Ple-Sen
Only the extravagance of today's celebration and the most important date in modern Tezoth — Deus's birthday — could rival Kalamention in beauty and grandeur. Nominally, it was a tribute to the ruler and a symbol of the kingdom's unity, but in reality, it was so only for the capital's residents. While invited lords with their retinues basked in luxury and contented Canamians gave themselves over to solemn festivities, life in the other regions continued to flow as before — the noble warriors of Swordgard and Lamente still stood their watch, guarding the kingdom's peace from encroachments out of the crater, but few cared about that. On the contrary — some of the defenders had been summoned here, as unwilling participants in today's farce. That said, Alaria felt no negativity toward Mariarnelia — she herself was bound by the constraints of her status and, in a sense, was a hostage to the situation.
Having become a Knight of Catharsis relatively recently, the warrior had not previously taken part in such events — seeing the most influential people of Tezoth gathered under one roof was a first for her. Most of them she had never even seen in person. That was one of the reasons she favored her liege's approach — the position of a quiet observer who drew no undue attention suited her just fine.
There goes Carnea Kaikunia Iretiret, fully living up to her notorious reputation. And there is Lord Adalard — likely the second most powerful man in the empire, after Deus himself — in the company of his son. Either he is preparing his heir for high society, or he has designs on betrothing him to the guest of honor in an effort to expand his influence. An expected and logical move — from the standpoint of political marriages, there are not many better candidates. Clearly not something to be dismissed out of hand.
For the Tanarsian woman herself, the one who stood out most among them all was the local fanatic — Man of Sanbornia — but by no means in a positive light. There was something repulsive about that procession, as if even today's visit he used solely as an opportunity to praise his idol. At the same time, the absence of a knight in his retinue looked remarkably suspicious. Given the opportunistic nature of the Lord of Sanbornia, this boded nothing good, especially for his neighbors.
One after another, the guests came and went, and for each of them the Knight of Catharsis made various notes in her mental journal, trying to remember their faces, mannerisms, and bearing, not neglecting to observe even the escorts of the distinguished personages. You never know with whom your lord might decide to do business in the future, or who might gain a new domain in a year or two.
That said, she did not forget to keep an eye on her own surroundings, holding close to Lord Cartridge like a vigilant guardian. Protecting her liege was still one of her direct duties, and Alaria had no intention of neglecting it.