A big event

As it rolls around to evening, Kael and his family stand outside the doors leading into the grand hall of the palace. All of the guests are already inside, as it is customary for the ruler, or in this case, the soon to be ruler, to arrive last. Kael is uncomfortable, dressed in a fancy, rather ostentatious outfit, rather than his customary, rather drab clothing or his armor.

The girls all are similarly dressed up, though they look more comfortable than he feels. Evie is, as always, at his side, wearing a pale yellow dress that although simple, compliments her slim frame. She smiles and squeezes Kael’s hand, nervous as always before these kind of events. Ria is in a tight black dress, her fiery red hair practically glowing above the dark material. She looks good, and somehow still dangerous despite not carrying a weapon. Black and tight Borge become her, and she has plenty of confidence to go along with it. Lastly is Gabby, the big holstaur in a blue dress. It wouldn’t be her without a bit of a display, though, and the dress is very low cut, exposing a frankly dangerous amount of cleavage.

Kael takes a deep breath and nods to the other person in the hallway. Petra, ramrod straight and vigilant as always nods in return, reaching out and pulling the door open. Kael isn’t sure if it’s a trick of the light, but he could swear that Petra is blushing slightly as she watches him enter the hall. The thought is washed away, however, as he steps into the grand hall. There’s a cheer from the gathered crowd, all nobles and various important figures. Kael raises a hand, and speaks.

“I bid you all welcome! Enjoy yourselves tonight, and I will greet you all individually. You know as well as I that I’m not one for grand speeches, and I don’t intend to start now.”

There’s a ripple of laughter, and Kael smiles as he continues. “I hope that we can work together to make this kingdom even better than it is now. I intend to carry on what Lord Greyheart has begun.”

With that Kael lowers his hand. There’s a smattering of applause, and conversations once again begin. Ria playfully elbows Kael, grinning at him. “We’ll make a speechwriter of you yet, big guy!”

Kael rolls his eyes, but before he can respond, one of the nobles is approaching to speak with him. The next couple hours are a blur, conversing and sharing drinks with a variety of important people. It goes well, and it seems like any active hostility faded with the disappearance of Rastus Malen.

Later on, Orin makes his way over, with his lamia companion Lyssa on his arm. Orin weaves slightly as he walks, clearly having had quite a few drinks. Kael is fairly buzzed as well, but Orin has definitely taken it a bit further. Lyssa, for her part, seems completely sober, but there’s amusement written across her features.

Orin grins at Kael. “There he is! Man of th’ hour!”

He points at Kael, eyes slightly unfocused. “I wanted t’ thank ya. Fer yer advice.”

He looks at Kael with a seriousness and sincerity that **** can sometimes draw out of a person. “S-seriously. I’m so…happy. Thanks, man…”

Lyssa smiles, patting Orin’s arm. The look she gives him is pure affection, before turning her gaze to Kael. “I, as well, would like to give you my thanks, Lord Kael. Whatever you told him has been simply…magical.”

She glances at Orin again. “I cared deeply for him before, but now…now it is simply bliss. So again, I thank you.”

Kael smiles. “As much as I’d like to claim all the credit, the girls were a big help too. But on their behalf, you’re very welcome. Both of you.”

Lyssa nods, starting to lead Orin away. “And now it’s time for bed. Say goodbye, my darling.”

Orin lazily waves as he’s led towards the door. Kael laughs, shaking his head as he surveys the room. Orin is hardly the first to leave; important people have important business, of course. But there’s still quite a few guests here. Ria is off talking to a few nobles herself, and judging by their smiles, it’s going pretty well. Gabby and Evie have gravitated towards Koa and his orcish companions, the five of them simply staying out of the way.

Kael is about to find someone else to speak with when he sees a familiar face approaching him. It’s Yvette, the ambassador from Lechin. Kael can help but stare at the change in her, however. Gone is the severe hairstyle and conservative dress, and it seems she’s dyed out the grey in her hair. Instead, her long, inky black hair rumbles over shoulders bared by her daring black dress.

Yvette smiles, handing Kael a glass. “Why, Lord Kael, you look surprised! Did something catch your attention?”

There’s amusement in her eyes as Kael takes a drink to compose himself before answering. “You could say that. And as I said before, just Kael is fine. You look…incredible, Yvette.”

Yvette reaches out and touches his arm. “You are too kind, Kael. I have to say, it’s very flattering to get a compliment from a young, handsome man like yourself.”

Winking, she leans in, giving Kael a glimpse down her cleavage. “Keep it up and I may just end up overstepping a boundary…”

Just then, Ria comes up, slipping an arm around Kael’s waist. “My my, what do we have here? Engaging in some ‘diplomacy’, big guy?”

Yvette abruptly straightens, her eyes wide with panic. “Lady Ria! This isn’t…I mean, I wasn’t…”

Ria interrupts her with laughter, shaking her head. “No, no, it’s fine. I don’t mind a bit of flirting. It just shows you have good taste!”

There’s mischief in Ria’s eyes as she speaks more quietly. “And let’s be honest, that kind of ‘diplomacy’ can be fun too!”

Now it’s Kael’s turn to go wide eyed. “Ria!”

Ria grins. “What? Look, I adore you, big guy, and so do Evie and Gabby. And we’re already pretty open.”

She looks at Yvette, who is looking on in amazement. “A little fun here and there won’t hurt anyone. Although, I should warn you, he’s addictive!”

Yvette seems to recover from her surprise, laughing. “Well then! Color me intrigued! Lady Ria, are you suggesting what it seems like you’re suggesting?”

Ria laughs as well. “I may be. That’s up to the big guy here. I’m just giving my blessing.”

She looks at Kael, who is a bit dumbfounded by the turn of this conversation. Before he can respond, however, a servant approaches, bowing. “Lord Kael, Lady Ria? I hate to interrupt, but I have been sent to get you both. It is urgent.”

Yvette smiles. “Don’t let me stop you. I’ll definitely be in touch, however…”

With that, she turns and walks away. Both Kael and Ria watch her go, before turning back to the messenger. “So, what’s so important to pull us both away?”

The messenger looks around to be sure no one else is nearby before speaking quietly.