Silence reigned. Though he did not feel like speaking, and Vai was absorbed with her own thoughts, Aurifyr idly examined the tapestries.

Vai's stare locked on him; she did not have to tell him to mind himself. Infuriatingly, he offered no sign he'd heard, but continued his viewing. The smallest detail had been captured, right down to the straps on the armour, and buckles on the belt. Not quite lifelike, the figures were tall, broad, and their faces covered. They battled many foes, within and without the city. One tapestry depicted the city on fire, and rioting through the streets. Another saw them crossing the Cloudpeak Mountains.

Half an hour later, Scar returned, and with him was a clean shaven, thin man in a green brocaded doublet and black hose and hat. From the shoulder, a short cloak dangled over his offhand, while a longer cloak reached his ankles. His taste was current: smart without being fussy, yet precise. Beside a narrow sword, a long, jewelled dirk hung from his scrollwork adorned black belt and a wide signet ring decorated his hand.

Despite his garb, there was a crispness about him, an almost military snap to his step and he wore his rapier with an indifferent ease. This, and a thousand other small things indicated the mark of a man who had seen battle, on the field and at court, and knew how to handle himself. The blade was no toy. His cool eyes were astute and drank in every detail about the room, his 'guests', everywhere at once and nowhere, piercing to the soul. There was a knowing about him, as if somehow, he had seen a lifetime of lies and falsehoods.

Urbane, and polished, his accent was refined without being arrogant. Without speaking down, he greeted simply, "Commander."

"Your grace."

"I would like to hear your report, but first," cool grey eyes flickered towards Aurifyr, "introductions are in order. I am Duke Eltan, commander of the Flaming Fist."

"Aurifyr." Face impassive, he offered no more, aware his lack of location was noted. Beside him, Vai hardened, showing nothing beyond a slight tensing of her features.

"I would be interested in learning how exactly you fit into this." The duke continued, ignoring his subordinate, and then his gaze moved to her, "And how you have returned with so few men. A full company was assigned to you, yet word reaches me the Friendly Arm Inn fell, razed to the ground."

"You are remarkably well informed," Aurifyr did not quite drawl, but his words held a coolness he rarely invoked, "for one who refused to reinforce your own facing vastly superior foes."

Vai silenced him with a look, eyes blazing and pride stung. "You exaggerate," She said flatly.

"Do I?"

The two locked stares, and only Eltan's words separated them, "Perhaps you should begin at the beginning. How did you come to be in the commander's service?"

Glancing at Vai, offering the telling to her. When she did not respond, he shrugged, "I first met Vai…"