He strode up to the group with a broad smile and overly loud, cheery voice. “Greetings! It is a pleasure to finally meet you all. Ah, you must be Lord Malcius,” Rezkin said as he clasped forearms with the young man in a familiar greeting between close friends and peers. Malcius and Palis both had the dark brown hair that ran in the Jebai family, but while Palis’s eyes matched the warm brown of Frisha’s, Malcius’s were a soft grey like his mother’s. The older brother had broad shoulders and was slightly taller, about six feet, while the younger brother had a leaner, wiry build.

Malcius grinned and greeted Rezkin with just as much enthusiasm, “And, you must be Lord Rezkin! I heard you would be traveling with us. Our uncle spoke highly of you.” Frisha and Tam shared a surprised glance, both thinking the same thing. “Please, allow me to introduce my companions. This is my brother, Palis.” The warrior-turned-noble clasped arms with Palis and exchanged pleasantries. Malcius motioned to the young woman and said, “And, this is our sister, Shiela.”

Rezkin bowed low and intoned, “Lady Shiela, it is most gracious of you to bless us with your stunning presence.” He gave her his best smile, the one that women seemed to prefer. Shiela blushed as Rezkin brushed a soft kiss across her hand.

“Oh, Lord Rezkin, the pleasure is mine, I am sure.” The way she spoke most definitely made it sound like a pleasure. “You are one fine gentleman.”

Rezkin bowed slightly, again, and said, “Thank you, Lady Shiela, that means much coming from a lovely lady such as you.” Shiela actually giggled as she fanned her face with a lacy hand.

Malcius grinned and continued, “And, this is our good friend, Lord Brandt of House Gerrand.”

Not having a direct connection to Lord Brandt, Rezkin gave him a more formal bow in greeting rather than the familiar one he had used with the Jebais. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Brandt,” Rezkin stated. “If I might be so bold, I would just like to say that I have always admired your mother’s artistry.”

Brandt’s brows rose in surprise, “You are familiar with my mother’s work?”

“Of course! Lady Gerrand has a way of capturing the light with a softness that makes one feel as if he is looking upon a dream. It is quite easy to forget that underneath the fantasy lies simple paint and canvas,” Rezkin remarked.

“I had never really thought of it that way, but you are correct. I can see it, now. Which is your favorite?” Brandt asked curiously.