciate a lady in pink”.

Romily couldn’t help but chuckle at Arthur’s next words. “You know perfectly well of my situation and how it came to pass – you were the one who suggested this meeting” she smiled knowingly. “Now I can see why you were so persuasive into letting me speak with the King. I would’ve had no idea that it would be you on that throne today” she grinned and then paused.

“It rather suits you Arthur – no wonder you looked so happy yet troubled when we last met.” She told him. Now that she saw him in this attire, Arthur looked quite at ease with his position. There was one question she wanted to ask though. “Why are you helping me?” she asked, “I know I’ve said it before but you do not have to.” She knew that Arthur wasn’t the type to not help a friend, but she did wonder why he was bothering to give up his time to help a runaway nobleman’s daughter.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur could not help but chuckle when she told him not to take offense should she faint because her corset was too tight. He was not sure if it was actually the corset or the shock of this situation. But either way she did not look like she was on the verge of fainting . . . so all would be well. In fact, she seemed to be taking his little prank rather well. She still maintained her sense of humor, smiling broadly at him which reassured his mind that she was not angry that he had not told her earlier about his true position. "You truly look like a noblewoman tonight," he told her, not wanting her to feel uneasy in a garment she had not worn for some time. "And I am certain you impressed the court with it," he added, rather honest in his words. While she was indeed a beautiful woman, prior to his discovery of her noble blood, her dress just added rank. Though to Arthur, rank was not the most important thing to recognize about a person.

He just continued to smile when she spoke on about understanding why he had suggested this meeting. "I told you I knew the king well," he added teasingly. He knew him extremely well, obviously. "And that you would be well received," he added. The reasons Arthur had told her to speak to the king, and why she should, had not changed. For she knew his position and his advice would remain the same. Only now, he was more in a position to help her rather than just explaining what he would assume the king would say in regards to aiding her. Her question however distracted all other thoughts and playful comments, for she asked it with genuine curiosity. "Why are you helping me?" It was a question that Arthur supposed was valid, but he was learning that not everything needed a reason. He would lay down his life for anyone in this kingdom, for he loved his people. He took a few more steps towards her.

He also did not miss the fact that she had called him Arthur, which was another relief to hear. For it meant that she was still maintaining that casualness between them when they first met. It meant that her current awareness of his status as king did not change the nature of their interactions. And quite frankly, he was rather glad for it. She still spoke comfortably and openly in front of him, and he appreciated that. "Why wouldn't I help you?" He asked, turning the question around. "You came to me as a friend, seeking advice and aid. Nothing has changed for I still wish to help you. Whether it be as a friend, or a king." Despite the initial awkwardness that had existed between them, they quickly recovered to create a more comfortable environment between them. And even years later, it was still in tact. "All you need say is what I can do for you. And consider it done." For he was not lying nor exaggerating in how much he wished to help her.

[Romily de Braose]

Romily felt glad after hearing Arthur’s words. Over time she had started not to care what people thought about her, but today she did. She’d come here to plead her case and that was what she would do. It helped now they were alone – she didn’t feel all the eyes of the court burning into her back and judging her. She knew what they were thinking. That she was a girl trying to pass herself off as a noblewoman and had robbed someone of their dress.
Romily looked down at the ground and then back up to Arthur. “Far too well in your case” she smiled, “I can tell you’re enjoying this”. Arthur was grinning like a Cheshire cat – of course he was. His prank on her had worked hadn’t it. She wasn’t angry with him, just surprised that he was actually able to pull something like this off.

"You came to me as a friend, seeking advice and aid. Nothing has changed for I still wish to help you. Whether it be as a friend, or a king." On hearing these words Romily slowly found herself sinking to the floor, dress billowing around her as though it would swallow her up. He wanted to help. It wasn’t just a prank; he actually wanted to help her.

“I…” she choked out, but couldn’t exactly find the right words. Looking up at Arthur she instantly looked back down to the floor again. “Helping a friend would be nice” she smiled to herself, “you said you would help me to seek refuge in your kingdom as a noblewoman – to be recognised as one…” she began, “I don’t want to spend all my nights serving people in the inn, I don’t want to be the one to keep breaking up tavern brawls – even though I’m very good at that might I add – I just need a new start, away from my father and Carmelide. I’ve learnt a lot from living as any other barmaid would, but now I just want to…” she trailed off.

“You know what I want – and if you can’t make any of these things happen then I understand” she told him and stood up again. “Either way I wouldn’t judge you on your decisions. You are a good man Arthur – I know that because I have seen it, and I believe that you are a good king to these people too.”

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I can tell you’re enjoying this." Well that much was true. He was having a bit of fun with this, but was once again glad to see that she was not upset with it. Even if he was king, he may as well have a bit of fun while fulfilling the role. After his next words, he noticed her sink to the ground and instantly wondered if he had said something wrong. He took a few more steps towards her, not wanting her to lower herself. Such a position of inferiority was not something Arthur encouraged. So as she spoke, knowing that he would reply, he crouched down on the ground, his arms casually rested across is knees as his hands were clasped together in front of him. In this position, they were at the same eye level even if she was looking at the ground right now. He listened to her words carefully, and wondered . . . was she not used to people showing kindness to her?

He imagined that working at a tavern, perhaps she did not meet too many people that she could call a good friend. Or maybe she did. Her reaction only seemed as if she was unused to kindness or someone wanting to genuinely help her, or maybe it was because he was king? Regardless of the reason, he meant his words. Allowing her to fully finish before her responded to anything she said. Her words fully registered in his mind, feeling rather sympathetic that she had such an unhappy life. Before, she had spoken of how much she loved it . . . or perhaps preferred it compared to her life back home. Arthur knew that it was like to want to just run away from the life that one was born into. Though he never had, and never would be able to. But his position was extremely different from hers. It was her final words, about him saying that he was good to the people, filled him with an honor that he could not describe in words.

Though Guinevère always praised him, to hear others claim that he was a good king, meant so very much. It meant that following his heart, and using his judgment . . . was giving people a positive impression; it was strengthening the kingdom. When she rose to her feet Arthur did the same, and when she finished speaking, Arthur gave a small but sincere smile. "Thank you," he said, first and foremost wanting to express his gratitude in her words; wanting her to know how much he appreciated them. "Stay here, in Camelot," he both suggested and offered. "You are welcome to remain in our guest chambers, until you know what you wish to do. Without pressure or time constraint to decide." They both knew she would not be able to live in the castle forever, or even long term,but he was offering her a temporary place to collect her thoughts and determine what she wished to do.

It was at least better than remaining in an inn for an undetermined amount of time. Or working in a tavern, as she made it clear that she no longer wished for that lifestyle. And he certainly could not blame her. "Stay as our guest," he added in a soft yet deep voice, wanting her to feel welcome and anything but lost and uncertain in Arthur's offer. "You do not have to be alone in deciding your future. For you will always have a friend here." Here, as in literally here. For he was talking about himself. He knew that she said that she was friends with Yassia as well, who sometimes visited court but resided at her relatives estate . . . but Arthur was here for Romily as well. Should she desire another friend in such an unfamiliar kingdom.

[Romily de Braose]

Romily couldn’t believe that Arthur would bestow this amount of kindness on her. She shook her head in disbelief at his suggestion that she stay as a guest. “I couldn’t...i couldn’t possibly… but…but what could I do?...” she trailed off on realisation that she would have nowhere else to go. Arthur was giving her the start of a new life, she couldn’t reject him.

Romily smiled, “How can I ever repay you?” she asked before pausing. “I know I cannot remain here forever, but in Camelot I would like to, and when the time comes for me to make a valid decision, I would very much like you help if you are willing to give it to me?”.

Romily now couldn’t imagine a life without Camelot, it felt more like home than Carmelide or Eldon’s bar. She bit her lip when he said that she had a friend. In fact she almost wanted to cry at the prospect. Not with sadness but happiness. “and I am glad” she smiled, “I am glad to call you my friend and to be called yours in return.” She picked herself up from the floor and looked to Arthur with a serious expression, “You are much kinder than King Leodegrance, and I dare say a whole lot wiser too – you were taught well, even if you can’t sew up a wound to save your life” She teased.

Now she couldn’t stop laughing. She knew she shouldn’t bring up the past but the memories would always be there for both. The memories and earliest days of friendship. No matter how embarrassing, Romily would treasure them.

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I couldn’t...i couldn’t possibly… but…but what could I do?..." Arthur could understand her conflict. To not want to be a burden in accepting the help, but also knowing that there was no alternative. "We can't have you staying at the tavern. That is no longer an option, for you have moved past that life." A life as a bar maid. He remembered her telling him that she liked the freedom, though he was fairly certain that that was not her future prospect. That she never dreamed of becoming a bar maid and spending the rest of her life at the tavern. She had said as much, and he was determined to help her towards a better future rather than allow her to dwell in places she did not wish to be. "How can I ever repay you?" He slightly shook his head at this question. "You owe me nothing Romily." He wanted that to be very clear. That by doing this, he was not expecting any sort of payment in return. It was a privilege to help those he could. As king, it was his duty.

He continued to smile as she spoke of his help for when the time came to make a decision about her future. "Know that I am always here to help you in any way I can." Whether it was to give her a place to stay, or as a friend by offering advice or just to listen. "Never hesitate to ask for anything from me." He was king yes, but he had met her when he'd just been a man, no titles, no rank . . . nothing. And she had trusted him and helped him. And that meant a great deal to him. He knew it would not have been as easy to extend his hand to her to help, had they not shared that awkward past. Her words only added further sentiment, appreciating her willingness to call him friend. Even comparing him to a king he had not meant, but one she seemed to know about. Arthur knew he had much to learn about being king. That he was an amateur in this newly attained position. But displaying suchinsecuritiess were such a weakness; he could only show strength and confidence . . . to assure his people. For these were the traits of a leader.

"Thank you. I can not say I have met King Leodegrance, but if he is as you compare, then perhaps it is a good thing." He was slightly joking, as he seldom ever spoke out against other royalty. It was disrespectful for him especially since he did not know the man. But he trusted Romily's judgment . . . though he did not feel kind nor wise considering what he had done to his father; and what he had allowed to happen to so many others. He was rather grateful that she ended with a joke; a tease, that caused her to laugh and Arthur to smile in amusement. "Maybe that is something that you can teach me then." Another joke, for there was no way he was going to learn to sew. "Then again, perhaps its safe to leave all such stitching up to you." Stitching of the wounds especially. Now, it was usually Guinevère to helped him with such things; tending to his wounds and such. "Do you have any belongings with you, or are they still at the inn? We must start to get you settled." So that she would not have to spend any more time than needed at the inn.

[Romily de Braose]

He was right. Her barmaid days were indeed well and truly over, it was time to move on and forget the past and to start a fresh here in Camelot. “But I must repay you, please think of something – I cannot have this amount of kindness going unpaid Arthur, I just won’t” King or not, she was telling him straight.

"Thank you. I can not say I have met King Leodegrance, but if he is as you compare, then perhaps it is a good thing."
Romily smiled at this. “The King of Carmelide keeps himself to himself, most likely to avoid a war so my father used to say – but I would say that you are most defiantly the better of the two” she admitted.

She laughed at this joke of her teaching Arthur how to sew, dear lord how on earth she’d managed to achieve that in the first place was beyond her, and at least he was still living now. “Hmmm the King of Camelot and his sewing circle? Not something that is usually heard of” she smirked, “never the less I am sure that we can persuade a few Knights of yours to join us” she teased a little more before turning serious. “I think it best that you do– can’t have you jabbing a needle into your fingers all the time can we? Anyway, my father always said sewing was a woman’s job.” There was a pause. “But then again you need a hobby – what about reading?” she smirked again, “Do you read?”.

"Do you have any belongings with you, or are they still at the inn? We must start to get you settled."Belongings? The only belongings that she had were in the small pouch that she was carrying. Just some jewellery and that was it, apart from the dress that she was now clothed in – she indeed had no other belongings to her name.
At this she shook her head. “I have none – I kind of left Carmelide in a rush and this is really the only dress of rank that I have as well as some jewellery” she shrugged, “I am basically as you see me now”.

How pathetic did she feel right now? Very. On the realisation that indeed all that she owned were the clothes on her back, she felt like a rather pathetic excuse for a noble woman. No wonder the court had looked at her in the way that they did. She probably looked ridiculous! No matter what Arthur said.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Her insistence to somehow repay him only made him object more to the idea. The very notion that she should pay him in return for this, was something he would not hear of. "There can be no price paid between friends Romily. Understand this; that you once saved my life, and consider this to be a sign of my gratitude for it." She had saved him more than he'd saved her. For as he recalled, he'd been the one to faint. Right on top of her. Not his proudest moment, but ultimately, she had healed him, and he would have bled out had she not been able to aid him. When she then went onto to explain what the King of Carmelide was like, he listened attentively, trying to gain some knowledge on a king he'd never met before. At least he was not a war hungry man. That was certainly a good thing. As king, Arthur wanted to work towards peace between kingdoms, and would extend his hand to solidify this peace as much as he could. After what happened with Cenred, he did not want another war.

Especially with Odin, as he knew that it was building up. And it was also why he had not once retaliated against him . . . despite all that he had done. Killing his father included. "Thank you," he said with utmost gratefulness when she said he was the better. Such words filled him with deep honor, and meant a great deal. "Perhaps I shall meet him one day." Even if it was only to ensure peace. He then smiled in amusement when she teased him about sewing; about how unnatural it was for a king to be in a sewing circle. "It probably best remain as something unheard of then," he said, not having any immediate plans to learn how to sew. Not only because he had far too much to do, but also because . . . he knew he would be miserable at it. "I think the knights will be even more reluctant than I. We should leave it to people who actually know how to sew."As it was indeed a woman's job, it was best left to the women. After all, Guinevère was the best seamstress. If he ever needed anything mended or fixed . . . he knew who to go to.

And he knew she liked doing that for him. "But then again you need a hobby – what about reading? Do you read?" Truth be told, Arthur loved to read. Sadly, he did not have much time for reading, or hobbies even. He seldom even hunted any more for there was no time nor opportunity. "I do," he answered simply, not about to complain about his workload. "Do you? For if so, we have a rather large library here in the castle. I will be sure to show you, if it is one of your enjoyable pastimes." Some of the books were terribly old and dusty, other ones were more used. Regardless, Arthur had to admit it was a fine library and only wished he could take advantage of it more. When she then said -- or it seemed admitted rather -- that she had nothing else, Arthur remained in a pensive silence for a few moments. "Do not worry Romily," he said, able to detect the concern she held in that.

He realized his question had made her uncomfortable, and decided that there was an easy way to fix this. "Have you been well acquainted with Lady Yassia?" He asked, recalling that that was who she had said she'd been visiting here. He did not know her as well as the other nobles, for some were closer to him as friends. "If not, I could introduce you to some noblewomen who I am certain would not mind aiding you in finding garments for you to wear." He would only suggest women that he knew extremely well; ones that he was certain would not mind helping her. Already a few names came to mind such as Lady Caitrin, Lady Sasha . . . perhaps even Guinevère. Though he knew how uneasy she could get in the presence of nobility and he did not want to make her feel any discomfort. For the tension was entirely understandable. For some would only regard her as a servant, where as others would regard her as friend.

[Romily de Braose]

"There can be no price paid between friends Romily. Understand this; that you once saved my life, and consider this to be a sign of my gratitude for it." Romily smiled at his words. Friends. That was the nicest word ever, and Romily was all or friendship. She bowed her head. "Then I am glad" she paused, "Let us say no more of the matter then - you seem adament that there is nothing that I can possibly do to return the favour, and then there is the matter that I know I shall never win an argument between us" A small smirk formed.

Romily shook her head at the subject of King Leodegrance, "He keeps himself to himself - I will not judge him, and I certainly never did in front of my father, but in my opinion he always sounded as though he was scared of making allegiances with other kingdoms." she told him. Romily let out a small chuckle at the thought of King Arthur and his Knights of the Sewing Circle. "Yes I think so too" she mused, "after all - we excel in far more talents than men could ever imagine".
Reading. Yes - not that Arthur actually had any time to do so. He was busy running a Kingdom. Her face lit up when he mentioned the library. "Oh I do! My father used to tell me that burying my nose in a book would never do me any favours - but I would love it if you showed me. I so miss having something to read." she sighed, never having the time nor any books to do so whilst she worked for Eldon.

An awkward silence spread over the pair of them. Romily shifted uncomfortably as Arthur broke it."Have you been well acquainted with Lady Yassia?" Romily smiled weakly, "Indeed - I came to Camelot to visit her, as we have exchanged letters since she stayed at the inn I worked in." she told him but then went very quiet, "I...I haven't had much practicing in mingling with other nobles. Let alone other noblewomen - my father never actually took me to court." she admitted a little shamefully, "I don't really feel that I would fit in with any of the women in your court."

Truth be told she was actually very hesitant of other noblewomen, apart from Yassia of course. She didn't like to be the centre of attention and felt that if she was to meet other women she would be judged. Everyone would look at her just like they had done today during her audience - and that she most certainly did not want. "I do not want to offend you" she put in sadly, "but I just do not think that I shall ever be accepted as a noblewoman. Not here, or anywhere else"