'How could this evening get worse?' Moira questions as she enters the throne room accompanied by The King, which now fully equipped with three massive mahogany tables bearing the black Dome sigil on a field of yellow, with eight dozen chairs made from the same mahogany but only the heartwood deep within the tree, decorated with sigils and wrapped in the thin yellow wild vines that grow on the side of the domes so it looked like the chairs had capes. Moira nearly stopped at the sight of almost two hundred people staring at her, if the musicians weren't playing it would have been completely silent. With the King guiding her along the tables, introducing her to lords of the Outerlands, and the many Jarls and Fursts of the surrounding lands.
Wearing nearly the same outfit as Moira, the King matched her with a navy chiton with a gold wrap, pinned either side of his shoulders with golden vine broaches, unlike the off-shoulder look Moira had. She was incredibly thankful Tsina chose the lavender wrap, as the King would have a hayday arguing with her about their colors not corresponding. In fact, the King on many occasions has mock her for her outfits, but right now, he never looked more pleased. Another thing she was thankful for, is that the King finally bathed; his common greasy hair that lay in a ponytail now was silky and braided tightly, his skin which was usually oily was now clean and he even smelled pleasant. If it wasn't for his massive head resting on his neckless shoulders she would even call him handsome. But Moira was not one to judge sizes, she was not a small type either.
Finally, after what seemed like a mile of walking around and talking to the lower and petty lords, Moira was guided arm-in-arm to the front of the center table, where the Representative and the members of their house sat. She half expected another gangly lord to arise and gawk at her as the rest have, but was met with a tall and very thin, salt-and-pepper haired woman with piercing red eyes. In fact, the five others seated with her shared the same vivid hue of red. Their skin was pale, but her eyes were sunken in, she looked exhausted.
The Representatives hair was on top of her head in a perfect bun, a tight braid coming from under the bun fell down to her lower back. Just like the Representatives clothing, they all wore a deep shade of teal; she wore a high collared, floor length dress, embroidered on the sleeves and shoulders with a shimmery black thread that Moira thought looked like metal. It was buttoned in the back with small teal metal flowers with black shimmery leaves. There was one other female standing with the Representatives group, she wore the same type of dress, except much more simple and plain. The rest wore similar teal pants and jackets with embroidered different versions of the Representatives, all with the same flair. Moira couldn't help but notice that there were no utensils or plates at any of the Representatives house members' places. Only their glasses.
Standing to meet the King, the Representative beamed at Moira with a bright smile, her eyes intimidated Moira, the King noticed this almost immediately and nudged Moira. Before the King or Moira could speak, her five other members of her house suddenly stood, their chairs scraping across the floor, bowing to the King and again to Moira. The Representative separated Moira from the King, towering over her, taking in her appearance, grasping her right hand softly, kissing it diligently, her cold skin giving Moira chills.
"Moiranos Fasi of the Domes, daughter of Mallina and Eren. I am Olvina Athaaric, queen mother of Odiovitae and Representative to the Athaaric Clan and tonight, your servant." Olvina's voice was eclectic and raspy but soft, she sounded older, but looked rather young for her supposed age.
Giving a soft curtsy to Olvina and then her house, Moira smiles at Olvina.
"You grace us kindly with your presence, Queen Mother Olvina." the King answered for Moira, bowing low. Olvina did not speak to the King in a kind voice like his, but with a short tone and disdain lingering in every word.
"Ah yes, King Rejannos. Thank you for finally having us. We have been waiting for your promise to be fulfilled for a time and my grandson was not taught to be patient."
"My apologies, you'll have to understand-"
"Will I understand, King Rejan?"
The King got uncomfortable with her sudden seriousness and stiffened, diverting the conversation,
"Yes, ah-... do you like the deco-"
"No. Not really, dull colors and your wine..." She said coolly, picking up her glass of greyish-pink wine, Moira recognized as the silverberry wine they made a month ago, swirling it around in the glass.
"I could fetch a better vintage." he exclaimed, snapping his fingers, ushering the cupbearers forward. She belayed his order with a wave of her hand, the cupbearers swiftly moving back into their previous positions.
"No matter, it is not the time to fetch or discuss. Now-" she looked to the King with loathing and then to Moira, her face changing to a gracious smile, "Lady Moira, what have you learned about Odiovitae?"