Lady Zecorra Grimm gazed down upon the many men and women arrayed before her.  Many were capable warriors, some were rich cowards, there was certainly a lot of variety, especially among the Confederacy.  A few different individuals caught her eye: There was a young man with fascinating tribal tattoos on his arms, a rather short and richly dressed individual who seemed to be eyeing her daughters seats, but most interesting was a young woman sitting next to her knights.  The young woman had remarkable eyes, she also had the presence of mind to pay her respects to the lady of the house but what was interesting was her subtle reactions.  As soon as her two dark elf knights had sat down the woman seemed disturbed and the faintest bits of sweat could be seen forming on her skin.

[b]"Nefiris, Irelis."[/b]  Zecorra Grimm turned to her knights who turned to face her immediately to await her instructions.  [b]"Do you two sense anything?"[/b]  The two nodded immediately.

[b]"Indeed your grace."[/b]  They said together and then the one in green continued.  [color=82ca9d]"The woman next to me has been touched by the forest elves at one point.  I can feel the residue of their magics in her blood.  If you are concerned your grace, you need not worry.  While traditional elfen magic is incompatible with our own there is hardly any presence left so no permanent effects should occur."[/color]  The elf's voice seemed a little annoyed about the effects but did her best not to show it.

[b]"That is good to hear."[/b]  Lady Zecorra then turned to Kehah, [b]"Forgive me for prying, but I find it most fascinating to meet someone from the outside who has actually encountered one of the older races.  While I want to inquire how you managed to meet such beings I suppose first, I should ask for your name young lady."[/b]  Lady Grimm smiled and the elf in red seemed slightly curious as well since she leaned forward a bit.  Before she could think to answer something happened.

[hr]

Finally the doors opened once more and in strode Lord Grimm and his two daughters.  Lord Grimm nodded to his daughters who strode to the empty seats near the middle of the table.  Lady Primrosa took the chair on the Empire's side while Lady Esmerelda took the Confederacy side.  Lord Grimm strode to the end of the table opposite of Lady Grimm so that now, the heirs to the castle were essentially seated at all major points on the table.  Once Lord Grimm took his seat he started to speak.

[b]"As you can see my daughters have decided on who will represent them in the upcoming war.  The Onyx Empire will support my first born, Primrosa, while the White Rock Confederacy shall support Esmerelda.  Support my daughters well and you will reap great rewards for your efforts."[/b]  Lord Grimm raised a glass of wine to the air and his daughters and wife followed suit.  Quickly everyone else realized something like a toast was going to begin and follow suit with whatever beverage they had.  [b]"May the ancient dragons bless the battles ahead and the warriors who fight in it!"[/b]

There were cheers all around and more than a few people were starting to realize a certain trend in who the Grimm Family talked.  Quite a few times they mentioned the Dragons as a blessing.  It appeared that dragons were rather important to Grimm Castle tradition and while it seemed logical considering they were located at the top of the Dragon Fang Mountain range, aside from a few myths and legends few visitors had any idea of their significance.

Lady Esmerelda and Lady Primrosa smiled at each other.  [b]"No hard feelings to whoever wins sister."[/b]  Primrosa said confidently as she sat with the Onyx Empire and their wealthy lords and hardened soldiers.

[b]"Yes, no hard feelings at all."[/b]  Esmerelda smiled back and the two clinked their glasses together and each took a drink.  [b]"Now then, it is time I got to know my supports.  Representatives of the White Rock Confederacy, I am honored to have you represent me in the coming battles.  I looks forward to knowing you better so we may develop an growing relationship between our people."[/b]