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

Meldyr gave a nod to the Lady Nalia, stepping back and at the ready should she need anything further. His posture was alert, but somewhat relaxed as well. He smelled the aroma of the food and it tempted him to grab a bite, but he decided against it. If his men could not, then he wouldn't indulge. Her words seemed to cut through her family's protests like his own orders would silence his soldiers. He guessed her time as a Mercenary truly did help just as his did. 

It was then that the gunshot was heard, and for a moment he feared a Delorano had been shot. Luckily, the merest second later he saw that was not so. Otto cried for Meldyr to investigate, but the Captain was already moving, not having time to tell Otto that just because the Lord Delorano was dead didn't mean anyone could order Meldyr around. Later, he would suppose it was only natural the good doctor panicked and rightly so called for the Guard, but still. 

As the Balcony door opened and a darkly clad figure stepped into the room, Meldyr had vaulted atop the table fluidly. As he stepped down on the side of the Balcony, his pistol and sword were drawn so suddenly it was if they had appeared from thin air. The sword was at his side, poised. His Pistol was pointed straight between the stranger's eyes. 

It was as Meldyr had his sights on the figure when two contingents of guards hustled in. Many had halberds and swords, and a few had muskets at the ready. They halted, a bit confused at to what was occurring. Meldyr's orders brought them to attention, however.  "Javick, take your men and investigate the balcony." Meldyr commanded, his dark eyes never leaving the stranger. "Olaf, get your men to surround the perimeter of the Family. And get three men from each of you to make sure the guests are safe. Now." 

As the men began to arrange themselves and move about their tasks, Meldyr still stared at the cloaked figure, a threat evident in his gaze. "Move on inch, and I [i]will[/i] kill you," he promised the man. "Who are you? Speak!"