A great gate of iron opened once the guards were done checking for our identification tags, we marched into a busy street, the roads were constructed of clean-cut rocks that shone a silvery-white color under the morning sun. Kids running in every possible direction, salesmen yelling at the top of their lungs to gather clients as the market was on the road left to us, but we walked ahead as the castle presented itself far ahead, tall and sturdy yet a bit terrifying. People were stopping by to assess the new-comers, I can tell they haven't seen people like us very often. Men of a bigger built, skin golden and tan as it belongs under the sun, clothes layered, a layer upon layer, heads and faces veiled from the eye, a stranger would wonder: " why is everyone so anonymous?", and the answer to that is simple, it's for protection from the sun and weather of a long travel.
As bystanders kept staring I stared back, analyzing them, deciphering their glances and whispers. They seem impressed, a bit threatened but mostly impressed, the younger ones smiling and giggling as Amo, my other brother, waves a hand at whoever looks his way.
which is a bit comical considering how huge and intimidating he looks without his smile, I have to admit he looks a bit goofy with his hand waving back and forward fast at everyone.
the people of this land looked a bit... frail. thin and pale, with an overall shabby look to them, I wonder how is it possible if the Lord is as rich as people say. the city seems lively enough, but the land isn't meant for agriculture so I'm assuming the citizens have to rely on other jobs for income.
A knight hurried our way and talked to Nasir for a while, they shook hands, both looking eachother in the eye while keeping their voices monotonous, they exchanged a few words then gestured to us to march behind them as the knight led the way towards the castle.
as we reached the castle and walked into the front yard, I noticed this was no ordinary Lord's home, as a training ground can be spotted to the left of the garden. my eyes didn't wonder enough as we were welcomed by the lord of Leini: " My guests, welcome. I am assuming your travel was long, so let us take care of you before you join us for dinner tonight."
a small woman appeared behind him, with long red locks and a pale freckled skin. She wore a teel blue dress the reached the ground and showed off her shoulders excessively, pearls dangling from her ears and hanging around her neck, assuming she was the lady of the castle I got off my horse to head her way for introduction, but she was faster as she approached me and curtsied briefly:" it is an honor to meet you, your highness. I am Lady Bridget Rawclaw, wife of Lord Rawclaw and the lady of this castle, I welcome you and wish you a good stay" she finished off with a shy smile, the lady herself was a descendant of the late empress yet she kept humble, as their empire was long ago divided into three kingdoms after a long fight between the late royal family.
I bowed my head at her greeting "The honor is all mine my lady, I am princess El-Huaria of Tanery, may we be good to you as well."
After initial introductions we were told that we'll be staying at their guest house in the east wing, and we were showed to our rooms to rest.
after a long overdue bath to remove the clinging sweat and dirt off of me, I had a light meal then laid on my bed. the room was nice, with light colors and thick wool covers. But as much as I turned and flipped around I could not fall asleep.
I decided to leave the room for a tour, I dressed in a plain pink dress that covered me from neck to toe, and added a veil around my head loosely. I saw that women here didn't veil nor did they care for modesty but I am no one of them, and I will continue to present as a lady of my land.
heading out the guest house, I met lady Bridget talking to a few men who seem to fit on the training ground better than inside for house chores : " ... I need the dining hall to be ready in hour, our guests might prefer an early meal- Oh! your highness I see you're done resting"
" please no formalities, we are to spend a lot of time together, Call me Huaria" she beamed at me and said cheerfully: " In that case I am bridget to you. Tell me, may I interest you in a tour around the castle grounds?"
" Please don't bother yourself, I see you're busy with these gentelmen" I said gesturing to the two men in iron standing besides her.
she held her hand out to me and said without looking once to her once companions:" not at all, I was about done. please, let me show you around" I held her hand and let her walk me, this is the kind of entertainment I needed away of work and she seems like the best person for the job.
she showed me around the garden, the training grounds and knight lodge, apparently since the lord is knight commander his castle is house for his subordinates and their base, that's the reason why we'll be staying here as well.
we walked inside and onto the second floor, she showed me the library, the banquet hall, and a secondary drawing room. we headed down the stairs as she talked about my work-station and commodities as I heard a familiar deep voice say my name : " Ria?"
I looked away from my host to see a man fill my sight, standing beneath the stairs with a few others, but all my eyes could see was his figure. his tall big figure in silver armor and a blue cape. long is gone the boy I once knew with glasses and a shaky voice. Hebron stood ahead of me and I couldn't muster a single word.
So he ran up, few stairs at once and kneeled at my feet.