Is This Part of My Coming-Of-Age Tale or is it Just Some Bullshit?

You honour me…

Adaria chuckled, amusement bubbling across her face. Hardly. You would not say that if you knew the foolishness the Talon’s embarked on. No ounce of offence entered her features at his ignorance. They had only recently rejoined the rest of the continent, spared from facing the aggressive expansion of Antiva. You’ve all missed a great deal, not all of it good. It has made us, Antiva, a Pariah. The Royal house had been the one to shoulder the blame, not the Talon’s involved, blinded by Elgar’nan’s false promises, attempting to snuff out the Royal line for short term glory.

His attention seemed elsewhere for a moment and Adaria let her eyes follow before casting her gaze across the ballroom. Rene would likely be in a corner of academics, debating whatever numerical paper that had galvanised the professors mind. Ophelia… she had mentioned a friend, or an acquaintance, Adaria had ceased paying attention honestly. She offered an affirmative hum. Orlais I’ve come to find dull compared to the vibrancy of Antiva City, but with the upheaval it was deemed safer. I’m completely biassed of course, nothing compares to one's home.

His expression amused her further, again chuckling and gesturing with her free hand to take a turn around the outskirts of the room. You sound surprised, her smile easy, naturally warming in Enzo’s easy company. Passion and Blood. It’s the fabric of Antivan culture, but music? If my parents had the choice they’d have renounced the throne and my siblings and I would be part of some travelling troupe of minstrels and thieves.


Pausing by a statue, Adaria’s eyes trailed over the black onyx before lifting her glass to her lips for a sip. Truthfully… I’m not keen on Opera, though I am partial to mingling at the local taverns in disguise. I am my Father’s daughter after all. She regarded the man with a sly grin. Nights spent outside the confines of the Palace were a regular occurrence once she and her siblings had memorised the honeycomb of passages. His offer was appealing though.

My official duties end with the ball, but we will linger in Minrathous for another day or so. A guide would certainly make the remaining time well spent.