[img]https://i.imgur.com/MQ1gtzU.png[/img]

Once the introductions and brief mingling came to an end, Erick was sure it was now the appropriate time to leave as did his council concur; they had travelled not too far but the remainder of their journey had taken them from daybreak that morning - enough as such that he sought to refresh himself and his company also would be of a similar mindset. The invitation to The Court of Flowers seemed by all accounts as though it was to be a private affair, Erick knew his men, his council, could not follow him there and he anticipated the event would certainly be a world apart from the halls and tents full of warriors, drinking and rough-housing as to which he was far more accustomed. The Jörda prince had somewhat limited associations with women too, and the kind that might have circulated the camps were unlike this kind, the wholesome women of Jörda also, were unlike this kind - he wasn’t sure what to expect but, he wasn’t the only one he supposed.

Erick had requested he’d be directed to his chamber, his company too, which was modest in number, had some accommodations in the palace grounds and they’d dispersed to eat, drink and rest. “Try to remember, son of Henrick, why you are here” said his council, a much older man with dark hair heavily dusted with grey, it was loosely braided as was his medium length beard; he had spoke in the Jörda tongue, gripping Erick’s shoulder and giving the prince a firm, intense look, before he then patted it heftily. The man passed Loreena’s gift back to Erick, raising his eyebrows for a second and pulling a smile before making his leave for refreshment, the prince watched him as he disappeared along the empty corridor.

When the Jörda prince finally found himself alone in his room, it came as great relief, although he knew it couldn’t last as he’d have to prepare himself for the evening - his belongings had already been delivered here. Erick sat heavily on the bed, letting a deep sigh from his nose, he wondered exactly how soon the marriages were to take place and how long too before he (presumedly) would return to Jörda with one of them, or were the alliances to stay centrally within Astalia for the time being? He hoped this would not be the case. He played with the small box in his palms, pulling a thoughtful pout before he opened it slowly, producing the deep yellow jewel; it appeared almost as liquid gold when the light rebounded upon it, the jewel enrobed within the black, grey and golden ribbon reflected the colours of his house, it was truly beautiful.. ‘[i]a symbol of loyalty and trust[/i]’, had the Princess Loreena meant those words, or was it the talk of court? In any case, Jörda needed the military clout of Astalia, and perhaps some mages, too.

Erick, after a short time of contemplation, refreshed and readied himself for the evening to come, for he likely smelled of the horses, speaking of which, he’d be sure to check on Sinir later this evening. The prince had swapped his blue cloak for one much lighter in weight, it had no fur but a detailed golden trim, this was slung and pinned over one shoulder with a formal appearance, and he’d changed into a similar outfit although he’d removed the quilted tunic and wore only a light coloured, mid-length long sleeved shirt, belted, it had some fine and subtle embroidery at its front fastenings at the chest - it was fairly simple but more comfortable attire, as Astalia was comparatively warmer. Erick still wore the variety of heavy golden rings, he had a dense cuffed golden bangle of a serpentine design on his right wrist, whilst on the left a robust leather bracelet with beaded silver charms was wrapped firmly with a few rotations before it was tied, Loreena’s jewel was compact in size that it could be woven and secured into the bracelet, and presented itself as the most illustrious charm amongst the adornments.

The Jörda prince now ready to attend was escorted by an Astalian attendant who led the prince without a word through the maze (and magnificence) of the palace before finally slowing to a halt, they directed him along a hall to the door to the court. Erick arrived in time to see the half-orc prince linger for a few moments before moving on into the courtyard, he could hear the noise of the powerful waves reverberate through the stone. He made his way to follow in the wake of the Afdan prince - into the mild evening air and the setting sun bouncing around a warm, dream-like glow within the opulent surroundings of the courtyard.