Marquess Augusti Correa III stood when the Nofalos arrived, putting a hand to his heart in a deep bow. He was dressed in his blouse and tabard, depicting the blanched phoenix covered in golden flames, his house seal. A long cape draped over his shoulders in the same colors; this one adorned with a golden sun that was the crest of The Order of Radiant Light. The star-shaped gem holding the cape together, melded into a bend of metals depicting a sword, a shield, and a spear, revealed his rank of Knight Commander. He was old, and it showed in his snowy hair and his sun-baked wrinkles, but not a bit in his eyes, full of life and hope and fight.
"Acting Duchess Deidra Nofalo and Lady Loralyn Nofalo! The pleasure is mine, even in such grim times. Your presence eases this man's heart," he replied in a voice so deep and full that it shook their bones. He gave them a kind smile, the ones grandfathers often showed their grandchildren. It made the sides of his eyes wrinkle so much more, crevasses lined with scars that told more stories than he remembered. He stole a glance at Gundulf. Ah, so they meet again, said his eyes. It had been thirty years since their last meeting, and the Marquess did not forget. He regarded the living artifact with the same steely respect.
"And mine. I am happy to see you both again without the Elders stealing your voice," declared Lady Mariona, who stood up behind her grandfather. She was a slender woman, but not at all fragile or small. She carried a commanding air about her, betraying the youthfulness of her face. Her voice was silk but revealed by the brashness of her words. A tiny, mischievous smile played on her lips. Was it in jest? "Such capable women keep this country shining brightly."
As she walked around the table, a dress that matched the Marquess' tabard in color and cloth tickled the ground, with golden, laced strings at the back patterned to represent the wings of the phoenix. A white band tied her thick curls into a braid, tightly woven into two buns at the end of her hairline. She also had a gem, this one purple and hanging from the band, deligating her as the next Marchioness of House Correa, her current title now Viscountess. She, too, held her hand to her heart and bowed. "Welcome."
The third of them was Karlos Correa, who was stood next to Augusti and opened his mouth directly after his grandfather finished, but was interrupted by his swift, silver-tongued sister. Masking a mild annoyance, the young man mimicked their bow, hand to his chest and over his tunic, which of course, was exactly like his grandfather's. There was a time where both men could have been twins; early paintings of the Marquess showed a man with flowing golden hair and a princely smile, not a spot of hair on his chin. Those days were long gone and reserved for Karlos now, a strapping warrior that shined like the light he worshipped so devotedly. "So long have I waited. Pleasure is but a meager word for how I feel," spoke the holy knight so eagerly, but with a measure of restraint. He looked to Deidra for permission to walk forward and take Loralyn's hand. One glance at Gundulf and the guests that were right behind the Nofalos, and he lost his nerve for the moment, though he beamed over at the heavenly seraphim that would soon be his wife. If someone were looking, they would see the slightest twitch of Mariona's lips. Trying not to smile? Or perhaps in annoyance. It was not apparent.
"Lady Roxanne Fletcher, I am elated to see that you have arrived. Your strength will be needed in future battles," said the Knight Commander. There was something in his voice there, whispering something unsaid- that he acknowledged this strength even if the Emperor did not.
Mariona came forth to greet Roxanne with the same bow. "I am happy to see the forest's chill did not draw from you the same as it did me on the way back." She could tell that the warrior had taken the shorter route instead of a wide berth around the forest. Here she was, early as the rest. "Your bravery speaks volumes of your character. You give me hope."
Karlos did little more than nod deeply in her direction. A small, pink blush lined his cheeks.
Then came the both rumored and decorated warrior of House Gavilan. Many stories had reached the old knight's ears of the woman, none of which he doubted as he watched her stride through the door... and with a gift!
"Herzogin Hildegard Gavilan of Maldek! You honor us with your words and your gifts," boomed the Marquess. "I am relieved to see with my own eyes that the fierce Pirateslayer of the Great Seas has graced our home with her presence."
Mariona came forth, greeting her the same. "I have heard every story, every rumor, every bard's tale. Your name alone inspires strength and vigor, and your presence bleeds it. Taciturn and prudent and in war daring should a warrior's children be."
And, silently again, Karlos greeted her quietly and nodded in agreement.
Last, and in the eyes of some, least, was the bizarre, otherworldly Av'rae, seen only by some peasants and fewer nobles. She drew the eyes of them all, especially Mariona. The servant's comment drew her eyes to him, lacing poison through his blood with a blade propelled with her glare. He fell silent, knowing he spoke too loudly. After all, the whispers about the Viscountess, with her dark olive skin and thick, dark hair, could be true. If they were, of course, she would not think so lowly foreign, freakish peasants.
Gulping, the servant retreated, allowing Augusti and Mariona to step up in greeting, Karlos right behind.
"Hail, Dame Shyv'Ahna Tes'Laya! Traveler of these lands and those beyond. None have an eye for it quite as keen as yours. It is with great relief and honor to see that you have accepted my hasty request."
"Truly, you have blessed us," added Mariona, smiling.
A moment passed, and Augusti looked around, a small frown on his face.
"It seems as though the Deepwinters could not arrive this day. Let us pray their trip is not cut short due to the spreading plague. Now, let us sit." Augusti gestured to the chairs and settled into one at the narrow side of the table, Mariona to his right, Karlos to his left. Suddenly, a weight fell across the room, and though it was morning, the room seemed to dim. The Knight Commander's forehead wrinkled twice over and hooded his eyes.
"You are all aware that the Book of Night has been opened and corrupted our lands. Magic has been released, no longer confined to the control of our Great Emperor and her Royal Houses. It has been decreed that every house elects a champion to seek out the pages and bind them once more to the Book of Night."
A great sigh filled the old man's lungs, shuddering just a bit from his age.
"I would go, myself, but my title confines me to the corners of our cities and townships to defend our people. That weight falls upon your shoulders. I will offer council, however, once you journey outside of our civilizations, I can lend you no further aid. You will have to rely on your own strength, your wits, and Dame Tes'Laya's guidance. May the Golden Sun light your path, and the Ashen Phoenix gives you the strength to vanquish your enemies."
He gestured to the ceiling, at the paintings of the warrior with a brilliant sword crawling into a casket.
"I see that many of the Noble Artifacts have been brought, brilliant as they are. We, too, have an artifact, as many of you know. The Red Coffin. Inside, it is thought to be the twin sword to Herzogin Hildegard's Anaklusmos, clutched in the arms of the Old Hero that fought against the Mad Matron of our early House Correa. Unfortunately, we have had no luck attempting to open it-" A tiny smile appeared on his face. It had to of been where Marion got it from, that little secretive grin, that shine in his eye. "Until now. Lady Loralyn Nofalo, I hear that you might have gleaned something from an old scripture that might help us."