[center][img][/img][h1]♚ [color=0072bc]S E L D O[/color] ♚[/h1][img]http://66.media.tumblr.com/51fc61ac770a524e9468f174afa94d7f/tumblr_inline_n1xc79Kcic1rb3m8r.png[/img][/center]

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[b][center]Seldo's Private Quarters[/center][/b]

[color=0072bc]"You don't think this one is too gaudy, do you?"[/color] Seldo said, holding his hand up in front of him and counting the sparkles on his brilliant emerald ring. [color=0072bc]"It fits the color scheme, but perhaps the gem is a bit too large for this occasion."[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]"Not at all, My Lord!"[/color] Orchid replied in a cheerful tone as she braided a portion of Seldo's hair. [color=bc8dbf]"I think it looks wonderful on you. That ring just screams, 'right here is a man ready to learn, and look good doing it.' Besides, you're not just impressing lower nobility today. You're presenting yourself before a large gathering of princes and princesses, many of them crowned. Flaunting a bit of your wealth before that audience is perfectly fashionable."[/color]

Seldo smiled and gave no objection. He would trust her judgement as always... and that ring [i]did[/i] look damn good on him. The color scheme for his outfit today was green and gold. Deep earthy greens were brought to life by the vibrant golden trim and elegant patterns woven through his outfit. He wore a light coat with the Forletus family crest sewn into the back: a golden leviathan swimming in an elegant swirl. Seldo wanted everyone to know who he was without saying a word. His family crest combined with the prolific wealth he was displaying should make it fairly obvious for anyone with a basic grasp of politics. Orchid finished his braid as she often did, tying the tips of his hair into an oval gem, this one an emerald to match the color scheme of the day. Once the preparations were done, he stood up and looked himself over in the mirror while Orchid made the final adjustments on his attire, making sure that everything was hanging at just the right angle. 

[color=bc8dbf]"There, now that's what I call a handsome prince!"[/color] Orchid said. [color=bc8dbf]"I'm sure you'll have potential suitors from all houses lining up to make your acquaintance."[/color]

Seldo gave a gentle a gentle laugh. [color=0072bc]"Dear Orchid, you misunderstand my motives entirely! This is a place of learning. I would never sully these halls with such vulgar intentions. Though..."[/color] He grinned. [color=0072bc]"It would be irresponsible of me not to give consideration to the propositions of one who could bring wealth and power into the Forletus family."[/color]

Orchid rolled her eyes and let out an amused chuckle. [color=bc8dbf]"My lord, I'm sure that no matter which young lady happens to strike your fancy, you'll find the words to make her seem 'valuable' to the family." [/color] And with that, Orchid ran a comb through Seldo's hair one last time and sent him off to the opening ceremony.

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[b][center]The Great Hall[/center][/b]

Much to Seldo's delight, he saw that he was wearing what was probably the most expensive outfit in the room, even compared to other princes and princesses of similar stature. He recognized quite a few faces of people he had met at balls and gatherings, and he saw that his cousin, Anareliea, was in good spirits. He felt genuinely sad for what had happened to her father, and the respects he paid at his uncle's funeral were not feigned. It was one of the few events where many people failed to recognize him, and rumors even began to circulate that he failed to attend. After all, people were used to Prince Seldo wearing flashy, vibrant attire, but a funeral was no place for such antics. Instead, he wore plain blacks and grays like everyone else; he wouldn't be surprised if Anareliea hadn't recognized him there. He did not know the late patriarch well on a personal level, so he didn't feel much actual grief at his passing, but he still felt sympathetic towards her loss. A lesser woman would still be in mourning, but his cousin was attending this ceremony like everyone else as if the funeral had never happened. Ruse or not, it was an impressive display of fortitude. 

However, they were not at a funeral now, so there was no shame in making his presence known. He noticed that the new students were being corralled into one corner of the room, which he didn't particularly care for. He pseudo-obliged the staff, walking in that general direction so that he stood on the fringe of the new students but could easily be mistaken for a returning student. As he walked towards this socially advantageous position, he found one of the younger looking students and walked up to him. He cleared his throat and uttered a single word: [color=0072bc]"Pardon."[/color] The expression he wore was perfectly cordial, but his eyes said, "I have somewhere to be. Move." The young noble looked up a Seldo for a moment, gave him a courteous nod, and then stepped out of the way. Seldo grinned internally. With a single courteous word, he had made a show of authority and importance in plain sight of both the new and returning students. The year was off to a good start. 

The opening speech was what one would expect. Promises of greatness for the school, its staff, and the students. Standard fare, but at  least it represented the Forletus family's famous word crafting abilities adequately well. Seldo made a point to softly clap once everyone was finished, which spurred those around him to clap as well. It was no rousing applause, but it was an amusing effect to observe, as nobody but Seldo knew the true origin of the clapping. Then it was time for them to "mingle." Seldo now had an interesting choice to make. Who would be the first person that he would publicly address? Why, the most important person in the room, of course: the most likely candidate for the next Matriarch. 

Seldo made his way over to Anareliea and gave her a small bow. [color=0072bc]"Milady, I'm pleased to see you in good spirits."[/color] Here, he decided to avoid asking how she was doing, as the answer was fairly obvious given recent events, and he opted to avoid the topic of the funeral altogether. It would be better to make this a more positive conversation. After all, they hadn't seen each other in quite a while; why plunge right into doom and gloom? [color=0072bc]"The Conclave is a great opportunity for us, don't you think?"[/color] He continued. [color=0072bc]"It is as the Grand Keeper says. This room represents most of what the world will become. As we study, we will learn what our friends and rivals are capable of, and who those friends and rivals ought to be. I know this question may be a bit premature, and I hope it is not too forward, but I'm curious. What does the next matriarch think of the future of her empire?"[/color] He gave a sweeping motion to the crowd of students who were already chatting, meeting old acquaintances, and forming new alliances. Whether Anareliea chose to answer that question or not, it would be interesting to see what kind of person she had become.