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[h3]Duchess Altina Freya Bastille, The "Valkyrie"[/h3]
At Hathforth Castle, Throne Room, The Hearthfire Gala, on 14th Hearthfire, 1402
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[center][b]II: Opening Moves[/b][/center]
[center][@Estylwen] [@Donut Look Now][/center]
[justify]A lighthearted provocation from the Wizard Queen. Perhaps she'd read Altina right, after all. The power of ambiguity: to masquerade ill intent with goodwill, and at times, vice-versa. It was a power Altina wielded just as proficiently as her greatsword, and her weapon of choice when it came to any sort of politicking. Altina herself had not yet made up her mind on the Wizard Queen. But all the same, she would let the monarch know — albeit subtly — of the possibilities: of loyalty, [i]and[/i] of betrayal.

She burst in a fit of laughter, realizing the truth behind the Wizard Queen's words. "You are right there, Your Majesty. Though, I daresay, susceptible to magic they may be, the dwarves are among the most valiant warriors in all of Arrowfell." 

Altina steeled her gaze. "I have sparred with many of Rockhold's generals, and even with the weight of my sword bearing down on them, they stare it down fearlessly, enchanted by magic or not." 

Her seriousness faded quickly, and in its place was that familiar smile again, gentle but unrevealing. "An admirable quality, wouldn't we all agree?"

She would turn to Advisor Urimyar next, his reprimands still fresh in her mind. "Apologies for my conduct earlier, Sir Vulluin. You know I mean no disrespect towards Her Majesty the Wizard Queen." 

She excitedly clasped her hands together before spreading them apart in a sweeping motion, as if to gesture at the excess around her. "Why, with an atmosphere such as this, I found myself simply intoxicated by the festive mood!" 

Then, she bowed — and deeply, this time — to make up for her offense. "My greatest compliments to you, Your Majesty." Now her offering was in the hands of Sir Vulluin.

Unexpectedly, Duke Rhinecliff and Lady Safina shortly joined them. While Lady Safina whispered what were likely secrets in Sir Vulluin's ears, Duke Rhinecliff approached both herself and Duchess Agustria, planting a kiss on their hands. 

"Duke Rhinecliff," Altina cooed. "I am glad you've spared some time to make merry with us." She leaned in closer, noticing the clamor of the party starting to drown her out. "By the by, I appreciate that shipment of wine you've sent my way. It was my uncle's birthday, you see, and we were in dire need of good ale." 

Stepping back, "You absolutely must allow me to repay you for your kindness in the future!"

This would be the extent of their conversation, however, as further exchanges would be cut short by the arrival of the court jester, in all her performative glory. She would hand Altina a pearl necklace, which Altina accepted graciously. 

And it wasn't just the jester who would arrive — various personages would soon pour into the castle's halls. One of them in particular was someone Altina knew well: the duke of Rockhold, Dadraek Grimhand. He was a kindred spirit, and someone who shared Altina's penchant for battle. 

Altina shifted her gaze towards him. "Ah, well if it isn't my favorite duke!" She exclaimed teasingly. "And of course! You need only ask the Wizard Queen herself. A decoration most worthy of her gallery, that blade is."

"You seem to be in good health, Duke Dadraek. From that, I can only assume all is well in your realm?"

A dangerous glint would flash in her eyes. "We have [i]much[/i] to catch up on." 

"But before that..." [i]Swish[/i]. She would serve the duke a glass of Gold-touch wine, which she spun between her fingers. "We must celebrate first! What is a party if not for celebration?"[/justify]