Elizabeth
House Alder
Alderport, The Southern Isles

The docks were practically a ghost town, given the relative fear of newcomers. The Alder's has decided to close them off to everyone except for those with special clearance, only allowing necessary goods to travel in and out. Everyone else was required to on the island.

So, it was unusual to have a lone man and his horse arrive on their shores. The few Islanders who were out working cast weary looks at the mercenary, whispering amongst themselves. It didn't help that he was clearly a Mainlander. 

————

"Do ye think he's here, yet?" Mirajane said, sitting patiently while Thalia braided back a stray strand of hair. They were in Thalia's drawing room, lounging on a ruby colored sofa. Thalia was already dressed in a navy blue gown, gold stitching on the winged sleeves and along the train. Mirajane's dress was a cream color, a pink bow tied in the back. Thalia thought she'd outgrown such frilly things, but Gertrude insisted she retain her youth, somehow.

"Probably. Tobias left a while ago to go out an' meet 'im," Thalia responded, snatching a pin from her mouth and lodging it gently into the little bun on her younger sister's head.

"I wonder what he looks like.. Do ye think he'll fall in love with me, at first sight?" Mirajane asked.

Thalia laughed.

"Not a chance. Yer voice is too annoying," She said.

Mirajane turned around and slapped Thalia with a pillow, making the woman laugh and pinch her little sister's cheeks.

"Ohhh don't get all pouty," Thalia said, snorting at Mirajane's irritated face. "Yer very pretty. But ye can't be fawning over some _knight_ who an't even a knight yet. Don't worry about those kinda things. If I were you, I'd forsake romance altogether."

"Well, why?" Mirajane asked, turning to face her sister.

Thalia shrugged. "Men are.. Too concerned about the wrong things. Lookin' tough and actin' tough and winnin' everything. They can't imagine people like you and me having fun. Runnin' shit. You know what I mean?"

Mirajane just stared, not quite following.

"Oh never mind it. I'm probably not makin' sense," She said, standing and stretching her arms. Her movements made the golden bands along her wrists jangle.

Mirajane stood as well, walking with her toward the door.

—————

Tobias, Rhiander, and Robin rode down the lonely lane that wound down into the town, approaching the mercenary on his ascent. By now, a pair of guards had found him, escorting him toward the estate

Robin raised a hand once he could make out the mercenary's face.

"Berwyn! It's been ages, friend," He called.

Tobias and Rhiander remained silent, for now, nodding their heads in greeting.
Michael
Berwyn grinned, getting down from his horse once he was inside. "Robin! When was it we last spoke in person, a few months ago? It's good to see you again." He said, taking off his helmet so that his face was visible to the group, still grinning in a friendly manner.

"I was happy to receive your letter, and I do apologise for taking so long to get here - though luckily I was already in Araedia when I received it." He said, afterwards looking at Rhiander and Tobias and giving a respectful nod to each of them. "Lord Rhiander and Commander Tobias, I'm assuming? It's an honor to finally meet you both."
Elizabeth
"The honor is ours. We are grateful that you made the trip, given the circumstances," Rhiander said, stepping off of his horse. He stepped forward to grab Berwyn's arm in greeting. 

Tobias dismounted as well, giving a slight bow.

"You assumed correctly. I hope the waters treated you well," Tobias said. "The reception won't begin until this evening, so feel free to make yourself comfortable once we arrive at the manor."
Michael
Berwyn grabbed Rhiander's arm in return of the greeting, nodding respectfully in a friendly seeming manner. "Ah, it wasn't an issue. I managed to secure passage on a trade ship that was on it's way here anyways." He'd say, giving a slight smile as he of course released Rhiander's arm.

He would then turn his attention to Tobias. "Slightly unpleasant, as I was situated in the cargo hold, but nothing I couldn't handle. I've been on a couple of vessels in my time, after all, believe it or not." He'd say, giving a slight chuckle and a nod. "And that suits me fine. Shall we be on our way, then?"