"Ah...haha.." Narika scratched his head as he laughed awkwardly.

For some reason he remembered being surrounded by hundred of villagers trying to attack him but Narika couldn't tell what was worse- being surrounded by hundreds of attackers - or this.

In a way -he felt like this was worse - because there wasn't any escape.

"So... Venu- have you given any thought to working in the Western front as my guardian? I would reward you..."

"Hmmm, Elera. What a beauty - you should join my House- you'd be given a high position."

Narice felt a little combative when that was spoken.

"Sorry...I'm taken," she spoke as she wrapped her arm around Narika.

His heart swelled with pride as he turned to her. She glanced at him with a smile.

"Oh, I apologize..." the man spoke.

The questions continued - for some reason they seemed to be at the heart of everyone's interest.

Narika had never been in this position before- in fact the opposite- he'd always been looked down on or ignored.

However it seemed like Elera was familiar with this sort of culture - as she graciously handled the constant questions from the different royalty.

Even when it seemed that people meant well in their advice- Narice felt exhausted by it.

He looked at the two youth- Mika and Sari - who somehow went unnoticed at the hors d'oeurve table. How he missed being younger.

They were rescued from the call to dinner. A well dressed butler or something stood in the doorway.

"Dinner is served."

Many waitstaff seemed prepared to greet special guests as they were ushered into the banquet hall.

Narice looked at Elera first. She was much more eloquent than himself. She seemed to know how to put on airs with polite assured step. Unlike himself- she'd been groomed for this station. At best- he was simply reserved- trying not to make some drastic mistake. It made Narika curious to her background all the more.

He looked at Venu who gave off a similar feel uncomfortable glance. Itseemed that Mika and Sari seemed to pay no mind to the proceedings and fit in quite nicely.

"Oh nice!" Mika said excitedly. Sari looked up at Mika with a smile of her own awaiting the meal. She and Mika both grabbed Venu's hand to pull him along. Elera wrapped her arm around Narika and smiled.

With a slight boost in confidence Narika walked with Elera towards their assigned seating.