Illy was startled by prince Polkos' casual nature. He seemed more like one of the members of court, than a highly respected Prince about to forge a long lasting relationship that would solidify the position of his nation with Illy's own.She gracefully accepted the drink he poured her, sitting down only after he had as a show of respect. If Maleea knew of his kindness towards her, she would surely forbid any future meetings.

"Thank you, your highness, you are most kind" she said as she bowed her head slightly and took a sip. Her mouth was filled with a warm kind of fire, peppered with spices and an after taste of wild berries. It was delicious.

"This is quite exquisite. Like drinking wild fire..." she added as she took one more sip, her shoulders finally falling as she attempted to relax. The whole setting was very cozy, and she found herself thinking of the times back home when she sat by the fireplace of her home with her various pets scattered around her in a hazy, warm slumber.

"My name is Illyria, the eldest daughter of House Everhart in Dasvrochi" she said as she lowered her cup. All the oldest families in Dasvrochi had House names resembling parts of nature, and hers was no different. Named after the everhart plant, a rare and expensive commodity in Dasvrochi, known to its people as the "twilight plant". Illyria had poured over old ancestry books growing up, taking in every word of her female ancestors who recorded instances of magic and animal control. Her mother had told her to put it from her mind, but she had often wondered how far her abilities would come in the matter. As if reminded of something she had seen in the past, but not quite sure of where she'd seen it, Illyria's hand wandered towards the bright amethyst pendant at her neck. Inside it lay a single everhart leaf, frozen in time.

"I have been a handmaid to Princess Maleea for a few years. She is most pleased to be marrying you, Prince" she said with a smile. It all still felt too formal to her, pretending like she wanted to be in a place where everything but the handsome stranger's glance in the hall earlier made her feel miserable.

"I was raised in the Dasvrochian tradition of animal handling, specifically horses. I attended Equus Primus, the capital's school for equitation skills. Maleea attended also, that is where we met. Our families forged an alliance years before, my dad as a trader and supplier to the royal family. My mother taught some of the royalty's children, and aided my father in his business" she added, trying to sound as interesting as a Dasvrochian handmaid could.

"I will be happy to serve you and Maleea to the best of my ability. Please always do let me know if there is something I can improve on...I tend to...ramble, maybe. My father always said "Illy, you talk to much, be quiet for a minute and listen to the leaves!", which i thought was comical really, because I didn't talk that much" she said as she realized she had been rambling while she said she didn't ramble at all. She chuckled and raised her hand to cover her eyes. 

"I suppose he was right!" she said as she took another sip of the liquor. Her cheeks felt warm, as if the fire had come all the way up from her belly and reached her face. It was a delightful beverage, one she would have to make sure to mention on her next letter home.