[center][h2]The Soldier[/h2][/center] 
[hr] 

It might have been a comical point in a melodrama, for the Guard Captain to walk in and defuse the situation. Only, of course, for the new and beautiful Head of the House to saunter in and claim the glory of berating Lucien. However in truth, Meldyr respected Nalia and was silently appreciative of her taking the reins. Meldyr was here to keep the peace and protect, but he would rather fight the enemies of the Delorano and not the Delorano themselves. He gave Nalia a small bow as she passed him by, his face more at ease than before. 

Just as he was about to take his position, he saw the flirtatious Lorenzo striding in and shaking hands. He shook Lorenzo's hand as well, happy he was here. It was one less thing to handle, at least. He'd rather not go about the House looking for missing family members. Not at such a critical time. 

He would not sit with them, for it was simply not his duty to lounge about. It was then he realized there was a distinct lack of protection for the family he was sworn to protect, and Meldyr snapped his fingers thrice. Two men hustled into the room not moments later, swords and pistols at their sides. He turned to them and held up two fingers, and then twirled his hand. They nodded, and set off to take positions parallel to the dinner table, standing at the ready. As they did so, Meldyr strode around the table. His cloak swaying lightly, and one hand on his sword, he almost walked with the air of a tragic hero. 

He gave nods to every family member that looked his way as he passed by. He even had a slightly reassuring look to Fiona, for he could see the tears glimmer in her dark eyes. He held no love for her son other than an appreciation of his dueling skills, but he understood what it felt like to lose your home.

He halted just to the back left of Nalia, standing at ease in body, though his gaze was ever wary. Within seconds, he let out a breath, and realized that this was where he needed to be from now on. Lord Delorano was truly dead, and this was the way of things now. He'd served under the command of many people less worthy than Nalia, he knew. He would get used to it quickly, and in fact he already felt himself getting accustomed to it. Perhaps he was just hungry. He even gave a chuckle. 

Not everyone could adjust however, it seemed. First Lucien, and now Juniper was openly full of contempt. 

"My lady, I could have a few of my men escort the Lady Juniper to her chambers..." he voiced to Nalia.