A Grand Opening (by invite)

[Fyrra Na'Limndra]

Thrawn's question dug into Merrake. The longer she thought about the answer, the more she was convinced that she didn't have one. She didn't know what she'd pursue without her duty. It was all she ever knew. She believed it was a good cause. But a good cause wasn't necessary for her. She was more of a mercenary than anything. She had initially stuck by the Kalimbra because of a cultural duty. Now she did it out of choice for free. No one was paying her. It was like they had become sisters. It became apparent that she couldn't imagine herself doing anything other than protecting her.

"I.. can't actually imagine myself doing anything else. Is that so bad?"

She didn't know what to think. Fyrra's heart strings felt a tug. She wanted to embrace her bodyguard, but was too bound by her art to move. Merrake then heard the boy Grayson's comments and started laughing. Fyrra almost laughed too, but resisted. It was difficult being so aware of everything around her and resisting the basic urges such as laughing, or smiling, or crying. Fyrra was now living vicariously through Merrake. She was a stone, and Merrake was alive.

[Jorkahn Wealddir]

Jorkahn gave Korian a smile and a nod. Though the muscles of his lips moved in turn, his tired eyes did not exude the joy one may expect from someone smiling. "I see that my reputation precedes me! I am happy to know I have fans." Before the boy could say much else his friend introduced him to the family. It tugged at his heartstrings and reminded him of his own. The fake smile he had been keeping up this whole time briefly fell from his face and the Champion stared off into the distance, lost in bad memories. In order to keep himself from falling further into his own darkness, Jorkahn squeezed his hands and the pain snapped him out of his own mind. The smile returned and the lad responded.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all." He truly meant that somewhere deep down. "I am not certain I am the best person to ask. I have been on the road for nearly two weeks, any bit of comfort is welcome to me!" Jorkahn chuckled quietly before adding more to the conversation. "I find the establishment to be absolutely stunning, inside and out. I never knew Drokagr design held such beauty." With the mention of beauty the boy's eyes passed over the Kalimbra. He stared maybe a bit too long before asking them a question in turn. "I must admit I am curious, what are everyone's thoughts on the cultural phenomenon that is the Kalimbra?"

Jorkahn had slowly been learning more and more of Korasuan culture through Allyria and the Kalimbra herself, he was curious as to the thoughts of noble Cruinthians on the matter.

[Tyr]

"I find it to be a beautiful representation of the straining most people do to balance that which they feel they need, against that which they truly need, and how most tend to focus on the entirely wrong aspect of life." Naka spoke with a calm conviction, studying the Kalimbra intently. Most of the Mardoks looked at her in slightly stunned silence, she hadn't even waited a moment before breaking into an answer, while Tyr just smiled and laughed lightly. His mother was an interesting one, that was for sure.

"I think I'll take that answer, and excuse myself for a moment. Please, carry on and enjoy yourselves." Tyr stood and inclined his head politely to the group, before heading in the direction of Allyria's table. The propriety was more for Jorkahn's sake than anything else, as well as maintaining propriety of being a Duke in public. Mind you his family was sort of immune to his status, but he was amongst a variety of people here. Best to keep it classy. As he walked over, the Duke pulled a small parcel from inside his jerkin. It was a long, slender package wrapped in paper and tied with silk string. Inside was the silver flute he'd procured by request, repurposed into a business-warming present. As he approached the table the Duke inclined his head again before breaking into the established conversation.

"Excuse my interruption, but this is a fine establishment you have made for yourself Countess." He wasn't sure whether to sit at the table or continue to stand, it was an awkward position to be in, and so chose to remain up and not fully muscle into a social group he was not part of. He held the gift out to Allyria, a light smile on his face. "A grand opening gift for the proprietor, may it bring you good fortune."

---

Back at the table Korian was stealing glances between Jorkahn and the Kalimbra. He was a bit better about it than Grayson, but still a teenage boy. Helinia was either silently eating or fidgeting with something unseen, Naka had said her piece, and that left good ol' Kilinger to be the socialite of the bunch. With a sigh he faced Jorkahn and took up the conversation.

"A champion warrior, and a traveler. You seem young yet, where are you from? How do you make your livelihood?" Kilinger was calmly curious about this random person he was expected to be friendly with. Tyr liked him, so he was at least a decent person, but the Mardocay head knew nothing else about him. Might as well learn right?