His thumb plugged and drew away as he pulled one last draw on its sweet taste before standing and making his way towards the exit. His eyes only catching a small look of those that were to accompany him. Knocking the spent ash from his pipe on the frame as he passed his eyes caught the looks of the others once again as the sound of the late day hymns could be heard bellowing up from the inner reaches of the city.
"From the hills abounding.. and these war pipes sounding. Summon all your courage for a mighty war force abounding. Men so honored come to glory.. this will ever be your story, keep these burning words before the.. These men.. will.. not yield"
The man that was waiting presented himself as Dravon's eyes came back to his position. "Greetings honored sirs and madams, the Count awaits inside." He is quick to be done with the greeting as he beckons for them to follow with his white gloved hand. Its easy to see that with the way he holds his face in such a stern upturned manner that they are late. Which to everyone's credit was not they're fault. But non the less Dravon shrugs a moment and gives the other a slight stare before rolling his eyes in a motion to follow.
This group was so mismatched it was a joke to say the least he thought to himself. An Ash Fiend, Val, Human, Volkar and Ariji to top it off. If only that followed with the phrase walks into a bar he could laugh about it but to no avail not a single syllable of laughter could be found in his throat as the group entered the Counts meeting room. There he sat on his throne with head in hand and a sorrowed look as if he were waiting for his own death. The group also caught sight of a large table set in the center of the room, no chairs to say the least could be seen though. It was however a massive piece of furniture and on its surface as a map of nearly the whole city.
Count Cantobrand noticed them the moment they're feet broke the rooms boundaries and he stood, his expression changing drastically as a smile broke out. "Oh its good to finally see a friendly face after all this time.." Dravon broke a smile as well as he quickened his pace and they both clasped hands with a strong resounding slap.
"Well well.. Makarov.. I heard you became count, but I did not think it would be among one of the lords number. You look good old friend.." "And you too Dravon.. you too." The two held the embrace for a moment as if a memory were being shared of better days and that brought a new light to the Count's eye's.
He looked over Dravon's shoulder and motioned to the others.
"Its okay everyone, you can be frank here." He motions for Geoffry to seal the doors and draw the windows to a close. Making sure the other position themselves at the table with him and Dravon.
"Now.. I know many of you have questions and that is something we will get to. But I must say that I thank you all from the deepest reaches of my heart. My people are in need of help and you have all been enlisted to do just that, by my station and the inner council itself." Cantobrand removes the circlet on his head and places it on the table for a moment.
He looks to be a worn man, though no further then his early 40s his station has seemed to weigh on him immensely. His royal garbs seem to be a ruse with his long plus coat and his fine fabric tunic underneath. The small trinkets of gold and gems might as well be an iron chain barring his character to the floor. He wipes his mouth slowly as if to pull away a horrid taste and peers up.
"This mission will be dangerous, of that I have been assured. But I know that with all things hope is a great a weapon as any sword or more sturdy then any shield."
"Now aside from the good captain here.. I know not of any of you. So please I believe introductions are in order." He points at Dravon as a means for him to go first.
Dravon smirks for a moment and looks at the others.
"Dravon Morsano.. born to house Morsano in the Silver heights and Captain of my own privateer vessel..." He returns the pipe to his mouth, despite the lack of tobacco he still lightly nibbles all the same.