Aftermath and a New Year
Moderator: Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Azjah von Drachen Walde
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- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
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Aftermath and a New Year
All day I had worked on the concept of expanding the company. I had seen the perfect opportunity on Lacerta, and toward that goal I now focused my energies. Around 10 pm I had the draft in an acceptable state, and decided to return to the Palazzo. As I passed the Inn, something drew me to a halt, and I found myself entering the establishment, not quite certain why I was there, but as I walked through, I felt it.
At the bar was Raevyx. I had not seen him in many many weeks, and he stopped with his stein midway to his lips. In his eyes a lifetime of memories flashed briefly, but before I could move closer to greet him, I was stunned into silence. There, beside Pslyder stood Klinton. As Pslyder waved, Klinton gave me a small, almost nervous smile, “hey Azjah”.
I moved very slowly toward him, my voice barely audible even to myself, “Klinton, I was unaware that you had returned. Welcome home.” My mind was racing. He had returned to RhyDin, and yet had chosen to come to the Inn, where I was seldom wont to be found. Had Providence brought me here tonight, or had he come here hoping to avoid an encounter with me? Questions chased themselves round and round in my thoughts.
He ran a nervous hand through his hair and bit down on his lower lip, “Yeah, well… I, ahh, I’m back.” He was clearly as nervous as I was, and perhaps even more so. Had he come to say he wanted nothing more to do with me? Had he come back to press for dissolution? I could not give it to him, it was beyond my ability to grant him that freedom, our marriage was one without release clauses, though that does not stop some of the Peers from living separate lives, and taking lovers or mistresses. He could do that, and I could not stop that from happening if that is what he chose to do.
It felt so very strange to be standing there, in the public inn, seeing my spouse for the first time in many weeks and not knowing what to say to him. I moved slowly toward him, “Have your travels been fruitful?” It sounded trite to me, and yet, I could not very well ask him all of the personal questions that were swirling around in my mind. Not here, and not now.
He shook his head negatively, “I have wasted several months.” Then his voice nearly as soft as my own, he asked if we could sit. My heart skipped a beat. He wanted to sit down here, in a public place. Did that mean he wanted out? Had he only come back to tell me things were finished?
I nodded and followed him to a nearby table, though the last thing I wanted was a cold meeting in a public place. I studied his visage a moment before telling him that things had happened in his absence, “I have been in Rigel these last weeks, after my return from Auriga.” Even now I could not come out and say ‘after the miscarriage’. Perhaps one day I would be able to put those words to voice, but not right now.
He nodded solemnly and reached slowly toward my hand, and his gesture was almost nervous as he suggested we sit down rather than standing like virtual strangers, each afraid to take the lead. I hesitated a moment before taking his offered hand. He studied me a moment before asking how my time on Rigel was. He avoided Auriga, and in that moment I was certain he knew what had happened on Gabriel’s home world.
I gave a slight shrug, “It was intriguing. There were some moments that caused Eoin some adrenaline rushes, but not much has changed. The Arch Bishop was killed.” I took a seat. Before I would tell him what had happened, I needed to see what he intended to say. There was no point in telling him how extensive the situation was on Rigel if he was walking away. He simply nodded as he settled onto a chair, and I asked if he had spoken to Gabriel.
He shook his head, “I have not. I literally just got in.”
I sent for a glass of scotch before looking back at him. He studied me a moment before inquiring whether he should have spoken to Gabriel.
At the bar was Raevyx. I had not seen him in many many weeks, and he stopped with his stein midway to his lips. In his eyes a lifetime of memories flashed briefly, but before I could move closer to greet him, I was stunned into silence. There, beside Pslyder stood Klinton. As Pslyder waved, Klinton gave me a small, almost nervous smile, “hey Azjah”.
I moved very slowly toward him, my voice barely audible even to myself, “Klinton, I was unaware that you had returned. Welcome home.” My mind was racing. He had returned to RhyDin, and yet had chosen to come to the Inn, where I was seldom wont to be found. Had Providence brought me here tonight, or had he come here hoping to avoid an encounter with me? Questions chased themselves round and round in my thoughts.
He ran a nervous hand through his hair and bit down on his lower lip, “Yeah, well… I, ahh, I’m back.” He was clearly as nervous as I was, and perhaps even more so. Had he come to say he wanted nothing more to do with me? Had he come back to press for dissolution? I could not give it to him, it was beyond my ability to grant him that freedom, our marriage was one without release clauses, though that does not stop some of the Peers from living separate lives, and taking lovers or mistresses. He could do that, and I could not stop that from happening if that is what he chose to do.
It felt so very strange to be standing there, in the public inn, seeing my spouse for the first time in many weeks and not knowing what to say to him. I moved slowly toward him, “Have your travels been fruitful?” It sounded trite to me, and yet, I could not very well ask him all of the personal questions that were swirling around in my mind. Not here, and not now.
He shook his head negatively, “I have wasted several months.” Then his voice nearly as soft as my own, he asked if we could sit. My heart skipped a beat. He wanted to sit down here, in a public place. Did that mean he wanted out? Had he only come back to tell me things were finished?
I nodded and followed him to a nearby table, though the last thing I wanted was a cold meeting in a public place. I studied his visage a moment before telling him that things had happened in his absence, “I have been in Rigel these last weeks, after my return from Auriga.” Even now I could not come out and say ‘after the miscarriage’. Perhaps one day I would be able to put those words to voice, but not right now.
He nodded solemnly and reached slowly toward my hand, and his gesture was almost nervous as he suggested we sit down rather than standing like virtual strangers, each afraid to take the lead. I hesitated a moment before taking his offered hand. He studied me a moment before asking how my time on Rigel was. He avoided Auriga, and in that moment I was certain he knew what had happened on Gabriel’s home world.
I gave a slight shrug, “It was intriguing. There were some moments that caused Eoin some adrenaline rushes, but not much has changed. The Arch Bishop was killed.” I took a seat. Before I would tell him what had happened, I needed to see what he intended to say. There was no point in telling him how extensive the situation was on Rigel if he was walking away. He simply nodded as he settled onto a chair, and I asked if he had spoken to Gabriel.
He shook his head, “I have not. I literally just got in.”
I sent for a glass of scotch before looking back at him. He studied me a moment before inquiring whether he should have spoken to Gabriel.
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
- Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
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I took the glass from the serving boy before continuing, “Well, things did not go well for us, I’m certain you can tell.” It was very clear that I was no longer expecting our child, and yet I find putting it into words still nearly impossible. “And no, but I wondered if Gabriel had told you why we went to Auriga.” If Gabriel had not told him, who had?
He nodded sadly, “I received notice of our child.” With that he turned away from me, and a cold shiver of dread trickled down between my shoulder blades. I frowned as I considered who might have told him, then inspiration struck, “Dyson?” He nodded morosely, his eyes still locked onto a spot on the floor, and I took a deep breath, “I’m sorry Klinton. She is buried on Auriga.” What more could I tell him? He did not need the details that it had nearly been both of us buried during that trip.
He still did not look up, “I must admit, it is part of the reason I have not returned sooner.”
I worked to compose my thoughts, we were after all in a public place, and it would not do to have any kind of scandalous scene played out here. “I see.” I curled both hands around the glass I now held onto as an emotional life raft. He had known, and had remained away rather than be here. So it had come to this between us.
He nodded again, “Gabriel seems to take good care of you.” It was simple, and without rancor, but the possibilities and implications were innumerous.
I quirked a brow at him, although he was still not looking at me, “He has been there when I have needed him.” It was a hurtful thing to say, and yet, it was also very true.
Klinton sighed then, “I’m sorry that I seem cold, Azjah.”
I waited for the ‘but’ to follow his admission, but in those moments it did not come, so I continued, “Although, he did not go to Rigel with me, he has made a request I must honor.” There was no reason to continue the track we had begun. If he was leaving me, he would tell me in his own time.
He perked up and looked at me then, “What was his request?”
Was it relief I saw in his features at the change of subject? Were we never to discuss the death of our daughter? I lifted my gaze to his, “We’ve grown apart through all of this, haven’t we?” I could not believe he would rather speak about Gabriel’s request than our child, it made little sense to me, and I wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him, but it would do me little good.
Klinton took a deep breath, “I have run from it. We certainly have not dealt with this together. How could we not have grown apart?”
So he too felt the distance the stretched between us like some uncrossable chasm. “No, we have not.” I wondered if this was where he would say farewell, “will you be staying at the Palazzo, or….” I left it open ended, uncertain whether I wanted him at the Palazzo, or not. What separated us now might never be closed, and to have him living in the Palazzo like this would be torment for us both.
“I have not even considered it, Azjah.” His words cut hard.
He had not even considered coming back. The realization that he had no plans to come home gave my fears more weight, but here was not the place to lose my composure. “Alright.” I swallowed hard before adding, “I am sorry you know.” I had not killed the child on purpose, and I hoped he knew that.
He nodded sadly, “I received notice of our child.” With that he turned away from me, and a cold shiver of dread trickled down between my shoulder blades. I frowned as I considered who might have told him, then inspiration struck, “Dyson?” He nodded morosely, his eyes still locked onto a spot on the floor, and I took a deep breath, “I’m sorry Klinton. She is buried on Auriga.” What more could I tell him? He did not need the details that it had nearly been both of us buried during that trip.
He still did not look up, “I must admit, it is part of the reason I have not returned sooner.”
I worked to compose my thoughts, we were after all in a public place, and it would not do to have any kind of scandalous scene played out here. “I see.” I curled both hands around the glass I now held onto as an emotional life raft. He had known, and had remained away rather than be here. So it had come to this between us.
He nodded again, “Gabriel seems to take good care of you.” It was simple, and without rancor, but the possibilities and implications were innumerous.
I quirked a brow at him, although he was still not looking at me, “He has been there when I have needed him.” It was a hurtful thing to say, and yet, it was also very true.
Klinton sighed then, “I’m sorry that I seem cold, Azjah.”
I waited for the ‘but’ to follow his admission, but in those moments it did not come, so I continued, “Although, he did not go to Rigel with me, he has made a request I must honor.” There was no reason to continue the track we had begun. If he was leaving me, he would tell me in his own time.
He perked up and looked at me then, “What was his request?”
Was it relief I saw in his features at the change of subject? Were we never to discuss the death of our daughter? I lifted my gaze to his, “We’ve grown apart through all of this, haven’t we?” I could not believe he would rather speak about Gabriel’s request than our child, it made little sense to me, and I wanted to grab him by the shoulders and shake him, but it would do me little good.
Klinton took a deep breath, “I have run from it. We certainly have not dealt with this together. How could we not have grown apart?”
So he too felt the distance the stretched between us like some uncrossable chasm. “No, we have not.” I wondered if this was where he would say farewell, “will you be staying at the Palazzo, or….” I left it open ended, uncertain whether I wanted him at the Palazzo, or not. What separated us now might never be closed, and to have him living in the Palazzo like this would be torment for us both.
“I have not even considered it, Azjah.” His words cut hard.
He had not even considered coming back. The realization that he had no plans to come home gave my fears more weight, but here was not the place to lose my composure. “Alright.” I swallowed hard before adding, “I am sorry you know.” I had not killed the child on purpose, and I hoped he knew that.
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
- Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
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He shrugged, “I’m not.”
But before I could express complete shock, he continued, “I’m more sorry that it happened.”
His words had crashed against the wall of un-emotion that I was working so hard to maintain. He was not sorry the child was dead, and he was more sorry that she had been conceived? Those first reactions vacillated between outrage and agony. I had to change the subject quickly. “I am not certain what I hoped to find by going home, perhaps I simply needed to feel closer to my mother, despite the fact that she could not tell me why, nor what to do to fix it.”
He nodded slightly, “I spent time looking for mother. You went to yours.”
I was still in utter shock at his comments, “well, in a manner of speaking.” So it had come to this.
He continued softly, “In the end, we are right back here, together, dealing with our pain.”
That brought me up short. Together? How could he say that? He had come to town and come to the Inn rather than coming to the Palazzo or the plant. But I braved it then, “yes, we are, and without a road map.” I took a slow sip of scotch, “Not certain where one would go for such a map.” It seems my ability to find what I needed had let me down in this instance.
He watched me briefly, “I don’t think there is anywhere else to go.”
I nodded. We had gone our separate paths on this, and there did not seem to be anywhere for us to go. The path was diverging from this point it appeared. He did not look at me when he said he didn’t think there was anywhere else to go. I nodded, “so, what next?” We had beat around the bush enough, and so I hoped to cut to the chase by simply asking him what he wanted to do next.
He shook his head then, “we really have grown apart.” I could not read his intentions, he had buried his emotions rather deeply.
I nodded and set down the glass I had been using as an emotional shield, “Yes, it would seem we have. Though I do not believe it was what either of us wanted.” When we first knew about the child, we were both thrilled, but as things began to go wrong, we drifted apart, and that distance culminated in not only a spatial distance, but emotional as well, and it is the emotional distance we may never be able to close back up.
I glanced about the crowded room, Raevyx had departed sometime during our discussion, and for that I am sorry. We have not seen one another in ages, but I had to know where things stood with Klinton, and even now, hours later, I have no idea where the road leads us. “We have a house full of guests at the Palazzo, just so you know.” He may as well know that if he planned to return to the Palazzo for the discussion we so sorely needed, we would not be alone, although Lucien and Gabriel were always there, and heard everything within the walls of the house, it would be different with the Prince and his family there as well. So, fair warning was needed, and perhaps I was hoping he would not return to the house. I had no desire to hear him tell me he was leaving.
He glanced at me then, “Azjah, the Palazzo is your home. If you would like to have me come there, I will. But….” His voice trailed off, and for a moment my heart stopped, the Palazzo was ‘my’ home.
I shook my head then, “It belongs to you too.” The laws of my world made everything I held his property. “but?” I prompted, what had he left hanging unsaid?
He shrugged, “I don’t know. We can’t pretend to act like it is just going to go back to normal.”
I wondered if he even wanted everything to go back to ‘normal’. “You said it was my home, do you have a different home?” Perhaps he had made himself a new home somewhere else in these last weeks.
“No, I do not have a different home.” He shook his head in disbelief at my question.
“Then, I think the only home we have here is full of people.” I had not established multiple residences in RhyDin, and so that pretty much left the houses on Rigel, but they were too far away to use as sanctuaries for us to talk in private.
He nodded again, “So, do I come home with you? Am I welcome?”
Both brows winged upward at that, “I would never tell you the doors were closed. We are both walking on eggshells for the moment.” Besides, by law, I could not keep him out of his own home. I finished the scotch and slid the glass away from me toward the center of the table as he told me he did not know what to do. That makes two of us then. I glanced then down at my hands, “I believe that makes two of us. The question is, does the path converge from here, or diverge?”
He shook his head, as though he had no more answers than I have had, “what does it mean if it diverges from here?”
I bit my lip, “I suppose that means we would follow separate roads…” We would move off and live our lives independently.
“So it would be over.” He put it starkly and plainly there for both of us to consider.
“Well, as you know, we cannot annul or divorce, but many do not remain together, if that is what you wanted.” I considered him carefully before continuing, “Is that what you are thinking?” Did he want to get on with his life without me?
He paused, “Azjah, I don’t think I intended to come back here, just so I could say goodbye. My gut brought me home. Here. Tonight.”
I gave him a quick nod, “that’s good to hear.” I did not believe I wanted him gone, but at the same time, we were not the same people we had been, and I am uncertain whether we can blend together once more.
He gave me a dubious look, “Is it good to hear? Is it what you wanted to hear?”
I thought a moment, “Yes, it is what I wanted to hear, but didn’t want to make you feel you had to say it.” I was not prepared to hear him say goodbye, but am I ready to hear him say he wants to stay? He squeezed my hand and I curled my fingers tentatively about his.
He spoke softly, “I don’t know what to say, but I don’t think we need to say anything.”
I glanced around the crowded room again, “crowds out, crowds at home.” It seemed privacy was something we seldom attained.
He chuckled softly, “I know a certain waterfall, it’s made a comfortable, private getaway before.”
I gave him a startled look, “It’s buried in snow a the moment.”
He sighed quietly, “at some point, we will face crowds again… together, it might as well be now.” He moved as if to rise then, “shall we go then? I must admit, I’m missing the food.”
Nodding, I rose then, “yes, and I would wager Andre will be happy to feed you.” He had always been one of Andre’s favorite people in terms of consuming quantities of the chef’s preparations.
Klinton shot me a grin and rose too, and I took his arm as we moved toward the front door of the Inn. We were arm in arm again for the first time in a very long time. We were not healed, and not whole, but it appeared to be a good start.
But before I could express complete shock, he continued, “I’m more sorry that it happened.”
His words had crashed against the wall of un-emotion that I was working so hard to maintain. He was not sorry the child was dead, and he was more sorry that she had been conceived? Those first reactions vacillated between outrage and agony. I had to change the subject quickly. “I am not certain what I hoped to find by going home, perhaps I simply needed to feel closer to my mother, despite the fact that she could not tell me why, nor what to do to fix it.”
He nodded slightly, “I spent time looking for mother. You went to yours.”
I was still in utter shock at his comments, “well, in a manner of speaking.” So it had come to this.
He continued softly, “In the end, we are right back here, together, dealing with our pain.”
That brought me up short. Together? How could he say that? He had come to town and come to the Inn rather than coming to the Palazzo or the plant. But I braved it then, “yes, we are, and without a road map.” I took a slow sip of scotch, “Not certain where one would go for such a map.” It seems my ability to find what I needed had let me down in this instance.
He watched me briefly, “I don’t think there is anywhere else to go.”
I nodded. We had gone our separate paths on this, and there did not seem to be anywhere for us to go. The path was diverging from this point it appeared. He did not look at me when he said he didn’t think there was anywhere else to go. I nodded, “so, what next?” We had beat around the bush enough, and so I hoped to cut to the chase by simply asking him what he wanted to do next.
He shook his head then, “we really have grown apart.” I could not read his intentions, he had buried his emotions rather deeply.
I nodded and set down the glass I had been using as an emotional shield, “Yes, it would seem we have. Though I do not believe it was what either of us wanted.” When we first knew about the child, we were both thrilled, but as things began to go wrong, we drifted apart, and that distance culminated in not only a spatial distance, but emotional as well, and it is the emotional distance we may never be able to close back up.
I glanced about the crowded room, Raevyx had departed sometime during our discussion, and for that I am sorry. We have not seen one another in ages, but I had to know where things stood with Klinton, and even now, hours later, I have no idea where the road leads us. “We have a house full of guests at the Palazzo, just so you know.” He may as well know that if he planned to return to the Palazzo for the discussion we so sorely needed, we would not be alone, although Lucien and Gabriel were always there, and heard everything within the walls of the house, it would be different with the Prince and his family there as well. So, fair warning was needed, and perhaps I was hoping he would not return to the house. I had no desire to hear him tell me he was leaving.
He glanced at me then, “Azjah, the Palazzo is your home. If you would like to have me come there, I will. But….” His voice trailed off, and for a moment my heart stopped, the Palazzo was ‘my’ home.
I shook my head then, “It belongs to you too.” The laws of my world made everything I held his property. “but?” I prompted, what had he left hanging unsaid?
He shrugged, “I don’t know. We can’t pretend to act like it is just going to go back to normal.”
I wondered if he even wanted everything to go back to ‘normal’. “You said it was my home, do you have a different home?” Perhaps he had made himself a new home somewhere else in these last weeks.
“No, I do not have a different home.” He shook his head in disbelief at my question.
“Then, I think the only home we have here is full of people.” I had not established multiple residences in RhyDin, and so that pretty much left the houses on Rigel, but they were too far away to use as sanctuaries for us to talk in private.
He nodded again, “So, do I come home with you? Am I welcome?”
Both brows winged upward at that, “I would never tell you the doors were closed. We are both walking on eggshells for the moment.” Besides, by law, I could not keep him out of his own home. I finished the scotch and slid the glass away from me toward the center of the table as he told me he did not know what to do. That makes two of us then. I glanced then down at my hands, “I believe that makes two of us. The question is, does the path converge from here, or diverge?”
He shook his head, as though he had no more answers than I have had, “what does it mean if it diverges from here?”
I bit my lip, “I suppose that means we would follow separate roads…” We would move off and live our lives independently.
“So it would be over.” He put it starkly and plainly there for both of us to consider.
“Well, as you know, we cannot annul or divorce, but many do not remain together, if that is what you wanted.” I considered him carefully before continuing, “Is that what you are thinking?” Did he want to get on with his life without me?
He paused, “Azjah, I don’t think I intended to come back here, just so I could say goodbye. My gut brought me home. Here. Tonight.”
I gave him a quick nod, “that’s good to hear.” I did not believe I wanted him gone, but at the same time, we were not the same people we had been, and I am uncertain whether we can blend together once more.
He gave me a dubious look, “Is it good to hear? Is it what you wanted to hear?”
I thought a moment, “Yes, it is what I wanted to hear, but didn’t want to make you feel you had to say it.” I was not prepared to hear him say goodbye, but am I ready to hear him say he wants to stay? He squeezed my hand and I curled my fingers tentatively about his.
He spoke softly, “I don’t know what to say, but I don’t think we need to say anything.”
I glanced around the crowded room again, “crowds out, crowds at home.” It seemed privacy was something we seldom attained.
He chuckled softly, “I know a certain waterfall, it’s made a comfortable, private getaway before.”
I gave him a startled look, “It’s buried in snow a the moment.”
He sighed quietly, “at some point, we will face crowds again… together, it might as well be now.” He moved as if to rise then, “shall we go then? I must admit, I’m missing the food.”
Nodding, I rose then, “yes, and I would wager Andre will be happy to feed you.” He had always been one of Andre’s favorite people in terms of consuming quantities of the chef’s preparations.
Klinton shot me a grin and rose too, and I took his arm as we moved toward the front door of the Inn. We were arm in arm again for the first time in a very long time. We were not healed, and not whole, but it appeared to be a good start.
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
- Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
- Location: Palazzo Drachen Walde
- Contact:
Klinton had finally returned, but life was not back to normal just yet, and as I walked through the door and headed for an empty table, I was a bit surprised to find Klinton walking through the door behind me. I sent for a glass of scotch, and as the serving wench began to bring it to me, he grabbed the glass from her and brought it himself, “I figured this might be yours,” he told me as he set it upon the table.
I nodded with a smile and asked if he would like one as well, but he declined, electing instead to seat himself in the chair across from me. “Are you getting settled back in at the Palazzo?” We had not slept in the master suite last night, there was still to much to be worked out between us.
He nodded, “Yeah, it’s nice to be home. To be with you.”
It was nice to have him back home, even if it was still a bit strained, and I told him as much, ‘during your travels it was rather lonely, despite having Mikhail there.”
He gave me a vague return smile, “sometimes, the loneliest places are when there is a crowd around you.”
There was an extended pause between us, and finally I told him that I have been giving a great deal of consideration into expanding the company. It gave us something to talk about besides the state of our relationship. “There is a promising opportunity on one of the settlements on Lacerta.”
Just as I was introducing my ideas for the expansion project to Klinton; in walked Brian Ravenlock, who I had not seen since the last time I had spoken with Kairee. His blue eyes panned the room as he adjusted his antique spectacles a bit before sliding off his coat and tossing it onto a nearby rack. He made his way deeper into the room, offering polite nods to those he knew, and I returned his nod as he passed by Klinton and myself.
Klinton was not paying attention to the man’s entrance, and asked if we should take a trip that way to investigate further. I nodded and told him that I would love to have his input into the idea. He reached over and squeezed my hand gently, “I suppose we could plan something out that way.”
I curled my fingers about his, “the events on Rigel made me realize we need some holes filled.” Then I looked again in Brian’s direction, and back at Klinton, “Have you met him? He is a friend of Kairee’s.”
He looked at Brian, “I do not believe we have met.” And then he gave Brian a friendly nod of acknowledgement.
I offered to introduce him at the next opportunity, and in that moment, Brian altered his path and approached, giving Klinton a bow, “a most pleasant evening to you both.”
I smiled up at him, “Ah, good evening Brian, may I introduce you to my husband, Klinton Caer. Klinton, this is Brian Ravenlock, as I said, a friend of Kairee’s.”
Klinton rose and the two shook hands before Klinton offered to order Brian something to drink.
Brian was all courtly politeness, “Good evening M’lady, and I pray it finds you both well. Your husband? Now this is an honour indeed. A pleasure Lord Klinton, I am Brian Ravenlock, and am retained to Lady Kairee.”
I had to chuckle slightly, “I believe Brian has some of the most interesting adventures of anyone I have met here in RhyDin.”
I nodded with a smile and asked if he would like one as well, but he declined, electing instead to seat himself in the chair across from me. “Are you getting settled back in at the Palazzo?” We had not slept in the master suite last night, there was still to much to be worked out between us.
He nodded, “Yeah, it’s nice to be home. To be with you.”
It was nice to have him back home, even if it was still a bit strained, and I told him as much, ‘during your travels it was rather lonely, despite having Mikhail there.”
He gave me a vague return smile, “sometimes, the loneliest places are when there is a crowd around you.”
There was an extended pause between us, and finally I told him that I have been giving a great deal of consideration into expanding the company. It gave us something to talk about besides the state of our relationship. “There is a promising opportunity on one of the settlements on Lacerta.”
Just as I was introducing my ideas for the expansion project to Klinton; in walked Brian Ravenlock, who I had not seen since the last time I had spoken with Kairee. His blue eyes panned the room as he adjusted his antique spectacles a bit before sliding off his coat and tossing it onto a nearby rack. He made his way deeper into the room, offering polite nods to those he knew, and I returned his nod as he passed by Klinton and myself.
Klinton was not paying attention to the man’s entrance, and asked if we should take a trip that way to investigate further. I nodded and told him that I would love to have his input into the idea. He reached over and squeezed my hand gently, “I suppose we could plan something out that way.”
I curled my fingers about his, “the events on Rigel made me realize we need some holes filled.” Then I looked again in Brian’s direction, and back at Klinton, “Have you met him? He is a friend of Kairee’s.”
He looked at Brian, “I do not believe we have met.” And then he gave Brian a friendly nod of acknowledgement.
I offered to introduce him at the next opportunity, and in that moment, Brian altered his path and approached, giving Klinton a bow, “a most pleasant evening to you both.”
I smiled up at him, “Ah, good evening Brian, may I introduce you to my husband, Klinton Caer. Klinton, this is Brian Ravenlock, as I said, a friend of Kairee’s.”
Klinton rose and the two shook hands before Klinton offered to order Brian something to drink.
Brian was all courtly politeness, “Good evening M’lady, and I pray it finds you both well. Your husband? Now this is an honour indeed. A pleasure Lord Klinton, I am Brian Ravenlock, and am retained to Lady Kairee.”
I had to chuckle slightly, “I believe Brian has some of the most interesting adventures of anyone I have met here in RhyDin.”
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Brian’s smile was disarming, “a drink? Oh no thank you, but I do appreciate the offer. I have some work to tend to this evening, but thank you in any event.” His chuckle was melodious and soft as he shook his head a bit, “They are rather interesting at times, more on the unbelievable side of life, but here we are.”
I sipped the scotch with a quiet laugh, “well, knowing Kairee, this does not surprise me.” Klinton laughed as well, adding that as things go in RhyDin, it was certainly saying a great deal about Brian’s adventures that they were such stand outs in terms of being ‘interesting’.
Brian smiled, “it’s a knack my family has carried on here for years, trouble and chaos of the most unrealistic proportions. It’s a curse, and a gift at the same time, and yes, knowing Kairee, it only adds to it.”
I smiled, “I should look the virago up to take my mind off the events on Rigel. If anyone can share adventures, she’s the one who has tales she could tell, were she of a mind to do so.” The thing with Kairee though is that she does not lean toward open sharing of her projects and travels.
Brian laughed, “that is what I love about this realm, so many stories and every day more reveal themselves to us.”
I nodded, “yes, I find life here much more intriguing than Rigel.” Klinton remained silent during the exchange between Mr. Ravenlock and myself.
He chuckled, “Rigel, it sounds intere….” His attention was instantly grabbed as about that moment, Kairee herself appeared, as if on cue. She arrived in a burst of flame and shadow already seated upon the bar, her long, splendiferous legs crossed as she spotted Brian. “Brian!” She gave him a dazzling smile, “there is a slight change of plans…”
I quirked a brow as the virago herself arrived, “speak of the devil.”
Brian seemed surprised to see her at this time, “Kairee? M’Lady, you rang?” He turned and gave her a warm smile, bowing formally to her as evidently he was back on the work clock judging by her tone. “Change of plans? No worries, I am rather flexible and what not. So what has changed?”
She smiled radiantly, “Before we go to that place with the thing, I need you to acquire something for me.” She went on to explain to him that it was a book, a small tome, something she described as ‘unremarkable in its provenance, but something I want.”
I glanced at Klinton, “Have you met Kairee?” I took a sip of the scotch as Kairee launched into her needs for her retainer.
Klinton shook his head, “I am not entirely sure, perhaps not officially.” When I suggested that we remedy that, he chuckled. Kairee is a force to be reckoned with, and tonight was no exception.
Brian agreed to acquire this book, and Kairee continued, “on the market, given its age and uniqueness, it should fetch 25 thousand… I am willing to double that price.”
Brian about choked, “double?”
Kairee lifted an elegant brow, “if there is another bidding as high, I would consider going higher, as much as 75.”
Brian cleared his throat as he made a quick glance around the room and then back to Kairee, “I see. Well, I shall do whatever it takes.”
She gave him a sly smile then, “but, if we are forced into a bidding war, I will expect you to creatively acquire it for me.”
Brian chuckled then, “now we get to the bread and butter, you should have stated that earlier.”
I sipped the scotch with a quiet laugh, “well, knowing Kairee, this does not surprise me.” Klinton laughed as well, adding that as things go in RhyDin, it was certainly saying a great deal about Brian’s adventures that they were such stand outs in terms of being ‘interesting’.
Brian smiled, “it’s a knack my family has carried on here for years, trouble and chaos of the most unrealistic proportions. It’s a curse, and a gift at the same time, and yes, knowing Kairee, it only adds to it.”
I smiled, “I should look the virago up to take my mind off the events on Rigel. If anyone can share adventures, she’s the one who has tales she could tell, were she of a mind to do so.” The thing with Kairee though is that she does not lean toward open sharing of her projects and travels.
Brian laughed, “that is what I love about this realm, so many stories and every day more reveal themselves to us.”
I nodded, “yes, I find life here much more intriguing than Rigel.” Klinton remained silent during the exchange between Mr. Ravenlock and myself.
He chuckled, “Rigel, it sounds intere….” His attention was instantly grabbed as about that moment, Kairee herself appeared, as if on cue. She arrived in a burst of flame and shadow already seated upon the bar, her long, splendiferous legs crossed as she spotted Brian. “Brian!” She gave him a dazzling smile, “there is a slight change of plans…”
I quirked a brow as the virago herself arrived, “speak of the devil.”
Brian seemed surprised to see her at this time, “Kairee? M’Lady, you rang?” He turned and gave her a warm smile, bowing formally to her as evidently he was back on the work clock judging by her tone. “Change of plans? No worries, I am rather flexible and what not. So what has changed?”
She smiled radiantly, “Before we go to that place with the thing, I need you to acquire something for me.” She went on to explain to him that it was a book, a small tome, something she described as ‘unremarkable in its provenance, but something I want.”
I glanced at Klinton, “Have you met Kairee?” I took a sip of the scotch as Kairee launched into her needs for her retainer.
Klinton shook his head, “I am not entirely sure, perhaps not officially.” When I suggested that we remedy that, he chuckled. Kairee is a force to be reckoned with, and tonight was no exception.
Brian agreed to acquire this book, and Kairee continued, “on the market, given its age and uniqueness, it should fetch 25 thousand… I am willing to double that price.”
Brian about choked, “double?”
Kairee lifted an elegant brow, “if there is another bidding as high, I would consider going higher, as much as 75.”
Brian cleared his throat as he made a quick glance around the room and then back to Kairee, “I see. Well, I shall do whatever it takes.”
She gave him a sly smile then, “but, if we are forced into a bidding war, I will expect you to creatively acquire it for me.”
Brian chuckled then, “now we get to the bread and butter, you should have stated that earlier.”
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Kairee gave him an indulgent smile, “of course you will, darling, that’s why I choose you to get it.” She blew Ravenlock a kiss as he promised to acquire the book, then glanced at me with a wink.
I returned her wink and asked if she was being a slave driver again, and she informed me laughingly that slaves were of no value, they took too much care and feeding for the value they bring. I laughed then, and asked her if she had ever met my husband. Her emerald eyes drifted slowly over Klinton as she gave him a wink, “Hey Sexy.”
I chuckled then, “I’ll take that as a yes.” Then I glanced at Klinton, “the idea I have for the expansion has come from the recent attacks on the supporters of our Kaiser.”
Klinton ran his hand through his hair and winked, “she thinks I’m sexy.”
I had to laugh then, “and she would be right.” I turned again to Kairee, “It’s been a long time Kairee, I hope you have been well?”
She shifted her attention back to me, “this is what, the second time I’ve seen you here Azjah, and yet you bring me no gifts?”
Klinton had an imp strike him then as he grinned from ear to ear, “I am the gift, my dear.” He gave Kairee a wink of his own, and I had to stifle a laugh before winking at Kairee, “what? You would have me ruin my reputation by bringing you a gift?”
Ravenlock had resumed his place at Kairee’s side, just off to her right and had his arms folded behind his back as he chuckled at the banter between the three of us. And Kairee gave Klinton a dazzling smile, “I may have room for you among my other gifts…..”
I glanced at Klinton a moment, pondering, “Might be an idea… send you off to Kairee for a bit…” I left it hanging, but gave up the tease with a wink at Brian.
We all had a good laugh before Klinton chuckled and informed me he was ready for that drink, and when I asked him what he wanted, he turned once again to Kairee, “I’m feeling adventurous. Kairee? What’s your favorite drink?”
Kai misunderstood him and told him to surprise her. When Klinton told her he was hoping she would tell him, Kai in true form gave him a teasing smile, “You like being told what to do babes?”
I flashed Kairee a grin, “keeps life interesting that way.”
Brian saluted me with a large grin, “Touche M’Lady!”
The evening had grown late, and Klinton smiled before suggesting we retire to the Palazzo and we rose to depart. Kai gave us a shocked grin, “I think I have scared your husband away, Azjah.”
Shrugging into my vair cloak, I laughed, “I very much doubt that Kai, he’s got a sense of adventure.” He needs one to have anything to do with me. Then I gave Klinton a teasing smile, “Besides, sending him with you Kai might prove interesting.”
We made our farewells and slipped into the night as Brian was telling Kairee that he had encouraged Klinton because he thought perhaps a trade might be engendered, and he did think a trip to Rigel sounded as though it might be most entertaining.
I returned her wink and asked if she was being a slave driver again, and she informed me laughingly that slaves were of no value, they took too much care and feeding for the value they bring. I laughed then, and asked her if she had ever met my husband. Her emerald eyes drifted slowly over Klinton as she gave him a wink, “Hey Sexy.”
I chuckled then, “I’ll take that as a yes.” Then I glanced at Klinton, “the idea I have for the expansion has come from the recent attacks on the supporters of our Kaiser.”
Klinton ran his hand through his hair and winked, “she thinks I’m sexy.”
I had to laugh then, “and she would be right.” I turned again to Kairee, “It’s been a long time Kairee, I hope you have been well?”
She shifted her attention back to me, “this is what, the second time I’ve seen you here Azjah, and yet you bring me no gifts?”
Klinton had an imp strike him then as he grinned from ear to ear, “I am the gift, my dear.” He gave Kairee a wink of his own, and I had to stifle a laugh before winking at Kairee, “what? You would have me ruin my reputation by bringing you a gift?”
Ravenlock had resumed his place at Kairee’s side, just off to her right and had his arms folded behind his back as he chuckled at the banter between the three of us. And Kairee gave Klinton a dazzling smile, “I may have room for you among my other gifts…..”
I glanced at Klinton a moment, pondering, “Might be an idea… send you off to Kairee for a bit…” I left it hanging, but gave up the tease with a wink at Brian.
We all had a good laugh before Klinton chuckled and informed me he was ready for that drink, and when I asked him what he wanted, he turned once again to Kairee, “I’m feeling adventurous. Kairee? What’s your favorite drink?”
Kai misunderstood him and told him to surprise her. When Klinton told her he was hoping she would tell him, Kai in true form gave him a teasing smile, “You like being told what to do babes?”
I flashed Kairee a grin, “keeps life interesting that way.”
Brian saluted me with a large grin, “Touche M’Lady!”
The evening had grown late, and Klinton smiled before suggesting we retire to the Palazzo and we rose to depart. Kai gave us a shocked grin, “I think I have scared your husband away, Azjah.”
Shrugging into my vair cloak, I laughed, “I very much doubt that Kai, he’s got a sense of adventure.” He needs one to have anything to do with me. Then I gave Klinton a teasing smile, “Besides, sending him with you Kai might prove interesting.”
We made our farewells and slipped into the night as Brian was telling Kairee that he had encouraged Klinton because he thought perhaps a trade might be engendered, and he did think a trip to Rigel sounded as though it might be most entertaining.
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Evening arrived and I headed for the Isle. Brigath was defending his right to hold the Tower of Air for the 10th time, and I had agreed to be there as the referee for the match. Vanion was not going to stop coming for Brig, and inwardly I wondered how many times Brig could keep the dark elf at bay.
As I arrived, I found Rhaine Rustovich already there on the beach. Her association with Vanion was unclear, but I suspected she would be there not so much for Brigath, but more for Vanion. When I asked her if she had come to cheer for Vanion, she gave me a grin, “I know how my curse works. When I cheer for someone, they lose.” I had to laugh, in that case, I hoped she cheered loudly for Vanion.
Topaz walked up to the beach from the portal, and both Rhaine and I greeted her. She seated herself on a comfortable couch and a goblin arrived with her cup of coffee. She was showing significantly now, and at this point, I would presume she was less than comfortable, although she told us that she was “fine” if we wanted the short answer.
I chuckled, “you have the goblins well charmed.” She laughed, “I think Lucien’s talking to them too.”
It would not surprise me, Lucien has become excessively protective of Topaz since he recognized her as his mate. And with the impending birth of their child, Gabriel has declared Lucien to be a ‘fussy old man’. Which I do confess I found immensely amusing, as I might call Lucien many things, but fussy old man would not have been one of those myriad descriptors. I gave Topaz a smile, “I would imagine he wants you catered to, and if I know him, he's added a bit of a 'push' so to speak.” The goblins would not prove too much of a challenge in terms of “convincing” for one of Lucien’s skill.
Topaz sipped her coffee, “I'm sure he has. He's even making being pregnant feel a lot better.” She chuckled “But not so much so that I'd be wanting to go adventuring.”
I sipped the scotch, “Children are very special to his people.” So it is not really a surprise that he would try to make her as comfortable as he could, and probably has been communicating with the child long before it could make its entrance into this world. But Topaz’s next comment surprised me.
“So I hear, especially since she’s a girl. Though I wonder how much of an outsider she’ll be among them.”
I frowned at her comment, “I doubt she would be considered an outsider. She is half Carpathian after all.” I am not certain why she believes that Lucien’s people will turn from one of their own. They are in danger of extinction, and certainly Lucien has told her this?
Topaz mused, “half, that’s just it.”
I considered her words. “I think you worry to much Topaz. Every Carpathian is crucial.” She is apparently still troubled by her introduction to Prince Mikhail.
She shrugged her shoulders slightly, “here it doesn’t really matter, what with the multitude of races around, but in Auriga it might.”
I was startled by her allusion to Auriga. As far as I knew, she had little or no interest in going there, so why all of a sudden did Auriga matter? “Are you planning to relocate to Auriga then?”
“No way,” she informed me with a great deal of feeling.
I chuckled, “then why would that worry you so?”
As I arrived, I found Rhaine Rustovich already there on the beach. Her association with Vanion was unclear, but I suspected she would be there not so much for Brigath, but more for Vanion. When I asked her if she had come to cheer for Vanion, she gave me a grin, “I know how my curse works. When I cheer for someone, they lose.” I had to laugh, in that case, I hoped she cheered loudly for Vanion.
Topaz walked up to the beach from the portal, and both Rhaine and I greeted her. She seated herself on a comfortable couch and a goblin arrived with her cup of coffee. She was showing significantly now, and at this point, I would presume she was less than comfortable, although she told us that she was “fine” if we wanted the short answer.
I chuckled, “you have the goblins well charmed.” She laughed, “I think Lucien’s talking to them too.”
It would not surprise me, Lucien has become excessively protective of Topaz since he recognized her as his mate. And with the impending birth of their child, Gabriel has declared Lucien to be a ‘fussy old man’. Which I do confess I found immensely amusing, as I might call Lucien many things, but fussy old man would not have been one of those myriad descriptors. I gave Topaz a smile, “I would imagine he wants you catered to, and if I know him, he's added a bit of a 'push' so to speak.” The goblins would not prove too much of a challenge in terms of “convincing” for one of Lucien’s skill.
Topaz sipped her coffee, “I'm sure he has. He's even making being pregnant feel a lot better.” She chuckled “But not so much so that I'd be wanting to go adventuring.”
I sipped the scotch, “Children are very special to his people.” So it is not really a surprise that he would try to make her as comfortable as he could, and probably has been communicating with the child long before it could make its entrance into this world. But Topaz’s next comment surprised me.
“So I hear, especially since she’s a girl. Though I wonder how much of an outsider she’ll be among them.”
I frowned at her comment, “I doubt she would be considered an outsider. She is half Carpathian after all.” I am not certain why she believes that Lucien’s people will turn from one of their own. They are in danger of extinction, and certainly Lucien has told her this?
Topaz mused, “half, that’s just it.”
I considered her words. “I think you worry to much Topaz. Every Carpathian is crucial.” She is apparently still troubled by her introduction to Prince Mikhail.
She shrugged her shoulders slightly, “here it doesn’t really matter, what with the multitude of races around, but in Auriga it might.”
I was startled by her allusion to Auriga. As far as I knew, she had little or no interest in going there, so why all of a sudden did Auriga matter? “Are you planning to relocate to Auriga then?”
“No way,” she informed me with a great deal of feeling.
I chuckled, “then why would that worry you so?”
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She shifted on the sofa, “because sooner or later we’ll have to go there, right? There’s this party for her eighteenth birthday – a weird custom to pick one’s husband on one’s birthday.” She sipped the coffee before continuing, “What happened to Ariel’s husband? Did Gabriel and Lucien not let her go to her party? OR maybe it just looks nice in Lucien’s memory because he’s a guest and not the birthday girl?
I smiled, she thought Savannah’s party to choose her mate was customary, “Well, usually Carpathian females are claimed immediately upon recognition of their lifemate. Raven’s daughter was granted time because her mother was once human.” Raven had insisted on giving Savannah a choice, but in Carpathian society, there is never truly a choice. It would not have mattered had Savannah chosen another, she belonged to Gregori, and he had risked his very soul to give Savannah the time she pleaded for before he claimed her. It would be intriguing to see how this child would be raised, and whether she would have a Carpathian mate, or another race at another time.
That revelation brought Topaz up short and so I continued, “Ariel has never met her lifemate. Gregori knew Savannah was his. The moment she was conceived Gregori knew.” When a Carpathian’s lifemate is nearby, no matter their ages, they know. It is unmistakable, and irrevocable. There is no choice. No options no denying what was written long ago.
Topaz seemed unhappy about such a life, “oh, poor girl. Such a thing is possible?” Though I cannot understand why she feels that finding your one true mate, with whom to spend eternity should be such a bad thing.
I curled up on my chaise to wait for Brigath and Vanion and continued, “Yes, the risks are so great, especially for the elders, that once a mate is found, neither really has any say in it… when it happens, it is not something that can be denied.” I shrugged then, it was Carpathian nature, and due to their longevity, finding one’s mate had to be a lasting thing or even more would turn Vampyre.
She gave me a smile that spelled mischief then, “I guess Lucien and I need to teach her fast so that her cave man doesn’t bully her around.”
I chuckled, “do you believe them to be cave men?”
Topaz grinned, “gods no, but sometimes they have attitudes that are horribly chauvinistic. I don’t think any self-respecting cave woman would have let them get away with that either.”
I shook my head, they believe in protecting what they hold most dear.” Surely she could understand that what she called chauvinistic was nothing more than a pronounced desire to keep their women safe from harm. And with their very lives at stake, who could blame them?
Topaz continued with her cave man analogy, “what do you mean going on a hunting party with your buddies? That carcass needs taking outside, little Johnny needs a new fur, and you’ve not played the drums for me since winter.” She was giggling now, “and anyway, I need to go see Susi and get some berries and little Johnny is staying with you.”
I could not help myself at that, and it took a minute to collect my thoughts, “they just want you safe because you are so important to their worlds.”
She chuckled, “I’m sure they felt sorry for the bear who’d dear to steal their berries too, despite all the huffing and grumbling about bears being dangerous.” She greeted Rhaine before adding, “yes, and the best way for our girl to be safe is by her learning early how to make the best use of her talents.”
I smiled, she thought Savannah’s party to choose her mate was customary, “Well, usually Carpathian females are claimed immediately upon recognition of their lifemate. Raven’s daughter was granted time because her mother was once human.” Raven had insisted on giving Savannah a choice, but in Carpathian society, there is never truly a choice. It would not have mattered had Savannah chosen another, she belonged to Gregori, and he had risked his very soul to give Savannah the time she pleaded for before he claimed her. It would be intriguing to see how this child would be raised, and whether she would have a Carpathian mate, or another race at another time.
That revelation brought Topaz up short and so I continued, “Ariel has never met her lifemate. Gregori knew Savannah was his. The moment she was conceived Gregori knew.” When a Carpathian’s lifemate is nearby, no matter their ages, they know. It is unmistakable, and irrevocable. There is no choice. No options no denying what was written long ago.
Topaz seemed unhappy about such a life, “oh, poor girl. Such a thing is possible?” Though I cannot understand why she feels that finding your one true mate, with whom to spend eternity should be such a bad thing.
I curled up on my chaise to wait for Brigath and Vanion and continued, “Yes, the risks are so great, especially for the elders, that once a mate is found, neither really has any say in it… when it happens, it is not something that can be denied.” I shrugged then, it was Carpathian nature, and due to their longevity, finding one’s mate had to be a lasting thing or even more would turn Vampyre.
She gave me a smile that spelled mischief then, “I guess Lucien and I need to teach her fast so that her cave man doesn’t bully her around.”
I chuckled, “do you believe them to be cave men?”
Topaz grinned, “gods no, but sometimes they have attitudes that are horribly chauvinistic. I don’t think any self-respecting cave woman would have let them get away with that either.”
I shook my head, they believe in protecting what they hold most dear.” Surely she could understand that what she called chauvinistic was nothing more than a pronounced desire to keep their women safe from harm. And with their very lives at stake, who could blame them?
Topaz continued with her cave man analogy, “what do you mean going on a hunting party with your buddies? That carcass needs taking outside, little Johnny needs a new fur, and you’ve not played the drums for me since winter.” She was giggling now, “and anyway, I need to go see Susi and get some berries and little Johnny is staying with you.”
I could not help myself at that, and it took a minute to collect my thoughts, “they just want you safe because you are so important to their worlds.”
She chuckled, “I’m sure they felt sorry for the bear who’d dear to steal their berries too, despite all the huffing and grumbling about bears being dangerous.” She greeted Rhaine before adding, “yes, and the best way for our girl to be safe is by her learning early how to make the best use of her talents.”
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Rhaine greeted Topaz, “did you see this ridiculous newspaper?” Something had irritated the vampiress. “These nose-poking goblins deserve a trashing. Can’t we cause some havoc without being seen??!”
Topaz seemed to know what she was talking about, but I confess I had absolutely no idea what was going on, so I sipped the scotch and listened as they discussed an article in the Oracle.
Topaz shrugged, “Oh, the newspaper. Did they have anything newsworthy to say? What did the goblins do?” Topaz would protect the island’s goblins to the last one.
Rhaine sighed and sat down on the sand, “one of these brats ran to Des and babbled out about that tiny magical experiment of convincing Errtu to change residence.”
I glanced between the two of them, “Errtu?” I have no idea who or what this Errtu is.
Rhaine gave an oh so innocent look as Topaz continued to explain, “Oh, that thing that possessed Artemus. One shouldn’t believe half of what’s in the paper. I’m surprised they printed anything about it at all.” She seemed to be downplaying the whole affair, but somehow there was clearly more to the tale than either of them was telling.
Rhaine added, “complete foolishness, I must say. Such a fuss over one of your experiments.” At that I quirked a brow, suggesting that one should not believe much of what one reads in such publications. After all, the tabloids always seek to sensationalize almost everything. Rhaine scowled faintly, “hope they won’t, I prefer not having my name in any news.”
Topaz nodded as she sipped from her cup, and I got comfortable as people began to arrive. First through the portal was a white robed initiate of the Temple of Divine Light. I have seen her around the city, but do not know the woman. She nodded to all three of us before finding a place near the rings. She was followed by Bran Bale as he slithered onto the beach and greeted Topaz and myself before heading toward the bar area. He seemed to be deeply lost in thoughts of his own, but as he concentrated, an opaque image began to form on his left side. It was something I had never seen Bran do in the past.
Etherean sauntered through the portal, he had apparently been in RhyDin rather than his tower, and as he arrived, Bran’s new entity became more clearly visible, and appeared to be a wiry lizard warrior with two belts full of knives across his chest. He was apparently speaking into Bran’s left ear as Topaz and I greeted Etherean. Bran looked up as we did so, and the phantom at his side vanished.
The white robed woman sent a goblin for tequila, and as the phantom vanished, she gave Bran a curious look.
Etherean greeted us both, and when I asked him how he was doing, he shrugged, “I am prepared.” This was a curious response, and I asked him what he was prepared for. He turned slowly to look at me, “Bran’s challenge.”
I had come tonight knowing about Vanion’s challenge to Brigath, but Bran’s challenge to Etherean had slipped my mind.
Vanion pushed his way through the portal, and landed squarely on the isle’s beach. Rhaine sat down and a slight smile curved her lips seeing Vanion’s arrival. The white robed priestess from the Temple stiffened visibly. Two very different reactions to the dark elf’s arrival. At length, Rhaine spoke softly, “Finally, some entertainment.”
Topaz seemed to know what she was talking about, but I confess I had absolutely no idea what was going on, so I sipped the scotch and listened as they discussed an article in the Oracle.
Topaz shrugged, “Oh, the newspaper. Did they have anything newsworthy to say? What did the goblins do?” Topaz would protect the island’s goblins to the last one.
Rhaine sighed and sat down on the sand, “one of these brats ran to Des and babbled out about that tiny magical experiment of convincing Errtu to change residence.”
I glanced between the two of them, “Errtu?” I have no idea who or what this Errtu is.
Rhaine gave an oh so innocent look as Topaz continued to explain, “Oh, that thing that possessed Artemus. One shouldn’t believe half of what’s in the paper. I’m surprised they printed anything about it at all.” She seemed to be downplaying the whole affair, but somehow there was clearly more to the tale than either of them was telling.
Rhaine added, “complete foolishness, I must say. Such a fuss over one of your experiments.” At that I quirked a brow, suggesting that one should not believe much of what one reads in such publications. After all, the tabloids always seek to sensationalize almost everything. Rhaine scowled faintly, “hope they won’t, I prefer not having my name in any news.”
Topaz nodded as she sipped from her cup, and I got comfortable as people began to arrive. First through the portal was a white robed initiate of the Temple of Divine Light. I have seen her around the city, but do not know the woman. She nodded to all three of us before finding a place near the rings. She was followed by Bran Bale as he slithered onto the beach and greeted Topaz and myself before heading toward the bar area. He seemed to be deeply lost in thoughts of his own, but as he concentrated, an opaque image began to form on his left side. It was something I had never seen Bran do in the past.
Etherean sauntered through the portal, he had apparently been in RhyDin rather than his tower, and as he arrived, Bran’s new entity became more clearly visible, and appeared to be a wiry lizard warrior with two belts full of knives across his chest. He was apparently speaking into Bran’s left ear as Topaz and I greeted Etherean. Bran looked up as we did so, and the phantom at his side vanished.
The white robed woman sent a goblin for tequila, and as the phantom vanished, she gave Bran a curious look.
Etherean greeted us both, and when I asked him how he was doing, he shrugged, “I am prepared.” This was a curious response, and I asked him what he was prepared for. He turned slowly to look at me, “Bran’s challenge.”
I had come tonight knowing about Vanion’s challenge to Brigath, but Bran’s challenge to Etherean had slipped my mind.
Vanion pushed his way through the portal, and landed squarely on the isle’s beach. Rhaine sat down and a slight smile curved her lips seeing Vanion’s arrival. The white robed priestess from the Temple stiffened visibly. Two very different reactions to the dark elf’s arrival. At length, Rhaine spoke softly, “Finally, some entertainment.”
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Brigath appeared from the Tower of Air as Etherean paused, “judging by your reaction, I take it you thought you were here only to officiate the Keeper of Air challenge?”
I gave Etherean a quick smile, “I was just advised of your challenge Etherean, unless you object?” Since it is the preview of the Keeper who is challenged to accept or decline a referee, it was his approval that was required for me to adjudicate his challenge. He gave me a cold smile, so very true to the almost cruel expression so often seen in his features, “I have no quarrel with any of the current officials.”
Well, it was not a resounding approval, but with that settled, I prepared for a two challenge night.
Brigath smiled and greeted everyone in attendance, and I gave him a radiant smile, “ah, good evening Brig.” As the pleasantries were exchanged, Vanion moved closer to the rings. He was dressed in black religious robes that bore the image of a 6 legged creature that looked something like an octopus upon his breast. His feet were bare and as he pushed the hood of his robes off his head, I noticed the priestess from the Temple of Divine Light pulled hers up.
I glanced at the four combatants, “So we shall have a rather busy evening tonight.” Brigath chuckled, “rather.” With that I sent a goblin for a glass of scotch for Brig, “Oban Brig? For when you are finished?” I hoped we would be able to enjoy a glass together after this business was finished, and he had once again dispatched the dark elf.
He smiled, “that would be delightful, thank you.” And then he turned to Vanion, “You sure you want to do this again?”
It was time to begin, and I addressed the gathered people, “Now, shall we dispense with the formalities… Vanion? Will you press your challenge?”
The elf responded loudly for all to hear, “Of course.”
I nodded and turned to Brigath, “Brigath? Will you defend again?”
He looked back toward me, “Indeed I will.”
As I nodded, the white robed priestess muttered sofly. “Alright gentlemen, this is a best of three match, and I assign you to Ring Rigel.” I wondered if Brig would recognize my assignment as having it’s own symbolism, but he floated toward the assigned ring without any hint of having caught the meaning.
I then glanced at Bran, “Bran Bale? Do you press your challenge to current Keeper of Fire, Etherean Esperwind?”
He stepped closer to me, “yesss, I do.” The soft hiss that always accompanies his pronunciation of Common was clear and distinct. He would press his challenge.
Etherean was already in the other ring pacing when I turned toward him, “And do you Keeper Etherean intend to defend your tower and key?”
He turned a cold gaze my direction, “I will defend the Keepership of Fire and its Tower.” Then he turned toward Bran, “For the record, I will be using Meteor Shower, Arctic Blast, and Ghostform.” I nodded to Etherean and recorded his choices, which would take him to an even pare with Bran’s Magician rank. Their ring, Auriga, was opened, and I bade both men enter and begin when they were ready.
Topaz settled in for a completely non-dangerous evening of watching others duel, and I am certain Lucien was well pleased that his mate was simply a bystander and in no danger at all.
Vanion teleported into the assigned ring with both hands clasped behind his back. It was nerve wracking to adjudicate his challenges against Brigath, but Brig bowed with respect to the dark elf. “May you learn wisdom from this duel.” He then bowed to me and began to concentrate on his first match.
Bran and Etherean observed formalities and each began his first spell in the other ring. Bran’s muttering and hissing summoned six spirits shaped like ethereal sea horses which began to whirl around Bran in a counterclockwise circle. Etherean chanted softly as pale white flames flickered to life about his fingertips, and the match had begun.
I gave Etherean a quick smile, “I was just advised of your challenge Etherean, unless you object?” Since it is the preview of the Keeper who is challenged to accept or decline a referee, it was his approval that was required for me to adjudicate his challenge. He gave me a cold smile, so very true to the almost cruel expression so often seen in his features, “I have no quarrel with any of the current officials.”
Well, it was not a resounding approval, but with that settled, I prepared for a two challenge night.
Brigath smiled and greeted everyone in attendance, and I gave him a radiant smile, “ah, good evening Brig.” As the pleasantries were exchanged, Vanion moved closer to the rings. He was dressed in black religious robes that bore the image of a 6 legged creature that looked something like an octopus upon his breast. His feet were bare and as he pushed the hood of his robes off his head, I noticed the priestess from the Temple of Divine Light pulled hers up.
I glanced at the four combatants, “So we shall have a rather busy evening tonight.” Brigath chuckled, “rather.” With that I sent a goblin for a glass of scotch for Brig, “Oban Brig? For when you are finished?” I hoped we would be able to enjoy a glass together after this business was finished, and he had once again dispatched the dark elf.
He smiled, “that would be delightful, thank you.” And then he turned to Vanion, “You sure you want to do this again?”
It was time to begin, and I addressed the gathered people, “Now, shall we dispense with the formalities… Vanion? Will you press your challenge?”
The elf responded loudly for all to hear, “Of course.”
I nodded and turned to Brigath, “Brigath? Will you defend again?”
He looked back toward me, “Indeed I will.”
As I nodded, the white robed priestess muttered sofly. “Alright gentlemen, this is a best of three match, and I assign you to Ring Rigel.” I wondered if Brig would recognize my assignment as having it’s own symbolism, but he floated toward the assigned ring without any hint of having caught the meaning.
I then glanced at Bran, “Bran Bale? Do you press your challenge to current Keeper of Fire, Etherean Esperwind?”
He stepped closer to me, “yesss, I do.” The soft hiss that always accompanies his pronunciation of Common was clear and distinct. He would press his challenge.
Etherean was already in the other ring pacing when I turned toward him, “And do you Keeper Etherean intend to defend your tower and key?”
He turned a cold gaze my direction, “I will defend the Keepership of Fire and its Tower.” Then he turned toward Bran, “For the record, I will be using Meteor Shower, Arctic Blast, and Ghostform.” I nodded to Etherean and recorded his choices, which would take him to an even pare with Bran’s Magician rank. Their ring, Auriga, was opened, and I bade both men enter and begin when they were ready.
Topaz settled in for a completely non-dangerous evening of watching others duel, and I am certain Lucien was well pleased that his mate was simply a bystander and in no danger at all.
Vanion teleported into the assigned ring with both hands clasped behind his back. It was nerve wracking to adjudicate his challenges against Brigath, but Brig bowed with respect to the dark elf. “May you learn wisdom from this duel.” He then bowed to me and began to concentrate on his first match.
Bran and Etherean observed formalities and each began his first spell in the other ring. Bran’s muttering and hissing summoned six spirits shaped like ethereal sea horses which began to whirl around Bran in a counterclockwise circle. Etherean chanted softly as pale white flames flickered to life about his fingertips, and the match had begun.
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Brigath floated a few inches above the sand, sitting Indian style in the air watching Vanion warily.
The white robed priestess frowned deeply as Vanion’s assaults landed repeatedly against Brigath.
Kitty arrived, carrying some sort of invitation in her hands, and she grinned at Topaz, “I’m only here cuz I was ‘formally’ invited.” She waggled the card she carried at the fairy.
Topaz nodded, “how neat, who did the inviting?” As she pointed at Vanion, Topaz’s brows rose, “oh. You’re not actually cheering for him, are you?” It was clear where Topaz’s preferences lay, and in this, she and I are of one view.
Kitty turned away from the rings, giving Topaz a look that said she had heard enough about Vanion to know better than to cheer for him, “don’t even know him, but I’ve got my ears out.”
Rhaine gave them both a curious look, “And why not? Someone has to cheer for Vanion.”
Topaz blinked at Rhaine, “Why?” And Kitty simply grinned at Rhaine. Personally I do not see why anyone would desire to see the dark elf residing in the tower, especially after his soiling of the other three towers. Somehow he would seek to corrupt the tower, and personally I have a liking for the Tower of Air. Brig’s tenure suits me just fine.
The white robed priestess narrowed her eyes as she watched Vanion continue to attack Brigath, but clearly she was listening to Rhaine’s comments, and Rhaine chose to elaborate on her philosophy and drown out the soft mutterings of the auburn haired woman, “because it’d be only fair to admit he’s a worthy opponent and deserves a chance. There’s no crime in hunger for magic.”
Topaz shook her head, “he has challenged Brigath for the Tower umpteen times and failed. Yet he keeps coming back.”
Rhaine smiled, “there’s no crime in being persistent.”
Technically Rhaine is correct, and yet Vanion’s incessant attempts to take the Tower from Brig has grated on me. Kitty mused aloud, “he’s definitely determined then.”
Rhaine rose then, preparing to depart, “Topaz, one request, please try to check the Tower of Earth for a shifter child. Amaris might be locked in there, and for me these towers are the same as Chimaera Temple for you.” She then moved toward the portal as the white robed woman turned her attention on the vampiress, but Rhaine seemed to pay her no attention, as though she simply did not care what she thought. When Topaz asked if she wanted her to check now or later, she told her any time was fine, but at the moment she was being summoned away. Topaz promised to let her know what if anything she found.
Rhaine thanked her and headed for the portal, dissolving before she reached it.
Kitty then spoke up, “Oh, that reminds me,” as she tried to hand Topaz a key. Topaz told her that it should be returned to the Keeper, but Kitty crinkled her nose, “We took it off him when he was… well, yanno.”
The white robed priestess frowned deeply as Vanion’s assaults landed repeatedly against Brigath.
Kitty arrived, carrying some sort of invitation in her hands, and she grinned at Topaz, “I’m only here cuz I was ‘formally’ invited.” She waggled the card she carried at the fairy.
Topaz nodded, “how neat, who did the inviting?” As she pointed at Vanion, Topaz’s brows rose, “oh. You’re not actually cheering for him, are you?” It was clear where Topaz’s preferences lay, and in this, she and I are of one view.
Kitty turned away from the rings, giving Topaz a look that said she had heard enough about Vanion to know better than to cheer for him, “don’t even know him, but I’ve got my ears out.”
Rhaine gave them both a curious look, “And why not? Someone has to cheer for Vanion.”
Topaz blinked at Rhaine, “Why?” And Kitty simply grinned at Rhaine. Personally I do not see why anyone would desire to see the dark elf residing in the tower, especially after his soiling of the other three towers. Somehow he would seek to corrupt the tower, and personally I have a liking for the Tower of Air. Brig’s tenure suits me just fine.
The white robed priestess narrowed her eyes as she watched Vanion continue to attack Brigath, but clearly she was listening to Rhaine’s comments, and Rhaine chose to elaborate on her philosophy and drown out the soft mutterings of the auburn haired woman, “because it’d be only fair to admit he’s a worthy opponent and deserves a chance. There’s no crime in hunger for magic.”
Topaz shook her head, “he has challenged Brigath for the Tower umpteen times and failed. Yet he keeps coming back.”
Rhaine smiled, “there’s no crime in being persistent.”
Technically Rhaine is correct, and yet Vanion’s incessant attempts to take the Tower from Brig has grated on me. Kitty mused aloud, “he’s definitely determined then.”
Rhaine rose then, preparing to depart, “Topaz, one request, please try to check the Tower of Earth for a shifter child. Amaris might be locked in there, and for me these towers are the same as Chimaera Temple for you.” She then moved toward the portal as the white robed woman turned her attention on the vampiress, but Rhaine seemed to pay her no attention, as though she simply did not care what she thought. When Topaz asked if she wanted her to check now or later, she told her any time was fine, but at the moment she was being summoned away. Topaz promised to let her know what if anything she found.
Rhaine thanked her and headed for the portal, dissolving before she reached it.
Kitty then spoke up, “Oh, that reminds me,” as she tried to hand Topaz a key. Topaz told her that it should be returned to the Keeper, but Kitty crinkled her nose, “We took it off him when he was… well, yanno.”
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Rab, the carpenter arrived as Brig and Vanion began their second match. Regretably, Vanion had secured his first win tonight, but Rab was there to vociferously cheer for Brigath. “Brig! Brig! Break him like a twig!” Rab grinned at Topaz and then launched into his next chant, “Brig has might and he has snot! Brig jest smite him, he’s not so hot!” Then Rab sat down and bumped his mallet against the ground.
Sister Alia Anor frowned darkly as the dark elf was again leading and Brig was on the verge of his second loss of the night to Vanion when Rab chanted again, “Brigath has frothy wrath. Soak Vanion in yer wrathy bath! C’mon Brig! Put stars in his eyes or somethin’.”
Rab waved his arms wildly as Brig landed a spell and paused Vanion’s advance, “more of the same! North wind’s blow! South winds blow! Heavy dew! More dodgin’ Brig! Or better yet, jest hit him!” Rab gleefully continued to cheer on Brigath, “Brig, oh Brig give him what for! Brig oh Brig make him really sore! Brig oh Brig, knock him on the floor, then when he gets up again, yeh go and give him more!” He nodded enthusiastically, and I could not help but smile at his enthusiasm.
Joku peered through the portal, and the white robed Priestess smiled at the Japanese elven warrior, who then stepped fully through the portal and joined her as she sat just outside of Vanion’s ring. He was greeted by Topaz as well, but he settled onto the sand beside Sister Alia Anor.
Rab was still shouting and chanting, “And he hits his foes like a… like a… flare! They hit the ground like a dead bear! And Brig… YEH!” He was shouting and grinning like a man possessed, but at length turned to Topaz, “er, got to get back to the parcel Topaz, so yeh can take on the cheerin’ bit for me?” He was nodding enthusiastically, as though it never occurred to him that she might demure.
Brig’s match continued, but in the end, Vanion had finally managed to obtain the two key wins that would bring him the Tower he had sought for so long. He bade Brigath pull out the win before he trudged away into the darkness.
All too soon it was over. Vanion had won the second match, and a part of me shivered with an unnamed trepidation. “A fine set of matches gentlemen.” Vanion simply stood there in the ring, his arms crossed over his chest. I heard Topaz utter a very soft “oh”, but it was so soft that only a vampire would hear it. No doubt Vanion did, but he did not acknowledge her nearly silent exclamamtion.
Brigath nodded at Vanion, “well dueled. Clearly you’ve learned some things since we last met.” He was being very magnanimous given how many times Vanion had come for him, and now at last had succeeded.
Vanion however was less than magnanimous. His response was pride filled and arrogance radiated from him, “Yes. The rewards of faith and dedication.” Then he slowly and purposefully extended his hand, seeking immediately the ring for which he had come.
Sister Alia Anor frowned darkly as the dark elf was again leading and Brig was on the verge of his second loss of the night to Vanion when Rab chanted again, “Brigath has frothy wrath. Soak Vanion in yer wrathy bath! C’mon Brig! Put stars in his eyes or somethin’.”
Rab waved his arms wildly as Brig landed a spell and paused Vanion’s advance, “more of the same! North wind’s blow! South winds blow! Heavy dew! More dodgin’ Brig! Or better yet, jest hit him!” Rab gleefully continued to cheer on Brigath, “Brig, oh Brig give him what for! Brig oh Brig make him really sore! Brig oh Brig, knock him on the floor, then when he gets up again, yeh go and give him more!” He nodded enthusiastically, and I could not help but smile at his enthusiasm.
Joku peered through the portal, and the white robed Priestess smiled at the Japanese elven warrior, who then stepped fully through the portal and joined her as she sat just outside of Vanion’s ring. He was greeted by Topaz as well, but he settled onto the sand beside Sister Alia Anor.
Rab was still shouting and chanting, “And he hits his foes like a… like a… flare! They hit the ground like a dead bear! And Brig… YEH!” He was shouting and grinning like a man possessed, but at length turned to Topaz, “er, got to get back to the parcel Topaz, so yeh can take on the cheerin’ bit for me?” He was nodding enthusiastically, as though it never occurred to him that she might demure.
Brig’s match continued, but in the end, Vanion had finally managed to obtain the two key wins that would bring him the Tower he had sought for so long. He bade Brigath pull out the win before he trudged away into the darkness.
All too soon it was over. Vanion had won the second match, and a part of me shivered with an unnamed trepidation. “A fine set of matches gentlemen.” Vanion simply stood there in the ring, his arms crossed over his chest. I heard Topaz utter a very soft “oh”, but it was so soft that only a vampire would hear it. No doubt Vanion did, but he did not acknowledge her nearly silent exclamamtion.
Brigath nodded at Vanion, “well dueled. Clearly you’ve learned some things since we last met.” He was being very magnanimous given how many times Vanion had come for him, and now at last had succeeded.
Vanion however was less than magnanimous. His response was pride filled and arrogance radiated from him, “Yes. The rewards of faith and dedication.” Then he slowly and purposefully extended his hand, seeking immediately the ring for which he had come.
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Brig shook his head, “not quite yet. I’ve got two years worth of belongings I need to clear out. I’ll deliver it to you in two days.”
Vanion shook his head, and his hand remained extended in mid air, “Not a chance in the Nine Hells.”
I could not remain silent, Brig has every right to retain the key for several days yet, and somehow, I worried that Vanion would try to wrest it from him right now. “Brig dear?”
Brig glanced at me, “yes?”
I gave him a beatific smile, “Just how am I supposed to enjoy that lovely view now?” Then I held out the glass of Oban I had earlier had brought for him. It was my way of breaking the tension that had fairly oozed from Vanion when Brigath denied him the key on the spot.
He gave a soft chuckle as he took the glass, clearly not concerned about Vanion, who remained where he was, still intent on demanding the key here and now. Brig smiled insouciantly at me, “I’ll just have to get it back.”
Topaz smiled, “I hope you’ll get the tower again some day, or one of the others.” And then it occurred to me, no one had been here in favor of the dark elf.
I nodded at Topaz’s comment, “Yes, you shall”. But he glanced at Vanion then. “You can hold that out all night, but I have until Sunday to remain the Keeper. Then you’ll get it whether I will or no.”
Vanion’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “That is not the way it works Brigath. The Key is mine. Now.”
I lifted a pale brow hearing the demand set forth by Vanion. Clearly in his world such a thing could be done, but here on Twilight Isle, the Key belonged to the Keeper until the next official postings of rank were placed upon the public cork. It gave the Keepers time to clear out their things, and wrap up what ever magics they were engaged in when their Tower’s were claimed by another.
Etherean paused from his formalities as he prepared to face Bran once more to speak to Vanion then, “Actually, Brigath has until the next Standings are released.” There was something cold and hard in Etherean’s eyes as he regarded Vanion. Then Etherean continued, “The former Keeper will have until the next issued standings to carry the Keeper title, allowing time for closure of the Keeper's duties and clearing of the tower.” Etherean smiled cruely, “blame me, I did pen the rules.”
Brig smiled amiably, “I’m afraid it is. You have once again failed to grasp the subtleties of the magic here on the Isle. It is sad that you’ll soon be abusing one of its more powerful elements.” Brig was polite, but his words were meant to sting.
Vanion frowned darkly, which did not bode well at all for future meetings, “Enjoy the next several days. Everything changes from here on.” and then he swung around dramatically and departed the Isle.
Brig took a sip of his scotch and smiled sweetly at Vanion’s departing back. There was clear enjoyment in that small victory, but the loss of his tower would trouble Brig. I moved over on the chaise for Brig, and smiled, “good, perhaps I can get one last look?” He gave me his devil’s own smile in return, “Certainly, I need to get up to the tower to start dismantling some spells, but call me when the match is over and I'll come get you.”
Etherean muttered softly, “unless something happens to him, or Xerzes.” Then he followed that with a light laugh before focusing once again on his own match. “Pardon me,” he asked of both Bran and I before bowing gracefully to us both and began his next spell.
I gave him a nod, “No, no Etherean, I am enjoying your elucidation.”
Brig took a long pull on his scotch before rising and bowing to all, “evening” and he disappeared. I hoped he would be alright, and that I would not remain too long upon the beach.
Etherean and Bran battled through 3 full matches, but ultimately, the experience Etherean commands won out as he apologized to Bran, “With Vanion attaining his goal, I need to retain this title a while longer.”
Bran lifted himself to his feet with the last bit of strength he had and bowed to the Keeper, “Thank you for the opportunity, you dessserve to be Keeper of the Tower.”
With a graceful bow from Etherean I took my documents and headed for the Tower of Air.
Vanion shook his head, and his hand remained extended in mid air, “Not a chance in the Nine Hells.”
I could not remain silent, Brig has every right to retain the key for several days yet, and somehow, I worried that Vanion would try to wrest it from him right now. “Brig dear?”
Brig glanced at me, “yes?”
I gave him a beatific smile, “Just how am I supposed to enjoy that lovely view now?” Then I held out the glass of Oban I had earlier had brought for him. It was my way of breaking the tension that had fairly oozed from Vanion when Brigath denied him the key on the spot.
He gave a soft chuckle as he took the glass, clearly not concerned about Vanion, who remained where he was, still intent on demanding the key here and now. Brig smiled insouciantly at me, “I’ll just have to get it back.”
Topaz smiled, “I hope you’ll get the tower again some day, or one of the others.” And then it occurred to me, no one had been here in favor of the dark elf.
I nodded at Topaz’s comment, “Yes, you shall”. But he glanced at Vanion then. “You can hold that out all night, but I have until Sunday to remain the Keeper. Then you’ll get it whether I will or no.”
Vanion’s eyes narrowed dangerously, “That is not the way it works Brigath. The Key is mine. Now.”
I lifted a pale brow hearing the demand set forth by Vanion. Clearly in his world such a thing could be done, but here on Twilight Isle, the Key belonged to the Keeper until the next official postings of rank were placed upon the public cork. It gave the Keepers time to clear out their things, and wrap up what ever magics they were engaged in when their Tower’s were claimed by another.
Etherean paused from his formalities as he prepared to face Bran once more to speak to Vanion then, “Actually, Brigath has until the next Standings are released.” There was something cold and hard in Etherean’s eyes as he regarded Vanion. Then Etherean continued, “The former Keeper will have until the next issued standings to carry the Keeper title, allowing time for closure of the Keeper's duties and clearing of the tower.” Etherean smiled cruely, “blame me, I did pen the rules.”
Brig smiled amiably, “I’m afraid it is. You have once again failed to grasp the subtleties of the magic here on the Isle. It is sad that you’ll soon be abusing one of its more powerful elements.” Brig was polite, but his words were meant to sting.
Vanion frowned darkly, which did not bode well at all for future meetings, “Enjoy the next several days. Everything changes from here on.” and then he swung around dramatically and departed the Isle.
Brig took a sip of his scotch and smiled sweetly at Vanion’s departing back. There was clear enjoyment in that small victory, but the loss of his tower would trouble Brig. I moved over on the chaise for Brig, and smiled, “good, perhaps I can get one last look?” He gave me his devil’s own smile in return, “Certainly, I need to get up to the tower to start dismantling some spells, but call me when the match is over and I'll come get you.”
Etherean muttered softly, “unless something happens to him, or Xerzes.” Then he followed that with a light laugh before focusing once again on his own match. “Pardon me,” he asked of both Bran and I before bowing gracefully to us both and began his next spell.
I gave him a nod, “No, no Etherean, I am enjoying your elucidation.”
Brig took a long pull on his scotch before rising and bowing to all, “evening” and he disappeared. I hoped he would be alright, and that I would not remain too long upon the beach.
Etherean and Bran battled through 3 full matches, but ultimately, the experience Etherean commands won out as he apologized to Bran, “With Vanion attaining his goal, I need to retain this title a while longer.”
Bran lifted himself to his feet with the last bit of strength he had and bowed to the Keeper, “Thank you for the opportunity, you dessserve to be Keeper of the Tower.”
With a graceful bow from Etherean I took my documents and headed for the Tower of Air.
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Lacerta is an un-interesting world that I must pass on my travels between Rigel and RhyDin. The stars in that system are notably bland. The main star in the cluster is of spectral type A1 V and only has an apparent magnitude of 3.77. The only thing of any interest is Alpha Lac which is an optical double star. The entire system is located at Right ascension 22.5 hours, declination +45 degrees, and covers an area of only 201 square degrees. There are no Messier objects near the system. And in short, it is remarkably unremarkable.
The system was explored and named by Johannes Hevelius, who brought with him emigrants from Rigel. The system has maintained a very archaic lifestyle, but now that there is the threat of aggression from Cepheus, they are willing to embrace some newer technology and outside influences. They had originally emigrated from Rigel with the intention of maintaining a simpler life, one that did not depend on the hurry and stress of their high tech homeland.
Cepheus on the other hand is nearly barbaric, and how they every managed to gain space flight remains an enigma. They are warrior people who believe in conquest and they have set their sights on Lacerta. It is because I have been invited that I have agreed to help the Lacertians build their industry to include weapons for self defense.
I do not plan to incorporate some of the highest technology I have available, but rather some of the more mundane weapons that will help them keep the Cepheans off their home world. It would not do to bring too much technology to Lacerta given their desire to remain simpler and less dependent on technology. It is the reason they left Rigel.
On the other hand, the aggression of Cepheus means they must have some technology, or they would fall to that barbaric race, which has insufficient resources to successfully get into space on their own. They are using technology that they did not create and do not understand in ways that no civilized people would engage in. Somewhere along the line, they have tapped into a black market or unscrupulous dealer who has sold them higher technology than they are ready to handle. Now they believe the simple life being lived on Lacerta makes them easy prey for their dreams of expansion.
With that goal in mind, I have been working a frantic pace to get the equipment needed onto Lacerta and preparing to begin work. I have the first employees of my new facility here in RhyDin learning the craft of weapon-smithing. They are very capable people, given that they have been working with their hands for generations, this new creative work seems to come quite naturally to them. They have exquisite sensitivity for craftsmanship, and weight and balance of the castings. I am very happy with their progress.
We have a long way to go, but with things the way they are in RhyDin, there is little else for me to do beside work on this new project. And so I have thrown myself into this endeavor, and left the running of the Palazzo to Dyson in my absence.
Gabriel has been my constant shadow, but in his eyes I see a clock counting down. It is a thing I hope I can change.
The system was explored and named by Johannes Hevelius, who brought with him emigrants from Rigel. The system has maintained a very archaic lifestyle, but now that there is the threat of aggression from Cepheus, they are willing to embrace some newer technology and outside influences. They had originally emigrated from Rigel with the intention of maintaining a simpler life, one that did not depend on the hurry and stress of their high tech homeland.
Cepheus on the other hand is nearly barbaric, and how they every managed to gain space flight remains an enigma. They are warrior people who believe in conquest and they have set their sights on Lacerta. It is because I have been invited that I have agreed to help the Lacertians build their industry to include weapons for self defense.
I do not plan to incorporate some of the highest technology I have available, but rather some of the more mundane weapons that will help them keep the Cepheans off their home world. It would not do to bring too much technology to Lacerta given their desire to remain simpler and less dependent on technology. It is the reason they left Rigel.
On the other hand, the aggression of Cepheus means they must have some technology, or they would fall to that barbaric race, which has insufficient resources to successfully get into space on their own. They are using technology that they did not create and do not understand in ways that no civilized people would engage in. Somewhere along the line, they have tapped into a black market or unscrupulous dealer who has sold them higher technology than they are ready to handle. Now they believe the simple life being lived on Lacerta makes them easy prey for their dreams of expansion.
With that goal in mind, I have been working a frantic pace to get the equipment needed onto Lacerta and preparing to begin work. I have the first employees of my new facility here in RhyDin learning the craft of weapon-smithing. They are very capable people, given that they have been working with their hands for generations, this new creative work seems to come quite naturally to them. They have exquisite sensitivity for craftsmanship, and weight and balance of the castings. I am very happy with their progress.
We have a long way to go, but with things the way they are in RhyDin, there is little else for me to do beside work on this new project. And so I have thrown myself into this endeavor, and left the running of the Palazzo to Dyson in my absence.
Gabriel has been my constant shadow, but in his eyes I see a clock counting down. It is a thing I hope I can change.
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
- Azjah von Drachen Walde
- Expert Adventurer
- Posts: 1138
- Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2005 1:13 am
- Location: Palazzo Drachen Walde
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Back Home For a Moment
I had only been back in RhyDin a matter of hours before it was necessary to go to Twilight Isle. When I arrived, I found Topaz already there on the beach curled up on a comfortable couch, and her wicker basket that she carries with her all of the time now beside her. There were no noises emanating from the basket, so I presume the child is asleep for the time being. “Good evening Topaz, how are you tonight?”
She glanced up from her cup of coffee with a smile. “Good evening?” Then she gave the silent basket another glance before continuing, “I am doing well, how are you doing and how’s the expansion coming along?”
I made myself comfortable on the chaise before answering. “The plant is complete, and we are doing the training now. New people learning new skills, we want to get it right.” It is amazing to me that I can happily discuss plant construction and people training, but talking about babies is beyond me. As an afterthought, I asked her how the child was.
Her smile deepened and her eyes fairly glowed with motherly pride, “She’s doing splendid and is growing too. Soon that basket will be too small. She still sleeps a lot though.” And then as an afterthought for Topaz, she asked me “will you have to be there for all of that training too?”
I could tell my question was one she was pleased to hear, and yet I could muster little comprehension why such would result in such a reaction. At this point, the child sleeps more than it does anything, and cannot converse with you in any way. The reactions from new mothers to such an inane question never ceases to astound me. But, since it was just Topaz and I on the Isle at the moment, it would seem prudent to pay attention to her pride and joy. “Think of all the energy she’s saving up. And yes, I wish to oversee the training. The threatening realm grows ever bolder. We need to move with alacrity now.”
Topaz laughed at the question regarding saving energy, “Oh, don’t say that! She’ll be hard enough to keep up with once she finds out what wings and legs are for, if she grows wings.”
I chuckled, “I hope you have been saving up your energy.” I could not say that I envied her the coming growth of the child and it’s discovery of locomotion. There had been a time when I too would now be facing that concern, but no longer.
Topaz shook her head, “no, not really. I’m staying up with her during the day.”
It seemed natural enough that with Lucien being a night soul, he would watch over his child at night, and since Topaz is a creature of the sun, that she would watch the child during the daylight, but that would leave very little time for the two of them together. “And Lucien at night?” I prompted.
She gave me a somewhat curious look, as though what she had said earlier was sufficient, “Yes, but I’m up at night too. I am really getting to thoroughly dislike summer.”
I laughed softly, “Most people like the longer days.” I knew what she was getting at, but it did sound odd to hear someone say that they did not like the longer days of summer.
She grinned then, “I prefer the longer nights, for all the obvious reasons.”
I glanced around the deserted island before sending a goblin for a glass of scotch. “Clearly. With all the time lag from traveling, I confess I’m happy it is not super busy tonight.” And as if the Fates chose that moment for a reason, there came a rend in the air and out stepped Lord Momus. He was produced as though perfectly choreographed with my lines. I flinched involuntarily before regaining composure. “Ah, good evening Lord Momus.”
He gave Topaz and I a formal bow, but the air around him was different. It was colder, crisper, and had the aura of charged tension, although what the source of that was could not be detected. I pulled a silk wrap closer about myself to ward off some of the chill as he greeted us both.
She glanced up from her cup of coffee with a smile. “Good evening?” Then she gave the silent basket another glance before continuing, “I am doing well, how are you doing and how’s the expansion coming along?”
I made myself comfortable on the chaise before answering. “The plant is complete, and we are doing the training now. New people learning new skills, we want to get it right.” It is amazing to me that I can happily discuss plant construction and people training, but talking about babies is beyond me. As an afterthought, I asked her how the child was.
Her smile deepened and her eyes fairly glowed with motherly pride, “She’s doing splendid and is growing too. Soon that basket will be too small. She still sleeps a lot though.” And then as an afterthought for Topaz, she asked me “will you have to be there for all of that training too?”
I could tell my question was one she was pleased to hear, and yet I could muster little comprehension why such would result in such a reaction. At this point, the child sleeps more than it does anything, and cannot converse with you in any way. The reactions from new mothers to such an inane question never ceases to astound me. But, since it was just Topaz and I on the Isle at the moment, it would seem prudent to pay attention to her pride and joy. “Think of all the energy she’s saving up. And yes, I wish to oversee the training. The threatening realm grows ever bolder. We need to move with alacrity now.”
Topaz laughed at the question regarding saving energy, “Oh, don’t say that! She’ll be hard enough to keep up with once she finds out what wings and legs are for, if she grows wings.”
I chuckled, “I hope you have been saving up your energy.” I could not say that I envied her the coming growth of the child and it’s discovery of locomotion. There had been a time when I too would now be facing that concern, but no longer.
Topaz shook her head, “no, not really. I’m staying up with her during the day.”
It seemed natural enough that with Lucien being a night soul, he would watch over his child at night, and since Topaz is a creature of the sun, that she would watch the child during the daylight, but that would leave very little time for the two of them together. “And Lucien at night?” I prompted.
She gave me a somewhat curious look, as though what she had said earlier was sufficient, “Yes, but I’m up at night too. I am really getting to thoroughly dislike summer.”
I laughed softly, “Most people like the longer days.” I knew what she was getting at, but it did sound odd to hear someone say that they did not like the longer days of summer.
She grinned then, “I prefer the longer nights, for all the obvious reasons.”
I glanced around the deserted island before sending a goblin for a glass of scotch. “Clearly. With all the time lag from traveling, I confess I’m happy it is not super busy tonight.” And as if the Fates chose that moment for a reason, there came a rend in the air and out stepped Lord Momus. He was produced as though perfectly choreographed with my lines. I flinched involuntarily before regaining composure. “Ah, good evening Lord Momus.”
He gave Topaz and I a formal bow, but the air around him was different. It was colder, crisper, and had the aura of charged tension, although what the source of that was could not be detected. I pulled a silk wrap closer about myself to ward off some of the chill as he greeted us both.
Azjah Telyria Danaan
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
Marchioness von Triberg
Baroness von Drachen Walde
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