“Are you ready for your first meal here,” Valafar asked as Elica lightly ran her hands over her necklace.

“Its beauty lies in its subtlety,” Krista had quipped as she had put it on her. Its two loops held snugly to her neck, though, its simplicity was still far from what she had expected of a noble lady’s jewelry.

“I'm really not sure if I'm worthy of all this,” Elica said, looking to Valafar, the diamonds bouncing lightly on her forehead.

“Of course you are,” he answered with an encouraging smile, motioning towards his outstretched hand. “You're to be my wife after all.”

“That is how it seems,” Elica replied as she took his hand, keenly aware of Krista's lingering presence. “Shall we be off then?”

“Let’s,” he replied as they began their short journey to the great hall.

The great hall had transformed, no longer was it quite and desolate, but animated with people and activity. Two large tables sat parallel, their benches slowly being filled with unknown people, already merrily drinking and chatting.

“I was unaware there would be so many people,” Elica whispered forcefully as she planted her feet, halting Valafar from continuing on.

“Nervous? Trust me, I bet barely anybody will think twice about you. Besides, there probably won’t be much conversation at the head table,” he said, pointing towards the table near the far end of the hall.

“That’s not the issue,” she groaned, nearly being knocked back by the smell of alcohol that hit her like a wave. “How am I supposed to convince all these people that I belong here?”

“That’s simple,-” he replied with a fiendish grin, “-confidence!”

With the word, he stepped out from the hall, holding Elica closely. She took his advice and kept pace with him, her eyes never wandering to the others as they made their way to their table.

The only man seated at the table stood as they arrived. “Ah, the guests of honor have arrived at last,” he said, taking on a large smile.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again Marcus,” Valafar replied. “This is Lady Elica, my betrothed. I understand the two of you have never met?”

“No, I don’t believe we have formally,” he said, his sharp eyes turning towards Elica. “Though I believe I saw you earlier when we were in the courtyard with Valafar, no?””

“Yes, that certainly seems possible. I remember seeing some men dressed in Lord Marcus’ manner,” she replied firmly.

“In my land I bear no such title, my lady,” he said with a glint in his eye as he bowed. “Marcus will do just as well.”

“My apologies Marcus, your hasty arrival must have confused Lady Elica,” Valafar said, speaking up before Elica could respond. “Marcus here is the head of the delegation from the Heltanian Empire.”

“Oh… yes, I remember now,” Elica quickly spoke. “My apologies as well, I should have been reminded by your outfit.”

“There was no harm my lady, mistakes happen frequently,” he replied graciously. “Though, if I’m not mistaken, your outfit is not of Fiornan origin either, no? Perhaps the Kiris islands if I’m not mistaken?”

“You have an impressive eye,” Valafar spoke up once more. “My late mother took great interest in the fashion of Kiris, and she had always wanted a daughter to dress in their clothing”

“I see,” Marcus said, looking back to Elica. “If I had a daughter of my own, I would like her to be as radiant as you.”

“My thanks,” she replied, returning a smile.

“Now that we’ve exchanged pleasantries, shall we take our seats,” Valafar said, directing Elica to one of the seats.

“An excellent idea,” Marcus responded, seating himself at the spot he had risen from, only two empty seats separating him from Elica.

“Good evening everyone,” Valafar announced in a loud, clear voice, bringing everybody's attention to himself. “Please enjoy our hospitality tonight as you dine,” he said enthusiastically, his words ending with a swarm of servants entering with various dishes.

The enthusiasm of his address was met in kind by the guests as he sat next to Elica, an empty seat still inhabiting the space left between him and Marcus.

“Who's still left to come,” Elica whispered, peering over towards the empty seat.

“I'm not the head of the family yet,” Valafar responded nonchalantly.

“I see,” Elica said quietly to herself as she returned to observing the servants as they slowly filled the tables with platters pilled with food.

Elica observed several other quests dressed as Marcus scattered throughout the tables, their behavior somehow even cheerier than the other drunken quests. They all seemed well absorbed in their own activities though. In that manner, Elica was able to finish eating in peace, with only the occasional words between Marcus and Valafar catching her attention.