An Unexpected Welcome (marjolaine)

[Teagan]

Orlais... Val Royeaux... Why am I here... Damn you Anora. Damn you... Teagan shouldn't be here... He should be in Ferelden, reorganizing the army to launch a counterattack against the barbarians. But no, he was here, in Val Royeaux, as "acting ambassador..." Basically exile. Teagan was under no illusions. Dammit Anora....

Walking to the Palace, he was greeted by guards who proceeded to guide him toward the throne room. Teagan had to wonder why on earth they had an armed guard on him, it wasn't like he cared about Gespard and the politics of Orlais. He was simply here to give reports to Anora on the situation... And to not be able to challenge her power back home, you can't forget that part...

Entering the throne room, Teagan was immediately set aback by the sheer grandeur of the palace. So it was true what they said about Orlais... It really was quite a sight to see. It was... Incredible. A bit gaudy, but what do you expect from Orlesians. As he walked up the grand aisle, he noticed that it was a woman seated on a throne. But, that wasn't right.... Orlais had an emperor now right??? It couldnt be Celene... Then who was....

His jaw dropped as he saw the beautiful temptress lounging on the throne, surrounded by nobles of all kinds... But they were of little interest to him... He looked up at Marjolaine and smiled an amused smile, temporarily forgetting his anger. It had been a long time.

"Well as I live and breathe.... Marjolaine! How long has it been! It appears the years have been good to you. Or is it your grace now?"

[Marjolaine]

Sitting upon the throne Marjoliane listening to yet another complaint by a nobleman who thought he was worth more than he was. She listened to the man’s whine for as long as her patience would allow before interrupting him.

“Lord Beliveau, your concerns are noteworthy but they do not that require the involvement of the Crown. You are Lord of your region, are you not? If you cannot handle the bandits that roam your territory then perhaps you should not be allowed to govern such a large region.” Marjolaine’s melodic voice rang through the Throne room.

Murmurs soon followed and Lord Beliveau turned a shade pink. “Your Grace, I am not speaking that I cannot handle… it’s just that with the war, many of my men have been sent away.”

“And with good reason." Marjolaine interrupted again. “Your men stand by the Emperor, to protect Orlais.” Her dark eyes hardened, though her beautiful features remain soft. Marjolaine’s presence could be felt by all. The noble court of Orlais had learned early on that behind the beauty of the Regent was a perceptive and cunning woman. Many had come to respect her while just as many resented her, though secretly. At least they believe it to be secret.

Marjolaine had already flooded the palace with those loyal to her. Many noble homes had also been infiltrated by her spies. Marjolaine was not surprised by Lord Beliveau’s complaint. She had expected it. He had hoped that by voicing his complaint that it would get a rise out of other noblemen present, a feeble attempt to speak out against the war. When it came to Orlesian politics, it was not what was said but what was implied.

Marjolaine tilted her chin upward, her dominance unmistakable. “Lord Lasser, you will be given the eastern part of Lord Beliveau’s land. Since he is unable to protect his people and territory it is only fitting that it is given to a Lord who can.” Lord Lasser approached at the mention of this name and bowed respectfully.

“You are most generous, your Grace. I will see that my new territory is rid of these bandits.” Lord Lasser smiled politely. Marjolaine knew him to be a supporter of Gespard and for that he was being rewarded. Whereas Lord Beliveau who challenged her and Gespard, he would continue to lose more.

Lord Beliveau looked absolutely livid but held his tongue. Wisdom had finally come to him and he bowed respectfully before storming out of the Throne room. The tension in the room left with him and soon light chatter filled the room.

It was then Marjolaine was approached by one of her guards who leaned in close so he could speak discreetly to her. “Your Grace, an Ambassador of Ferelden has arrived. He seeks audience with you. An Arl Teagan Guerrin.”

At the mention of the name that stirred memories of what seemed long ago, Marjolaine smiled. “Grant him entrance and escort him here.” The guard bowed and disappeared to gather the guest from Ferelden.

It wasn’t long before the main doors were open and a familiar face entered. The room had become silent as the nobles observed this foreigner. Though he was of nobility, his clothing and demeanor spoke as much, he was still Ferelden and many in Orlais did not favor this.

As he spoke Marjolaine eyes glinted with amusement. The years had been good to him as well. Though older he was more handsome and more refined than she remembered. “Welcome to Orlais, Arl Teagan. It has indeed been many years. And yes, you may call me your Grace since I am Emperor Gespard’s Regent. I must apologize on the Emperor’s behalf for he is not present to greet our honored guest. “

Marjolaine stood from her throne, displaying her golden silk layered gown in its entirety which accented her curvaceous figure. There was no mistaking her status. Her dark silken hair was pinned perfectly with golden pins that allowed the jeweled necklace she wore to be seen against her flawless neck.

“Please come forward. I am curious as to what has brought you to Orlais.” Marjolaine continued to smile at him as she extended her hand in invitation. For a brief moment a smile that was more Marjolaine than Regent surfaced.

[Teagan]

Teagan could not help but smile up at Marjolaine as she welcomed him. Well, if there was any sign the Maker had a sense of humor, this was one that was staring him straight in the face and giving him a giant kiss. Here in Orlais, in the one place he had not wanted to go and was furious when he was sent there, an old flame was not only alive and well but the now the most powerful woman in the country. He couldn't help but grin at the memories of their days, and nights, in Denerim all those years before the blight... She had been quite the lively one, and Teagan doubted her years her in Orlais had changed any of that.

At the mention of not having the emperor here to great him, Teagan didn't even think twice about it. The emperor meant little to him, he was simply the man he had to make nice to while he was here 'for the sake of queen and country.' Him not being here a while meant he could have much more pleasant dealing with the regent, who he was certain would be considerably finer company.

"Apology accepted, your Grace. I am most honored to be welcomed by his trusted regent instead." Teagan bowed lightly, never for a moment taking his eyes off of her. "Especially one as stunning as yourself Marjolaine." He smirked as he stood back up. Murmurs of confusion erupted and spread through the court, as Teagan expected they would. Despite being told to call her your grace, he made the conscious decision to call her Marjolaine. Being Ferelden, he wouldn't be doing his countrymen justice if he didn't show at least a little disobedience with a powerful orlesian.... Even when it was meant entirely light-heartedly and a bit flirtatiously.

"As for why I am here, I've come to ensure Gespard maintains the agreements our two kingdoms have made in the past. I apologize if that seems rude, but I am required to represent my homeland's position as honestly as possible, and the recent incursion into Nevarra has the kingdom on edge. There are other reasons as well, but I'd rather not discuss them at the present time. If you so desire, we may discuss them privately sometime. If not, I'll be in the Ferelden embassy should you have need of me."

[Marjolaine]

The murmurs and whispers by the nobles were quickly silenced when Marjolaine glanced over the room. Her perfect smile remained despite Teagan’s candor. Most Orlesians were not accustomed to such forthright speaking but Marjolaine was well accustomed to the Arl’s ways.

“Time has changed many things, one of them being the titles in which we hold. As Arl I am sure that such propriety would be not be lost to you.” It was her polite way of saying that respect was due in her court. She knew Teagan was not being disrespectful to her but the fact still remained he was seeking audience with Orlais’ Crown which she represented.

At the mention of the Ferelden Embassy murmurs could be heard again. Marjolaine did little to hide her amusement. “You will find that the Ferelden Embassy does not exist. We do not get visitors from your country often and since after the war, Ferelden has put no effort in re-establishing it. I am surprised you were not told. However as an honored guest of the Crown, you are invited to stay here in the palace.” The grand palace was equipped with many suites, all of which were vacant at the moment. At Marjolaine’s invitation, several servants immediately left the room to see that their visitor’s accommodations were seen to.

“As for your purpose here in Orlais, such politics are to be discussed in a more private setting.” Marjolaine addressed Teagan before turning her attention to the nobles who were in court. “Ladies and gentlemen, I will be taking my leave.” Her sweet voice carried throughout the hall. “Good day.” The Regent left through her private doorway with her guards and her Lady-in-waiting in tow. The nobles all bowed respectfully until Marjolaine had left the room and conversation was quickly struck up again. Several of them stared at the Ferelden noble, but none made any attempt to approach him, none except for a well-dressed servant whose demeanor was ever so formal.

“Excuse me Arl Teagan. Your presence is requested by the Regent. If you would follow me.” The older man spoke firmly yet discreetly before he turned on his heels and proceeded to guide the foreigner to the formal study.

The door was opened and inside was a very large and elaborately decorated room that housed a finely crafted large desk and several large chairs and chaise lounges. The windows were adorned with the dark blue and gold trimmed silk curtains that were complimented by the fabric of the furniture.

“The Regent will be in to see you momentarily.” The servant exited the room and closed the doors soundly behind him. It was several minutes before a private door was opened within the study and Marjolaine entered with grace fitting of a woman of her stature. Her dark eyes roamed over the Arl and smiled but said nothing until the private door was shut.

“Despite time, you are still the same Teagan. That is not a complaint by the way.” Marjolaine laughed softly as she closed the distance between them. “It is very good to see you.” The bard now Regent leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

[Teagan]

Standing in her study after the door was shut behind him, Teagan took the few minutes he had to himself to take a look at the place. Fine woodwork, shelves inlaid with beautiful golden patterns. The roof was decorated with paintings of cherubs dancing in the sky, and the windows were lined with silk curtains. It was all very... Orlesian. One thing he did like was the amount of books on the wall. He wondered if Gespard had ever bothered to read any of them...

Before he could grab one and start reading, however, the beautiful Orlesian woman from all those years ago in Denerim walked into the room. Marjolaine had not lost a single ounce of her beauty and subtle charm in all those years. She seemed to glide through the room, greeting him warmly, and kissing him lightly on the cheek. She smelled of the finest perfume, and her lips felt as soft as petals on his skin.

"It is wonderful to see you too Marjolaine." Teagan smiled, grabbing her hand as he bowed, lightly kissing the top of her hand. As he straightened up, he held her hand for a moment longer, then let it go and continued to smile. "I must say the Maker has been good to you. Look at you!" He said, raising his arms to in front of her waist. "Regent of Orlais. I should have known you were more than simply a beautiful Orlesian woman with a winning smile and sharp wit when we last met in Denerim. I pray I didn't offend you back in the court by simply using your name. As a Ferelden, I'm basically obligated to be a bit... Obstinate when dealing with the Orlesian court."

For a moment, he eyed her with the same, mischievous smile he had back in Denerim all those years ago, remembering the wonderful month or so they had spent there before she returned to doing her business and he had to... Combat the Blight. It had been a wonderful time, and its memories had soothed him on some of the rougher nights in Redcliffe during those dark times. "Things in Ferelden have been... Well, they've been better. And that's saying something. Seeing your shining face has been the one bright spot in an otherwise very bleak few months. To see that a beauty such as you in the world brings joy to a weary heart." He smiled, if slightly wearily, at Marjolaine once more. Memories of the past few months, Landon, Anora, the barbarians... All of it seemed to dim slightly as he saw those beautiful dark brown eyes looking into his own.