Azril, Robin, and Maicyn spend the rest of the afternoon in the forest. As evening starts to set in, Maicyn hurries back to the tower to get ready for the small banquet that will be held tonight in Prince Oruss's honor, leaving Azril and Robin on their own to do whatever they need to do to be ready for dinner.
Azril, Robin, and Maicyn spend the rest of the afternoon in the forest. As evening starts to set in, Maicyn hurries back to the tower to get ready for the small banquet that will be held tonight in Prince Oruss's honor, leaving Azril and Robin on their own to do whatever they need to do to be ready for dinner.
Azril returns to his cabin with Robin. He washes up in cold water and finds his best shirt to wear. Partly out of the need to find something to do with his spare time, he forces Robin to sit through having his fur brushed. His mind whirls anxiously with thoughts about what he and Maicyn are about to do, but he is sure not to act in any way that would draw attention.
Azril, Robin, and Maicyn spend the rest of the afternoon in the forest. As evening starts to set in, Maicyn hurries back to the tower to get ready for the small banquet that will be held tonight in Prince Oruss's honor, leaving Azril and Robin on their own to do whatever they need to do to be ready for dinner.
Azril returns to his cabin with Robin. He washes up in cold water and finds his best shirt to wear. Partly out of the need to find something to do with his spare time, he forces Robin to sit through having his fur brushed. His mind whirls anxiously with thoughts about what he and Maicyn are about to do, but he is sure not to act in any way that would draw attention.
Soon enough, it is time for the banquet, and he finds himself making his way toward the mess hall with the other Riders.
Azril returns to his cabin with Robin. He washes up in cold water and finds his best shirt to wear. Partly out of the need to find something to do with his spare time, he forces Robin to sit through having his fur brushed. His mind whirls anxiously with thoughts about what he and Maicyn are about to do, but he is sure not to act in any way that would draw attention.
Soon enough, it is time for the banquet, and he finds himself making his way toward the mess hall with the other Riders.
Soon enough, it is time for the banquet, and he finds himself making his way toward the mess hall with the other Riders.
He mingles with the crowd and observes the scene.
At one table, Prince Oruss is seated with the Jiwovzes. The prince's most senior soldiers sit nearby with the Riders who will be accompanying them on their voyage. Azril is seated with the rest of the Riders, including Eldren and Zariana. Finally, the high-ranking members of Paladeen who do not number among the riders sit at a fourth table. There are a few courses to the meal; most people are observing some form of etiquette with which Azril is not familiar, but it does not seem to be strict. There is conversation and laughter throughout.
At one table, Prince Oruss is seated with the Jiwovzes. The prince's most senior soldiers sit nearby with the Riders who will be accompanying them on their voyage. Azril is seated with the rest of the Riders, including Eldren and Zariana. Finally, the high-ranking members of Paladeen who do not number among the riders sit at a fourth table. There are a few courses to the meal; most people are observing some form of etiquette with which Azril is not familiar, but it does not seem to be strict. There is conversation and laughter throughout.
Azril tries to follow the form of etiquette, but eventually relaxes under the easy-going atmosphere and makes some small-talk with the other Riders.
At one table, Prince Oruss is seated with the Jiwovzes. The prince's most senior soldiers sit nearby with the Riders who will be accompanying them on their voyage. Azril is seated with the rest of the Riders, including Eldren and Zariana. Finally, the high-ranking members of Paladeen who do not number among the riders sit at a fourth table. There are a few courses to the meal; most people are observing some form of etiquette with which Azril is not familiar, but it does not seem to be strict. There is conversation and laughter throughout.
Azril tries to follow the form of etiquette, but eventually relaxes under the easy-going atmosphere and makes some small-talk with the other Riders.
The food is good, better than what is usually prepared in the kitchens, and overall the evening is quite pleasant. As the final course is finishing up, Azril hears someone calling his name; looking around, he can see Hithrol nodding for him to come over.
Azril tries to follow the form of etiquette, but eventually relaxes under the easy-going atmosphere and makes some small-talk with the other Riders.
The food is good, better than what is usually prepared in the kitchens, and overall the evening is quite pleasant. As the final course is finishing up, Azril hears someone calling his name; looking around, he can see Hithrol nodding for him to come over.
The food is good, better than what is usually prepared in the kitchens, and overall the evening is quite pleasant. As the final course is finishing up, Azril hears someone calling his name; looking around, he can see Hithrol nodding for him to come over.
Hastily he joins Hithrol.
Hithrol nods to him as he approaches. "Prince Oruss, this is Azril Betynsohn, our newest recruit. He is from Alsene; his father saved my life when we were there."
Hithrol nods to him as he approaches. "Prince Oruss, this is Azril Betynsohn, our newest recruit. He is from Alsene; his father saved my life when we were there."
"A pleasure to meet you," says the prince.
Looking stunned, Azril stares for a split second before bowing awkwardly. "I-- the-- the pleasure's all mine, sir-- your Majesty-- umm... I, beg your pardon, I've never gotten to meet royalty before."
Hithrol nods to him as he approaches. "Prince Oruss, this is Azril Betynsohn, our newest recruit. He is from Alsene; his father saved my life when we were there."
"A pleasure to meet you," says the prince.
Looking stunned, Azril stares for a split second before bowing awkwardly. "I-- the-- the pleasure's all mine, sir-- your Majesty-- umm... I, beg your pardon, I've never gotten to meet royalty before."
Oruss smiles. "Don't trouble yourself. The Jiwovzes have told me a few stories. By all means, you are free to return to your meal if you would like."
