A dreary day. A singular rider wearing a jet black cloak, riding a black horse, against a slate grey sky. It was a fearsome sight. Most would say it was a harbinger of bad news. Infact, it was a man with his eyes set on getting back with his wife. Marquess Adrian Smith stopped his horse, short of the gate of Ivyhall Manor. He flipped back his hood, revealing the face of a man who had rudden hard through rain and wind to get here in good time. A guard walked over and stopped him.

"Sir, I must ask why you are here."

Adrian glanced down at the guard. Judging by his uniform, he was the captain of the guard. Guardsmen never held much regard in Adrian's eyes. Save for the ones of Pemberton, who followed his orders. Such as Isaac Cerval and the others.

"I am here to see Regeant Smith. My name is of no importance. I am a messenger, from the region of Llyn in Pemberton. This letter must be delivered!"

Adrian jumped from his horse. A young stallion acquired from taders from the area's around Remaliah, who stopped in Adesia. He handed it to a younger guardsman, who in turn tethered it. The Captain escorted Adrian up to the Manor, where he handed him off to a servant. The Servant took him up to the chambers of the Regeant.

"Your Grace...a..."

The servant looked at Adrian with a quizzical look, obviously wishing to know who he was. Well, he wouldn't give a name. No. Not yet, atleast. He informed the servant that he was a messenger sent from Pemberton.

"A Messenger, from the Duchy of Pemberton."

Adrian smiled at the servant, a girl of no more than 14 years. Adrian wondered at what his reception would be like. Being gone from her life for nearly two months, and presumed dead, she probably wouldn't believe it at all. Oh well.