Thomas
It was a beautiful, sunny and breezy day in the city of Hyburn. The spring is usually quite rainy in Findara, but it seemed the gods saw fit to bless the kingdom with a perfect day. Lilinorre Greydark, the Duchess of Hyburn, was currently having tea with a most prestigious and respectable man, an aasimar by the name of Lioric Hyltol. The two were sat at the center of Lili's garden in the back of her mansion, and discussing important matters pertaining to the duchy. Dressed in an elegant sky blue dress that hugged her form perfectly, Lilinorre was the perfect image of spring time. The succubi's hair was up in a bun, her bangs gently framing her face in perfect curls on either side of her eyes, and a family heirloom rest upon her neck, dazzling a shining gold from the sun's rays.

While anyone watching the two would assume the conversation was normal or even cheery, the look on Lilinorre's face said otherwise. "You said *4* Wagons had gone missing in the past month?" Lili's eyes widened, her expression filled with worry as she set her tea cup down abruptly upon the table she sat before. Lioric, a handsome and noble aasimar, nodded to her question. *"Yes, I am afraid so. Each were last seen along the borders of the Whitethorn river. I am sure I don't need to tell you what this means."* Lioric spoke, his voice gruff with a serious determination only aasimar's could have.

_ _
Lili sighed and pinched the bridge of her noise, the stress of the situation giving her a minor headache. "These damned drogon will be the death of me, I swear upon Devinah." Opening her eyes once more, the light within each seemed to fade slightly. Lives were being lost due to the drogon menace of the Kandagulu Jungles- but there wasn't much anyone could truly do at the present. At least not now, what with the royal summit and all. Keeping the drogon at bay was already costly as well- both with money and lives. Invading the jungles was also an impossibility, as the last ruler who tried lost over half the men he had sent to quell the drogon from the jungles. It was a tricky situation indeed.

"I will send a letter to the king as soon as possible and inform him of the increase in attacks. Its unlike them." Lilinorre frowned, thinking on the past few years of her reign as Duchess of Hyburn. The attacks were *Never* This frequent. "Something must have stirred them. Riled them up." Shaking her head, Lilinorre poured herself more tea before bringing the cup to her lips. "I can assure you, Lord Hyltol, this has become my number one priority." Lili looked to the aasimar, her pink and white eyes filled with determination. *"Until the king recieves the letter, I'd recommend issuing a duchy-wide warning to your people. The drogon don't have an attack pattern it seems. Night, day, rain, snow- they attack whenever they feel like attacking, not when it would be most advantageous to them."* Lioric spoke, not having touched his tea just yet.

_ _
Nodding, Lilinorre snapped her fingers and a knight in shining silver armor quickly approached from the garden's border. "Ser Meran, see to it that a warning is issues across Hyburn and to the other duchies as well. Travel should only be done if it is absolutely necessary, and perhaps include a suggestion to bring an increased number of armed guards with any caravans, wagons or carriages that pass by the Whitethorn river." The knight nodded his head, turned on his heel and quickly trotted off. "So-..." Lilinorre turned to look at Lioric, her eyes once again lighting up in hopes the subject could change. "-tell me of this son of yours. What was his name? Roman?"
Corey
Just outside the town, the golden winged Aasimar known as Reman made his approach to the bustling town on horseback. Normally he would fly, but with his beloved dog Darimus at his side Reman decided to ride. Unfortunately that meant he ran into the very problem his father warned him of. Drogon, the beasts had been skulking the road when he attempted to ride by and launched an assault on the winged man. 

Fortunately he managed to grab his spear before they did any major damage. At most he had some damaged armor, and had a bit of blood on his hands and the leather armor he had decided to put on before he left the capital. Darimus on the other hand didn't have a single scratch, the dog just happily trotting alongside the horse as they approached the gate. 

Reman guided the horse to slow down as they came down the road, and he nodded to the guards as the horse trotted by. 

"Morning." He greeted, watching from the edge of his vision until they passed by. Once in the town, Reman took a deep breath. He hadn't been home for a few months, and he was glad to see it. He recalled the letter describing the directions to a mansion that the older man mentioned belonged to the Duchess of Hyburn, but before he decided to follow the directions he thought it may be a good idea to clean the blood left on his hands off. 

Once he felt he was much more presentable, the Oathbound stowed his armor away for his trip back and returned to his horse to finish the journey. On the way he briefly spoke to old friends, met new people that had moved to the town in his absence, and even said hello to young adults that had just been teenagers since he last saw them.

Eventually he finally approached the building his father described Reman unmounted his horse again. He was wearing a fairly simple outfit, a cream colored shirt with a frilly collar, and puffy sleeves that went to his elbows, an orange bolo tie, a brown vest, a golden sash around his waist, brown pants, and boots. I'm a brief bout of anxiety, he flattened his vest, and made sure his sash was in place before making his way over to the guards of the building with his father's letter in hand. 

"Hail. I was told my father would be here, speaking to the Duchess. Reman Hyltol, son of Lord Lioric Hyltol." He offered the letter to one of the guards for them to look it over, he understood the layers of security fairly well and wasn't too worried. He simply hoped his father was doing well.
Thomas
*"Funny you should ask, my lady."* Lioric seemed to enjoy the change of pace as well, as the conversation of drogons, murders and missing wagons was quite draining for anyone involved. *"I believe Reman should be joining us within the hour. I hope you don't mind me inviting him to our meeting. It's been some time since I've seen my son, he was nearby and I saw it a fortuitous opportunity to kill two birds with a single stone."* Finally, Lioric touched his tea and took a drink, though with less dainty handling as Lilinorre displayed. With a delighted smile upon her face, the succibi's eyes widened and lit up with excitement. "No need to apologize, I'm happy for a chance to meet him. It's not every day you meet a member of the Oathbound."

A few minutes had passed and more idle chatter was shared between the lord and lady. A few things of Reman, some words of Lilinorre's family; discussions that could only be had by two members of nobility. Some of it most would find quite boring. It wasn't too terrible long before a servant approached from the mansion's interior. Bowing to the succubi and aasimar, the woman looked to Lilinorre and then made her announcement. *"One Reman Hyltol has arrived per Lord Hyltol's request. He has a letter with him confirming this. Shall I let him in, my lady?"* Lilinorre nodded quickly, a smile ever present upon her lips. "Of course! Escort him to the gardens, thank you." Looking to Lioric, he seemed to be pleased as well to see his son.

_ _
A daring but passing thought fell upon Lilinorre's mind. Taking a long look at Lioric as he glanced to the doorway, awaiting for his son to enter, a thousand depictions of what Reman looked like passed through the succubi's mind. It could be considered a curse to some, always thinking of looks over personality, but it was a concubus's life to live this way. Looking to the table, Lili quickly realized the tea was running dangerously low, and with a quick wave of her hand yet another servant rushed over. "More tea- and perhaps a few sweets from the kitchen if you will." Without a word, the servant headed off. Hopefully they'd return before Reman was seated and Lilinorre could be spared looking like an unprepared fool.

What sort of duchess doesn't have sweets and drinks ready for guests? *Especially* Lilinorre Greydark of Hyburn? She was known across the kingdom for her lavish and large parties. It was a lapse in thought, she supposed. Nevertheless, the doors to her mansion opened, and a pair of guards escorting Lord Hyltol's son soon entered the gardens. One stepped forward and bowed before announcing the aasimar to Lilinorre. *"Ser Reman Hyltol."*
Corey
Reman had quietly followed the guards as they passed through, and into the gardens. The tall Aasimar looked lavish, as many would expect of a man of his station, despite the simple clothes. 

Once the guard finished announcing his arrival, Reman took a respectful bow of his upper body as he had been trained to do since he was a little boy. As he dipped his head, his hair flowed gracefully with his movements. The strands of hair glittered like spun golden threads, matching his magnificent giant wings which remained folded against his back.

"Thank you for having me, Duchess Greydark." He soon raised his head again, straightening his back once more to his full height. As he did, the fringe of his hair naturally flowed back into its curtained style. "It is an honor. I hope I haven't interrupted an important discussion."

When he looked to Lioric, a joyful smile broke across Reman's usual stone-like features. "Father." He said in an almost breathy way before he approached the older man. "I'm sorry it took me so long, I got caught up with work and the trip took me a bit longer than usual." 

When Reman felt Darimus butt his head against his leg, he looked down to the canine, then to the Duchess. "My apologies, would you prefer that I leave him outside the gardens? I'm so used to him being at my side that I tend to forget he's there." Behind the joy of seeing his father again, the Oathbound's eyes glittered with a hint of embarrassment, accented by a slight pinkish tint to his face. It could be assumed that the presence of Reman's father made him less guarded and secretive with his feelings, and so he was a lot easier to read while with him.
Thomas
As Reman entered Lilinorre's vision, the woman inhaled with a small gasp. Even Yevina would be jealous of how beautiful this aasimar was. The succubi's pink and white eyes widened with fascination and admiration of his beauty before offering a kind and welcoming smile. The closer he drew, the more easily Lilinorre could take all of him in- and when he bowed to her he still towered over her by many feet. "You have not interrupted at all. In fact, we were just discussing your arrival in fact." Extending her arm out to a seat between herself and Lioric, Lilinorre was surprised to see an uninvited guest wagging along after the aasimar. Raising a brow to the beast, Lilinorre's eyes softened when Reman politely asked if his pet could stay.

"By all means." Eyeing the dog then back up to Reman, Lilinorre very easily picked up on the man's sheepish look. Her expression however, remained as bright as ever. "I am no stranger to companions such as he, I have my own little friend lazing about somewhere out here." Looking around, specifically higher up towards the many well-kept trees around Lili's garden, the duchess soon gestured to a ball of fluff happily sunning itself upon a branch- a winged cat. "Teddy has been mine for as long as I can remember. Its hard to stop myself from bringing him everywhere with me." Teddy roused for a moment after hearing his name, but upon seeing a dog below him, the winged feline chose to remain on his perch.

_ _
*"It's so good to see you my son."* Lioric rose from his seat and quickly embraced his son. After all, it had been quite some time since the two had last seen one another. *"Bah, don't be sorry. I am just happy you're here."* Taking his seat once more, Lioric took a moment to greet Reman's companion as well, offering Darimus a hearty heap of head pats and rubs. Soon enough, the servant Lili had sent off for tea and sweets had returned, resting the tray of delectable morsels down upon the table the three now sat at. Additionally, they set down a tray of tea and one extra cup for Reman specifically. "Apologies for the wait, madam." Without another word, the servant disappeared once more to the outer gardens.

Now that everything had settled, Lilinorre began pouring Reman a cup of tea. "So Reman, tell me of your work- the Oathbound. I've heard stories but never from a member. Is it as cutthroat of a guild to get in to as they say it is? I hear many claim you have to be quite skilled as a knight or paladin to even be considered, let alone accepted." Eyeing Lioric as she spoke, it was clear Reman's father was quite proud of his son, a gleaming look in his eyes telling Lili all she needed to know about the two's relationship as a family. But it was mainly Reman Lilinorre was looking for the most part. It wasn't hard to tell she was captivated by the man. After all, beauty was oh so important to the concubus race.
Jim
When the two men parted from their embrace, Reman took the free seat and glanced down at Darimus who laid down beside the chair. Clearly he was relieved that the dog could stay at his side, and he did look up to Teddy when the Duchess pointed him out. The winged feline was certainly cute, even if the Aasimar wasn't much of a cat guy. 

Reman patiently waited till Lilinorre was finished pouring test before he carefully picked the cup up, his hands cradling the warm porcelain. The feeling was immediately comforting for the soreness in his hands from combat, and a soft sigh managed to slip from him without noticing. 

"I wouldn't say cutthroat, but it is very difficult to get the guild to look in your very direction if you haven't made your name known to them. I had been working for churches across the country for a year before they allowed me to try out. Thank Kamara and Viviana it only took me one trial." He looked to his father with a slight smile, he wasn't sure if it was the Gods on his side or it was all thanks to his father, but either way he was grateful. 

"I'm very thankful to have the job I do. To use my gifts to help others is all I've ever dreamt of, and to do it alongside the people I've come to care for is truly an honor." He takes a sip of tea when he finishes speaking, and hums softly. Even his eyelashes caught the light as his glowing golden eyes fluttered open. "This is amazing. I've never had tea like this before. Where might I find this? If you don't mind me asking."
Thomas
Resting her head upon the palm of her hand, Lilinorre listened intently to Reman's words. A faint smile remained ever present upon her lips, as she was simply captivated by being around a man of such pureness and good. The Oathbound were legendary, and here she was sipping tea with one. Delighted internally, Lilinorre was skilled at keeping her excitement contained. She had to be as a duchess, even if she was one of the more rambunctious and flamboyant in Findara. Quietly, Lilinorre's eyes darted from son to father. Lioric's pride was so clear on his face, it brought a warm feeling to the succubus's heart. In life, parents were meant to be guides into adulthood. She was glad to know that Reman had a good relationship with his father, just as Lili had with her parents.

Hearing Reman's inquiry of the tea, Lilinorre perked up as she inspected her own now half-empty cup. "Oh! Bromwich! It's a small town just to the south of here. They have one of the largest apiaries in the kingdom if not the world and nearly all of theri goods are made with the honey their bees produce." Taking a sip of the bittersweet tear, Lilinorre's eyes softened at the taste. "I wouldn't be surprised if I'm their best customer. I prefer their honey tea, but their mead is also to *Die* For." Waving a hand Reman's way, Lilinorre offered a smile his way. "Perhaps you can accompany me to pick up my next order of their honeycrisp cakes and I can introduce you to the family who owns the apiary."

In the back of Lilinorre's mind, a voice was screaming at her to pray Reman would say yes, but the duchess did her best to push such childish thoughts back down. "Only if your schedule allows it of course. Being an Oathbound no doubt means you're busy all the time." Taking another sip of her tea, Lilinorre paused. A curious expression befell her face. "Now that makes me even more curious- have you formed an oath yet? What do they call it... A vow?"
Jim
The Paladin listened very intently as she spoke of the neighboring town's sweetened goods, despite the lack of pupils and irises on his eyes, the rest of his body language was enough to determine in interest until he topic. How he leaned forward just slightly while facing the Duchess, and his occasional nod. When she suggested he join her for her next pick up, he tilted his head slightly with curiosity, nodding along again when she continued. 

"I will actually be here for a few weeks so I have no exact plans other than a bounty I've kept my eye on in preparation to come here, so I would be happy to accompany you." He takes another sip of the tea. "As for your question, I've formed a decent amount of Oaths. They can also be called Vows, but we officially call them Unbreakable Oaths. Each of us has a tattoo that binds us to our charge."

"If Bromwich's mead is as good as this tea perhaps I will have to buy a few bottles because this is divine. I can certainly see why you enjoy their products so much." There was a clear difference in the way Reman spoke of his work and of more casual topics, with the former he seemed a bit more formal, but with the latter he relaxed quite a bit. Even his soft Hyburn accent made an appearance
Thomas
"So are you currently bound to one? An oath?" Lilinorre set her cup of tea down gently on the table between them, her full focus on Reman. The entire process of being an Oathbound was quite fascinating, but not something Lili could ever imagine herself falling in to. Nevertheless, there was an ulterior motive to her questions, a motive which only she and Reman's father were privy to. In the past year, Lilinorre had experienced a terrible falling out with a man she was once in a relationship with- one that was only using her affections to get into her family's riches. Being a duchess meant plenty were always looking her way, but Lili had genuine feelings for Tae...

"I suppose I'll stop beating around the bush." Eyeing Lioric with a nervous gaze, the ever so slight grin he returned to her only made her all the more anxious to even ask the question swimming around in her head. As a duchess she had plenty of guards, but Tae was different. Dangerous, even. Perhaps Lilinorre would only feel safe if someone's sole job was to protect her, like the Oathbound are sworn to do. "I've had some... Issues with fearing for my own safety. My parents, my sister even all feel the same. A scornful-" Sighing out of slight embarrassment, Lili continued regardless of the hot feeling growing on her cheeks. "-*Ex* Has left me with little choices going forward."

"He used my affections for him against me to steal from me and my family, and I'm terrified of what he might do in the future." Lilinorre wrung her hands together nervously, her eyes unable to meet Reman's as she spoke. "I feel like a fool for even asking, what with how many guards I already have. I don't even know if you're already bound to an oath as we speak, but Lioric gave me the proper encouragement to do so. Would you be willing to form an oath to me?"
Jim
In response to her first question, he shook his head as he set his own cup down and placed his hands in his lap. He assumed her curiosity may be leading to asking for his protection, as he knew all too well that few wanted to admit out loud that they feared for their safety lest their hunter is close by. His observations were, to no surprise to him, rewarded with the confirmation. Still he continued to listen quietly as she explained the situation to him, once again giving her nods to show he was listening. 

"I see. My apologies for how he took advantage of you, I can't imagine how you felt. I understand that you may feel more comfortable with someone to keep a closer eye on you." He nods again. "I would assume you'd like for the oath to be taken as soon as possible, and I am happy to accept."

"With the wayshrines we should easily be able to get to Ardunon, do the ceremony, and be back rather quickly. Unless you would rather wait or have something after this." He looked to the sun briefly, simply checking it's positioning before returning his gaze to the flushed succubus. It was a shame a charlatan had fooled a woman like the Duchess, but unfortunately some individuals were far too charming or at the very least they were good actors.
Thomas
"Funny you should mention having something else to do-" Lilinorre let out a stifled laugh, happy that Reman caught on to what her intentions were. She had received a letter a short while ago from a Lazarothian noble woman, one Vierna Argith of Syvathere. Wishing to meet, Lilinorre responded with a resounding yes to the dark elf woman's request. It most definitely took priority as of current, especially with this catalyst business circulating. A letter still needed to be sent to the royal family, as Lilinorre did not wish to undermine them in any way be inviting a foreign noble to her home without them knowing. "-I have a few things I need to square away before visiting the capital and partaking in the ceremony."

"Do tell, however, is there anything I should prepare for the ceremony? Do we exchange gifts?" In an attempt to lighten the mood, Lilinorre wished to remove Taenaran from her mind as quickly as possible. Mentioning him, even thinking of him brought great sadness and frustration to the succubus's heart and mind. Being what she was meant many would assume Lilinorre would have any number of suitors, men and women alike and her choice of who to make her own. But contrary to what many believed about the concubus race, love was all Lilinorre wished for. To give it and to receive it. Her trust had been broken entirely.

Lilinorre rest her chin in her hand as her other idly spun a spoon in her tea cup. "The business I have shouldn't take but a few days at most. How shall I contact you when I am ready to attend the ceremony?"