Thread: In the Shadow of the Dragon (Corsair and Xana)

Continued from here. Duke Guerno Ellesia, of Streganna, the heraldsman announced. A kindly elder man, with laughing blue eyes and thinning hair approached the dais. My grandfather, on my mothers side, Ellistair whispered to Astrid, masking the gesture by planting a kiss in her locks. It is a great pleasure to gain yet another grand-daughter, Astrid, Guerno beamed, folding her hold in his age worn ones. My wife died in childbirth to Salvia, and with her died my hopes of having a large family. And yet I am blessed with many grandchildren, and also their spouses. I am sure someday you shall be a fine queen. But before then, I hope you can Ellistair will enjoy my gift to you. The Temeraire , a ship I had commission for you in Streganna Harbor. Astrid gasped, smiling as giddy as she had when she recited her vows to Ellistair, Ive never sailed before. Have you? She turned to her husband, squeezing his hand from excitement. His fingers were nearly white. Grandfather has taken me out, a few times, Ellistair explained, patting his wifes hands with his free one. Thank you, grandfather. I do hope you will join us on her maiden voyage. Thank you, Astrid repeated, stealing a kiss from her husband as the next guest approached the dais. Duke Osvir Kalvison, Duchess Jane Camden and Reyne Camden, of Archdale. A middle-aged couple, and a young man a touch older than Ellistair. The men had similar builds, tall and strongly built, with light brown hair and beards. Osvirs hair was longer and unrulier than his sons. Jane had silvery blonde hair, tied back in an elaborate braid under a silver and sapphire hair netting. My Aunt, and her husband and son. Ellistair explained, running his fingers through his brides hair. Welcome to the family, Astrid dear, Jane gushed, as servants brought out a chest and delicately laid it out before the couple. Upon opening it, it was clear that the chest was lined with velvet, and formed to fit blue and cream flatware. Fine porcelain dishes, from Huaxiam. Full dining service for 50. Well, you will have to attend out first dinner party, aunt Jane, Ellistair invited. His hand was on Astrids bare shoulder, and all she could think about was how good his touch felt. Which lead to thoughts about this evening, and what it would entail, and suddenly she was filled with nervous exhilaration. And each guest that present a gift was prolonging the wait until she would share a bed with her new husband and the realization made her anxious. Duke Domuk Stratresa and Duchess Atrix Camden Stratresa, of Greenhill. They were tight lipped, no smiles, just bowing politely. Atrix is also my aunt. Ellistair filled in for Astrid. A hand-crafted jewelry box, made from rosewood with gold inlays, Atrix announced, monotone. She opened the box to reveal gold and ruby earrings, and matching cufflinks The future queen needs something suitable to wear. Astrid narrowed her eyes, sensing the insult behind the words, but the next group of guest were already before them before she could figure out a retort. Maquis Havian Malgrave, Marquess Svena Stratresa Malgrave and Svetlana Malgrave, of Greenhill. A younger couple, only a few years older than them, with a young daughter still on her mothers hip. Svena is my cousin. Aunt Atrixs daughter. The Malgraves are sworn bannermen to the Stratresas. Svena is also the heir to her fathers duchy. I am so happy for you, cousin, Svena smiled. Svetlana is hoping for more little cousins with whom to play. Ellistair and Astrid both laughed embarrassed laughs, Astrid turning even redder as earlier thoughts returned. It may be a few years yet, dear cousin. May I present the painting we had commissioned, The Dragons Flight . She announced, unveiling the piece. There were oohs and aahs from the court, but Astrid laughed. Is that supposed to be Lord Verrier? She asked, incredulous. Svena looked hurt by the question and Ellistair cleared his throat. it is a very creative piece, cousin, and it will look just lovely in the dining hall. Another couple approached now, also their age, Marquis Rialen Faerchester and Marquess Rosa Faerchester, of Greenhill. The young woman was swollen with child, seeming to glow in the soft candle light. Rosa is also Aunt Atrixs daughter, and the Faerchesters are another sworn bannermen to Uncle Domuk. We just returned from Al-Nithiel, and we fell in love with these rugs from Garabahad. She explained, as the large carpet was unfurled to reveal a tree motif, embroidered in gold on a marron background. Just splendid, cousin. They will match the painting in thethe Ellistair started, trailing off as he stared out the balcony. Shadows cast over the moon and stars, darkening the reception as two dragons took to the skies. While the rest of the party screamed and gasped, Astrid only laughed, Now that is what Lord Verrier looks like!