The only character I own is Dalva, and he's not very interesting. I'm not sure if anyone else saw this possible relationship, but I did. This story is a result of this though, obviously.

COLD ERASTIDE

By tears-in-rain

Chapter One

An unpleasant chill hung over Tol Honeth, turning the usually warm, white city into something that reminded his Excellency, Prince Khaldon, Ambassador of the Royal Court of Drasnia, of a grave-yard. The Tolnedran's were unused to such a harsh cold, even at this time of year, and their moods had turned as grim as the weather.

Being a Drasnian, Khaldon was more tolerable of the cold. He had lived through more miserable winters in the past and this slight drop in temperature, though unbearable to a Tolnedran, was familiar and strangely homely to the Prince. However, he did find that the grim mood of his Tolnedran servants was somewhat contagious and Khaldon found his own gloomy disposition to be very distracting. He sat alone in his office while trying to focus on his work, but after reading the same line on the parchment before him for the sixth time, he gave up and turned his gaze to the window. Through the glass he could see the frosty front courtyard of the Drasnian embassy and beyond the gates, the cold city of Tol Honeth stretched into itself like a maze. And standing above the city was the grand fortress that was the Imperial Compound.

A ghost of a smile touch Khaldon's face as he imagined Emperor Varana trying to conduct his court when all his councilors were no doubt feeling even more distracted and miserable than the Prince did. It was perhaps unbecoming of him to take delight in other people's misfortune, but that sardonic cheek that was so much a part of Drasnian nature took delight in knowing that there were others out there that were suffering even more then he was. The gleeful fantasy of imagining the Emperor trying to endure his distracted court distracted Prince Khaldon so much that he didn't even notice the two people that were now waiting at his gate. And after a few words with the guard, the pair was granted entrance.

It was the scraping sound of metal moving against metal and the clatter of horses' hooves that finally brought Khaldon back from his daydream. Getting to his feet, the Prince moved to the window to get a better look of the courtyard and arrived in time to witness a couple ride through the open gates. One was a man that held himself in the way that identified him as one entrusted to protect his companion, who was wrapped and cowled in a heavy grey cloak. The cloaked rider had a small, lithe build and slid down from their chestnut mount with such fluid grace that only a woman could possess. The bodyguard did not dismount and instead scanned the courtyard shrewdly before saying something to the woman. With a small nod, the woman replied with a small sweep of her had that Khaldon clearly recognised as a dismissal and after a respectful dip of his head, the man turned his horse around and rode out of the courtyard.

Khaldon frowned in thought as he watched the woman be escorted into the embassy by one of his servants while several others rushed into to care for her mount and packhorses. He had no planned visitors and it was improper for his guards to grant this woman entrance without bringing it to his attention first. The Prince was an important man and didn't usually take audiences without an appointment unless they were of the upmost urgency or involved someone of greater importance. If this guest was of the latter, then why did the bodyguard leave as soon as he arrived? Did he have another errand or did he believe that his charge would safe here so undoubtedly that he dismissed the need to check the grounds himself? There was something peculiar about this couple and Khaldon could only assume it would be brought before him soon enough.

Still thinking, Khaldon made his way back to his desk to stared once again at the parchment though he didn't even try to read the words this time. He knew it wouldn't be long before he would be interrupted, however it was important to maintain the image that his time was limited just in case he needed an excuse to wrap up a meeting quickly. In no time at all, there was a knock at his office door and one of his servants entered at Khaldon's command.

"Your Highness, her Ladyship, the Margravine Liselle of Baktor requests an audience with you. Her Ladyship claims to have several instructions from Queen Porenn."

Satisfied with this information, Prince Khaldon nodded and once again got to his feet. Instructions from the Queen couriered by the niece of the head of the Drasnian intelligence network were justifiable excuses for the breech in protocol. "Of course. Send her in immediately."

The door opened again and a very beautiful young woman entered his office. The rider had removed her cloak and looked positively regal in her rather plain travelling dress. Her honey coloured hair fell freely down her back and her eyes shone brightly. There was a smile was on her face and her very presence seemed to lighten the room. Things had changed since Khaldon had taken his position in Tol Honeth.

"Margravine Liselle," Khaldon bowed with all the grace expected of a man of his station. "It's been too long since we last met."

"It certainly has, your Highness," Liselle curtsied back elegantly. "I was just a little girl when you left Baktor."

"So I remember. However I now see that you have bloomed into a most beautiful young lady."

"Thank-you," Liselle beamed, trying to hide a modest smile. Khaldon had always believed that there was something very attractive about beautiful women who still managed to blush when receiving a compliment and Liselle was no exception. "You haven't changed from what I remember."

"Careful, my lady, I may take that as an insult," Khaldon grinned, his pervious grim mood vanishing around such a radiant young woman. At his words, suddenly Liselle laughed and the sound was more lifting than any instrument. Her eyes shone and a smile spread across her lips. Her dimples were exposed, lighting up the room and lifting Khaldon's heart. A strange feeling began to stir in his stomach and his head became so light he suddenly felt giddy.

Remembering his manners, Khaldon quickly offered Liselle a seat and sent for some tea. He felt slightly nervous as her soft brown eyes followed him around the room and once seated he shifted uncomfortably in his deep chair situated near the fire. Liselle sat opposite him in a similar chair and gratefully accepted the tea delivered by Khaldon's servants.

"You have a lovely house, your Highness."

"Please, call me Khaldon, my lady."

"Then it's only fair that you call me by my name, Khaldon," Liselle told him sweetly as she added milk to her tea and stirred it accordingly. Despite the plainness of her travelling clothes, it was obvious from her movements that the young lady had received training in proper court etiquette, although that would be expected given her families close involvement with the Royal Household of Drasnia.

"Of course, Liselle," Khaldon beamed back. For some reason, he couldn't take his eyes off her face. She had changed so much over the years. The last time he had seen her she had been a little girl with braids in her hair and soot on her nose, but the person sitting opposite him now was by no means a child. She had all the curves and features of a woman and an intelligent gleam in her eyes that only came about through maturity. In order to not to appear as if he was gaping at her, Khaldon quickly tried to clear his mind and focus on buisness. "So what brings you to Tol Honeth?"

"I'm here to present you with several documents her Majesty feels you should look over, as well as delivering a few of my uncle's instructions to our intelligence members."

"Are you working as a secretary of your uncle then?"

"No, I'm actually part of the service."

Khaldon's eyes widened at this news. "You're a spy?!"

"That's the common name for it, yes."

"You?"

"You seem surprised."

"I am," he admitted. Spying may be the natural industry of Drasnia, but Khaldon secretly found the whole business to be a tad ridiculous. Yes, there was no denying that an intelligence network didn't have its uses but over the years it had expanded to absurd proportions. For instance, was it really necessary to assign six spies to their own Queen? Khaldon just didn't see the point in half the stuff Javelin bothered sticking his nose into. "It's just . . . well . . . I never thought of you like that. In that particular profession, that is."

"I don't see why not. My whole family and everyone I love are in that particular profession. It seems only natural. Besides, I'm very good at it. I graduated as the top in my class."

"You've graduated from the academy already? Goodness me. How long have I been in Tolnedra?"

"Long enough not to notice a spy when she sits right in front of you."

Khaldon gave her a hard look but his eyes twinkled merrily. "Maybe you are a spy. You do seem to have that soaring self-confidence and the illusion that the world revolves around your silly games that all spies need to have."

"Silly games?" Liselle repeated, her eyes also brimming in playful delight. "It's our national industry and you're insulting it? Some ambassador you are."

"I've been away from home too long perhaps, but the spy network never appealed to me. Tell me, what little name did they give you?"

"My silly little name, you mean?" Liselle bantered.

"Yes, that's the one."

"Velvet."

"Velvet. Very nice. You're one of my favourite materials."

"Are you teasing me?"

"Of course not, your Ladyship. Although what is it about spies being named after materials? First my cousin Kheldar and now you."

"Well, Kheldar is as smooth as silk," Liselle told him, an odd tone in her voice.

"I never much cared for him," Khaldon confessed, trying to think of a way to change the subject. "Who was that man you were travelling with?"

"His name is Dalva and he was assigned by my uncle to escort me safely to Tol Honeth. I told uncle that I would be fine on my own, but you know how families are. I've asked Dalva to go find someone I'm supposed to speak with and then return here. May I ask if you'll be able to offer us accommodation until our business here is complete?"

"I would be delighted," Khaldon smiled, thrilled at the idea of having this intriguing young woman in his company a little longer.

"Thank you ever so much," Liselle said, rewarding him with another one of her dimple filled smiles. "Now, if you will excuse me, I should like to get myself cleaned up. The road wasn't particularly enjoyable this time of year and I wish to make myself presentable again."

"You look much more presentable then all the ladies of court," Khaldon told her fondly.

"Thank you, although I still think I need to get clean. It's a female thing, but I did bring you those documents I was asked to deliver to you."

"Ah, more work. I thank you from the bottom of my heart," Khaldon sighed, looking over the small stack of papers that were handed to him.

"I knew you'd appreciate them. I will see you later Khaldon," Liselle said, getting her to feet.

"I look forward to it," Khaldon told her honestly, also rising. He escorted her to the door and then barked an order or two to the servants. When he was certain that his two guests were going to be properly looked after, he reluctantly returned to his desk to begin pouring though the documents that had just been sent to him, but once again, Prince Khaldon, Ambassador of the Royal Court of Drasnia, found himself distracted.

Only this time it had nothing to do with the cold.