Being the last person to leave the tomb, you are awarded the honorary task of... turning out the lights as you leave. The torches extinguish, leaving only the surreal glow of the preservation containers. Even those grow dim in the heavy darkness of the Esgabathian Tomb. Janus pulls you away, out into the cold of the mountainside.
All that remains of the skirmish with the Creature is charred shreds of its armor. The Creature itself has been cleared away by your father's guard.
"I wonder how that got up here," Janus ponders.
-
Back at the Palace, the wake is carrying on as planned. But the mood is distinctly perturbed. A Creature has not appeared within miles of Maurenburg for a century at least, let alone within the tombs of the nobility! The nobles talked in hushed voices about this disturbing event, though not forgetting to compliment Einar on his valor in the fight.
But you notice something unusual about Einar's demeanor, Melkor. Normally he would bask in the compliments and brag that it was nothing. He seems to be distracted.
Such efforts are unneeded as it soon becomes apparent what has Einar's attention.
He had been glancing over at the refreshments table, where a various assortment of refined drinks from all over the Galaxy are available. Finally, he seems to make up his mind; he spills what is left of his wine into a planter and walks over to the table... accidentally bumping into a young lady once he arrives.
"Pardon me, miss," Einar says, apologetically.
She turns to him so that you see her face. You have no idea who she is... but is possibly the most beautiful girl you have ever seen... and Einar is very blatantly hitting on her.
"I'm so sorry," Einar says. "Are you alright, miss?"
"I'm fine," she replies with a gentle tone. "It is fortunate that your glass was not full. Erengardian wine is not a stain easily removed."
"Quite so. May I get you a drink, to make up for my bumbling?"
She hesitates, smiling politely. "Certainly."
Someone nudges you in the side, Melkor.
(Well, if we follow what I wrote about Erengard being one of six worlds sworn to Antonon, Kuylens being present on the funeral of their major vassal would make sense, right?)
"Maybe she came for the funeral."- He walks towards the mysterious girl.
"Please forgive my brother, he has always felt much more at ease with soldiers than Ladies." - Melkor bows elegantly.
The Kuylen family tends to keep to themselves, these days.
"No doubt she did," Janus says, before you step away.
The young lady is wearing a flowing black dress, appropriate for the occassion, though she still manages to make it seem as if she is attending an elegant ball at the Palace, rather than a wake. Her dark hair is styled somewhat exotically, though the curls are still apparent. Her eyes flash towards you, as you approach.
"Is that so?" she asks, smiling. "I am sure one does not meet many women in your military."
Einar shoots you a glare.
"Indeed, brother." - Melkor gives Einar a patronizing smile, knowing that his compliments will make better impression that Einar`s attempts to undermine him.
"But enough of ourselves, what brings such a Lady to our world? Please forgive me if I am mistaken, but I think I recognize the remarkable features of House Kuylen."
"Don't be a fool," Einar scoffs. "The Kuylens have sent their condolences, but the Voivode has better things to do that pay respects to his tributaries."
"It is a common mistake," she chuckles. "Apparently I have some resemblance to those of the House Kuylen, but I am not of it. I am Anaztazia Kosta, daughter to Ban of Solstheim."
Ah, Solstheim. The House Kosta is the longest standing line in Tasker's Crown, established on Solstheim well before the foundation of the Republic. They maintain a sizeable army, but it focused more on quantity than quality, unlike Erengard or Charnel. The Bans of Solstheim have long since concerned their world with philosophical and artistic focuses. Education is held higher than military might, and art in all forms even higher.
"I quite agree," Anaztazia says. "But your world is not without beauty. Perhaps it is just not routinely observed, here. It is of more importance that the military remain in perfected condition and that all of Erengard is safe for its people. An admirable goal, in itself."
"I see to it myself," Einar says. "I am High General of the Armies of Erengard, after all. A position of some reputation in this part of the Galaxy."
Anaztazia nods her head, contemplating it for a moment. "Which would make you both sons of the Castellan, I presume?"