Year 1531 A.F. | Mid-Autumn
Eastmarch Hold — Valcaryn Estate
The Eastmarch Hold sprawled atop a gentle river bluff, its towers reflecting the golden sunlight. Autumn leaves drifted in lazy spirals along the cobblestones, and the smell of roasting meats, spiced fruits, and baking breads filled the air. The grand estate was alive with servants scurrying to prepare for the evening banquet.
Princess Valeria Solvanyr-Valcaryn, seated on the central balcony overlooking the river, watched the preparations with a calm smile. Her husband, Duke Alaric Valcaryn, stood nearby, a protective presence.
....
Arrival of Imperial Guests
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr, 22, rode through the gates alongside Lady Aralyn. Their escort of imperial guards was precise and silent, signaling the importance of their presence.
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"Eastmarch is impressive, but Valeria has outdone herself in reputation alone."
Lady Aralyn
"Reputation and reality rarely align, Prince. Let's see which she prefers."
....
Meeting Princess Valeria
Princess Valeria, radiant in emerald and gold, descended to greet them.
Princess Valeria
"Lucien, Aralyn, welcome to Eastmarch Hold. It honors me greatly to host you."
Lucien bowed slightly.
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"The honor is ours, Princess Valeria. Your estate… it rivals reports."
Lady Aralyn curtsied elegantly.
Lady Aralyn
"The river bend, the autumn leaves… it is as if the land itself celebrates this occasion."
Duke Alaric smiled lightly.
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Then let us hope the company matches the beauty of the Hold."
....
Valcaryn Children
Lord Caelum Valcaryn — 21, heir, Lightning Spellblade (established in Chapter 12)
Lady Marienne Valcaryn — 18, betrothed to Marquis Ironfold
Thane Valcaryn — 17, attending military academy
Younger children: ages 15, 13, 10, 7 — assorted training in magic, combat, and etiquette
Lord Caelum Valcaryn greeted Lucien with a subtle bow.
Lord Caelum Valcaryn
"Cousin, welcome to Eastmarch. I trust your journey was swift?"
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"Swift enough. And I hear your training surpasses expectation. Lightning and steel, yes?"
Lord Caelum Valcaryn
"As always. But I would not boast before your eyes."
....
The Banquet Hall
The hall was set with long tables in concentric rectangles, each tiered to allow visibility. Guests included:
Landed nobles — Dukes, Marquises, Counts
Fallen wives of late or disgraced houses
Merchant wives, bringing gifts, exotic foods, and subtle influence
Duke Alaric, standing near the head table, gestured toward Lucien and Aralyn.
Duke Alaric Valcaryn
"Please, sit near my sister Valeria. She has arranged seating to foster conversation and observation."
....
Introductions and Observations
Princess Valeria addressed her guests as they took their seats.
Princess Valeria
"Friends, allies, and honored guests—tonight, we celebrate Eastmarch, our Empire, and the bonds that unite us. Let wine flow, stories be shared, and alliances be strengthened."
Among those present:
Marquis Ironfold — observing Lord Caelum and Lady Marienne
Countess Maerwynn Valcary — fallen house, maintaining dignity
Lady Seraphine Cassivar — wealthy merchant wife, subtly impressing
Baroness Elindra Morvain — watching heirs for skill and observation
....
Dialogue Across the Tables
Lady Marienne Valcaryn, 18, whispered to her brother Caelum.
Lady Marienne Valcaryn
"Cousin Lucien carries himself well. Poise and command in equal measure."
Lord Caelum Valcaryn
"He will need it. Political dinners are as dangerous as the battlefield."
Crown Prince Lucien noticed the whispered observation and offered a small smile to Lady Aralyn.
Lady Aralyn
"Observe quietly, learn everything, and speak when necessary."
Lucien nodded.
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"Indeed. Tonight is more than feasting—it is a lesson in Empire."
....
Fallen Wives and Merchant Influence
Countess Maerwynn Valcary leaned toward Lady Seraphine Cassivar.
Countess Maerwynn Valcary
"The merchant wives never tire of demonstrating influence."
Lady Seraphine Cassivar
"We offer opportunities, not commands. But influence is earned."
Princess Valeria, overhearing subtly, smiled to herself.
Princess Valeria
"And all these subtle movements make the Empire stronger, if handled correctly."
....
Heirs Observing Politics
Thane Valcaryn, 17, nudged younger siblings.
Thane Valcaryn
"Watch. Every glance, every gesture matters. This is courtcraft in motion."
Lady Marienne, adjusting her posture, whispered:
Lady Marienne Valcaryn
"Even cousin Lucien and Aralyn… see how they position themselves. Observant, patient, careful."
....
Closing Remarks
As the banquet progressed, Princess Valeria rose, her voice calm yet commanding.
Princess Valeria
"Tonight, we feast, we speak, and we learn. Every guest, noble, merchant, or fallen house, contributes to our Empire's strength. Let us remember—unity is built at tables like this as surely as on the battlefield."
Crown Prince Lucien, lifting his goblet to Aralyn and Valeria, spoke softly.
Crown Prince Lucien Solvanyr
"May our Empire endure, and may our actions honor both blood and loyalty."
Lady Aralyn added, her voice firm but graceful.
Lady Aralyn
"And may our eyes remain open to all lessons, even in laughter and wine."