<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99">Kiara liked the newcomer almost immediately -- and she tried to convince herself it wasn't merely because he'd made the Lord Chamberlain splutter twice in as many minutes.  That toppled her own record, even.<br/>
<br/>
She was a well-educated woman -- moreso than was typical, for a noble woman in this country.  Neither her parents nor her husband had discouraged her thirst for knowledge.  As such, she was aware of the significance of Asriel's obeisance, and of the location of his homeland. <br/>
<br/>
"Not a slave, my Lord Chamberlain," Kiara demurred -- at the same moment that Asriel spoke.  "I shall defer the explanation to you, Master Dresden, but first..." she offered him a small half-smile before rising (somewhat laboriously, thanks to her gravid condition) to her feet and extending her hands, palm up, to him.<br/>
<br/>
In proper Alizan tradition, she bowed slightly forward over her hands.  "To my home and hearth I grant thee welcome.  May no harm befall you whilst you remain within my realm."<br/>
<br/>
Take that, she thought spitefully in the direction of her Lord Chamberlain.  Deny me his name and place of origin in order to make me look like a fool, and instead you will be schooled on the cultural niceties by the very gentleman you attempted to snub.</span></span>