Feast

[aestrix]

It is a special day, in the city of Orzammar. For one man, especially. It is a day of celebration for the second son of King Endrin Aeducan. Despite his physical... issues, he's been made Orzammar's newest commander. Tomorrow, there will be quite a lot of bloodshed. But tonight is for Stalas Aeducan. Not only is there a feast in his honor, but Provings, as well. It's his day, one of honor, but also his formal presentation to the heads of houses.

The merchants have even been allowed into the Diamond Quarter, a rare treat they only see on special occasions. They're probably regretting it, by now, after trying to talk to some of the dwarven nobles and tackle their very particular brand of pride, but it's a chance to win over the highest class, instead of hoping they deign to notice the Merchant Caste.

Regardless, today is certainly a day to remember. Possibly for the wrong reasons.

Comments

[aestrix]

"Rica. Rica Brosca."

[thisvorlunatic]

[aestrix]

"... I'm sorry, your highness, if I insulted you -"

[thisvorlunatic]

"No-o," he says. "You didn't. Definitely not. Don't worry about it. Everything is completely fine." He tries a smile.

[aestrix]

Gorim, from behind Stalas, is calling bullshit. Not that he will say it aloud, of course, he'll ask later.

"O-okay, milord," says Rica.

[thisvorlunatic]

Through his brother's bedroom door is definitely not how this conversation should be had, if it should be had at all.

"Well - um - have a nice day," he says, and resumes progress down the hall. Hastily.

[aestrix]

"Y-You too, your highness," she says.

When they are far enough away, Gorim observes, "You just blanched like a fat nug in a den of deep stalkers."

[thisvorlunatic]

"Nobody ever told you my mother's last name, did they."

[aestrix]

"... No, but I am going to take a guess and say it's 'Brosca'?"

[thisvorlunatic]

"You're a sharp one, Gorim."

[aestrix]

"I try, my lord."

[thisvorlunatic]

And that's the end of that line of inquiry. Whew.

[aestrix]

Yup. Thankfully Bhelen was born from another mother, so there is no fear of inbreeding. How lovely.

The duo head to the Provings, but - it seems that there is a brother in the way. Two, technically, but only one is really a problem.

[thisvorlunatic]

Stalas sighs.

"Hi, Trian. Hi, Bhelen. Fancy meeting you out here."

[aestrix]

"Atrast vala, big brother! How surprising to find you out here," says Prince Bhelen.

"Especially since duty requires that you attend our king father's feast today. Have you so little respect for him to disregard his wishes on a day set aside for you?" growls the problematic one.

[thisvorlunatic]

"Duty does require that I attend the feast, and I absolutely will, but duty does not require that I attend the feast right now, so I'm going to see the glory Proving they're holding in my honour first. I thought it would be... appropriate, brother."

Trian is a massive pain, but he can be more or less handled sometimes, if you know how to talk to him and don't let him rile you up too badly.

[aestrix]

"... Perhaps you were right, Bhelen," allows Trian, grudgingly. "When you said our brother was not a useless, skinny, honorless weed."

[thisvorlunatic]

"I'm glad to know you think so highly of me," Stalas says sweetly, trying not to clench his teeth.

[aestrix]

"Yes. I'll be along later to toast to your command," says Trian. Bhelen makes an apologetic look. "Come, Bhelen!" barks Trian.

Predictably, Bhelen follows his brother.

"That was fun," says Gorim, when they have both left. "Nothing like being talked down to by the next king. Did you bruise your hands clenching your fists?"

[thisvorlunatic]

"No," he says. "It's just Trian being Trian. Ugh. I hope Father lives forever, that's all I can say."

[aestrix]

"Yes," agrees Gorim. "But today is yours, my lord. That's something to celebrate."

[thisvorlunatic]

"True. To the Proving Grounds!"

[aestrix]

"Indeed!"

There is an escort to the Proving Grounds. No conveniently dropping the ceremonial armor off the bridge, it seems.

[thisvorlunatic]

Stalas is pretty sure his father didn't provide this escort just to stop him from dropping his ceremonial armour off the bridge. Pretty sure. The stated excuse is reasonable - it is an awful crush of merchants down there, and the royal escort is handy for clearing a path.

Anyway. They escort him all the way there, right to the balcony where the proving master oversees the fights. Stalas steps up beside him.

[aestrix]

"Your highness!" says the proving master, when he spots Stalas. "It is an honor to have you here. Have you come to watch these brave warriors do battle in your honor?"