Eloran silently shoveled food into rending teeth, half listening.  The Prince wasn't taking this very seriously, he thought.  Spending most of his time flirting, breaking the plan before it had begun when he decided to marry away the Princess frivolously.  He brooded to himself, mind dark and frustrated, anxious for all the talking to end.<i>That's when swords will speak.</i>He thought, the future grim in his eyes.<br/><br/>"What's this oiled, braid thing mean, exactly.  I know it's some sort of declaration, or pact, right?"