[center][color=mediumpurple][b]Road to Harrow's Keep[/b][/color][/center][hr]
A trio of men, all in some matter of dark apparel, meandered along the quiet dirt road on horseback, nearing Harrow's Keep. Leading the group at the front was a quite a large man, one who looked like a fortress atop the mountain-like steed who adorned him, his darksteel full-plate clattering almost rhythmically along with his horse's footfalls. The smaller man riding in the rear on the left sported a rather pale complexion, his long raven black hair matching his regal servant's outfit, humming what sounded like a catchy pop song from the North. At the right of the pale man was a much larger, [url=https://i.ibb.co/59g27dW/image.png]masked figure[/url] with a fairer complexion. The veiled man wore a set of fine, black clothes only befitting of a Lord, stretching and threatening to tear from the man's ripped physique underneath. While he wore no armor, he wore a rather imposing sword at his hip.

"[color=slateblue]We've almost reached Harrow's Keep, Lord Balaur! I can see it![/color]" The darksteel colossus at the front beckoned, his voice almost echoing within the confines of his metallic shell. The paler man humming the song smiled at the news, softly clapping as he turned to the well-dressed beefcake riding next to him.

"[color=silver]Ahh, it's almost time, m'lord! I wonder how the other lords will react to your sudden appearance, Lord [i]Matthias[/i]...[/color]" The servant chuckled, placing a hand over his mouth. The eponymous 'Matthias' only grunted in response, producing a dark gray pocket watch from his coat pocket and keeping note of the current time. 

"[color=silver]Don't worry, m'lord... we've still a day to spare. After we've finished finding our rooms and unpacking, I'm sure you have more than enough time to stretch those old legs of yours and enjoy the thrills of the outside world! I'm sure you of all people could use some fresh air, after all~[/color]"

Despite the annoyed tones 'Matthias' gave in response, he couldn't help but agree with the jovial butler. It has been so long since he has left the confines of House Balaur, and without his armor as well. The feeling was liberating, and Lord Balaur was tempted to cartwheel the rest of his way to Harrow's Keep, being held back by his own better judgement. Indeed, the Lord had intentionally chosen a rather slow method of making his way to the talks as he had a lot to think about. Lord Balaur had the unfortunate fate of being unfamiliar with [i]all[/i] the lords on a personal matter, seeing as his generation seemed to have more or less died out. Times were changing quickly, and Lord Balaur knew that sooner or later, he would have to catch up with them, himself.

"[color=darkorchid]I understand that it's in my best interest that I presented myself as my own heir, but by the Goddess, is the mask really necessary?[/color]" 'Matthias' finally broke his silence, his voice imposing and deep. "[color=darkorchid]I'm sure the lords of this generation are unaware of what 'Lord Darius Balaur' looked like in his prime. I could easily pass off as an heir without it.[/color]"

"[color=silver]Oho, but I'm afraid you are wrong, Lord [i]Matthias.[/i] A mask does more than merely hide the wearer's visage. It creates a new identity, a new person for the wearer. A mask not only hides one's face, but creates a new one for others to behold. Take our brave escort, for example. Without his helmet, you would know him as Sir Hiram Bleakford, a down-to-earth nobleman who owns one of the largest ranches in House Balaur. With it on however, all you see is a dutiful Black Knight, a holy soldier of Anais and one of House Balaur's most elite warriors, grim and imposing![/color]"

Lord Balaur grunted once more in response, though he couldn't hide how impressed he was at his servant's words of wisdom even with his mask on.

"[color=darkorchid]Your insight and way with words have proven to me once again the only reason why I keep you as my advisor, Rohmani.[/color]"

"[color=silver]Are you sure it's also not because of the mask you have me wear?[/color]" Rohmani quipped back with an almost sinister tone, his innocent smile doing its best at hiding whatever darker implications he made. Lord Balaur replied only in silence as the trio began to behold the impressive Harrow's Tower. Rohmani stared at awe, while Lord Balaur looked on with a sense of pride.

"[color=darkorchid]The first Lord of House Balaur had the Stygian Spire constructed based off of this very tower. He had it built in one of the highest points of the land, so that he may be closest to Anais. How fitting it must be for history to be made here...[/color]"

The three representatives of House Balaur continued onward, closing in on the gates of Harrow's Keep.