Knights of Tezoth

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 the invited lords and their retinues basked in luxury and the contented Kanami citizens gave themselves over to festive revelry, life in the other regions continued to flow as before — the noble warriors of Sordgard and Lamente still kept their watch, guarding the kingdom's peace from encroachments out of the crater, but few cared about that. On the contrary — part of the defenders had been summoned here as unwilling participants in today's farce. That said, Alaria felt no ill will toward Mariarnelia — she herself was bound by the constraints of her station and, in a sense, was a hostage of 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 before. This was one of the reasons her liege's approach appealed to her — the position of a quiet observer who drew no undue attention suited her just fine.

There goes Karneya 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. Whether he is preparing his heir for high society or scheming to betroth 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 aren't many better candidates. Clearly not something to be dismissed out of hand.

For the Tanarsian herself, the one who stood out most among them all was the local fanatic — Man of Sanborn — but decidedly not in a positive light. There was something repulsive about that procession, as if even today's visit he was using 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 Sanborn, this certainly boded no 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, habits, and bearing, not neglecting to observe even the entourages of the distinguished figures. You never know with whom your lord might choose 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, standing by Lord Cartridge's side like a vigilant guardian. Protecting her liege was still one of her direct duties, and Alaria had no intention of neglecting it.