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[color=537DAE][sub][h3]Location: Balmung Castle | Banquet Hall[/h3][h3]Mentions:[@Dezuel][@Psyker Landshark][@vietmyke][/h3][/sub][/color]
[hr][color=lightgray]It became quite evident to Arton that he would find no trouble fitting in with this group. With this colorful cast, he would find no trouble remaining under the radar...at least for now. The background of a travelling adventurer was simple enough for your average commoner not to pry any further. It would suffice for their first interactions but he would need to construct a better history for himself or find a way to avoid investigations into his person. The past needed to remain buried deep in the frozen ground of Skael. That was why he was most cautious about the Sollan woman sitting at the table that had taken their time to get involved into the overall conversation.

[color=537DAE]"Try telling him that."[/color] Arton replied cheerfully to Galahad, gesturing loosely with his fork towards Zeidgram.

The man's response to his apparent challenge suggested a noble lineage, not wishing to discredit the other while refraining from indulging him any further. Thoughtful and precise. Arton snatched a baked potato from the vast assortment, unable to resist the temptation of one of his favorites. He half-listened to Galahad as he went about adorning the baked spud with the perfect amount of accessories. Did he lack ambition? It was a question that had been daunting him for too long. Perhaps he was far too eager to throw himself headfirst into a problem that would take time to solve. Mirth brimmed in his eyes at the first bite of the decorated potato, cheeks rising in delight.

[color=537DAE]"I just like to speak my mind."[/color] He said amused but it was clear to him she was not.

While her outburst surely caught the attention of other guests, Arton was happy and content to continue eating what he had already gathered on his plate. Overthinking every detail would be so easy which is why he was going to enjoy this meal amongst friendly strangers. Be present in the moment, not trapped in the past. Wise words from his master that helped him keep his focus. That was the idea at least. It was a constant tug of war to keep himself in the moment and he was never far from the pit. While a few at the table handled an apparent crisis of butter, Arton finished his plate as the King rose to speak at last.

Arton felt a lump in his throat that made him grateful he was not in the middle of drinking. He soon recovered and beamed brightly at the King's proclamation [color=537DAE]"Hear, Hear!"[/color] It was the first time he projected his voice amidst the party but he was not alone in the hall. The dark-haired Sollan leaned back in his chair, lips still curved into a excited smile as he looked up and down the table. The number of tables for the champions matched the number of teams. It seemed these were the people his shield would protect. He felt eager. Excited. Anxious. Guilty.

He refilled his cup while he listened to the young Sollan woman [color=537DAE]"Haven't the faintest clue. I'm sure we'll find a lead. It might help to know each other's name so I'll go first. Name's Arton. Pleasure to meet all of ya."[/color] His voice carried across the table.[/color]