[Malkaer Andares]

Emaedran bowed deeply before another son of Astartus and opened his mouth to welcome him, but the voice that resonated through the reception room was not his. "Ah there you are. Welcome Your Grace." It came from the balcony overseeing the hall, where Malkaer watched down upon his brother. He was dressed in a robe of a dark red hue- the colour of (humanoid) blood. It was decorated with silver embroidery, while his gloves and carpet slippers matched the main pattern. The black belt was heavy with silverwork as well. It carried a curving, cruel looking dagger which had caused the small horizontal scar on Malkaer’s face. Unfortunately it had lost its prominence ever since his bigger vertical brother sired the esh’lahier’s face from the forehead down to the cheek.

With languid moves the esh’lahier descended the stairs. While at first a smile had played on his lips, it disappeared as he came down. He bowed slightly when he stood before Archalen, any physical interaction of course strictly forbidden. Malkaer was not sure how much Ethgan'torian etiquette his brother adhered so he did his best to abide by its rules. For himself he knew his interaction with humans had severely spoiled his manners and realized he must act like a buffoon for anyone living in Ethgan’tor. Anvael was even worse of course. "Follow me to the library please. We can speak there uninterrupted." Malkaer thereby turned to the left corridor leading the way to the library, whilst the butler followed behind Archalen.

The Thane's private library had a very classic look. Heavy oak furniture and bookcases reaching up the ceiling filled the room. Not a very good choice considering Sherian's climate, but no doubt the policy of integrating the province into the Empire had played a role. It was the entire reason of why Taralon was built and the Thanal manor also served this role as one of the prominent buildings of the city.

Malkaer did not take place behind his desk (where he actually spent relatively little time), but instead seated himself in an armchair which stood before a small table. He gestured his brother to take place in the chair that opposed it. "Would you like a drink my Lord?" Emaedran asked.