The Ambassadorial Visit from Castellum

[Godfrey Aguilon]

The journey to Vangard was an uneventful one with the weather falling on side of the traveler. Warmth of an early spring day greeted those upon the road that morning making any travel almost a delight. In the trees and meadows by the roadside birds sang with budding exuberance as spring approached. It was in this atmosphere that the small convoy of six mounted calvary officers and a single large carriage, all wearing the livery of Castellum, were traveling as they wound their way through these foreign roads, their way led by an escort of several Vangardian knights.

The group entered through the Castle gates just past noon and came to a halt before the palace steps. The lead Castellum officer dismounted upon arrival and quickly stepped over to the carriage's door. He opened the door, which bore the Castellum coat-of-arms, and went to full attention as the ambassador disembarked from within it. Standing in the noonday sun was a man of medium height with a lean frame, just a few inches shy of six feet. A quick glance would reveal him to be a man of advanced years. Bright, attentive sapphire eyes gazed about with the intensity of a hawk while up above a brimless black linen cap covered all but a few thin stray grayish-blonde curls which hung loosely along the edges. He was draped in formal attire with signet rings visible upon his fingers, all which bespoke of his position and rank within his native lands. Gold thread embroidery and fine brocade work on his black doublet could be seen peeking out from the front of black and maroon knee-length ceremonial robes as he stepped away from the carriage door. In his right hand the golden pommel of a finely crafted black lacquered cane was held firm within his grasp.

Behind him two more men of equal to or nearly that of the Baron in age exited the carriage followed by a young woman, all holding cases and scrolls of various size. The clothing of these three assistants were less ornate than that of the Ambassador but still well-tailored and complimentary to him.

"Well.." He said mildly. "We have finally arrived. So far it seems a rather pleasant land to travel through, wouldn't you say Dante?" He tapped his cane's tip lightly upon a stone as he finished.

Behind him one of the two men bearing cases glanced over at the mentioning of his name. He was a bald man; his scalp cleanly shaven and his face bearing a thick graying rusty brown mustache. Gray spheres looked to his employer and Lord as he spoke.

"Aye, sire. It is a lovely land, your excellency. Weather some of the best I've seen in a long while too, it is." His voice was gruff and but bore no hint of sarcasm or annoyance.

[Queen Cerdwyn DeValian]

Despite her worries and the problems that had arisen since that dark enigma of a man had returned to Vangard, Cerdwyn was able to make preparations for the ambassador's arrival, upon agreement. Ensuring knights were stationed at the border for a more safer trip towards the castle. Although much was going on undetected beneath the surface, her kingdom still flourished with color and activity...a sight she had hoped and prayed would come, ever since the former king's disastrous rule nearly brought Vangard to ruin. The queen was also secretly hoping that it would all remain this way.
She took the time to prepare herself as well. Never in a hundred years did Cerdwyn believe she would be standing where she was, never wishing to take the throne even upon her father's death. It was not what she wanted...and maybe, a part of her now, still didn't want it. But she knew it was her fate now, a fate she was beginning to welcome with open arms. After the destruction of Sendaria, she gave the people a new hope, bringing them to Vangard and taking her rightful place as queen. As long as they were happy, she would be, too.

As she was being escorted towards the meeting room with her adviser at her side, one of the guards from the front gates approached, instantly bending at the waist in that respectful gesture. "M'lady, the ambassador from Castellum has arrived."
"Thank you," she replied, her eyes softly squinting from the gentle smile that creased her lips, voice laced with that Vangardian accent that so few possessed these days. "Please escort him and his men towards the meeting hall."
"Yes, right away, majesty." With another acknowledging bow, the man turned to allow the Baron and his entourage entrance inside the castle and to lead them towards the lavish room where the meeting of the alliance will be taking place.
Cerdwyn would loop her arm through Elizabeth's as they would once more walk down the halls, entering the large room with the mahogany wooden, rectangular table resting within the center. Decor of silver and gold, weaved in intricate designs along the corners of the walls and up and over the beams above them. Rich, burgundy curtains and fabrics finished off the rest, somehow managing to give the room a mythical and enchanting feel. The queen herself was dressed in something very similar, a shining circlet of silver resting upon her brow as dark curls were pulled back from her often sad features. But today, she knew to smile and ignore whatever was currently haunting her. There were other matters at hand...matters that could benefit Vangard, as well as Castellum if an agreement was made.

[Elizabeth Taulk-Xamus]

There was much that was going on in Vangard, but life went on. Elizabeth's mind has been filled with many things as of late, but she had always been able to push emotions and feeling from her thoughts. And this meeting was actually a good distraction for her. Marea was safely tucked away sleeping under watchful eyes.

Elizabeth moved though the halls with her dear friend Cerdwyn. Elizabeth owed Cer a lot, she had given Liz's people a new start. The fall of Sendaria had hit her hard, the only thing that kept her going was help with a fresh start here.

Elizabeth paused beside Cerdwyn when they were approached with the announcement that the ambassador from Castellum had arrived. She would then link arms with Cer as they moved the rest of the way though the halls to the meeting hall.

As the two entered the room, a soft smile formed as she looked around the room. Elizabeth really loved the decorating in this room, there was something captivating about it. And being involved in these meetings always reminded her of her days as Queen back in Sendaria. A deep breath was taken in before she would take a few steps further into the room.