While the two groups were resting or chatting with each other those in Castle Grimm were not idle.  The halls were getting a last minute proper dusting as various servants milled around.  Soldiers glanced from their watchtowers on top of the walls into the initial courtyard, trying to gauge the guests and which side would prove to be more useful to befriend.  Some figured the White Rock Confederacy would be easier to barter with since they were a gathering of states who would probably compete with each other economically to get the best deals with Castle Grimm.  Others made the point that the Onyx Empire were farther along in engineering and manufacturing so goods from them would likely be cheaper overall, well things not food anyway or possibly animals.

In the castle throne room deeper inside the castle, Lord Grimm looked over at his twin daughters, who appeared eager for things to progress.  The throne room was moderately extravagant but like most of the castle still had its Gothic dark charms etched into the walls and pillars.  The floor was of a white marble with dark spots and what appeared to be gold.  A lot of the curtains and other cloth decorations were dark purple with silver lining, in fact, aside from what appeared to be gold veins in the floor the majority of expensive looking items and decorations, such as the large chandelier, were silver with the occasional crystal.  The throne room of course also had guards in ornamental plate mail, armed with halberds, and a few court officials and 'nobles' to even out the numbers.

The twins were keeping their composure but there was a certain twinkle in their eyes of anticipation.  At the moment, none of the Grimm family were in their seats, no doubt waiting until the actual negotiations commenced.  Lord Grimm looked down at his daughters, despite not being in company he was still wearing his helmet.

[b]"The time will soon be upon us when you must choose your representative nation, well that is if they agree to the terms.  It is quite convenient that we have been given an opportunity to settle this dispute without resorting to our own forces."[/b]

Primrosa and Esmerelda glanced at each other.  At the moment the court was almost completely split on which sister should be the next heir and as neither was willing to give up the title, a mini civil war might have been what they needed to do to decide once and for all who would rule the castle next.

Primrosa spoke first, [b]"Once I get a good luck at the groups I should be easily able to tell which side is stronger.  I'll make sure to snatch their allegiance before you Essy."[/b]  Primrose grinned and crossed her arms, sure that she would be able to get what she wanted.

Esmerelda responded without batting and eye, [b]"Of course sister, but as you well know, strength alone does not win a battle."[/b]  Esmerelda gave a small smile back at her sister, while seemingly good humored there was an underlying threat to her words.

[b]"Well of course strength isn't everything, but it sure can help.  After all, because I work out I don't have as much excess flab to haul around."[/b]  Primrosa took a stab at her sister's somewhat large set of assets.

Esmerelda blushed slightly as she tried to cover her breasts.  [b]"But I can't say I've ever lose to you dear sister in a game of strategy, of which this will no doubt be the hardest yet."[/b]

As the two bickered, a man in a mask went up to the castle owners and bowed down on one knee with a hand over his chest.  [i]"My Lord Grimm, the representatives are currently waiting in the courtyard."[/i]  Lord Grimm motioned for the man to stand up, giving them full view of his mask.  It was certainly a unique mask half black and half white down the middle, with a tear mark the opposite color of the side it was on underneath the eye slits.  The only bit of real color was two symmetrical purple triangles on the cheek bones.

[b]"Very well,"[/b] Lord Grimm decided to take his seat and motioned for the masked man to leave, [b]"Go out and tell them to come in.  That should give them enough time to...prepare."[/b]

[i]"At once my Lord."[/i]  The man stood up, bowed, walked backward a few steps before turning around to walk toward the first courtyard.