“Erethiel, Erethiel, Erethiel.”

I turn and look up towards the sound of my name.

A flash of white teeth in a dazzling smile, an intent and scorching gaze—a human male approaches us, dressed in finery despite the cold environment.

A sort of gravitas emanates from him, with a presence far larger than what his slighter frame would otherwise seem to hold. His last few steps crunch loudly in the snow as he comes to a stop a few strides away from me, hand on hip and looking up. His eyes settle on mine.

“Ahh, to finally meet you.” The man bows with a flourish, rising quickly again. His clear voice rings far in the crisp air.

”Your renown has reached far, Erethiel Lolvrilmos. Word of the impressive transformation of Seven Arches has rippled across the Inner Sea.” He gives me a smile, cocking his head to the side. “I had to come see you for myself.”

I find myself stunned with this sudden onslaught of attention. Shissa touches my arm as she steps forward to stand by my side. I can almost feel the piercing glare she throws his way.

I clear my throat after what I realized was an awkward delay.

“Ah. Yes.” I squint against the brightness reflecting off snow, his figure limned in the warm glow of the morning sun rising behind him.

“And you are?”