They Call Me the Breeze

(this thread is for Lorelle Oldenburg )

For the most part the skies were clear way above the people out and about in the hustle and bustle of the city streets. The Queen and her four Royal Guards also basked in the glow of the sun but its heat didn't harm the small party because of the platinum blonde woman walking with them, it was as if the perfect breeze followed just them. Jemos was the fifth and she walked closest just a few feet behind the Queen's right. The bright blonde haired and blue eyed woman was close to the Queen not just as her protector but Jemos liked to believe they had developed a friendship over the last three years.

"It's a lovely day your Grace," Jemos said as they passed a flower stahl her small nimble fingers brushing lightly over a display of bright yellow flowers that were lightly kissed by the passing breeze of the party. Jemos plucked a flower from the bed and reached for a coin to toss to the owner, "Bless you Lady Ravenbrow and take one for our Queen," the owner said pulling another for Jemos to give to the Queen, "Your Grace a beautiful flower from Misses Duncan the florist," Jemos presented the flower to Lorelle.

The weather had been nice already, but having Jemos walk with her always meant the weather would be extra nice. Lorelle appreciated her Royal Guard for her strength and her promise to keep the monarch safe, but also for her blessing. Clear skies were definitely something she enjoyed. Her hair became frizzy in the rain, so Jemos was a true blessing.

They had indeed developed a friendship. The Queen liked to be close to those who were bound to be physically close to her. She got along well with most Advisors, and while she didn't know all the Guards as well, she definitely knew Jemos rather well.

"I suppose I have you to thank for that", Lorelle responded with a quick smile. She looked at the blonde and even winked. She didn't notice the conversation between the booth owner and the Guard, but turned to face Jemos when she spoke again. She took the flower and offered misses Duncan a smile. "Thank you, misses Duncan", she said kindly, nodding at the woman who was glad to have the queen's appreciation. Lorelle pinched a part of the stem off and put the flower in her hair.

She continued to walk, slowly and gracefully, her skirts swirling around her legs. "If Misses Duncan still sells flowers by the time Lucas marries, I will make sure to ask her for flowers arrangements. She is always so nice." She continued their stroll, looking around and greeting people.

"How are your brothers, lady Ravenbrow?"

Jemos let a small yet thankful smile greet her still young features at the Queens compliment and wink. The Queen's grace and sincere dedication to her people was something Jemos thoroughly loved and adored about her Queen, Lorelle was a true blessing for Almeran. Miss Duncan would ultimately benefit from such an offer and job Jemos had attended Royal weddings so she knew the price for such an event was extravagant.

As they continued their walk Jemos would hand off her small flower to a little girl who smiled and waved at her as they passed before placing her hands behind her back and lacing her fingers together, "Rowdy and Ravenbrow as ever your Grace, however I feel a ruse coming," Jemos didn't lose her little smile completely but her tone dropped, "I fear they are tired of me putting off a marriage, when Momma and Papa passed, I was yet still a child as you know and they hadn't got to arriainging a marriage for me," talking about her parents never bothered Jemos because she never knew them, it was just a missing piece of a void that simply loomed.

"I know most marriages aren't made for love," Jemos said the word as if she were still just a bashful child, "but I'd like a man of more common things that you know I may like, but they will bungle this...they'll pick the wrong boy..."

The Queen listened to Jemos in silence while they continued to walk. As a mother and a member of the nobility, she felt like 28 was old to not be married yet, but she never judged Jemos for it, or mention it to her. It was her life, and Lorelle didn't meddle in affairs that didn't concern her. However, now the blonde had brought it up herself.

"I understand", she said. Lorelle had always dreamed of getting married for love, but had ended up in an arranged marriage herself. "I am glad to hear your brothers are doing well. If it helps, I can write them a letter, stating your job as my Royal Guard makes it impossible for you to meet with potential suitors. But of you wish to marry, I could ask around and see if there's someone who would suit you." She looked over at Jemos for a moment, not wanting to overstep, but also wishing to help the woman.

Her hands behind her back would pick at the nail bed of the other as her blue eyes scanned all those around still vigilant of her duties to protect her Queen. Having brothers meant Jemos kept a lot of girl talk out of conversations especially after the time her oldest brother found out she had kissed a boy at Guidance School. He had raged for days. Having the Queen, someone who was proper and wise so girl talk with was nice.

"Ravenbrow's never abandon their duties, but your offer is kind and appreciated your Grace," Jemos responded with a respectful dip of her head, "However, as a woman and as my Queen, I would never shy away from the offer of you finding me a husband," she felt the heat in her cheeks rise, "To have such a recommendation, thank you my Grace."

She could think of someone who needed to get married, but Lorelle wasn't sure she wanted to put Jemos through dealing with her brother Maddox Oldenburg. The thought made her smile softly, but she quickly turned it into a monarch-smile, meant to look like she was smiling at the people looking at her. "I will keep it in mind", she said, offering Jemos a more genuine smile than the one she had on her face for the people. "It might take some time. I don't want to recommend you just anyone. You deserve someone who appreciates you."

She continued their walk. "Like you said, love isn't often a factor, but attraction and mutual interest benefit a marriage."

Jemos smiled, "Yes those are both two qualities my brothers seem to often overlook," Jemos has always pictured getting married to a decorated soldier and having a score of strong militant children, but again those were dreams, "but I feel your guidance will be better your Grace, I'm sure with finding someone for the Prince will be a fair challenge itself, so for me, I'm sure it will be far easier," Jemos and Max were very close and everyone knew it, were there feelings? Jemos wasn't sure, but attachment yes. She would only hope the woman who marries Max is prepared for the man, he was fairly wild, something Jemos could probably handle but that's because she was strong.

Jemos wasn't a mind reader, yet she might as well have been. Was is so obvious that she had been thinking about her brother only moments ago?

Lorelle laughed and sighed. "He is indeed quite a handful", she said, but maybe that was exactly what Jemos needed? Lorelle glanced at her guard and friend. "Would you be up for the task?" she asked, making it sound like a light question, as if it was mere chit chat.

Jemos almost choked on nothing and in her effort to regain composure of herself she merely walked in silent thought, HER? Her cheeks were a deep scarlet red as she pulled her fallen jaw back up.

"Me your Grace?" she asked so lowly one might wonder if she had said anything at all so she cleared her throat, "Me your Grace? I..I...I, I'm not worthy to marry Ma...the Prince and don't get me wrong I love him," insert foot further, "Not..not like IN love with him Your Grace but he is my best friend, he nor I believe could be...married," then she saw a quick image of Arless standing somewhere in the crowd nodding furiously, "The thought is honorable, but he deserves better..."

She wasn't quite sure what the make of the reaction to her question. On one hand, it sounded like she had made Jemos nervous, possibly because she did like Max, but on the other hand she also made it sound like the two of them together would be a disaster. "Hmm", she hummed, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Think it over some more. Meanwhile, I will see if I know other eligible bachelors for you."

Jemos had regained her composure as the Queen spoke nodding, "Of course your Grace I will," but she hoped for it not to happen, as she said she did love Max but she wasn't in love with him, "And thank you again, your Grace."

If there was ever a chance to change subjects it was now, "So I thought this was some good news your Grace, I've been asked to come and spend the day at the Guidance School showing the students my control over my Blessing...I've cleared it to be on my day off duty of course..."

She looked at Jemos with a smile. "That is wonderful news!" she said. "The children are lucky to have someone like you show them how to control their Blessing." She was still very proud of how well the Guidance School was doing. "Please tell me how it went."