It wasn't hard to tell, even now, that Maurin took her role as the 'big sister' seriously. Tele solemnly nods her white blonde hair toward her. ?Maurin.?
The delicate little blonde steps forward next. ?My name is Reinette. And you're most beautiful. She adds solemnly, even doing a little curtsey. Or something like one, she'd clearly seen someone do in a movie.
Ray-nette. "Little Queen"... how appropriate for such a little princess as she seemed to be. But not in a bad sense. Tele gives a soft but cheerful chuckle.
?Thank you Reinette.?
Little Selene, almost four years old, wanders up and tugs lightly on the Queen's skirt. Tele looks down with a smile. In a very soft voice she asks; ?I'm Selene. Are you a real princess??
?Hello Selene, I am a queen.? In such a way as if she were telling her the weather. All three little faces held the same expression ?Oooooooooh?? Tele continues. ?You all will be coming to my castle for a fancy party.?
Their faces light up the porch, then all at once the three voices just overlap each other in a cacophony of questions. Even shy little Selene.
"Can we wear princess dresses?" "Are there going to be princesses there too?" "Can I bring my puppy with me?" To which Toby immediately replies. ?No dogs, girls. This is a ball, not a zoo.?
Tele laughs merrily ?You can wear princess dresses, my daughter the princess will be there as well as Lady GreyMantle's daughter, Gwyn will be there all dresses like princesses. As well as one named Amanda.?
?Yaaaaay!? They are now gabbling excitedly now, though Reinette was peering up with a most curious expression at the Queen. It almost seemed like Reinette saw her in a different way than her sisters or her father did. Almost like she saw 'more'.
She returns Reinette's gaze with a smile. Reinette had a dazzling smile of her own. You could tell that she had a natural gift for charming people - Toby had considered it almost eerie.
Tele then stands, her six foot figure towering over the girls. She rests her free hand on Reinette's head.
?I have to return, but I still haven't met your wife.?
The three beam up at her. Each of them seemed to echo a different sensation to her - Maurin was like a live wire, energetic, forceful, aggressive (in a good sense), Reinette, very curious indeed, with that faint golden sheen about her that was not seen by normal folks... and Selene was quite unique too. She seems to almost have a dreamlike serenity about her.
Tabitha chose that moment to slip out into the back as well. She has a beautiful mane of untamed dark hair, and equally dark eyes - she too has a gentle serenity about her, so at odds with her husband's manic intensity. But perhaps, then, that's why they fit so well.
?Tabitha, your Majesty? Toby says gesturing with his hand. Tabitha bows her head respectfully.
?It's a great pleasure to have you in our home.?
The girls, now, were staring very curiously at Gwindor. Noticing the stare, she gestures to the elf. ?This is Gwindor, Captain of the Guard.?
Teleperien's timing was deft; because it was almost certain that the next question she was going to hear out loud was "Is that the King?"
?Tabitha, thank you for receiving us. He?s a beautiful child, lovely blue eyes.? With that unmistakable maternal pride as she took Keith in her arms, at her words she glowed. However, being very conscious of protocol, despite being from modern Earth. It was just in her very nature, perhaps.
?Can I offer you both anything at all??
?I thank you, no, we must return, we came to deliver the invitation.? Tele says softly as she walks over to Tabitha and transfers Keith to her arms. ?I owe Toby much for his help in the battle of the Dark Forest; I thought I should bring this myself.?
It wasn't often that you saw Toby lost for words or abashed; but this was one of those times.?I'm really honored...? In a tone Tele knew he meant it. The girls are still fascinated by both Teleperien and Gwindor. They were so unlike the (for lack of a better term) usual people they'd met - there were people who could claim titles, but this was a real Queen. And they knew it.
?It would be an honor for me to host your family; you will stay the night if you wish at the castle after the ball.?
All three girls rounded on Toby."Can we Daddy? Mama? Can we pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?
Toby manages to keep a straight face as he says to Teleperien. ?I think we'd be very pleased to stay over.? However Tele could see the twinkle in his eye.
Tele gives a soft laugh. ?Arraignments will be made for you and your family. Once again Selene gently tugs on the Queen?s gown, she looks down at Selene. ?Yes?
Peering up with those big eyes. ?Will Uncle Zeenograg be there too?? The way she said that, you would think that nothing in the world was more important to her.
?Yes, he will be there, with Amaltea and Amanda.?
Selene beamed, and you'd think the universe would light up in empathy.
Tabitha rocked Keith gently, who burbled to himself - quite unconcerned with all the talk of balls and dresses and queens and such. He was warm and happy, and that's all he needed.
Maurin whispers at Selene. ?You?re not supposed to tug on a queen's dress, it's not proper!?
Tele moves to leave. ?I look forward to seeing you all there. I am looking forward to our time.?
Toby stepped forward and says quietly. ?Thank you. It means a lot that you came here yourself.?
Tele smiles and lays her long hand on his. ?It is my honor to do so.?
As if a thought comes suddenly he asks; ?Should we bring anything?
?Just yourselves, and if you plan to stay the night, a change of clothes.? She laughs, her laugh like silver bells tinkling in the wind.
Looking at the three bouncing little figures, Toby chuckles. ?Might be two changes, knowing these three.? Then Toby did something he NEVER did. He gave her a bow, a real one, a respectful one. It was hard to understate just how rare that was, how much it really meant. Tele nods in solemn return.
?I bid you farewell until then.?
The girls all peer up at their father, and then try to emulate him with various degrees of success. Tabitha just giggled quietly and managed quite a nice bent-knees curtsy of her own.
The girls then waved and chorused "Goodbye Miss Queen Teleperien!" - Selene had a little trouble with the name, though. "An' Mister Gwindooor!"
She turns steps off the deck. ?Gwindor... the stone please.?
A red gem is dropped and a portal to the castle is opened, looking back Tele could see that ?Oooooh? expression again. With a happy wave, she disappears into the portal, closely followed by Gwindor, the portal closes.
Back in Eldicor, Tele laughs merrily. ?Lovely family.?
