Dragon's Blood

New Friends

Once dressed, they were led down the great stone staircase they had climbed so wearily last night and this time Iyla took the time to drink in the sheer vastness of the castle. Huge and ancient looking tapestries covered the grey walls and, much to Bills pleasure, enormous rugs covered the floor in many places providing at least some home comfort. It was a cool morning and, as they were led into the hall where everyone was already seated around an impressive long wooden table, tucking into breakfast, they were pleased to see a welcoming fire burning in the fireplace. In front of the fire lay two dogs the size of small horses, who barely lifted their heads to acknowledge the new arrivals.

Around the table Iyla recognised Sam, Camen, Helen and Alona, but all of the other faces were new to her. At the head of the table sat a couple who could only be King Alaric and his Queen, Alandra. The Cinian King reminded Iyla of the pictures of Greek gods she had seen in books. He had flowing blonde hair, a full beard and a simple gold band circling his head. He stood to greet them, towering over them in a way that would have been intimidating were it not for the warm smile spread across his face. He shook their hands with a strong grip, "Welcome to Cinia," he said in a deep booming voice that seemed to fill the vast hall, "Please sit, you must be hungry."

The Queen also stood and embraced them both before they sat down. She was almost as tall as her husband, but graceful and elegant with it. She had twinkling kind blue eyes and long, shining blonde hair circled by a gold band, slightly thinner than Alaric's. Both King and Queen were dressed in simple robes, much plainer than Iyla had expected of royalty. She found herself seated to the left of a young man she assumed must be their son. Years of poor nourishment meant that Bill did not have the healthiest of appearances; next to this tanned, blond haired boy with glowing skin and bright blue eyes he looked positively sickly. Alaric introduced him, "This is my son, Faine," he said, and the boy nodded to them, grinning widely "He is about your age I believe Bill, you are fifteen?" Bill cleared his throat as he moved to the other side of the table to sit down in the only other available chair, "I'm fourteen Your Majesty," he said, "I'll be fifteen in a few weeks."

"I hear you are a natural on horseback," the King said and Bill looked embarrassed. "Don't be modest boy," said Alaric, "Sir Camen has also told me of your bravery in the forest. We shall get you training with a sword young man, put that courage to good use." Bill managed to look proud and mildly panicked at the same time but that was nothing compared to the look on his face when his eyes fell upon the young woman he was about to sit next to.

Alandra introduced her, "This is our daughter Ayanna," she said and Ayanna smiled sweetly at them. She looked about eighteen and breathtakingly beautiful, a fact that did not seem to have gone unnoticed by Bill who looked decidedly awkward as he sat down.

"Nice to meet you," Iyla said, shaking Faine's hand, "And you too Princess."

Bill said something along the lines of "Hrgrmph" and went red.

Alaric continued with introductions, indicating to a slim, serious faced man sat next to Sam, "This is my cousin, Lord Ellon Noble of Valkor and next to him is Bond, leader of the Falon council." Iyla could only assume that Falon and Valkor were other countries or kingdoms she had yet to learn about. Bond was ruddy faced and friendly looking and smiled a greeting to them but Ellon simply looked as if he could smell something distasteful.

"And everyone else, you know," Alaric finished with a flourish, "Now, let us eat!"

Staff arrived from the kitchens carrying huge quantities of food and Iyla's stomach growled, they'd barely eaten yesterday and she was famished. Grimp gleefully hopped down the table, bringing her a plate of fruit before dancing off to fetch more food. He was at his happiest when serving her and the only thing that could improve his mood was the possibility of meeting his demise whilst he worked. He had spent a blissful time in the kitchens, carefully watching over the preparation of Iyla's food and contemplating how many different fatal accidents it was possible to have in a room full of sharp knives and bubbling pots.