[center][h3][color=#729674]King Alister Hardin[/color][/h3]
[img]https://data.whicdn.com/images/202902042/original.gif[/img]
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[color=#729674][b]Location -[/b][/color] Kingdom of Abhainn
[color=#729674][b]Interacting With -[/b][/color] Queen Mira {[@MissCapnCrunch]}; Lord Aedan Merryn {[@Pundii]}[/center]
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How he hated this small talk. On the surface, it seemed harmless and dreadfully boring, but Alister couldn't help but feel on edge throughout the small, informal reception that seemed to occur once they had entered the palace. For a while, he was able to feel at least slightly at ease with Mira by his side, but they were slowly separated as she charmed her way into the circle of noble women. Whatever she spoke of was met with giggles and gasps from the assembled women.

Alister, on the other hand, was being grilled on national policy by these Abhainnians as well as on plans for the two nations once they had been joined by marriage. He could feel himself growing more irate as they questioned him, for they worded their questions as though Maddox would inherit both kingdoms, as though Julianna suddenly had a more valid claim to the throne than Jaxon himself.

He was grateful for a chance to escape the conversations and retire to his chambers to prepare himself for the feast. Al lurked about his chambers for most of the day after that, turning to the lute he had brought with him for something to do to ease the crippling boredom. As the sun finally set, his servants entered the chambers and laid out his outfit for him. Everything seemed to be a blur then as he dressed and joined the feast.

A voice behind him in the ballroom caused him to jump, and he whipped around to face Mira and her wily smirk. It took him a moment before he actually seemed to process her jest - the day's festivities had drained him already.

[color=#729674]"I suppose we will have to make sure she does not find us then, my lady,"[/color] he returned, playing along with the scenario as he wrapped his arms around her. She could tell he was drained, and she pressed a kiss into his hand with a gentle sort of passion, one that made him smile briefly back at her. [color=#729674]"The fireworks are quite stunning - though not as stunning as you are I am certain."[/color] And now he gave a soft laugh, deep and sonorous, easily lost in the murmur around them. [color=#729674]"It definitely wasn't as much of an affair as this is. Though I recall at least [i]two[/i] cows being shot."[/color]

They made their way to the tables then where there were wines and some food for the nobles and royals to pick at. It was quit obvious that the feast itself was not to start until Maddox had arrived, but Alister hadn't a clue when that would be. For some time, he sat with Mira and drank the wine before them nervously. It was well made, and so Alister had consumed a bit too much by the time he became self aware of how much he had.

Head swimming, he patted his hand on Mira's hand and stood up from his chair. [color=#729674]"I'll be back...I'm just going for some fresh air."[/color] It made him uneasy to have gotten this far into drinking. It had been years since he had gotten as drunk as he was now at something so public. And so he made his way out on to the balcony. The night air rushed to meet him, noticeable cooler than the air within the ballroom. For a moment, he simply let it wash over him, but then he noticed Aedan on the balcony as well, and he moved slightly towards the man - a comforting sight in this foreign land.

[color=#729674]"Enjoying yourself?"[/color] he asked, looking over at the younger man.