P'ae'liu Aetae'Wi'Tae'Ne (Palace of the Eternal Winter), Yaquz'azraq, The Free-State of Lolede
It was a frigid and icy day in Yaquz'azraq, the middle of winter; the seas surrounding the city were mostly frozen over, glistening beautifully in the sun.
Many people were heading into the heated halls of the Palace, designed to bring warmth as the flames dance around in a beautiful light show. Merchant-Diplomats from across the Archduchy gathering, even the Governor-Nobles of the Free-State were present; representing the Eternal Heartlands as best as they could. Obviously absent were the Heartlanders, who were known to never attend Galas with outsiders. At the end of the Heated Halls, the guests would be greeted by the wonders of the Midnight Ballroom; a great platinum-domed marble building, rich with statues and carvings, the walls and ceiling frescoed, and the floor being a strange and beautiful mosaic of Lapis, platinum, and marble; with the centre of it reflecting the domed ceiling in a glistening mirror. The dome is lined with small paintings that allow the shining of the platinum when the light hits it just right, to look different based on where you're standing; however, the very centre of it holds a painting of the Archduke of the Eternal Throne, the honour and respect him. Anyone familiar with Aeternaean architecture would realise that this palace was based upon that of the Southern Isles. One could find the traditions and history of Aeternaea throughout the room; a sense of pride and respect in their history. Great limestone arches supported the room on all sides, with displays on them of the strengths of the nation; the Aeternaean Navy, the Aeternaean Army, the Aeternaean Economy, and most importantly the Eternal Throne of Aeternis. The windows were all of stained glass, with the starlight beaming through, dancing around in different and unique patterns.
In the back-centre of the room, one would find the hosts of the party gathered, looking upon the guests entering the room. Of those present, three stood out, their presence dominating the others;
Merchant-Diplomat, Great Lord Kae'Kar'Dea I vi Fy'Rho, Merchant-Prince of the 10 Families, Priest of the Eternal Throne, and Admiral of the Frozen Fleet. He stood in the centre of the trio, clothed in a blue tunic with silver threads woven through it to shine brilliantly in the light, black trousers with blue trimmings that were designed to fit perfectly for both comfort and efficiency, leather boots with a red-stained design with no sign of wear, and a jet-black cloak with the only distinguishing feature on it being that of a strange symbol. They all fit him perfectly as he stood calmly, showing no signs of any excitement. The colours meshed with his olive skin and long black hair, flowing to the top of his back -- a member of the Northern Provinces obviously. He also had brown irises with white sclerae. He gave the appearance of being the one in charge.
Merchant-Diplomat, Sea Lord Ys'P'Qin IV vi Rho'Hae, Merchant-Prince of the 10 Families, and Master of the Ports. Standing to the immediate left of Kae'Kar'Dea, he wore a white tunic with red trimmings woven in odd patterns seeming more belonging on a sailor than a noble, matching trousers with the same odd patterns, brown boots with a white-stained design with some signs of wear, and a red cloak with the same strange symbol. Unlike his colleague, he seemed to be excited seeing all the guests show up and was actively trying to get a better view of those entering. Sharing the same olive complexion as Kae'Kar'Dea, he must have originated from the Northern Provinces as well. His hair, however, seemed to be of a dirty blond look; meaning that he was either a mixed-blood or foreigner that adopted the faith of the Eternal Throne. His eyes were light blue, blending with the scenery around him.
and finally, the beautiful and young, Merchant-Diplomat, Purest Lady W'Zae'Ne I vi Bak'Dea, Merchant-Princess of the 10 Families, The Purest Star of Lolede, and the Trademaster of Lolede. She wore a beautiful dress modelled after that of the Eternal Princesses of Old. Flowing gently along the contours of her figure, with delicate ice patterns woven into the Tyrian purple material. Accenting her fair skin, and showing a gentle hint of cleavage and the bare of her back. Her shining silver hair, a symbol of the Heartlands, braided down the back in the middle, surrounded by straight flowing hair. Her hair shining in the starlight just added to the curiousness of her origins. Her eyes were of two different colours; the left was a violet colour with silver tinting, and the right was greenish with silver tinting. She stood with dignity like Kae'Kar'Dea, but showed signs of happiness and cheer on her visage.
"Lord Ys'P'Qin." Called Kae'Kar'Dea, standing at attention.
"Yes, Lord Kae?" Responded Ys'P'Qin. "Ready for some fun?"
"Stand with more dignity, you are a representative of the Eternal Throne here. If you act in such a manner, you may be barred from your next journey to the throne." Said Kae'Kar'Dea coldly.
"Ah yes, of course... wouldn't want that, now would I?" Ys'P'Qin stated uncertainty.
"Also, address me properly. This is a formal environment, you will call me either Lord Kae'Kar'Dea, or Priest Rho'Hae. I leave it to your discretion."
"Of course... Lord Kae'Kar'Dea." said Ys'P'Qin sullenly.
At this, Kae'Kar'Dea turned towards him and analysed him for a few moments before turning towards W'Zae'Ne. "Lady W'Zae'Ne, your formal attitude is also in need of some minor improvements, however, it excels in comparison to Lord Ys'P'Qin."
"Oh? How flattering to be compared to such a gallant person." She responded. "However, dearest Priest... one must be reminded to enjoy themselves from time to time, one would not want to become known as the stone thrown into quicksand, now would they?"
"That is an excellent point, Lady W'Zae'Ne. One would not." Responded Kae'Kar'Dea, completely missing the point. "One must also remember that we are all representing the Eternal Throne..." He bowed his head at this moment before continuing, "We must demonstrate the greatness of our people and faith to these outsiders. We will have many honoured guests, and we have been authorised to record and present agreements and treaties to them, with the exception of holy decrees, border agreements, and Heartland accords."
"Oooh... interesting!" Interrupted Ys'P'Qin. "Quite a lot of freedom, no? Let's see what kind of fun we can have here!" He continued, waving his hand towards the crowd gathering below.
"Indeed... let's." Responded Kae'Kar'Dea, not allowing the interruption to get to him. "Lady W'Zae'Ne..."
"Yes, Lord Kae'Kar'Dea?" replied W'Zae'Ne.
"Would you be willing to do the honours of going below and greeting our esteemed guests? I believe a person such as you... a Heartlander... would be the best choice to be the formal hostess of this event."
"Oh! How generous of you, dearest Priest." She exclaimed with a smile on her face. "But are you not certain that you shouldn't go down? After all, this is your palace. Is it not?"
"Although that may be true, I am merely a servant of the Throne, a Merchant-Prince given the title. Unlike yourself." He bowed his head slightly.
"Ah, I understand. Say no more. I shall do my duty." She smiled.
"Your duty shall bring honour to the Eternal Throne." He returned to his former stance as W'Zae'Nae curtsied and walked towards the obsidian trimmed stairs, making it appear as if she were elegantly gliding down them, demonstrating nothing but pure beauty on her way down.
"I suppose it's time to let the show begin..." She whispered to herself with a grin.