An invitation from the lord

I shrugged inwardly and stepped forward. "I am he, what do you need?"

The men looked to each other, then one stepped forward with a scroll that they unfurled. "Mathew Kiegan, you are cordially invited to dinner this eve with our lord, Baron Norman Normn." He paused, giving me a slight judging glance. "In recognition of your actions on behalf of his daughter, Millana Normn. Your attendance is expected, and you will be permitted one additional individual to accompany you to this fine occasion." With that, he rolled up his scroll, gave me a **** nod, and left with the rest of the men.

'Identity theft would be so easy in this age, huh?' I shook my head, chuckling. "It seems I cannot have an uneventful day. Alas, I shall have to get used to it, as it serves my lord well." I turned to Oliver, "Shall we finish our return, so I may prepare myself at the tavern?"

Oliver nodded, a slight distant expression on his face as he watched the men leave. "Agreed, an audience with the Normns is something one must prepare for greatly." I glanced at him in the side of my eye before nodding myself.

We continued to the tavern, reaching it without further complication. Oliver stopped me when I went to open the door, and opened it himself. He was immediately tackled by Natalia, who was impressively able to knock him down, despite the difference in physical strength.

"Ha!" She said as she got up off him, only to gain a disappointed look when she saw it was Oliver she was on top of. "Aw man, I told you to let him open the door first!"

He chuckled while pushing her off him. "That is precisely why I opened it."

She gave a disappointed groan as she walked back inside. "But it would have been a good test of his physical strength. I mean, there's no way those muscles are real." I cleared my throat, she spun around and went red. "I mean- uh."

I laughed to myself. "As I told others before, my form is not an illusion." I walked into the tavern, having the spirit close the door behind us. The other two members of Oliver's party were sitting in the usual booth, both giving a nonchalant nod of acknowledgement. "I must apologize, for I bring yet more big news."

Grutrod groaned, "What is it this time? Is the young lass secretly the daughter of an angel?" Natalia beamed at the prospect.

I felt bad as I shut her down. "No, nothing like that." Natalia indeed seemed heartbroken. "I was invited to the Normns' this eve." Once more, no one spoke. 'Hmm, this isn't like the normal silences. It's less surprise, and more fear or concern. If only they knew they were worried for the wrong party.' I clicked my tongue to myself, "With that reaction, you would expect I told you we would all be executed."

"There isn't much difference." Silvia grumbled, earning an elbow from Grutrod. "Hey!"

"Yee shouldn't speak so aboot someone who this Laddy's got to deal with." He gave a sigh as he shook his head. "What're the terms?"

Oliver answered for me. "Cordial invitation, attendance expected, permitted one... oh, and recognition by Millana."

Grutrod nodded, "Aye, favorable terms."

I looked between them. "You're speaking as if it's some deal or contract."

Oliver was quick to respond. "The Normn's treat a lot of different people at their events, and differently as well. The 'Terms' as we call them, refer to the clues as to how you will be treated at said event. Who you are recognized on behalf of is basically the person you are expected to spend the most time with, and hang around during their little faction squabbles. The wording of the invitation regards how high you are in the ladder, cordial being two steps below the family, a good spot." I mentally recorded as much as I could. 'I can ask the HUD later if need be, it should tell me things I already know.' "Obviously, your permittance means how many people you can bring, though your entourage's size does affect the weight you wield in the event. Lastly, how your attendance is referred to tells you what they think of your reliability and standing. Expected is pretty neutral, with hoped for being if you are high to them, and required being low."

I rubbed my forehead. "I see, thank you kindly. It seems you are experienced in this?"

He gave out a forceful exhale. "Indeed, unfortunately."

'This will be a good chance to test him, and try and seal our relationship.' "Then I am very sorry to ask, but would you be my additional?"

Silvia went wide-eyed and stuttered a bit, before Grutrod stopped her from saying anything, watching Oliver closely. Natalia pulled her hat down and waited for the tense situation to be over. Oliver stared forward for awhile, before responding. "If I shall represent you, which color shall I wear?" Before I could potentially embarrass myself, the HUD jumped in.

A Knight wears colors to represent those they serve to major events, such as noble meetings or wars. These colors are displayed on the tunic worn under and over the armor, as well as in any banners they carry.

I considered for but a moment. "My eyes were changed by the power of my god. If we are to choose a color to represent us, let it be the one his power chose for me."

He gave a respectful nod. "Deep green it is." With that, he left towards the rooms. The rest of the party watched him go, Silvia concerned, Grutrod almost proud, and Natalia peeking curiously from under her hat. After a few moments, I moved to my room to get ready myself.