The rest of the night, Drusilla listened quietly to the others, and the rest of the townsfolk as they told stories of the professor and offered up toasts. She found the celebration of his death somewhat homey, and it was an unusual realization.
Back in the forest, living a "simple" life with the gnomes and other creatures, she had an oddly similar experience with death. The nature bourne faith that she and her adopted kin followed celebrated as well, believing that the dead would return to the Green if they were worthy, and even if they had been "rotten" feeding the soil was a thing to be praised.
The half orc intrigued her, for at time he seemed civilized like the others, and others, he seem to be hiding an animal just under the surface. This did not frighten Drusilla, but she found the differences odd.
The bard and the other woman, who had been keen to speak with Kendra about the books, she was still feeling out. The seemed an intellectual type, and in that way reminded her of the professor.
What it came back to, as it was seeming to always, was Ileana.
Whenever her mind wasn't occupied by a word she hadn't heard before, or a topic that temporarily peaked her interest, she found herself looking at the other changeling. Again she felt as if she belonged, even in this alien environment. She felt home in the other girl's presence, as if she should have always been near.
When the night ended, these thoughts circled her head as the group walked back to Kendra's home. She was careful not to crowd Ileana too much, but found that she felt most comfortable no more than a few steps away.
With things winding down at the laughing demon the final goodnight's are said the group makes there way back to Kendra's home to rest for the night. The evening passes uneventfully as each of you eventually find your bed and turn in. The next morning those still in sleeping past the cocks crow finds the screaming play of children emanating from downstairs serves as an adequate alarm. Any lingering sleep seems to melt from your eyes as the smells of frying meats wafts past your nostrils.
In the receiving area of the house a young boys and girl of around 10 seem to be having an argument with a third much older boy acting as mediator. In the kitchen a portly middle aged man bounces a cooing baby girl on his knee with Kendra sitting on making baby talk with the happy child. While a portly middle aged woman fry's bacon in one pan while another appears to be warming to cook and a third pot seems to be bubbling with the makings of what might be porridge. As the cooking goes on Alika seems to be instructing a younger girl. As the younger child tries to stir the contents of a bowl as she continues insisting on her ability to do it herself. Alika appears very different in the light of a new day her costume gone in its place a very normal and serviceable peasant dress.
After having spent some time to clean up and make himself look somewhat presentable Kith comes downstairs to find the comfortable scene. Ah, I wasn't aware that there would be visitors. He looks around and spots Alika. You're not a witch in the morning I see?
As he pulls off the implements from his hands and returns them to his pocket, Harold looks to Ileana's impressive claws and lets out a whistle, "Oy, those are some big nails, Ms. Ileana. Must be a downright nightmare usin' da privy."
"It is very easy, if one knows how." There was amusement and something a little darker in her mismatch eyes. A low growl rumbled in the caverns of her mind.
When the evening came to a close and they left The Laughing Demon, Ileana could feel Drusilla's presence ever so near as they walked back to Kendra's family home. The Other did not seem as present now - the growl less pronounced as when she first met Drusilla and noted their eerie resemblance.
In their room, their beds alongside either wall, Ileana turned to look across to Drusilla lying in her bed and wondering if the wild girl had a bed back in the forest. Her keen eyes could see well enough in the dark and she stared at Drusilla's form under the blanket. She whispered across to her, "Do you know me, Drusilla? I have never met you before, but we are Changelings and from the looks of it -- perhaps related? I know my father has had no other, living children. So, did my mother have another? I never knew her growing up. I heard a soft voice beckoning me for a time -- as if in a dream. But after awhile it stopped or I stopped it ..." Ileana let her voice trail off for she dared not say more and disclose the presence of The Other, for she had never told a soul -- although she wondered if the Late Professor Lorrimor knew of its presence.
**********************************************************************
When Ileana woke, she stretched, her mind quiet as it always was first thing upon waking. She revelled in the quietness and dared not stir right away. After a minute had passed, the young oracle rose from the bed and moved to the dresser with the basin and pitcher. She picked up the dress Kendra had loaned her the night before and shook out any creases and folded it neatly and placed it on the chair. Undertaking her morning ablution, she dressed in her usual garb, brushed her hair and smelled the frying meat from down below.
"Come on, Dru!" she ordered the other Changeling in steady voice for rarely did Ileana raise her voice.
Making her way down the stairs, she peered into the receiving chamber and noted the children. Ileana watched, fascinated for some time. Had she ever made such a commotion in her father's home her grandmother would have beaten her mercilessly. To be allowed such freedoms as a child -- Ileana envied the three youngsters their play and argument.
Moving on to the kitchen, Ileana pushed open the door and found Alika and another girl by the stove and a baby amid the man and Kendra, Ileana was silent and she heard the start of The Other until, by the force of her will, she silenced its presence.
"Good morning, everyone" she bade the occupants with a smile. Upon Kith's question as to Alika's "witchiness" ... Ileana added softly, "I liked your witch's hat."
Harold groans with the crowing of the rooster as the big man rubs at his eyes and stretches his way out of sleep. That was one thing he preferred about the city over the country, no damnable poultry setting your schedule at ungodly hours. He runs a hand over his jaw and feels already bristling stubble before fishing into his bags for his shaving kit. Ten minutes later with a freshly shaved face and clean suit donned, Harold feels presentable.
Harold opens the guest room door to the scent of sizzling bacon. Immediately, a rumble like a herd of cattle stampeding echos out of the big man's gut as he makes a beeline for the kitchen. Nonplussed about a bit of a brewing scuffle between the arguing children, they are no hindrance to Harold's path as he scoops up both the younger boy and girl under each arm and carries them toward the succulent aroma of cooking meat. He grumbles at the pair, "Why are yew two fightin' dis early when there is bacon ter be eaten?"
At the sight of the domestic bliss going on in the kitchen, Harold holds aloft the children, "I've got a pair ov jackdaws ter trade fer a plate ov what delicious smellin' bacon, ma'am."
"Do you know me, Drusilla? I have never met you before, but we are Changelings and from the looks of it -- perhaps related? I know my father has had no other, living children. So, did my mother have another? I never knew her growing up. I heard a soft voice beckoning me for a time -- as if in a dream. But after awhile it stopped or I stopped it ..." Ileana let her voice trail off for she dared not say more and disclose the presence of The Other, for she had never told a soul -- although she wondered if the Late Professor Lorrimor knew of its presence.
Laying still in the bed, trying to mimic the posture of Ileana, the girl listened to the question and stared at the ceiling. It was an odd sensation, having such find blankets and sleeping in an actual bed. It was comfortable, there was no denying it, but alien. She had for so long slept in a shallow pit in the ground or a crowded burrow with here gnomish brothers.
Finally, she faced the other girl, wide eyed and unblinking. Her voice was hushed, much like the question at first, but she found her voice strained and then spoke normally.
"I...I'm not sure. But I believe...yes...I think we are. When I was found, so my brothers say, my mother carried away another with her." She quieted a bit then, and felt a warmth in her cheeks and felt very small.
"I feel as though I should be by your side. Should have always been."
Her face felt wet then, and she spoke no more till the morning.
*************************
The next morning she woke, and although she had curled herself into a ball and gathered the blankets around her like a nest...perhaps uncomfortable for some, she felt as though she has slept for days. She felt unburdened. Those few words that she had told Ileana seemed to have been waiting on her lips for years, and she felt almost proud...definitely she felt more focused. When the other girl called for her to rise, she sprung up, and though she wasn't actually grinning, she felt what she had read in her book...the one that the Professor had left to her, must be happiness. It seemed odd given the somber mood that had surrounded the day and night previous, but things seemed to be aligning. "The rain always finds its way back to the ground" Poque would say. She wondered how her brothers were back in the forest and what they would say about Ileana.
Making her way down to the main room, she nodded to the others by way of a greeting.
"What are we to do today?" she said, in very matter of fact way...if such could be said with a question.
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Ahh well you are welcome to the food when it is done as to those two well I may be tempted to let you keep them. It amazes me how two siblings born together could fight so. I sometimes wonder if they came early because she points first to the girl in Harold's arm and then the boy putting name to face making a awkward kind of introductions Piousa pushed Henric out of the womb.
The portly fellow with a round jovial face makes an exaggerated expression as if stricken by her words. Now mama why would you inflict such a thing on someone we just met. transferring the baby to his left arm the man extends a hand as if to shake Harold's Hand seems to realize they are filled with children and instead tweaks the two children's nose in turn. No more fighting you two. We are guests. a chorus of yes papa comes from the girl and boy.
Zokar goes around the room and completes introductions of his family pointing out each in turn. I am Zokar Elkarid my wife Mirelinda is the lovely woman preparing breakfast. I believe you all have met my eldest daughter Alika last night and I imagine you walked past my eldest boy Pevrin on your way into the kitchen. Then the twins Piousa pushed Henric and this little bundle of joy in my arms is Mia. Hmm I think I am forgetting someone. as if on cue the girl mixing the content of the bowl pipes up. Me Papa your forgot me.
Zokar scratches his head with a overblown expression of puzzlement on his face as he answers his daughter. Are you sure I forgot you. The child looks at her father in that exasperated way only a child knows how to convey. Ahh ha. Zokar seems to deflate for a moment I am getting old so some things do slip from memory from time to time might you be kind enough to introduce yourself to everyone then. The little girl squares her shoulders puffs out her chest as Alika takes the bowl from her hands finishing things up before passing it to her mother the small girl having lost interest in the task in light of her fathers mild teasing. I am Iolana Elkarid and I am 7 years old.
A shaft of sunlight pieces Sera's face as she shifts slightly in her bed, before finally opening her eyes to the morning sun. Rising to meet the new day, Sera quickly stands and makes a gesture, forming a small raincloud over her head which she stands under. Carefully washing her hair, Sera dresses and slips out the door, making a mental note to learn a heating spell sometime.
Pauses on the top of the stairs, Sera observes the gathering for a moment, happy to just watch and bask in unrestricted happiness before heading downstairs, the smell of bacon simply too good to resist.
Kith looks around and memorizes the names of all of the Elkaird clan before striding over to shake Zokar's hand. Pleased to meet you all, and thank you for the kind welcome last night AND for breakfast this morning!
He makes the rounds, tapping the twins on their noses and smiling, clapping Pevrin on the back and making a slight courtly bow towards Mirelinda and Alika
Finally he walks over and kneels to look Iolana in the eye. 7 years old! My word you are a big girl
Zokar takes the bard in as he shakes Kith's hand. He offers a firm handshake without making it a test of strength or dominance like some might. Simply being neighborly and offering proper condolences to Miss Lorrimor. It is a travesty that those men insulted the professor good name with there claims. It is utter hogwash. Petros was a friend and always looked after the town. It is obvious that Zokar is working up a good head of steam and would continue but his wife clears her throat as she begins to spoon out helpings of the breakfast on to plates and passing them. Now papa it does no good to get so worked up during a meal it is bad for the digestion. The man nods his head as he allows the anger to leave. He musses with mia's hair and plants a kiss on her head before answering his wife's admonishment. Your right mama, It is good to not overlook the joys in those small things. You live a much richer life for it. I am sure Petros would agree. Zokar says sagely.
So many children, is all Ileana could think of as the father, Zokar, made introduction.
Ileana placed a warm smile on her face. "It is very good of you and your family, Master Zokar, to deliver your condolences to the good Kendra."
She listened and watched the man and woman and how they interacted. Ileana had never witnessed such dialogue or affection in her father's household - especially not between her father and her late step-mother.
Turning to Drusilla, she gestured to the forest girl and declared in simple tone, "Drusilla and I are twins, just like Piousa and Henric." Since it came up last night, as they both lay in their respective beds, it would not do any harm to speak of it and lay the matter to rest. Ileana was certain the others have already noted their similar look.
Finally he walks over and kneels to look Iolana in the eye. 7 years old! My word you are a big girl
Iolona eyes kith suspiciously and ducks behind her father's leg suddenly shy with the stranger so close. Zokar switches Mia to his other arm to free a hand to give the suddenly skittish child head a comforting pat at the same time he answers Ileana. Think nothing of it. It is a small thing.
Yes thank you Mirelinda, Zokar it was good of you. the conversation moves on at Ileana's mention of shared heritage between herself and Drusilla. The similarities between the two of you where uncanny but I did not wish to presume or bring up bad memories.
Harold chuckles as he sets the wiggling twins back to the ground and gives them each a pat on the head, "I release yew bof ter fly back ter da wilds, little jackdaws, but mind yaaahr m'aw an' stuff yaaahr mowfs wiv good food an' less bickering." The big man extends a hand to shake Zokar's hand in a belated handshake now that his two acquisitions are no longer taking up his mitts, "Pleasure ter meet you, Mr. Elkarid. Harold Grimsley, at ye service. A fine family yew got yaaahrself." Harold looks over into the kitchen, drawn once again to the delicious smells, "Owt I can 'elp yew ladyfolks wiv over there?" Like taking a few pieces of that bacon while they're nice and hot.
Kith smiles as he comes back up to a standing position. I think we will be incredibly well prepared for the tasks of the day by what's cooking. It smells wonderful!
Drusilla did her best to make an awkward and forced smile at the children. She was not used to such...not thinking ones in any case. The only young creatures she knew were wild pigs and deer, and the occasional wolf cub.
When Ileana mentioned that they were twins, she felt warm again. She had feared, and it seemed now with little reason, that she had been horribly wrong. The fact that the other girl had called upon their apparent relation so casually made her proud. A sister!
Looking at Zokar,
"May your kin be strong, and grow ever larger as a tree that reaches for the sky."
She squinted and frown a little at hearing her words out loud. She had wanted to sound friendly like her sister, but the words felt odd.
The twins bolt for the table as soon as they are put down plopping themselves on chairs without any more fuss. With the question of help Mirelinda waves off any assistance. No I am fine The plates are being passed out and I am nearly done with the scrambled eggs. She eyes Harold's eagerness and notices his attention gravitating towards the bacon and laugh's. I am sure we can find an extra slice or 2 for a growing man like yourself Harold.
Zokar takes the large half-orc's hand in his and gives the meaty fist a few pumps as he accepts the compliment from the man before turning and acknowledging Drusilla though he fumbles a bit uncertain how to address the formidable young woman. Thank you Mr Grimsley and you Miss ahh Drusilla.
Mirelinda shakes her head with a smile on her face at the young bards compliment. Papa we need to cook for these fine ladies and gentleman again soon they are so polite. There attitudes might even rub off on the youngins.
Alika seems unusually quiet as she lays out plates for the meal much more reserved from her boisterous self from the other night. When laying down a plate in front of Ileana she quietly comments on her previous mention of her hat as she smiles shyly at Ileana. It does complete the outfit. It makes me feel more like the part I play.
At Alika's response to her hat comment, Ileana smiled up at the young woman as the plate was laid before her. "Thank you for setting the table."
Looking over at Drusilla who seemed unaccustomed to the goings on in a kitchen, Ileana gestured to her "sister" and patted the place next to her. "Come, sit by me, Drusilla." The Other was unexpectedly silent and Ileana privately wondered upon it.
Turning her gaze to Kendra, she simply enquired of the lady of the house, "What will we be doing this morning, Kendra? Have you something in mind for us?"
Alika merely nods her acknowledgement as she completes the task and finds a seat. With her name called Kendra turns to look at Ileana as she finishes the conversation she was having with one of the twins about nothing in particular. I was hoping to stock my larder maybe even look at hiring someone to help with the cooking and cleaning while you stay.
Kendra directs her next statement to the general group. It will be an opportunity to meet some more of the folk that live in town for any one that decides to come along. before turning back to Ileana. It would give you a chance to talk to people that might know something of the young girl you seen last night. Its up to you though I know Kith and Sera mentioned an interest in my father's library and they are welcome to pursue his tomes if the shopping trip doesn't interest them.
Kendra shares her attention between Harold and Ileana for a moment as she determines the half orks continued willingness to accompany her on the trip. I hope you are still ok with coming along Harold?
We should also pay our respects to the other councillors in town. The more friendly faces we can rely on the better.
Ileana listened to Kendra and then Kith as he added his own interest.
"Perhaps Kith is right and we should meet with the Councillors first. I can always make quiet inquiry regarding the girl at a later time..."
My survival instructor always told us to NOT split up. Kith laughs But I think he was talking about dungeon delving or such when he said that. Harold and Kendra could go on their chores while I introduce ourselves to Councilman Gharen Muricar as Kendra mentioned he should be approached by a gent rather than a lady.
Then there are Councilwoman Mirta Straelock and Councilwoman Shanda Faravan... maybe Ileana you and Sera and Drusila can talk to those two?
Kith suggests a plan of action for at least the early part of the day.
Harold chews on a slice of bacon as he nods to Kendra. He finished chewing before speaking, "It'd be me pleasure ter 'elp yew wiv da groceries, Ms. Kendra. Heck, I'll carry da whole butcher shop back 'ere if i' means I get ter eat mawer ov yaaahr cooking." The big man grins before taking a sip of his drink to wash down the meal. He looks to Kith and the others, "Also I'll be less likely ter accidentally rip some book pages apart awer inadvertently scare da good council-folk spendin' da mornin' wiv you. These hands an' ravishin' good looks weren't mean' fer delicate work."
Kendra accept the Big half orcs words with a smile. I don't believe carrying the whole butcher shop will be necessary Harold but thank you for the support just the same. before turning to the rest of the group and details the addresses of the councilman as well as the locations they would most likely be found. Before turning her attention specifically to kith. Are you sure you will be fine by yourself Kith? Not that I think the streets are rife with danger or anything I worry that some of the men that had issues with my father's burial might give you grief if they see you alone on the street.
Sera's face brightens at the prospect of meeting members of the Council. As a rule, Sera always enjoyed wordplay, having a strong grip on the subtleties of a conversation, and how to phrase things perfectly. "I'd love to talk to the council, to introduce myself and perhaps learn about anything further I could do to help out. I'm fairly certain that we could make a positive impression on Councilwoman Mirta Straelock and Councilwoman Shanda Faravan if we managed to gain an audience".
Ileana's mismatch eyes turned to look upon Sera before fixing themselves back on Kendra, asking her,
"Once your errands are concluded, perhaps you can accompany us and make the introductions to these Councilwomen? You are known to them and your presence would ease the initial awkwardness."
Kith scratches his head. He hadn't considered the hostile villagers from the funeral making a re-appearance. I'll come with you and Harold on your chores and then afterwards Harold and I can go to the Councilman Gharen Muricar together. Does that sound alright Harold?
Kendra explains the Mirta Straelock habits. Mirta Straelock is often found around the town square as she likes to be accessible to the locals and makes a habit of checking in on each local proprietors most everyday. Zokar pipes in after her If your trying to corner council members to talk. Gharen Muricar can be found eating lunch at my tavern most days. If you want I will introduce you if he stops in today.
Sera takes little notice of the changeling's mismatched eyes, she's seen more awkward things in her time and remains firmly focused on the task at hand. "Its settled then, we can go our separate ways, chat with these two council members, and return back here to see how things went. Does this suit everyone?"
Sounds fine to me Sera. I'll be with Harold and Kendra.
Harold nods in agreement as he finishes breakfast and then cleans his plate, "Sounds like a well enuff way ter spend da morning."
Zokar nods his head Well just find me at the Laughing Demon some time around lunch and I will point the councilman out for you.
The breakfast breaks up soon after with Kendra shooing Mirelinda from the kitchen when Mirelinda seems ready to get ready to clean up after the meal. It was wonderful of you to stop and bring a lovely breakfast for everyone I know you have responsibilities you put off for this and I don't wish to keep you to long from them I will take care of the cleaning. Mirelinda relents and the family says there goodbyes
soon after.
As soon as she finished breaking her fast, Ileana picked up her empty plate and cup and placed them to be washed with a quiet, "Thank you for the lovely meal." She then bid Drusilla to follow her upstairs and together they swiftly prepared themselves to meet with the councilwomen.
She then bid Drusilla to follow her back downstairs where the others were congregated, ready to leave.
To Sera, she asked plainly, "Who do we see first? Councilwoman Straelock or Councilwoman Faravan?" In the back of her mind, the Other abruptly reared up and growled. Ileana did not outwardly show it - her face remained passive and neutral.
"I'd rather we start with Straelock", Sera remarks, "If only because it might do us some sort of good to show the public that we can talk to high ranking members of the town in a respectful manner...there is a slight possibility we might feel more welcome".
Sera promptly checks her clothes, face and hair for any grime or dirt, which she proceeds to immediately clean before getting ready to head off.
Your group decides your separate missions and head out. Kith and Harold head out with Kendra as she makes the rounds of the local shops making purchases to fill the larder for at least the next week. She also makes inquires into a helper for the house. The trip takes about 2 hours all told and while there was a few faces that you remember from the mob who gave you hard looks in passing the presence of Harold and Kith seem to have kept them in line enough to keep them only to those hate filled stares.
Upon Sera's remarks, Ileana glanced across at the young woman and replied, "As you wish. Let us seek out Councilwoman Straelock."
Drusilla followed Ileana quietly. She wanted to be helpful, and for now, it seem right to just listen. She noted her sister hiding the daggers on her person, and reached for her sword and belt.
She removed the dress as carefully as she could and donned her armor, all the while watching the other girl. She eyed her shield and wondered if she should take it as well.
"Do you expect a fight?" she puzzled, cocking her head. The words of the others had made it seem there was only more talking to be done, but she was not sure. The attitude of the townsfolk a while ago did not seem welcome. Though the bar had been...it was all quite odd.
After seeing Kendra safely home Kith is ready to go with Harold to the tavern. Kneading his muscles, sore from carrying the one package he had, he speaks in a low voice to Harold.
Last night and this morning made my forget that there's a lot of bad sentiment here. I hope it's not getting Kendra too depressed. She has enough to go through without the prejudice of the townsfolk to deal with
"No expectation. Just caution. Do not take anything obvious as large weapon or shield for it would give the impression that we expect confrontation and will fight. Some smaller/concealed weapon is advisable, Drusilla."
******************************
Once they drew nearer to the town square, Ileana scanned her mismatched eyes to locate the whereabouts of Mirta Straelock.
"Good morning, Councilwoman Straelock. My name is Ileana Cercel and I am guest of Miss Kendra Lorrimor. I wanted to introduce myself as do my companions, here. May we take a minute of your time, please?" Ileana placed a polite smile upon her face, as she was taught by her grandmother when attempting to gain favour.
Drusilla understood her sisters words, but felt ill at ease without her sword. It had been odd enough at the bar without it, especially with the odd Half orc, but she was resigned to do right by Ileana.
Before they left, Drusilla walked into the kitchen and borrowed one of the larger steak knives and tucked it unto her belt. It was no sword, but it would have to do for now. She would have to find a dagger later.
**************************
Drusilla stood at the ready by her sister's side, arms hanging low, but her thumb fidgeting. She had never had to hide a weapon before and it was a bit uncomfortable. She realized this might draw undue attention to herself, so she crossed her arms, stuffing her hand in her armpit to hold it still.
She attempted an awkward smile at the councilwoman as well, trying to mimic Ileana. It felt odd, but she did her best to look friendly.
Councilwoman Straelock is surprised to hear her name spoken by a unfamiliar voice. When she turns to acknowledge it she seems to hesitate for several moments with her answer as three formidable looking woman all stand nearby there attention focused on her. Leaving her answer subdued as a result. Um Yes.
Harold grunts at Kith's assessment as they take a stroll to the tavern. The half-orc rolls his massive shoulders as he replies, "Ms. Kendra is strong enuff ter bear up ter it. She's da Professor's daughter after all an' what old geezer 'ad balls ov 'ardened steel. All da same, if any one ov deese backwater yokels give 'er grief, whether while we're 'ere awer months from now, they're gon'a soon find me boot lodged deep in their arse. And then I'll get creative. Nuff said, yeah?" Harold grins at Kith before tipping his bowler hat to a passing villager.
Well let's try and makes things easier for her by getting Councilman Gharen Muricar to be friendly Kith smiles at Harold and with a deep breath enters the tavern. Finding Zokar Kith will ask to be introduced.
"Hi, pleased to meet you, my name is Sera", the inquisitor quickly follows up. "These are my friends, - I'll leave them to introduce themselves, and I just wanted to say how much of a honor it is to meet a councilwomen of this town.
Drusilla's nose crinkled at the inquisitor's words. There was something about here that was off-putting, an ugliness that was hidden beneath the surface. She wondered for a moment what the woman was talking at all, as she imagined maggots spilling out of her mouth.
She looked to Ileana, wondering if she saw the same thing. All these new and odd people...
She fidgeted a bit more, with the knife under her arm, and looked at the councilwoman. She decided to try to day something.
"I am Drusilla, and This Is My Sister Ileana. We are new to town, and are here to mourn the Professor's passing."
The words felt odd, but she did her best to mimic the manner in which her sibling had spoken.
"We mean you no harm, Councilwoman Straelock. We have simply come to pay our respects and make our introduction to all the Councillors" Ileana inclined her head in respect.