Chapter 8: The Feast

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Eilea:

We arrived fashionably late, descending the carriage, Terrowin linked his arm in mine leading us into the packed hall. If there was one thing that I hated more than festive gatherings, it was formal crowds. Give me a chaotic battlefield any day, I would rather fight ten wars than face a room of nobles.

Gulping, I felt Terrowin squeeze my arm reassuringly, "It'll be fine" he whispered.

Leif appeared to my right, "Do you see him?" He murmured. "Not yet," I replied. Aeon, where are you?

Leading us to the head table, I took my place to my father's left, with Terrowin to his right. He hugged me tightly. "You look beautiful" he spoke near my ear.

"Thank you, papa." I replied warmly.

Sitting, to my left was Rulf's wife, Blitha. "Lady Blitha, Lord Rulf, thank you again for arranging all this. My people appreciate your hospitality greatly." I said inclining my head in respect.

"It's our pleasure." She responded smiling, leaning closer to me "Besides as the resident matchmaker it's my duty as I heard you are looking for a suitor my dear!" She added lowering her voice, winking at me. Now it was my turn to gawk in surprise, my wide eyes met Rulf, who simply chuckled and turned away to talk to the fellow to his other side.

She continued excitedly, "All the noble lords and their sons located in the central and outer bands of our region were invited here tonight, as well as a select few from the surrounding country."

The nobles and their sons introduced themselves to my father one family at a time after being called upon and introduced by Rulf, as the ruling family of the western region. All the while Blitha whispered to me their first names and whether she deemed them eligible bachelors.

First up was Lord Aldous and his son, Reeve Aldous. Their house was from the northernmost part of the region. They were tall, slender, and their features reminded me of that of very angular fish. They seemed very interested in the financial expenditure my family would require for our services, flushing with embarrassment, Rulf told them he would set up a separate meeting to discuss such delicate matters.

Next was House Viderman which inhabited the central regions. Having no son of fighting age, Lord Drest Viderman came alone to greet the hall. He was a large, burly man who I'm sure could give Gussalt a run for his money when it came to sheer volume of ale he could consume. He wreaked of mead even from a distance as he approached, bowed then made his way back to his table and kin.

The following ruling family was a little more interesting. Sword makers from the south, the father from House Gernier chatted with my father and brother for a bit before I noticed the son eyeing my direction. His name was Solomon Gernier. He stood tall with tan skin, ash blonde hair, and hazel eyes. His eyes never left my direction throughout the entire dialogue. Purposefully ignoring his gaze, my eyes scanned the room again looking for Aeon. With no success.

My father stood, shaking the hand of Lord Tobyn Gernier. I caught the tail end of their discourse. "My daughter Eilea, will be evaluating the weapons stores for this region. If you are planning on staying a few more nights, I would invite you to join her in her evaluation." My father was saying.

Lord Tobyn chuckled deeply, the wrinkles around his aged eyes creasing as he turned to me. "Ahh yes, I have heard that your kin allow women to handle arms, this is something our two families share." He stated, turning to speak to me directly. I rose my eyebrow in curiosity.

"Unfortunately, I must depart at first light, my son, Solomon can stay a few days and assist in your efforts." Solomon approached our table, bowing before me.

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