[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/M8nuVBP.png[/img]
[h2][color=9e0b0f]Wilhelm the Black Blade[/color][/h2]
Husband of Onyx ([@Vesuvius00]) and Amalia ([@Belle])
Interacting with Onyx & Amalia[/center]

Neither of his brides knew how to ride a horse, it seemed. That would make the trip even slower. But there was no helping it, save to remember to give them proper training when time permitted. With little time that was dwindling fast he took hold of both brides by the arm and impatiently pulled them both toward the two horses. No ceremony was involved as he gruffly lifted one, then the other off their feet with ease and sat them atop the horses. He gave little instruction aside from ordering them to take hold of the reigns and aim to keep from falling off before he drew from his steed's saddlebags a long length of rope. He tied the rope first to his own horse, then linked the other two animals to his own and remounted. With nary a word he set them off down the road in a relatively slow but steady procession.

Thankfully the trip was uneventful. They cleared the marsh with no further difficulties, and from there it was a simple winding road into the mountains of southern Drakka. It was nearing nightfall when the dimly glowing lights of Nachtstone at last came into view, and darkness began to set in as the three horses passed through the mouth of the gorge that contained the settlement. It stretched down a narrow path lined with houses, many of them carved into the rock walls of the mountain. Several Drakken and a few reptilian creatures that could be identified as slaves by the crude iron collars around their necks wandered from their places of rest to see their lord's coming, but at the look of discontent on Wilhelm's face none dared say or try a thing. The pass continued further before opening up into a large circular valley where, jutting out from the mountainside in glistening black stone and metal, stood Wilhelm's estate. It was not overly large, standing only three stories in height with a few towers that went higher, but everything about it seemed foreboding and dangerous. 

As Wilhelm and his brides reached the gates, three Drakken approached them from the castle, one larger than the others by far and bereft of any neckwear while his cohorts wore bands of polished steel about their necks. [b]"My lord,"[/b] this large one said as he bowed deeply, [b]"I am relieving to see you returned. With the lateness of the hour we began to question if something foul had transpired."[/b]

[color=9e0b0f][b]"You were right to,"[/b][/color] Wilhelm responded coldly, [color=9e0b0f][b]"Something did. Matteo attempted to betray me. And you know how I... abhor betrayal, Harkus."[/b][/color]

[b]"Indeed my lord,"[/b] Harkus replied, [b]"I see you remain unharmed as alway."[/b]

[color=9e0b0f][b]"Naturally. Have a rider sent to the Nox Marsh at first light; if he follow the road he will find the carriage and a mess of corpses that he is to see burned."[/b][/color]

[b]"It will be done my lord. You heard him, did you not?"[/b] Harkus asked of one of his companions, who only nodded in reply, [b]"Then prepare your horse to ride this evening."[/b] The man hurried to heed the command.

[color=9e0b0f][b]"My brides and I are all weary from the journey,"[/b][/color] Wilhelm continued, [color=9e0b0f][b]"See to it that they are both washed, fed, and shown to their rooms. How fare the tailors?"[/b][/color]

[b]"Smoothly my lord,"[/b] Harkus replied, [b]"They should be finished with the first array by midday tomorrow."[/b]

[color=9e0b0f][b]"And the smiths?"[/b][/color]

[b]"Delayed by a servant misplacing the gemstones. He has been dealt with properly, and they say they shall finish by the dawn after next."[/b]

[color=9e0b0f][b]"Very well. I wish to wash myself. While I see to that, Eliza is to prepare my chambers and await me there. I trust I have made myself clear?"[/b][/color]

[b]"Crystalline,"[/b] Harkus replied again, [b]"You there, take the brides to the bath at once."[/b]

While Amalia and Onyx were taken care of, Wilhelm walked briskly indoors and up to the third level of the castle where his personal chambers lay. He washed himself first, still seething with quiet fury, but soon emerged into his bedroom and placed himself into the capable care and hands he'd personally molded his eldest and presently most prized bride to have for the evening.

When the next day dawned, Wilhelm brought his brides before him to give them a proper introduction to the castle. He explained first that there was a hierarchy denoted by the collars; the iron were worn by slaves, the steel by indentured Drakken, and Wilhelm's trusted secondaries such as Harkus wore none. They would be free to ask what they wished of the slaves at any time, as well as the indentured ones when Wilhelm permitted it, so long as it did not violate his own edicts. Secondly, any doors in Nachstone that were open could be passed through, those that were closed only when he was present, and those that were locked never at all, though they could not see any locks or keyholes in any of the thick, heavy, wooden doors. Lastly, if he bid them do something it was to be done to the best of their ability without question or hesitation. Violations, or attempts to violate these laws would be punished, and though he did not say how several of the servants visibly winced at the word. Lastly, he introduced them to their elder sister bride Eliza, an almost unnaturally beautiful Gem who smiled warmly, but seemed just a little empty inside, as though she'd given up a piece of herself. She was pleasant enough, however, and soon set about talking with and getting to know Amalia and Onyx and answering what questions she could about life at Nachtstone. 

Around midday, a pair of indentured Drakken appeared bearing a variety of clothing, and Eliza directed Amalia and Onyx to stand still as she delicately helped them strip down and these Drakken, whom she referred to as the tailors, redressed them in elegant black dresses with red trimming. Eliza could always be seen sporting a similar dress code, and she informed them that Wilhelm had all of their clothing made in the castle. Once the tailors were satisfied, they carried the rest of the garments, which came in a small variety of lengths and styles but only ever in black with red accents and trim, up to the Gems's rooms. Wilhelm had looked on as this occurred, but was soon distracted by a letter arriving, endorsed with the royal house's sigil. So, he thought, the old King had finally passed. And now Gaelenesh was to take the throne. He would, of course, demand Wilhelm's loyalty and respect, and so long as he proved to conducted himself in a manner appropriate of a warrior he would have it. But even should Wilhelm find fit to turn away from the former High Prince, Nachtstone would endure. Of that he was certain; it was what his line had always done, and what it would continue to do. For now, he slid the letter into a pocket and paid it no further mind that day. More pressing matters were at hand.

[hider=Eliza's Reference Picture]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/ZbMrTmY.jpg[/img]
[/hider]
[hider=Summary]
Wilhelm gets the brides home, has them washed and taken to their beds while he enjoys the company of the Bride he already had. The next day (Day 3), he explains how things work at Nachtstone, introduces Amalia & Onyx to Eliza, and they get their new clothes while Wilhelm gets the fateful letter. He's alright with Gaelenesh... for now.

Day 4 details to follow after further discussion with groupmates.
[/hider]