From the wall of his stronghold, Silzard watched the slow approach of Lord Aseryo's party with crossed arms. This would be the day that the extent of truce between the feuding houses would be decided upon. In his youth he had entertained the notion that he would be the one to put the old blood to rest, but despite the monumental event unfolding before his eyes he no longer thought that would be the case. Even in his lifetime alone, there was simply too much blood spilt by both sides for true reconciliation. The consequences of their actions would propagate hatred in the next generation as they learned why their fathers and uncles were dead. He closed his eyes, letting a deep breath escape his lips, and turned to prepare for their arrival.

The Great Hall was decorated with wilted flowers and familial portraits dating back to the founding of House Tosen, as well as a few select trophies associated with notable personages. A long table reserved for feasts bisected the hall. Normally, the leader of House Tosen would sit at one end of the table, but Silzard had ordered that seats for himself and Lord Aseryo be placed at the middle of the table so that they might sit across from each other, with their retainers fanned out on either side. The atmosphere created by that choice was both more personal, and confrontational. His sister would be seated to his right, and to his left the mage Travard. Those remaining in House Tosen's party would be permitted to choose their seats, so long as they were distributed equally.

As the members of Aseryo were escorted into the hall, Silzard stood. His cold gaze passed over each of those in his retinue, making it clear that they would be standing as well. He was attired in his crimson armor, and his sword was unbuckled and lay horizontally in front of him on the table where it could be seen, and the other members of Tosen had been instructed to display their weapons as well, so that their could be no misunderstandings. When they were all seated, he spoke in a calm and deep voice.

"[color=ed1c24]Welcome to House Tosen, Lord Aseryo. I will be speaking in place of my father for the time being, as he has fallen ill. Please, accept this humble repast as a sign of our hospitality,[/color]" he finished. If the last sentence hadn't made it clear enough, the cold gaze he leveled at anyone not eating made it clear that doing so would be taken as an insult.