The group followed suit and walked towards the dining area. The five of them stayed close to each other as they walked.

As they entered the banquet hall- they were surrounded by a very glamerous setting. Candle light surrounded the edges - stained glass took up the upper walls, a few archways leading into different parts of the castle showed. The queen stood regally in front of everyone at the far end of the table.

There was a large table in the center of the room- it was covered with silverware and tablecloth- and had approximately forty or so seats- for all the guests. At the far end- there were two chairs- where the king and queen would sit. The queen stood behind her chair to welcome the guests' arrivals.

As the group approached the table the queen took notice and gave them a quick wave. Next to the queen the group noticed Tallaeya as well- who gave them a large smile. The queen looked quite fashionable- and Tallaeya looked very colorful.

As they were ushered to their own seats- Narice noticed that everyone stood on a side of their chair- with their attention turned to the queen- so he followed suit.

He wasn't very prone to mannerisms of the court but Elera explained the custom.

She whispered, "She'll give a few words to the guests welcoming them, and then we'll be allowed to sit..."

It seemed there were many servants nearby ready to serve the group. As everyone settled in their place- the queen spoke.

"Welcome honored guests!

"On behalf of Aarock and myself- thankyou very much for appearing to our summons in a such a timely fashion. Aarock will not be arriving until early tomorrow morning and will not join us tonight. Please be seated!"

It may have been his imagination but Narice noticed the demeanor of certain diplomats lighten up upon the statement regarding Aarock not arriving. Everyone took their seats.

"As you have come from many places near and far- we've made a special dinner for your arrival- please enjoy yourselves tonight."

The queen followed suit by sitting and waiting for the food to be passed out among everyone

At this time the first course was passed out to them.

"ooh," Mika spoke looking at an the entre, while he was about to take up a fork- someone put their hand on his to stop him.

"That would be a mistake," came a whisper from an older gentleman as he pointed towards the queen. Mika turned his attention to the queen and noticed that everyone seemed to be watching her move. She then took a sip from a drink and nodded politely as well as tried a bite- after which everyone seemed to eat.

"Now you're good," the old man spoke to Mika.

---

As Narice looked to his surrounding group he noticed an older gentleman and older woman across from him along with Mika. Elera was on his right and on his left was Kale. Sari was actually close to her mother and a couple chairs away and Venu was on the opposite side of Kale.

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