to The Throne Room

You look around you in awe. The Throne Room is enormous. There are intricate tapestries draped along the walls. Beautiful stained crystal windows let in the autumn yalalli, creating striking patterns on the newly tiled floor. All of the paneling is done in exquisite deep chestnut. Flags and chandeliers hang from the bottom of the second level and the ceiling over that. But what really catches your eye are the elegant portraits above and to each side of the throne. The one to the right is the profile of a brown-haired man in deep green velvet. His face is stern and gives the impression that he was once a hard and unrelenting ruler, but as you step closer you notice the definitive twinkle in his blue left eye. In his hands he holds a splendid sword, one that almost speaks aloud of power. On it are etched little symbols, which you know to be letters from the Katrian language, but since you are not educated in Katrian you do not know what they say. The portrait to the left is of a blonde woman in violet robes. She faces the man, so that it seems she is looking directly at the man across from her with her silver eyes. At her side sits a blue-gray wolf. At first you think it seems very obediant next to her, but then you realize that the relationship between human and wolf is more of a partnership than master-to-pet.

Everything in the portraits is a symbol. But because you are only a visitor to AeaTr, you do not know what each could mean. Maybe, you reflect, the current High Queen will explain them to you.

Which is who you are meeting now.

As the thought passes through your mind the doors to the left of the dais open, and in walks a beautiful woman. You can only assume she is the Queen. Her hair is golden and her green eyes flash with the spark of inner harmony. She wears violet robes almost identical to the ones the woman wears in the portrait. The only difference you can spot is the leather padding on her right shoulder and arm. A peregrine falcon sits on her shoulder, watching you curiously, which explains the leather.

The Queen has noticed that you were admiring the pictures, and she smiles. "May I introduce," she says, in a clear voice, "High King James and High Queen Evelina, the founders of my dear country of AeaTr."

Queen Adeline is the great-granddaughter-in-law to the great leaders. There is no resemblance because there is no blood relation, except for the air of power and leadership that she carries. She might not have been born into royalty, but it seems to you that she fits the position well.

"I trust I find you well?" she askes kindly.

You nod.

"Then I will begin the tour, if you have no objections?"

Oh, no objections. You are anxious to see the rest of the castle. If everything is like the Throne Room...

"Then, please, come with me to the Gardens," she says, smiling, then turns and begins to lead the way.