Two Rivers Isle sylfaen

This was it.

@Siani had been her closest companion thus far, others lagging behind. Madhuri kept close to the pale handmaid, and as they forded the first river, shot the other a smile. 

It wasn't long before they reached another river.

A land between waters, she remarked, once they had taken the time to explore. This seems perfect, Siani—what do you think?

It was unusual for royalty to ask for their servants' opinion, but then Madhu was hardly the model of blue-blooded virtue. She'd found a friend in the girl—at least, on her end—and queried sincerely, happy for the company in this foreign land.

siani blinked, the princess’s words catching her off-guard like a sudden gust of wind. she faltered for a moment, her pale gaze lingering on madhuri’s face as if to gauge her sincerity. was this a test? why would a woman of such station care for the opinion of a simple handmaiden?

i… she started, her voice soft and uncertain, barely audible over the gentle burble of the river. for a heartbeat, she stared at the water, buying time, before shifting her focus back to the princess.

it’s… beautiful, she admitted hesitantly, her words careful and measured, as though afraid they might not be enough. a place of peace.

siani lowered her head slightly, a habitual deference, though her eyes flicked up to madhuri again, curiosity mingling with her doubt. why did the princess ask? did it matter? yet, there was something in madhuri’s expression—warmth, perhaps—that made her add, softer still, you chose well, your highness.

She had a soft spot for Siani. Perhaps it was because she saw herself in the girl—where Madhuri was allowed (and even encouraged) to let her attitude run the show, the handmaid had to rein it back. She did sense it simmering under the surface, though. . .and empathized, somewhat.

Diolch, she said sincerely, dimpling. With a sigh, she looked around, and then back toward the road they'd taken. Everyone else is lagging behind. They must be distracted by something.

Or someone, she thought, mentally side-eyeing the handsome Gareth and charming Meinir.

We should make camp for their arrival, Madhuri decided. Let's see if we can find a proper place.

siani dipped her head respectfully, her voice steady and composed. yes, your highness, she replied, her tone carrying the practiced ease of someone used to serving. without hesitation, she moved to follow madhuri’s lead, her sharp eyes scanning the surrounding area for a suitable place to make camp.

she kept her thoughts to herself, though a flicker of dry amusement crossed her features as she considered the princess’s assessment of their lagging companions. whatever had caught their attention, it was unlikely to speed them along. siani focused instead on the task at hand, her steps precise and purposeful as she began searching for a proper clearing.

a part of siani wished she could say anything to the princess— but again, as royal decreed it so, she held her tongue. there was an awkward shimmy to her pace, waiting for the princess to say something. anything.

Luckily for Siani, Madhuri, too, wasn't one for awkward silences. Or silences at all, really. As they walked on, she turned to her handmaid, a question in her eyes.

Do you miss Mynydd? the golden princess inquired, head slightly cocked. Before the girl could respond, Madhuri's eyes lit up a bit, and she nodded down the path. Look there—a nice little hollow surrounded by trees. I think that's as good as anywhere to camp.

But she still expected an answer to her question, and her ears tilted back toward Siani in quiet expectation.

It was different for Madhuri. She'd been born in White Spine, and only ended up in Mynydd upon rebelling against her mother. Then, she'd traveled. . .and now, she found herself here. The kingdom hadn't been the center of her world, as it must have been for the servant girl.

shoulders were tense, posture polite and composed as she kept pace with the princess. of course, your highness, she replied, her voice steady but touched with a faint wistfulness. mynydd is home, after all.

but then, her gaze followed madhuri’s down the path, to the hollow nestled among the trees. she offered a small, gracious smile. but the princess always provides, she added lightly, the faintest trace of humor in her tone.

she waited for madhuri’s direction, content to follow her lead, as was her place, yet her words carried an undercurrent of warmth and loyalty—a quiet promise that wherever the princess went, so too would her handmaid.

Yes, home for her. Obviously. 

But the humor in that next remark took her aback, and Madhuri stopped in her tracks, glancing toward Siani with her brows knitted together.

You don't have to kiss my ass, Siani, she said bluntly, face sincere. I know you've been brought up to serve my father's court—and they are so prim and proper and all that—but I'm not like that.

She went on, chuckling a bit. The princess might not provide, Madhu intoned a bit gravely, pursing her lips. They made it to the center of the clearing, where she paused and looked upon her handmaid. This might not work. And then what? We go back. . .or we find somewhere here worth settling, as underlings.

She shrugged. If we fail, will you return?

siani gasped softly, her eyes widening at madhuri’s bluntness. her posture straightened, as though her training demanded she recover her composure quickly. i cannot speak out of turn, your highness, she murmured, her voice low but firm, the weight of her upbringing clear in her tone.

she hesitated, her gaze dropping momentarily before lifting to meet the princess’s again. but i will follow you, she continued, her words steady despite the uncertainty that tinged her expression. i was sworn to serve you, and that vow does not break, no matter where we go.

her head dipped slightly, a gesture of deference, though her voice carried a quiet conviction as she added, if we fail, your highness, then i fail with you.

The shock in Siani's face and voice made her chuckle, although she felt bad about it. The handmaid had obviously been brought up with a certain obedience, and she was just following that code. 

The words the girl spoke warmed her heart, and she stepped forward, giving Siani a friendly nudge, shoulder-to-shoulder.

That means so much to me, Madhuri said sincerely. I was never meant to be a leader—my father has heirs galore—and I'm not sure why he chose me for this. I just hope I can live up to expectations.

She sucked in a breath, stepping back and surveying the land with a critical eye. But if not, she muttered, it'll be you and me. And I promise I'll find us a good place.

siani dipped her head, letting the princess's words settle over her like the gentle weight of a warm cloak. she stayed close, ever respectful, her steps light but purposeful as she moved alongside madhuri.

of course, your highness, she murmured, the words quiet but resolute, her loyalty a steady, unspoken promise. her gaze flickered briefly to the land ahead, sharp and discerning, but she said nothing more. it wasn’t her place to question, only to follow, to serve.

it is lovely here.