Lyla sat quietly away from the crowds , letting her cousin once removed or whatever the actual relationship is hold court . She was never one for this sort of thing , rathering to enjoy the world outside and see what there is to see . But it was Lady Argaila ' s first time holding court , so she supposed she would have to be there . It was a big occasion , after all . She wore a fancier shirt with pants , sitting comfortably and near out of sight . Soon after it all began a small group of what looked like disheveled and worn down farmers entered , skin covered in soot and faces streaked with old tears . A burlier man with a black beard led them , a frown constantly lining his face . Lady Argaila , He began , lack of sleep and proper rest audible in his voice . It is good to see you leading our lands as your father and his did . But now is not the time for complements , for strife plagues our village . You see , with the weather turning as it had near enough to spring , I believe we in the village had decided to host a feast of sorts , to celebrate planting our crops once again . But He stopped a moment , coughing roughly into his hand . Soon enough he was doubled over , one of his fellow villagers helping him to stand straight again . But tragedy struck . Someone had drunk too much that eve and , in their stupor , slipped and knocked over a lamp . It caught quickly with the dry grass , and soon enough the village was burning . Most of the buildings were burnt to the ground by the time we could stop it , and near to two score men , women , and children had died . Another two score , including the mayor ' s daughter and sons , had disappeared into the night . I . fear for them . The burly man ' s back straightened , the weariness leaving his eyes for a moment . If there is anything you could do for those missing , and for us as well , we would all be grateful .