storylines.
So under construction.
the queen: The menace.
the golden chain: The bribe.
the maiden: Uh.
the swans: Rick has never been much for fatherly or brotherly impulses, but by some stroke of luck, these few have managed to bring them out in him--probably by being so damn foolish he can't help but keep an eye out for them. He looks after the Swans in the best way he knows how: with general mocking and belittling, and occasionally a cuff to the side of their face. Oh, and making sure they don't get themselves killed, either. (1, 2)