1401 CE

Taking her hand firmly but gently, as one would a revered mother, he touches his forehead to it for a moment, then returns to his full height. Experience has taught him to never underestimate anyone, but perhaps respect should be answered in kind. He was taught as much, anyhow.

As the elderly woman returns to her seat, he makes e mental note that it is often those with the least concern for posturing that achieve what others could not, that being making the first impression on a newcomer. Salubri were honourable by reputation at lest. And if she managed to maintain said honour to her advanced years, against the whims of a world that would see such ideals chipped away and forgotten? Respect indeed.

The smile diminishes from his face as he eyes the newcomer. He leans in to enki and says.

'I believe I havent met a brujah before. Martial would be an understatement. Also you are right; I could use a guardian during these times. If you could find me one like her I'd owe you a favour dear brother.'

He gets up and walks over to the imposing man in armor. He holds out a hand and smiles warmly.

'Good evening sir...the lion was it? My name is godfrey, the local historian. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaince. If you have a moment later I would definitely love to pick your knowledge for a book I am writing. And also have a task I need aid with. If its not too much trouble?'

The figure holding out his hand showed impeccable manners, and his dress was that of a scholar of sorts, Aserymus surmised.

Reaching out to him, he grips his hand about the man's forearm, as was the custom of his lands between friends and allies. It would be wise to make one or the other of him, if possible.

Meeting his gaze, he replies, "God Frey. Godfrey" as if testing out the foreign name to ensure he mastered it. "And 'The Lion' was the name I earned for...deeds at home. A formality. Aserymus will do. But it is a welcome thing indeed to meet one so learned. I would welcome the academic diversion, once matters with the Prince are concluded."

Pausing briefly before continuing, Aserymus takes another quick scan of the room, his eyes quickly darting from person to person before returning to Godfrey. "But as for the second matter, this task of yours...would I be right in assuming you approached me now because it begs someone of my skills?"

He shakes his hand as is accustomed to aserymus.

'Yes. As you can see the court is lacking in might and your skills would.definitely be helpful. But that is secondary to my ultimate goal. Learning and writing.'

He looks out at the crowd and puts his hands behi d his back and stands straight.

'hopefully the prince doesn't keep us too much longer. As i would very much love to get back to my studies and duties.'

Duccio Stretches slightly from the corner of the room he had taken a seat in once the commotion earlier had occurred waiting for the Prince to finally deign the court with her presence. Watching with interest and slight amusement Duccio attempted to take a measure of the new armoured individual before Enki's question distracted him "Ah yes Issac was here briefly but there seems to have been some altercation involving the man Kristophe Windt thus Issac, Henry, and Ilza went to heal and help him at Henry's chapel."

"I do not believe so, but they were in a rush so details were not given. As so many rushed off I did not see how helpful I could have been in that situation so I have been waiting on word to come back from them."

Regarding the latest member of the court to approach him, Aserymus is pauses a moment before answering. Before he can choose his words, he turns briefly to the latest woman to introduce herself. Quick, polite, but clearly needing to be elsewhere, he simply nods slightly and as she leaves again, he turns back to the figure still before him.

"I suspect my homeland is somewhat further south than you may have ventured then. Tunis is a large, prosperous city on the coast across the sea from your Franks and Italians. You may know the Kingdom, el-Maghrib el-Adna, though I have heard it called simply Ifriqiya by some, and the Hafsid Kingdom by others."

After a moment's pause, sizing up the man before him, he continues, "And my dress is not typical of the region. It is...from an older, nobler time. But I did not get your name. Who might I be addressing?"

The smell of thyme reaches the noses of those nearby as Gwynne enters the room and removes her hood. She freezes for a moment upon seeing the new arrival to the city, then briefly greets Torston before making her way to a seat near a window, avoiding the more crowded areas. Gwynne sits and looks out the window, seemingly content to keep her distance.

Upon hearing the name of his latest conversationalist, Aserymus stares past him for a moment, as if lost in thought.

"Tzimiscie. I...have heard of your Clan, though I have not had the privilege to meet one before now. Your reputation for creating fearsome beasts precede you. But the Elephants of my home...those are magnificent beasts that need no alteration, as they are the very embodiment of strength and power. No other creatures can touch them, once they are fully grown. To see such a creature able to stride anywhere it pleases with complete impunity is...to feel truly in awe of the wonders of the world."

Pausing as he thinks of home, not for the first time since arriving in this distant land, his eyes return to Enki. "Did you know we used to use them in war? Much before my time, but the legends told of them are almost unbelievable."

With the slightest hint of a smile, his broad shoulders shrug under the leopard cloak wrapped about them, and he says no more.

A man descends the stairs and approaches the gathered kindred.

"The Prince has set aside time to meet with anyone who desires."

He decreed, adding with an air of authority

"One. At a time."

Paying no attention to the reaction in the room, he turned and took up post at the bottom of the stairs, standing between the Prince's meeting room and the kindred.

Godfrey wanders over to auzilie and bows.

'I would see the prince'