[color=ed1c24][center][h2]Duke Strax von Catterwall[/h2][/center]
[/color]

	Strax nodded approvingly when told that the princess would meet him when she was ready. When the castle guard shouted "Halt!", however, Strax froze, both arms instinctively going to his weapons. After the briefest of glances, however, he realized they were speaking to the young woman from earlier. Strax relaxed, though he was a little puzzled why such a stern tone had been used on a member of the staff. He was even more confused when she responded as if she had done something wrong. Was it normal for them to shout at their workers in this manner? Perhaps she was incompetent and needed a sterner hand? Before he could solve this little riddle, a voice rang out from the stairs, announcing the arrival of the princess. She was a beautiful creature. Thin, but beautiful. The duke fell to one knee, placing his right fist over his heart and bowing his head. He was here to impress, true, but he understood the chain of command well, and she outranked him. It wasn't until she spoke to him directly that he rose to his feet, standing straighter than he had before. [color=ed1c24]"I thank you, Princess Tavia, for your most gracious welcome. I am Duke Strax von Catterwall, and it is my great honor to meet you."[/color] He took no offense to annoyance on her face. She was, after all, the princess. [color=ed1c24]"And I thank you for your concern, princess. My journey was indeed secure, if uneventful. I am quite eager to face the challenges you have prepared for me, your highness."[/color]