Lord Theseus Spyridon was no longer the expected image of the lord of a warrior house. He was once a mighty force on the field. His powerful arms had struck many monsters and invaders down. He could smash rocks with his legs, and stare a man down to a puddle.
Now, his prime had passed. A once taut torso now held excess weight around the stomach. Hair receded. His arms carried little now, and the muscles of his legs had softened. So had his eyes.
While bemoaning the events that lead to his becoming the heir of Spyridon Castle, Theseus had found it to be happiest change of his life. Mourning had quickly been replaced with responsibility. That of his older brother's widow and daughter.
These are matters of long ago, however. Now, he prepared to meet with the convoy that approached the castle. Lord Jadis Vykin and his troops gathered in the courtyard. Hardened and grizzled. One could easily look at them and tell they lived in the outer towns. Lands that were still unruly.
It was times like these he wished for his stronger, younger self.
"Damn this unyielding metal!!" he gave a bellow.
Around the doorway came the mint-haired head of his niece, Nausicaa, who had grown up in all those years since her father's loss. "Uncle, what ever is the matter?"
"It's this confounded armor!" Theseus grumbled. Servants were about him, trying to fit him back into his former battle armor. However, the old armor had obviously crafted for a leaner man.
Nausicaa tutted with a shake of her head. "Why not wear your ceremonial armor? It's been recently fitted.."
"Lord Vykin is a true warrior, who continues to wage battles each day. I'd not have him see me as some posh layabout."
"Uncle..." Nausicaa chided. "Perhaps you no longer carry your blade on a daily basis, but any who would underestimate our forces would receive a quick comeuppance. Our men are still quick with a blade, and strong of heart. Lord Vykin has every reason to be asking for our soldiers."
Theseus couldn't help but smile at the young woman before him. Her spirit was one of the reasons he had spoiled her growing up. "Very well, my ceremonial armor then. Nausicaa, be sure you're prepared as well."
"Of course, Uncle!"
---
Elrin checked over his uniform. Nary a thing out of place. It was important to maintain appearances with another lord visiting. Truly, being in a warrior house in a safe town like this didn't add to much excitement, so a visiting noble gave much to do about the castle.
The sheikah himself was sort of at odds with where he should be. Although his tasks were more that of a servant, he was also a guardian of the young Lady Spyridon. He would be expected to be with her during this visit.
So he quickly traveled out to meet her in the hall. "Ah, my lady, you're already out here."
"Yes, we have guests after all. Granted, I don't think there's enough china for all the soldiers out there plus our own..." Nausicaa pursed her lips.
"They.. will be taken care of," Elrin said simply. With her, he found it best to often just go with her thoughts, than to bother explaining certain things. Such as the fact the servants and soldiers didn't use the castle's good china to eat with. It seemed irresponsible and wrong at times, but it often saved a long time in explaining something she took as given. The privilege of the noble, after all.
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