Warmth radiated from the flickering candles and hearth which sat at the end of the room. Silence had already enveloped the dining room between the three inhabitants who had taken up residency.
Opeline, Warwick, and Cairbre were seated at the table. The witch and wizard sat shoulder to shoulder while the man before them held a piercing glare that bore through them. Not a word was spoken, but his thoughts were loud enough to set the tone for the evening.
"Aithne and Leland sure are taking their time, aren't they?" Opeline whispered. Warwick nodded in agreement, briefly glancing toward his sister.
"It is impolite to whisper when in the presence of others, is it not?"
The room fell into an immediate silence once again. Opeline and Warwick had practically turned to stone, sitting in a rigid and unwavering position. They were able to handle speaking with Aithne quite well, oftentimes making quips at her expense; however, there was a stark difference between her and her brother. Sitting in an uncomfortable silence felt safer than striking up a conversation with the Emperor.
They were not afraid of the man before them by no means. The only thing that caused alarm was the fact that two magic users were sitting at the same table as their nation's leader, the very same leader who had publicly denounced all forms of "unnatural practices". He had no way of knowing what the trio was up to earlier, yet it still caused anxiety to stir.
Flames licked the hearth's sides, leaving behind a satisfying pop as its wooden fuel was slowly being consumed. The atmosphere would have been comforting in any other situation, yet the taboo nature of two magical practitioners dining with the leader of nature overshadowed the night. Somehow, the dancing shadowy figures projected by firelight seemed threatening in nature when left to their own devices. Watching these apparitions disappear with the flicker of another candle left a foreboding feeling behind.
Almost as if it were a divine blessing, the sound of footsteps cut the tension and quelled any anxious thoughts. Aithne had appeared with Leland trailing not too far behind.