Two maidens were walking through the hallways of the royal palace. The older one was talking, while the younger one looked confused.
"So, what you're saying is that the guard thinks the bard hates him."
"No! Are you even listening? I said, the bard made fun of the guard in a song in order to get on the good side of the alchemist, who the guard hates. He's friends with the bard."
The younger one wrinkled their forehead."This seems complicated."
They stopped at a door, and sat down on one of the benches lining the walls
"So what do you think of the substitute king?"
"Not as good as Zyardran," she sighs, "he almost seems as clueless as a child being taught the butterfly effect. I heard the co-wizard had to teach him about the Baric festival."
"That must be humiliating, but I get your point. At least Zyardran knew what she was doing."
"How about the crusader Zyardran brought with her?"
"He'd almost look like a shiny armored paper boy if it weren't for what I've seen he can do with his sword" they both laughed, but seemingly seemed flustered for a moment.
"Even so, you think he has a chance against a dragon?"
"He's not alone, he's got others to back him up." She looked at the massive door again, as if waiting for someone to intrude on the conversation. "What was that wizard's name, the one Zyardran offered to take on the trip?"
"He's not alone, he's got others to back him up."
"Like that Enchanter..."
"I heard he holds the record for the most weapons enchanted in a day"
"I heard that he once enchanted a sword when he was 10, and it's still strong today"
"Wow, incredible" they both say at once. In awe, rather than aspiration. A man, a scribe, THE scribe, was sitting across the hall from the two young ladies.
"Watcha writing there, scribe?
"Oh this?!" he hides the paper he was holding,"...Nothing." The ladies just giggled, and without another word, stood up and went off.
