Book IV - Chapter 1, Postlude: You'll Write, Right?

[Grover]

After the campus ceremonies and the inaugural lecture, the town had turned out to see the Queen's caravan off as it left Albion.  The Queen had a wonderful time at the University, but her thoughts kept drifting off to the kind vendor she had met in the marketplace while in disguise.  As her carriage slowly made its way down toward the great gate, she looked out at the marketplace and spotted Zîrân at his market stall amongst the throng of onlookers.

"Halt!" the Queen cried to her driver, who immediately reigned in the horses.  The procession stopped, and the Queen exited her carriage. Her guards immediately flanked her and pushed the crowd back.  The Queen made her way to Zîrân's stall, where he stood agape. He quickly remembered his manners and cast his gaze to the ground, kneeling in front of the Queen.

"Your Majesty," he said in his accented Avalonian.  "I am honored by your presence.  How may I be of service?" he asked, still looking at the ground.

The Queen smiled and touched him on the shoulder. "Rise, Zîrân.  It is I who am honored by your presence in my kingdom... and your generosity to feed penniless and hungry strangers."

Zîrân slowly raised his gaze and his expression of bewilderment changed to one of surprise and understanding as he realized it was the Queen who had visited him the previous day.  He bowed his head again.  "I am again honored, and humbled, your Majesty."

Queen Ylspeth smiled.  "My dear sir, I would be honored if you would keep in touch with me."  She produced from her robes a small scroll that she had prepared the previous evening.  "Do write."  She handed him the scroll and smiled before returning to her carriage.  She looked back as the royal procession began moving again, catching the glimpse out of the corner of her eye as her seneschal handed Zîrân a generous bag of coin as payment for his food the previous day. 

N'ri smiled to herself, seeing the Queen happy.  It had been a rarity in recent years, and she hoped that this was the beginning of something good.