<div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 22px"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)"><i>Ian, The Teacher</i></span></span></span>​</div><br/><div class="bbCodeSpoiler">
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<span>Spoiler: <span class="bbCodeSpoiler-button-title">David 'Ian' Ianice</span></span>
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</div><br/>Ian followed the guardsman through the outer gates into the Silvid compound. He walked with the man until they met what seemed to be the head servant of the estate. The guard and servant exchanged roles, leaving Ian now following the immaculately dressed butler. They exchanged polite greetings as they climbed the main steps to the estate. Mostly to fill the silence of the walk. He couldn't stand an awkward silence. Coming up to the building, Ian could see the edges of wear and tear apparent. Slight, and well hidden to the untrained eye but visible to his honed vision. Ian had spent his childhood learning all the finer details of nobility. From etiquette, to posture, customs, and the like. His father had always said you could tell a man's standing from the way they managed their home. And his sense of self-worth in his attire.<br/><br/>The long-since taught skills were second nature to him, even now decades later.<i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)"> Some habits die hard.</span></i>Looking discreetly, Ian could see the wear in the masonry, the burrs of wear on the sanded wood, and smell of cheap paint. The best way for him to describe it would be gilded. An old refurbished manor, that needed heavy renovations.<br/><br/>The main doors were opened by two servants standing in wait.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)">No doubt waiting for him. How long had they been assigned to stand by these doors? </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Now entering, the esteemed Count, David Ianice!"</span>The head servant next to him called into the open foyer. And like clockwork, the once empty room exploded into movement. Servants and guards rushed inside filing into out of the way lines of people. Just far enough to not be a bother, but close enough to be conveniently called on. Much slower, but no less enthused, a group of three dozen or so nobles entered the room also. From what looks like a sitting room. Ian put on his best smile. Matching the quaint expressions of the low nobility in front of him.<br/><br/><div class="bbCodeSpoiler">
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<span>Spoiler: <span class="bbCodeSpoiler-button-title">The Silvid Estate Interior</span></span>
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</div><br/>A kindly woman approached him first, and Ian found himself swept into a conversation with her. Others hovered near but never too close as to be rude. She asked on his travel of the continent, and he spoke briefly of it. He asked of the local mines, and she pleasantly chittered with him. As their conversation eventually wound down, another came forward, and took it's place. Ian found himself walking to and fro, chatting pleasantly with such and such Baron, to such and such Baroness. Laughing at nothing in particular. It seems everyone of any minor import was here. All three families, their children, and guests. It made for a pleasant hum of sound as everyone engaged. A servant approached with a tray of wines at the perfect timing, no doubt watching him for thirst and fatigue the entire time. Ian thanked them, and scooped up a glass of extra dry liquor. Sipping the drink, he mingled with those around him, noting the clothing they wore. Everyone had perfectly done hair, with an equally perfect outfit. Even the children, down to their new shirt buttons. Stylized with accessories and boots polished to a mirror shine. It<b>almost </b>made him embarrassed that his attire was entirely inappropriate for the occasion. Almost. His dingy and well worn traveling clothes a nasty contrast to their beautiful dresses and suits. It honestly made him happy in a facetious way.<br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Now entering, Lady of the House. Baroness Astrea Silvid."</span>The same servant on the far side of the room announced the entrance of the Lady.<br/><br/><div class="bbCodeSpoiler">
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<span>Spoiler: <span class="bbCodeSpoiler-button-title">Astrea Silvid</span></span>
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</div><br/>Everyone stopped and hushed as she entered the room. Immediately he could see the difference in this woman as opposed to all the other nobles in the estate.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)"><i>This must be her.</i></span>He watched her along with everyone else. She wore a blue and white dress, with gold trim. A veil of some kind in white, shadowing her long dark tresses. Astrea wore an outfit befitting the style of her estate. Slightly archaic but stylish and beautiful. Her face a perfect oval, and lips a slight enticing red. Her eyes and eyebrows led to a sharp impression, that made him think she'd be witty company. Her appearance matched her home quite well. Complimentary, as opposed to most others here. Fishing for the modern style. As this manor was most likely built in her grandmother's era, it needed a more daring attire. Her peers were busy chasing the styles of Anise, but she was redefining fashion here in Ashburn. His father would of approved. Watching closely, he saw her approach slowly, but deliberately, with a sense of confidence in her step. Ian could see why he was warned of this woman. She was his type.<br/><br/>She came from the second story. And with two maids beside her, made the descent to the ground floor. The maidens were nearly as beautiful as her but not quite as attractive. Their attire or makeup good, but just off. A deliberate ploy to highlight herself.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Beautiful isn't she?" </span><br/><br/>Ian turned to the kindly woman beside him.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Yes, she's quite beautiful." </span><br/><br/>The older woman smiled at that, and took his hand.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Come, guest of honor, you should meet the lady of the house."</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(44, 130, 201)"> </span>Ian nodded and was led to Lady Astrea. Arriving as she neared the end of her descent. They locked eyes. Astrea smiled and extended a hand, Ian took it graciously and kissed the back of it. She eyed him up and down as he looked to her hand.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)">"You must be the famous Count Ianice."</span>Her voice a silky alto.<br/><br/>Ian laughed and countered, fake smile still coloring his features.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(250, 197, 28)">"Please, you're being too formal. David is fine. And i'm just a Mage, Baroness Silvid."</span>He retracted his hand after the kiss, but Astrea tightened her grasp. To the bystanders it looked as if he'd brought her down from the last few steps hand in hand.<br/><br/>Stepping right up to his chest she said.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)">"Then please, call me Astrea."</span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center">X.X.X​</div><br/>A servant silently left the main foyer and navigated his way to the kitchens in the back. Walking up to the head chef he spoke with her briefly before leaving.<br/><br/><div class="bbCodeSpoiler">
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<span>Spoiler: <span class="bbCodeSpoiler-button-title">Silvid Kitchen</span></span>
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</div><br/>Clearing her throat, the head chef raised her voice loud enough to be heard throughout the kitchen. Yelling over everything and everyone.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(84, 172, 210)">"Hurry yer arses up, the guest of honor is here! We outta be done in an hour or less! The nobles is going to the ballroom dance. We ain't got much time left, dinner needs to get got!" </span><br/><br/>The woman started patrolling the kitchen, waving a dangerously large wooden spoon at anyone who looked lackadaisical. Though everyone was more or less used to this treatment.