With a final gentle sway and creak of aged axles, the modestly appointed carriage slowly rolled to a stop before the grand entrance staircase leading up to the primary keep, as the quartet of tall horses pulling the transport snorted in relief at the conclusion of their lengthy journey.
Gathering herself both mentally and physically, the carriage's sole passenger, Seraphina Duskmourn, furtively peered out the curtained window to observe a smartly dressed male servant already hurrying down the stone steps to formally receive her, his burnished golden livery glinting in the midday sun.
Past him, rising impressively against the backdrop of the cloud-strewn azure sky, soared Clan Emberhart's sprawling ancestral stronghold and seat of regional power. Though formidable in scope, the austere granite manor had an understated elegance to its design clearly intended to convey restrained refinement rather than base intimidation. The family's storied sigil of a flourishing tree bearing a greatsword for a trunk was emblazoned prominently on banners fluttering from atop each of the parapets.
Smoothing any minute creases from the delicate fabric of her robes, Seraphina stepped down onto the gravel drive with practiced grace just as the deferential servant arrived to gather her minimal luggage. As she followed him up the wide stone steps toward the towering oaken doors, she studied the immaculate landscaping and expertly hewn stonework comprising the facade, admiring the ornate accents and traditional embellishments that spoke of ancient roots, generational wealth, and understated yet impeccable taste.
Their brisk path led directly through soaring corridors illuminated by high arched windows, past invaluable oil portraits and relics honoring the clan's decorated martial history, before finally arriving at an intimate secondary solar where the current patriarch Lord Alaric Emberhart himself received only his most influential guests and held sensitive discussions of import.
The servant efficiently delivered Seraphina's luggage to an adjacent guest suite, then promptly announced her before withdrawing discreetly. Taking a slow, measured breath to steel her nerves after the long road, Seraphina straightened her posture almost imperceptibly and entered the solar with her head held high.
There she was greeted by the sight of Lord Emberhart already rising smoothly to his feet from behind a meticulously organized mahogany desk in order to properly receive her. Though maintenance of power necessitated harshness on occasion, his visage had an overall bearing that spoke of discipline and conviction finely balanced with wisdom and pragmatism - the traits that elevated one to rule.
Besides the stately lord stood a striking woman with gentle features and caring eyes whom Seraphina correctly presumed must be his wife and young Eric's mother, Lady Ellara. They made for a handsome match, with complementary temperaments if the lady's demure yet quietly spirited aura were any indication.
"Lady Seraphina Duskmourn, it is truly our honor to welcome one of your rare calibers into the sanctuary of our estate," proclaimed Lord Emberhart sincerely, his voice at once commanding yet warm. "Your reputation as a peerless instructor precedes you, even on these distant shores."
Dipping her head respectfully at the gracious greeting, Seraphina replied evenly, "You flatter me excessively, Lord Emberhart, though your hospitality is most appreciated. In truth, the honor is mine to be invited across oceans to reside among the ancestral home of Clan Emberhart, your lineage is known and highly regarded even in my own distant southern homeland."
A degree of decorous flattery greased the wheels of diplomacy and courtesy, however sincere. But she had done her research on the family on the long journey and found their history to her liking overall. They appeared disciplined yet progressive-minded, without being aggressively expansionist. Wise rulers for this new age, by her measure.
Lord Emberhart gave an indulgent smile at her returned the courtesy, then bade Seraphina take a seat in one of the ornately carved mahogany chairs arranged before his desk as he resumed his own.
"I hope my humble abode meets your standards thus far, my lady. And that your long voyage here did not prove overly taxing or uncomfortable? Please know you need only ask for any accommodations or amenities you require during your time here."
Seraphina nodded graciously as she settled into the proffered chair, allowing her scholarly side to appreciate that it was buffered with subtly shaped spell forms likely providing fortification from eavesdropping and scrying. Always prudent for one in his position of authority.
"The road proved quite smooth overall, and your provided messenger was most helpful in keeping us on course. You have my sincere gratitude for all the care and effort ensuring such a welcoming arrival, Lord Emberhart."
As they eased into customary polite conversation over a spread of fine teas and delicacies clearly meant to impress the palate, Seraphina continued subtly studying her stately host's measured words and mannerisms, seeking to take his measure and determine what sort of man had gone through such efforts to seek her specialized services.
By her assessment, his demeanor was both martial and refined, blending the austerity required for leadership with occasional glimpses of the sharp wit and intellect that had elevated him beyond common ranks. But eventually, after sufficient pleasantries had passed to satisfy ingrained etiquette, their discourse necessarily arrived at the true reason for her being summoned across oceans.
"I understand from your earlier missive you have consented to come to assess our son, Eric's progress thus far," Lord Emberhart began. "Naturally, we welcome the vast experience and exceptional mastery you offer to provide his education should you deem the boy to possess adequate dedication and arcane gifts to merit your further tutelage."
He wet his lips, choosing his next words with care. "We ask only this - that you evaluate our son freely based solely on his merits, without undue influence either positive or negative from us as parents. If he succeeds in impressing you, then by all means impart your wisdom generously. And if ultimately found...lacking, you may of course take your leave, with gratitude for the time given and no ill feelings between us."