The Overlord's Court

Isaiah's eyes opened, finding himself in his bedchambers, a room that he had begun to grow use to over the past few years, since his ascension. He sighed as he sat up, and got out of bed, wondering what news he would receive from those negotiating Estern, or maybe he would get a report on how his kingdom is faring, financially wise. Or maybe it would be a sow day, which would probably be a nice change of pace...

He sighed, shaking off his thoughts, and quickly got dressed. It wouldn't do, to keep his court waiting.

Lucrezia was already walking to the dining hall with a lady in waiting, just having done morning prayer. I wonder if there will be any news on that alliance between the Meernovs and Ciddels... one of them had to marry off one of their sons, didn't they?

Isaiah, now fully dressed, entered the dining hall, a butler in tow, ready for the morning meal. "Jeeves, could you teel the cook to prepare something light today, I want to get an early start today..."

"Of course, Lord Isaiah." The butler said, before walking off, as Isaiah took his seat at the head of the dining table.

Magnus woke in his quarters, which were far too fancy for his liking. He had been forced to take leave after he had sustained an injury to his leg, but that was all but healed now. He didn't trust that new young replacement, and he had trouble adjusting to court life. He was a soldier at heart, and though he was a good general, he preferred fighting to strategising. Above all, he wasn't a politician.

Kyruna was in the library, as usual, learning up on spells she could cast.

(~)
Zerez was standing guard somewhere, his twin swords at his right hip.

Magnus dressed in his armour, resolutely refusing to put on the dres armourhe had been given. He didn't want to sugar coat the reality of what was happening on the battlefront. He strode out past the knight stationed in the castle, a man who he thought would understand the realities of war.

"Mornin'," he said.

"Good morning. Sir." Zerez responded to him, saluting as he did so.

Isaiah sighed in satisfaction as she finished his meal, before standing up. My compliments to the chef." He said, as a maid quickly took his plate and silverware.

He then turned to the butler, who had recently returned. "Jeeves, I'll be in the library, if any news comes for me, send it there." He said, as the butler nodded, before turning to leave the dining hall.

Magnus liked the salute. Just like what he was used to.

"Anything notable happening?" he asked, using his expensive walking stick lightly. He didn't need it much, but at his age it never paid to be too careful.

Lucrezia was just entering the dining hall when she came face to face with her brother. "Isaiah. Good morning." She gave a curtsy.

"Nothing yet, Sir." Zerez responded. He dropped the salute, and folded his arms behind his back.

(~)

Kyruna was humming to herself, going over the spells, while she wore a pale blue dress today.

Isaiah smiled at the young girl. "Why good morning Lil' sis, how are you this fine morning." He said, bowing back to her.

"Well it's early days yet," Magnus replied with a nod. "Give it a few hours, there's always some seemingly important scandal in this blasted court."

"Of course, Sir," Zerez saluted again.

Lucrezia gave her brother a sweet smile. "Very well, thank you. I was just in the chapel for morning prayers. I know you're busy but you must thank the heavens for our lives and the lives of our homeland."

Isaiah smiled. "I'm glad to hear it, Lucrezia, please continue with your buisness, I'll see you for lunch, later." He said.

"Bye." Lucrezia waved, before entering the hall and enjoying her own breakfast.

"I suppose I'll still catch trouble for not attending prayers," Magnus the atheist mused, before peering at the knight. He liked the man, he was respectful, agreeable, and seemed sensible enough. Magnus liked soldiers like that. "Are you a man of the gods, or god, or whatever?"

"Not so much, Sir." Zerez answered him.

(~)

Kyruna was still studying spells, humming to herself.

"Have you ever served time in the army, or have you always been a guard?" Magnus asked next.

"I am in both, Sir." Zerez responded again. "My sister is more involved in the military than I am however."

"I see. It's easy for these court types to believe, but war tends to suck the religion out of my soldiers," Magnus replied, before chuckling, slightly bitterly. "Oh well. It won't be being an atheist I'm going to hell for."

"And how is your sister?" he asked politely after a pause. He didn't know the girl's name.

"Kyruna Ariki. Mage, often spends her time in the library," Zerez responded to him. Unsure if that was what he was actually asking.

"How is she doing?" Magnus repeated. "How is she finding the military, court life, et cetera, et cetera?"

Isaiah entered the library, having been coming here occasionally to look over a couple journals his dad had left behind, on effective magic use, strategy, and other things a young Overlord should learn to know.