As usual, Maera was already in the grand dining hall, overseeing preparations for breakfast.
Today, however, there was one small difference. For the first time in a long while, the castle would host a guest.
"Lady Maera, does this look alright?"
Thalia, ever energetic, smoothed out the last fold on the tablecloth.
Maera gave a small nod, her face stern as always.
"It'll do. Well done, Thalia."
The table had been dressed in fresh flowers and lighter-colored linens than usual—perhaps to suit the guest from Lumisera, or simply to ease their lady's homesickness.
Just as Maera was giving everything a final once-over, the guest appeared.
Theodor walked in with a relaxed air. His presence was calm and composed, without being ostentatious. It seemed to bring a touch of spring warmth to this frozen northern land.
"Good morning, Lady Maera." He offered a courteous nod, then turned to the young woman beside her.
"And... good morning to you as well."
"I... I'm Thalia, Lord Theodor!"
