With Alex back again, Honeee decided to take some time out from the castle. She'd been cooped up too long, her grief having kept her there but it was time to move on. There was a solemn feel about the Thistle's main taproom but not too heavy. Quiet perhaps in contemplation as she stood by the fire, staring upon the flames that danced over the logs before her. Alex was about his business as usual but the concern that marred his brow from time to time as he glanced over towards the hearth went unseen by her. Hazel's voice from the kitchen could be heard as she and the girls had to chase a chicken about the room that had gotten loose. That broke Honeee's reprieve as she blinked back, turning as she did to face where the sounds were coming from. Tonight she was attired in blues, no longer the drab near black colors she had before while in mourning.

Cormac had been enjoying himself while he stayed at the Thistle. He had started to explore, as far as he could with the winter weather. In spite of the cold, there was a hint of winter in the air. He had been out riding, to make certain his horse was exercised and had stopped to watch the sun set. As he entered, and hung up his cloak, he was surprised to see the Queen there. "Your Majesty." He bowed after speaking.

She blinked from the commotion sounds from the kitchen, which was subsiding, to the man coming in. Recognition set in as they had met briefly before. Although it was a while ago. She had to admit he presented a handsome picture there with the snow behind him as he stepped through the door. "Good evening Sir McKensie," motioning towards the bar where Alex came about and ready to serve. "Please, have something to drink or a warm meal. It is quite cold outside." Even if she was more resilient than most for her bloodline, even she felt it this night.

"It is.." He gave a slight smile as he tucked his gloves into his belt. His long hair was pulled back at the nape of the neck, but some had pulled lose to frame his face. "Alex my friend, an ale if you'd please, and Shepherd's pie if you please." He had heard the commotion in the kitchen and smiled slightly. "If it's not been knocked over by the rampaging bird. Double portions if you please." He settled onto a stool but turned to face Lahoneee. "And how do you fare, this fine eve?"

She had a glass of blackberry brandy held between her fingers that was hardly touched. "I fair better than I've been." Which she didn't hear Alex's comment to the man for her distraction. A comment that Cormac would hear for the closer proximity to the older gentleman, warrior knight. "She needs a bodyguard." Alex was always straight to the point and perhaps he had investigated this man while he was away for not just anyone would do. Honeee glanced upon Alex as he seemed to move back and forth behind where Cormac sat, distracted there then back. "How have you been?"

He listened to the tender and gave the slightest of nods before he took the mug the tender offered. "I've been well, my lady. Enjoying the sights and meeting people before I seek employment. It has been an excellent experience." He took a drink and smiled at all. "Your land is a welcoming place. I plan to remain if I can find something."

A moment later as if she had back tracked and had heard Alex after all, "I do not need a body guard." Which had Alex's brows rise although not really surprised. "By your leave, yes you do. You have set Sir Trevor and Sir Dana to guard your children."

He drank as he listened to the two, his expression stoic as always, blue eyes showing a hint of amusement. He had known women like Lahoneee before. Independent, stubborn. He turned as his meal was brought out and moved to a table where he could see them both.. "I know the lands are peaceful, but would it not be wise for their Queen to have one? If only for appearances." He wasn't certain he should be the one, given there were knights here.

Well, she could not argue with that being she had so they were not doting on her. She knew better than to argue with Sir Alex, who had been more a father to her than she'd ever know. "I will leave it to you then," hoping that it would take him a long time knowing how meticulous he was. A slight blush touched upon the curve of her cheeks as ocean blue eyes turned back to Cormac, "please excuse the intrusion upon your meal," which had been brought out by Rosa in the meantime as she lingered almost staring upon the handsome man before those uplifted brows of Alex's were turned her way and chased her back to the kitchen immediately.

He smiled and inclined his head to the Queen before he looked down at his meal. He was aware of the young lass watching him but it wasn't unusual in his experience. He found it amusing. when she was chased off. "No intrusion at all, your Majesty." He dug into the food, not saying anything as of yet. He didn't feel it was his place to offer his services.

Alex was quick to speak up, no flies on him. "If Sir Cormac has a mind to take the position," hard to read expression on the older man as he slightly indicated the knight, "he can tell you of his credentials." Nothing like putting a man on the spot but Alex had no qualms in doing so. Obviously Alex knew something. That had Honeee taken by surprise, however with a blink, brows lifting in question as focus turned upon Cormac.

He cleared his throat, wiped his mouth and looked at the Queen. "I served in Scotland , under King David. When he and his wife were killed during a plague, I left for I cared little for David's heir. I have served several lords during war but did not stay with any of them when my service came to an end. Many lack a true understanding of chivalry or even common sense. I have been a knight for over twenty years."