Welcome to Gaia! ::

Her father smiled warmly as he let her stand on her own, his hands resting on her shoulders.

"My dear, if you will it, then it shall be. Your love of your mother shall never be considered too much, even in the face of subtlety," he said wisely.

Sounds of trumpets resonated from the open window, drawing his gaze away and putting a troubled crease in his brow. With a pat on the head for reassurance, he bade her go and find a place near the front of the procession in the main hall. The king has arrived and they need to be there to receive him. He followed her out of the room and down the hall, but he turned at the bend, taking a short cut that would bring him to the front entryway, hopefully before the king had passed it.

Streams of people broke through the open doors, ribbons of color and swirls of fabric danced as paraders flowed into the large greeting chamber. About halfway along, a cluster of knights made their grand entrance all donning their newly shinned armor. Then the crowds parted enough to allow their king to pass unhindered. He was surrounded by advisers and his personal guard, dressed in colorful cottons from the south and strutting along with a wide grin and eager eyes. He took in the sight of the people, but to some it seemed more predatory, like a wolf looking at a flock of sheep.

When the people began to make themselves more comfortably assembled, the Duke could be seen near the king, exchanging pleasantries. It had been a few years since the young king had made the journey to this part of the country, but he was quick to point out features of the hall that he'd remembered.

He was average height for his age, with dark curling hair and forest green eyes, a trait of luck and prosperity that was passed to all the kings in ages passed. He wasn't ugly by any means, but nor was he extremely handsome as some of the sailors that often passed through.

(Not sure if its done or not. Meh, I might add some more still. XD )

As the parade progressed into the main hall, it was clear that the newly crowned King had more on his mind than mere festivities. In a grand gesture, he beckoned all of the house to come forth to him. The nobility of house Finwe made way before him, a larger number than one would suspect.

"As is customary of all citizens, be they peasant or Lord, an oath of fealty is asked to welcome the High King into the honor of office. So now, before I grow tired from my journey, let us finish with the technicalities," he young man scoffed merrily. Several of his nearest advisers chuckled at the dim humor, showing more of the wear of their travels than he showed.

First stepped forth the Count, in all his wealth, honor and, glory. He knelt at the king's feet, though he was already so tall that it seemed more like he was simply leveling his gaze. A few murmured words and he kissed the back of his Lord's hand, which seemed to satisfy.

Graff, watched the head of Finwe kneel, a tug of disdain causing him to rumble. Several of the birds nearby were disturbed from their roosts and took flight. He always disapproved of paying homage to a fleeting leader. The king had not earned the crown or the title he was given. He had not earned such unfailing loyalty. But there was nothing he could do to stop the Count from making the faulty alliance, though he knew it was only in their best interest. The dragon was not fool enough to think Finwe could stand unchallenged amidst such a strong foe. Best to keep the peace until the time liberation could be stoked in the hearts of men.

Taking on a more regal air, the young king took the Count and his daughter's sign of fealty with a nod. His eyes watched them intently as several others stepped forward, Amettria's cousins and several other nobles among them. Afterwards, he turned towards one of his advisers and spoke in hushed tones.

From there it was business as usual. The king and his men were shown to their quarters. To some, it seemed as if the tension had lifted from the air. But to Graff, who lay restless, it was merely replaced with a sense of foreboding.

Day gave way to night when the lanterns were lit and the sound of music wafted through the warm air. The banquet was exquisite, if a little over indulgent for the humble halls of Finwe.

Several troops were brought in, either to play epic ballads or to spin tales of when the dragons roamed the skies and man lived in fear of their fires. The people of Finwe new all these tales, but loved to hear them on occasions like this.

One such tale spinner was flourishing grandly in a side hall, half the size of the main chamber. It was still early, so his audience was comprised partly of the children who had not yet been chastised to retire. He was dressed in the simplest of traveling clothes, but his slick black hair and striking green eyes made him stand out most of all as a traveler. Natives of Finwe were typically fair haired and dark eyed.

"The Counts' great ancestor stood before the dragon and begged to be spared. 'And why should I not step on the ant who foolishly trod beneath my feet?' the great dragon said. For we know that dragons are wise and more clever than man. But the Count's great ancestor, he was cleverer than most. He said, 'Mighty God of the sky, caller of flame and weaver of magic, this ant begs to live because my home is close and should you disturb it, you will have ants in all your food and in your bed.' Now dragons are very particular about their beds. Not a hair out of place, or you'll have a dragons' face they say! The dragon thought about this. 'Well then I shall just burn down your home and then you'll be no more.' 'Oh fierce fiend, if you should do that, we will rebuild and multiply.' And that dragon, he did not want more pests in his food and water, so he thought. 'Then I shall use my magic to destroy all of you at once so you cannot come back.' And the Counts' ancestor, he replied hastily. 'But merciful wonder, if you do then our cousins will come here and they have poisons and stingers. They will be more of a nuisance to you.' So the dragon pondered and thought, but could not think of a way to counter the man. 'Very well, I shall not step upon you ant, nor burn your home, nor magic you away. I like my home here as it is.' And so the dragon agreed to let the man live."