2nd of Frost, 120 AS; The Hillsglade House
“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.” - Madeline Miller, the Song of Achilles
The parlor was, ordinarily, one of Urs' preferred rooms. Large, arched windows covered the walls, offering views that stretched out over the winter garden. The floors, varnished maple (imported), were covered in hand-woven multicolored rugs. The ceiling, textured and painted, giving the already impressive room an expansive feeling. Chairs of all sizes decorated the room in a random pattern, a strange fashion that had recently infected the elite of Adira's Promenade. A few crowded by the ornate stone fireplace, which was always tended to in Frost.
And in the morning, sunlight tinged everything gold.
Urs had spent the last few days lounging, alone aside the servants required to maintain the hearth. He'd read or draw or do nothing, content to watch the snow-covered lawns for hours. He'd wonder and idle, enjoying the privacy and the vastness of parlor, trying very hard to ignore more pressing matters.
Today, however, Urs wasn't alone in the room; in fact, it was crowded. Nobles dolled up in silks, furs, and expensive make-up. Servants trapped in suits and balancing trays of canapés. Musicians, dressed to the nines, carrying (or lugging) their instruments around the room.
"I liked the violinist," Gaston said, his wings extended solely to impress himself, something he did even in private. Always irritating, but in a crowded room, it was claustrophobic.
Urs nodded, grabbing a cracker loaded with cheese and jam, "Who's next?"
"Not sure - but father would like to have someone picked out for the wedding soon."
Urs ate the cracker and immediately started looking for champagne. It was early, but this was supposed to serve as some sort of party. They'd invited musicians from across the land to perform for a chance to entertain one of the most important events of the year. His wedding.
