The big day finally arrived in the estate of Hornvale. The entire Perryn family had gathered at the entrance of the castle, by the gates, to welcome the various guests that had been invited for the occasion.

First came Lord Kevan Royce and his suite, amongst who was his eldest son, Jorvan. Lord Royce had a vile reputation in the Riverlands and beyond, known among other things for his habit of torturing people in and out of war. He was a friend of House Bolton.

Then House Lychester arrived. Lord Bryce Lychester was accompanied by his two sons, Bradyn and Daris. The house had been constantly pursuing the Perryn family’s wealth and properties for years, to the point that Lord Perryn had to send a spy to make sure they were not plotting anything beyond just sending inquiries.

The two guest houses were not that big, but the Hornvale castle was quickly swarming with people all over the place. Never had Lord Perryn seen his estate so lively in his lifetime.

It was already late when the last guest arrived and finished unpacking; so Lord and Lady Perryn invited Lord Royce and Lychester to go directly at the banquet prepared for them.

--

The main hall of the castle was transformed for the occasion, with numerous tables and benches; the walls had been decorated with flower ornaments, and the whole room was littered with candles and candelabras. The different heads of the Houses Royce and Lychester were to be seated at the main table with Lord Perryn and his wife; while the children would be at separate ones.

The feast started and quickly became the stage for heavily and obnoxious drunkards as different beverages, from wine to beer, were served at will.

The tension became quite palpable between Lord Perryn and the two other lords as the hours passed. The two arrogant men grew more persistent in their attempts to win Lord Perryn’s favor in the prospect of a marriage between one of the sons and his daughter, Alysanne.

Lord Perryn was not very inclined to agree to the plea and the two drunk men cursed under their breath. And Daren, who was constantly standing and walking near his lord, had a bad feeling about the rest of their visit.

Said Alysanne had been seated with her sister Freiyana at one table, but also, unfortunately for her, at the same table as the afore-mentioned sons.

The spoiled brats had apparently been given the mission to “seduce” the young lady at all costs, and were constantly engaging conversations with her and invited her to dance; which the polite girl could not really refuse.

Their fake admiration was so grotesque that Freiyana could not help but laugh in mockery.

The red-haired girl, dressed in her dark green gown, had been glued to her mug of ale all evening, very glad that those idiots did not pay her any attention.

Well, it was not exactly true… They had paid her attention, but only to insult her “ugly face”, to which she just shrugged, flipping them off, and drank a bit more.

Daren trotted amidst the tables when he heard the insults, and went to stand beside her, sending menacing glares at the vulgar men.

“Are you enjoying the evening, my lady?” he inquired, sitting next to her.

“Peachy! This ale makes the perfect companion! *hic*” Freiyana replied, raising her jug of alcohol. “Want some?”

She extended her mug to the swordsman.

“I mustn't my lady…” Daren quickly refused, glancing at Lord Perryn’s table.

“I won’t tell my father…” The girl said, putting one finger over her lips. “Or is this little ale too much for you, sir Stringer?” She continued playfully.

Daren chuckled. “How can I refuse such a challenge?” he sighed.

He took the mug and swallowed a few gulps of ale. He ended up finishing the glass in one go.

“Woah… Rough evening, is it?”

“You can say that yes, ha ha!” Daren replied. “Thank you, my lady, that was most refreshing!”

The young man stood up and went back to stand next to the table of his master, who had watched the whole scene intently.

Lord Perryn had furrowed his eyebrows into almost a single line, still puzzled about Daren’s attitude. His eyes travelled from Freiyana, who had started drinking her tenth drink, to the poor Alysanne.

The young maiden was still smiling and talking to her persistent suitors as earnestly as she could, but her gaze kept shooting at Daren, like always. She was visibly hurt by the way the young man acted (or rather did not act) with her.

“What am going to do about that boy…” Lord Perryn mumbled, massaging his temple.

“I think it would be best to do nothing, dear husband…” Lady Perryn suddenly said in his ear.

Lord Davios stared at his wife, who had a sympathetic smile on her face; then back at their daughter.

“I know you had planned for those two to marry for a long time, Davios,” Lady Perryn continued, “But maybe… you should consider another match?”

“What are you sugg-” Lord Perryn was about to counter her when he was called by lord Royce.

Elayna just patted his hand and went to converse with the other ladies at her table.

The first banquet of the visit ended uneventfully. And lord Perryn had made plans to go hunting with his male guests the next day.