A Magical Gathering (Part Two)

The trio didn't have far to go, Ashlynn had requested a private dining room from the palace that was near to both her quarters and the passage underground where the vampires found refuge from the sun during the day. 

When they arrived, Virve and Ignatious stood outside to greet them before opening the doors to an intimate dining room suitable for groups of ten or fewer. Plants filled the space, making it feel alive and green even as autumn painted the world outside in dark oranges, brilliant yellows and dull browns. At Ashlynn's instruction, the normal table had been replaced by one that was round so as not to give higher status to any of the traditions present. 

Two men stood from their seats as soon as Ashlynn and her companions entered. The first, she recognized immediately and Ashlynn put on a warm, welcoming smile when she realized how uncomfortable he seemed with the glitz and grandeur of the palace.