Tamalyn: Journey to Herself

[Lord Palatine]

"I've never tried sneaking up on Ramon," he shrugged.  "But I've heard rumor that its never boring to do."

[Milady Kim]

Tamalyn gave a frown at Amrick's use of Ramon's name. "He" she stressed the word, "requested that I surprise him this way. If He had not, I would never even consider this." She rose, "I will figure it out. I am going to my room" she said with meaning and a raised brow. "I will see you for dinner" she said then went upstairs.

She sat down on her bed and focused on Ramon. She watched his meeting waiting for the right moment. Finally he sighed and relaxed into his chair in a state of complete boredom. She used her power to give him the sensation of her hand rubbing his inner thigh. As she did this she also untied his breeches. When she knew he was aware of her visit she transported herself under his desk to give him pleasure.

[Lord Palatine]

"Unexpected," he said quietly, and she heard a dagger being placed on the desk after a wave of thought washed over her and determined who she was.

[Milady Kim]

She gave a small grin, then shrugged and continued her task. She didn't mind doing this, though it did take longer because his attention was divided.

Later, Tamalyn took herself to the hall outside if the Queen's private sitting room where she served her afternoon tea. She waited while she was announced, then entered giving the Queen a small smile. "Your Majesty" she greeted her, "I hope you do not mind my unexpected drop in" she said politely, "I have been meaning to join you for tea for months now. It just seemed that the timing never worked out. Today, I forced it to work."

[Lord Palatine]

"You are stir crazy from living in a siege," Elliese teased her, "but I'll take any reason for a visit."

[Milady Kim]

"It isn't so bad" Tamalyn shrugged, "there is just nothing to do. I mean I could work on my art, but I usually get interrupted if I do that. I don't have much work to do as all the other business men are off creating mischief in the city. I am reading about the principals of war and sieges, but that is incredibly boring" she shrugged. "I have no part in this rebellion except self protection and so, I sit and wait for it to be over. Today, I decided to sneak away for a while. I must be home by dinnertime in Valcastria or my absence will be noted. But that gives us plenty of time to chat. How is Mandrake?" She asked about him because they are the closest in age and thus she knew him better than the other royal children.

[Lord Palatine]

"Same as always," she smiled fondly.  "Running his counselors and advisers into the ground.  He's as bad as Ramona in his own way.  Always moving and always thinking."

[Milady Kim]

Tamalyn nodded, "he is definitely energetic" she said agreeably, without going into details further. she speed her tea and tried to think of something to say. Small talk was not something that Tamalyn excelled at, and she did not know the Queen well which only made it worse for her. "Has there been any thing interesting here?" She asked finally happy to have put the conversational ball back into the Queen's court.

[Lord Palatine]

Elliese smiled knowingly at that.  "Not really, its quiet here.  How about with you?"

[Milady Kim]

Tamalyn shook her head slightly, "just the rebellion. Everyone is wrapped up in it. It is supposed to be the party season, but no one is celebrating" she paused, "obviously. I can't say that I particularly enjoy parties, but I am" she hesitated, "disappointed" she said the last in a questioning tone of voice. "I am not sure what I am, perhaps frustrated is a better answer."

[Lord Palatine]

"It could be worse," she shrugged.  "You could be the focus of the rebellion."

[Milady Kim]

"I am a target of the rebellion" Tamalyn said with no concern, "but so far there has been no creditable threat to my safety. Things in the city are not going well for the rebels. Between the Valcastrian forces capturing their supplies, the Selnen embassy's constant attacks and their own poorly planned attacks upon the Traveler district they are dropping in numbers and have no reinforcements coming. The snows will be coming at the end of next week and that will slow them further. But, of course, the city will remain nervous for the winter." Tamalyn shrugged then smiled slightly, "do you actually find this interesting?"

[Lord Palatine]

"I was THE target of a rebellion," she grinned.  "Which is a little harder on one's nerves and feelings, but I take your point."  She then grinned.  "Interesting, perhaps; though, not as interesting as making you lead the small talk.

[Milady Kim]

"Now that" she looked at the Queen, "is just mean" she said referring to her making Tamalyn lead the small talk. "Yesterday I went for a ride in the district and people waved at me. I don't think the rebels considered public opinion, they have lost that battle. Or I would think they have as before this I was either ignored or looked upon as an interloper who doesn't belong and who is rocking the status quo boat." She looked thoughtful, "would you like to tell me about the rebellion you spoke of from your own point of view? I think it would be very educational and informative."

[Lord Palatine]

"I made the nobles follow the law and many of them rebelled," she replied.  "The Palatine took exception and so did the army, Navy and most of the militias and now the ones that survived are still in prison."  She smiled at that thought.  "It was a very nice housecleaning."

[Milady Kim]

Tamalyn considered her for a moment, "and a story that many could tell with only a few words changed. I was hoping to hear your perspective. I could read books on the subject, but you are the only one who can ever give that perspective. If anyone else tried they would only be speculating, you hold a piece of history inside you" Tamalyn explained further.

[Lord Palatine]

"There really isn't much to tell," she grinned.  "Nobles that profited fro abusing their positions took up arms to stop me from doing so," she shrugged.  "I called out the soldiers and let them clear up the mess."

[Milady Kim]

Tamalyn shrugged, "very well. Have you read any interesting books lately? Or perhaps you have a better topic for discussion. I do believe it is your turn to lead the small talk" she said with a barely precipitable smile.

[Lord Palatine]

"Oh no," Elliese grinned.  "I know how to make small talk, tell me about what you've been reading."

[Milady Kim]

"Mostly books on civil wars, military maneuvers and siege situations. Before that I read the Articles of Unification so I could better understand my limits in warfare. They are not clear on the subject of an individual using powers, so I have kept my knowledge to my immediate staff. What have you been reading lately?" She specifically did not mention the book about Stormy. One reason was it was not correct, the other was she did not want the erroneous book to gain any sort of following.

[Lord Palatine]

"I spend most of my reading time with reports," she replied.  "I try and stay abreast of everything going on, and I often notice things that Ramon glosses over."

[Milady Kim]

"I have my share of reports as well" Tamalyn agreed with a nod. She took another sip of her tea and tried to think of something else to say. She looked around the room, then back to the Queen. "That is it" she shrugged, "things at boring in Valcastria for me. Everyone is either fighting, defending or staying away from the conflict in general." Tamalyn thought having tea with Talia was much easier than it was with the Queen. She struggled to find a new topic, but couldn't think if anything. So she just sipped her tea and gave a forced smile.

[Lord Palatine]

Elliese goggled wickedly, making no secret of her enjoyment of Tamalyn's predicament.  "So, entertain yourself, or rather find someone entertaining."

[Milady Kim]

Tamalyn nodded, "thank you for the suggestion. I shall endeavor to do as you suggest." She said this with no sarcasm or argument in her tone. She was straight forward and honest in her answer. "I have recently begun sculpting nudes" she said to change the subject, "I have been told that Valcastrians have new interests in this medium and I am hoping to have a hold on the market after the rebels are defeated." Tamalyn suddenly had an idea, "do you have any suggestions on how to create better situations for women in Valcastria?"

[Lord Palatine]

"Become powerful and favor women," she shrugged.  "When one climbs up she needs to pull others behind her."