Snippet #1479526

Several horns along with flutes, trumpets, drums, and few rather more exotic ones imported from half a continent away played as an honor guard of ten horsemen and fifteen footmen rode before a carriage approaching Draconis Castle. As though to contrast with the previous entourage, this carriage and honor guard were wrapped in bright colors, mostly red and gold, although purple and green snuck themselves in here and there. These bright colors, the occassional white or black elf or Anubian within the guard, as well as the cheerful beat of the orchestra behind the carriage clearly marked them as emissaries from the Kingdom of Valorum, a kingdom built on trade with its chief city of Illium upon beside a narrow strait that connected the Eastern and Crimson Seas, gifting the city with tolls upon safe passage through its territory, a respected power, though eyed with bemusement or outright suspicion at how a few non-human merchants gained riches and status within the kingdom.

Within the carriage, a bored-looking young man with strikingly teal hair and red eyes gazed at the gathered crowd unenthusiastically while an older White Elf stared at him in exasperation. The golden haired man shook his head, "Honestly, Prince Atton, you've longed to travel outside Valorum all your life and when you finally do, you're moping."

"I wanted to travel the world, Master Kato. See new, interesting things. Not go from once castle to another to marry someone I've never met," the young prince complained, sounding younger than he really was, though that had always been a case with him. It wasn't his personality, per-se, but the way he grew. A late bloomer, his father said, though Atton liked to think of this as yet another piece of evidence that he was somehow different from others, not that he needed any proof.

"Furthering the influence of the kingdom is a prince's a job, Prince Atton. Besides, I'm sure you'd like her. I haven't met a young lady you haven't liked," the tutor said dryly.

"I can't help that I'm naturally lovable," the prince said brightly.

Sure enough, the carriage finally reached the castle, causing Atton to grin as he stepped out of the carriage, basking in the castle's servants' and guards' reaction to his unusual looks before entering the castle along with his tutor and a couple of his guards. Sure enough, just passed the Entrance Hall, was King Dronis. Or was it William? Maybe he'd call him Drilly? Master Kato shot his charge a look that told him the elf had read his mind.

"Might I present His Highness, Prince Atton Contarin of Valorum," the older man announced and Atton idly wondered if his reputation had reached this kingdom. He hadn't been given the title "The Wild Prince" for nothing, an epithet both disparagingly referring to his looks, possible blood status, and his own eccentric actions. As per etiquette, he gave the king a short bow.

"Greetings, top of the morning, and, as the Orks say, "Uk-Kluk", your highness," he greeted, earning a reproachful look from his tutor.

"I apologize for the Prince. It has been a long journey and no doubt has travel fatigue," the elf stated, almost growling out the last part of the sentence.