Tales of Neglected ones

The Imperial Banquet, Imperial Palace

The murmurs faded again as the golden doors reopened. The Knight-Herald raised his staff once more, and the grand hall stilled to receive the next line of honored bloodlines.

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🌑 House Luneblight – Shadows that Guard the Flame

> Knight-Herald:

"We now welcome the enigmatic honor of House Luneblight—guardians of twilight and watchers of the unseen path."

Lord Aldric Luneblight entered with quiet dignity, his dark violet cloak flowing behind him like trailing dusk. His expression was composed, almost unreadable, yet deeply aware. Beside him walked Lady Mireya Luneblight, dressed in a gown of deep plum stitched with silver threads like stars.

Behind them came their children: Lady Eleria, with calm, intelligent eyes that mirrored the quiet moon, and her younger brother Orin, who studied the hall with quiet curiosity.

> "Luneblight is master of the Veiled Sight—their magic bends shade, illusion, and perception:

— They guard without being seen.

— They walk unnoticed where others are watched.

— And in silence, they uncover what noise often hides."

Their arrival was subtle, but it left a stillness in the air—as though the shadows now listened more carefully.

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🍃 House Eirwyn – Grace in Bloom, Strength in Root

> Knight-Herald:

"Let the Empire honor the arrival of House Eirwyn—keepers of renewal, memory, and living beauty."

Lord Theren Eirwyn walked tall, dressed in elegant green and gold robes, reminiscent of new spring leaves. His wife, Lady Aralyn Eirwyn, walked beside him with a soft smile and golden braid adorned in tiny white blossoms.

Trailing gracefully behind them were their children: Lady Elanor, regal and poised beyond her years, and Lord Elandor, his steps light but confident.

> "The Eirwyn family bears the gift of Verdant Harmony:

— They coax growth with a gesture.

— Their magic restores soil, cleanses wounds, and strengthens roots.

— Their presence brings calm—like sun returning to forest."

They bowed gracefully before taking their place, a faint scent of fresh petals drifting in their wake.

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🦋 House Thorneval – Thorns that Guard the Bloom

> Knight-Herald:

"With dignity and pride, let us receive House Thorneval—firm defenders, born of nobility and bound by legacy."

Lord Cedric Thorneval entered with steady steps, his formal wear crisp, the sigil of his house—a thorned vine encircling a silver rose—etched into his chestplate. At his side walked Lady Elayna Thorneval, elegant and commanding.

Following them came Lady Talia Thorneval, her chin high and eyes watchful, wearing a deep crimson dress that blended grace with the air of someone who knew exactly what it meant to represent her family.

> "Thorneval's legacy lies in the Discipline of Living Thorns:

— Their magic creates defenses as elegant as they are lethal.

— They shape barriers and bloom-forged weapons that obey instinct as much as intent.

— And when tested, they protect with beauty and bite."

Talia gave a respectful curtsy, her gaze never dropping, and took her seat with silent composure.

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🌌 House Virellia – The Silent Stars that Guide

> Knight-Herald (tone lowering reverently):

"And now, the last to arrive—House Virellia, whose light does not shout, yet shines still. Loyal companions to the crown, and protectors of the Empire's most ancient truths."

Lord Caelan Virellia stepped into the light, his silver-white cloak falling straight and uncreased, face calm and unreadable. Lady Elenya Virellia walked beside him with a gentle grace. Neither wore jewels nor weapons, but their presence commanded the same respect as any blade.

Between them walked a young girl—Lady Seraphina Virellia, no older than twelve, her blue eyes wide with wonder as she took in the grandeur of the hall. She wore a simple silver gown that seemed made of starlight.

Trailing behind them quietly, almost unseen, walked a boy in a grey cloak. Not of noble blood. Not spoken of in the herald's voice. But part of their procession nonetheless.

> "House Virellia holds no claim to flame or storm. Their power lies in wisdom, precision, and the Path of Quiet Stars:

— Their minds are sharpened through study.

— Their magic is unspoken, yet precise.

— And their loyalty is quiet, but absolute."

They bowed, not deeply, but sincerely. Lord Virellia rested a hand gently on Seraphina's shoulder as they approached their table.

The boy in the grey cloak followed without fanfare, eyes lowered. Yet among the golden voices, sparkling gowns, and noble names, his presence was marked by more than a few.

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The Circle Is Complete

The Knight-Herald stepped back and lowered his staff. The golden doors closed with stately grace.

> "All Eight Great Families are now present. Let the Imperial Banquet begin. May this gathering reflect the peace and purpose of the Empire we serve."

As the music resumed, and conversations swelled again, a single thought passed between nobles and servants alike:

Tonight, the Empire's power sat not in its thrones…

But at these tables, side by side.

And in the quiet between families, some noticed the boy in the grey cloak—silent, observant, and forgotten.

For now.

End of chapter