Susanna's eyes cast deep into the pages of her book. She is seated at the table in an upright position. She looks across noticing Yvette leaning back against the chair. Her feet planted on the table's edge, with her dagger twirling in her right hand. "Yvette." Susanna places down her book, staring at Yvette's dagger for a few moments, before calling out her name.
"Yeah." She replied without lifting her gaze.
"Can I see your dagger?" Susanna asks, tilting her head to get a better vantage.
Yvette stops rocking her chair, stalling for a moment until she continues again. "Nope!" She replies with a quick and simple response. Susanna's expression barely changes from the abrupt denial of her simple request. Yvette continues to rock back and forth before speaking up. "I'm kidding sure you can." Her cold facade melts away, in place now a smile and acceptance of her friend's request. She hands over the dagger for Susanna's inspection.
Pulling the blade from its sheath with a quick and sudden thrust. The tip of the blade pointed towards the ceiling as her eyes study its every facet. "There's a strange shimmering coming from the blade, what is that?" Peering into the blade, reflecting her curious face, she notices a light shimmering surrounding the edges.
"You can see that... Hmm, it must be the enchantment that Orpheus placed on it, I wonder how you can see it and I can't?" Both look at each other with clueless expressions before a massive ethereal portal manifests abruptly.
Both are surprised by this, even though it was going to happen eventually. The portal forms a small hole before enlarging in a matter of seconds. Orpheus exits the tear in space, staff in hand. "Welcome back Orpheus has Aria enrolled yet?" The portal disappears behind him just as Susanna's voice can be heard, querying about Aria.
"Yes, she should be enrolled soon and will be attending classes soon after." He answers, inspecting the room to reclaim his bearings. Susanna smiles at this information as does Yvette with a less noticeable smirk.
He steps off the platform, walking over to them. "Well, now that's done are you guys ready?" Both of them nod in unison each of them ready in their own way. Both ladies ascend from their seats, walking over to the platform. "Veni Forth Porta." Another portal is conjured, and soon all of them enter.
Exiting to a grass field just outside the town where Orpheus previously attacked and mistakenly saved. "Now Susanna you better be right, with this little addition to my plan." He states directed towards his companion with a heavy tone and obvious concern.
"There is no need to worry the logic is sound, now let's make our grand entrance." Not bothered by his words, she replied sternly. All three eventually start walking, their destination the town a small distance away. Only a short walk and they reach a pathway entering the town.
Just as they enter, they are noticed by some of the townspeople. Their face is enamoured by their presence before swelling into a crowd. "Our saviour, he has returned!" Several townspeople wearing white and grey tunics all speak aloud at the mere sight of their hero.
Orpheus responding to the situation with a forced smile as the situation internally does not reflect the external. "Oh crap, I've got to act all nice to these doe-eyed peasants... This is degrading." He thinks to himself, detesting his very actions. "Fear not citizens I have returned from my mission, driving away the monster that attacked your peaceful town!" Adjusting his voice to resemble the stereotypical hero. Deep and stern with no trace of his former tone of voice.
"Thank you, great hero, words are not enough to convey our gratitude." An older gentleman clasps his hands over Orpheus's, a smile stretching past his face.
Narrowing his eye their fake hero thinks dark thoughts. "Touch me again and you lose the hands!" Replying mentally with malevolent and violent thoughts. Pulling his hands away, he places them on the man's shoulders. "It's ok I was merely doing my duty for my fellow man." He speaks out loud as the townspeople smile gleefully, hanging on his every word. The smiles do not endear him, instead, his thoughts churn violently. "Ah I'd much rather burn this place to the ground, then stand here spouting this crap, but nevertheless I do see the practicality of this persona." He thinks to himself, reflecting on his motivation for playing the part of a benevolent hero.
"Please come with me, Lord Brendel wishes to see you and show his gratitude." The elderly man directs Orpheus, Yvette and Susanna to follow him to a large building just down the street.
"Ah lord huh, he could be useful." Orpheus internally strategizes about his predicament, following the man to the entrance of the building. The building is two stories high with pylons upholding the cover of the outside patio. Three steps descend down from the front porch, leading to the entrance.
The man leads him through the doors and into the building. What lay before him is a large room professionally decorated and carpeted. The area exudes wealth and power from the very walls. To the side is a large portrait of a well-dressed man posed standing up. Hung high upon the wall to the right. The man is wearing a dark crimson waistcoat enveloped in a long black cape draping down.
"A little pompous but given the size of my own ego can I really judge?" Orpheus thinks to himself with a cheeky smile, his eyes on the egotistical portrait. They continue on to a large set of stairs forked at the top leading around to the second story.
They ascend while Yvette looks out the window to a wide courtyard. She notices a fountain with two well-dressed children playing a game of tag. She smiles at the sight, but only for a moment, before continuing past to the second story.
They all reach the top and are greeted by a young man in a tailored black suit. The man directs them to a long desk at the end of the room. Seated at the desk is the man depicted in the portrait, wearing the same manner of clothing absent the cape. He is a young man with a slightly grizzled beard, brown eyes, pale complexion and short dark hair.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Upon witnessing Orpheus's entrance, he quickly ascends, walking around the desk, towards him. "Welcome mighty hero, it is truly an honour to have you here in my humble town." The lord stands up straight in front of Orpheus attempting to maintain his towering and noble stature whilst in the presence of the lower class.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Brendel." Orpheus replies with fake sincerity.
"It is I who should be thankful to you, your feat of heroism will echo through this town all the way to the capital for as long as we can tell the tale." Lord Brendel speaks with a wide brim smile, noticeably croaked.
Maintaining his false persona, he shakes the noble outstretched palm. "You are indeed welcome." Lord Brendel withdraws his hand, his eyes falling upon the likenesses of both Yvette and Susanna, quietly standing behind Orpheus, one on each side.
He looks them both up and down, lust exuding from his predatory eyes. His mouth salivates and his mind slowly wanders to other less appealing thoughts.
Orpheus notices the lustful expression, and a simple clench of his jaw and fist quell the violent outburst. Holding onto the rage, his mind fills with even more violent thoughts. "If you keep looking Lord Brendel, I may just pluck your eyes from your skull!" A murderous and violent thought crosses his mind almost to the point of progressing to physical violence.
Just before he can act, Susanna notices the change and places her hand on his shoulder, leans in and whispers. "Calm yourself and select your moments carefully." Her words echo in his ear successfully calming him and centring his perception of the situation, preventing a violent confrontation.
"Is something wrong sir... Oh my how silly of me I forget to ask your name!" Realisation passes across the Lord's face, an odd expression composed of joy, shame and confusion.
"My name is Orpheus and these are my two associates Susanna and Yvette." He introduces both of them before they nod in unison, signalling a non-verbal greeting.
"It is truly an honour to become familiar with you, the sorcerer hero Orpheus. It has a nice ring to it don't you think?" Lord Brendel raises both his hands in a flamboyant manner.
"You do me honour with the title." Orpheus replied with a slight smile.
"Indeed, but I believe the pleasantries must wait for another time, we have a few things to discuss." Lord Brendel signals the elderly man to leave with a slight wave. He then walks over to his desk, picks up a piece of parchment turning to Orpheus. "Here is a report on the goblin army that assailed our town, they have withdrawn into the forest leaving their forces scattered." He presents Orpheus with a parchment depicting a map of the surrounding area, with circles drawn over the forest area to the left of the town.
"Ah I see given how I scattered their forces with my barrages and the townspeople's frontal assault, I doubt many would have regrouped during the fray." Inspecting the map and mentally pondering the potential strategies to employ. "Hmm perhaps the goblin remnants could be of use to generate a false looming threat over the town. If timed right, they would likely call on aid from the capital and that could be a beneficial scenario." Continuing his internal thoughts, he looks over the map once more.
Lord Brendel looks at Orpheus currently in deep thought and squints his eyes in confusion. "Well, you needn't worry, we can handle the remnant goblins, besides there is something I wish to inform you." He chimes in gaining his attention.
"Really what is that I wonder?" Orpheus replies.
"It is the most tremendous news and also the most advantageous situation. After your incredible feat a few days ago, we sent a raven to the capital describing your heroism. We had received a reply this morning from the king himself, requesting your presence." His face lights up with joy, the greed was obvious. The realisation is that he has already located their hero, not moments after the king requested him.
"Is that so... The King wants to meet me; I am truly honoured by his request." Orpheus replies, grinning at this potential prospect while also mentally contemplating his next move. "An audience with the king, I couldn't have asked for anything more... I have never taken a kings head before." He thinks to himself, portraying none of this upon his face.
"Your carriage awaits, I had it procured and placed on standby until I located you." Lord Brendel directs them downstairs. The three descend to the lower floor while Lord Brendel follows.
They reached the bottom of the stairs, greeting the entrance once more. The door opens to a finely tailored gentleman. The man extended his hand pressed against the door. "Please your carriage awaits." He states with an eloquent tone.
The group leaves the building one at a time, once exited, they are greeted by three men. Each of them stands in front of a carriage and a mounted horse. The one on the left appears to be the driver identified by his dishevelled grey coat. He is holding the reigns of a very enthusiastic horse. "Easy girl." The driver speaks in a soft voice, tenderly patting the horse's mane, attempting to soothe her.
The gentlemen next to him, wearing a black well-tailored suit reminiscent of a royal family's butler, steps forward to greet them. "Greetings sir hero, it is my deepest pleasure to escort you to the capital." The man steps forward, reaching out his hands to clasp Orpheus with his own. Carefully shaking for a few moments before letting go. The man then turns to his left and introduces the steel-clad knight. The knight had blonde short hair with broad shoulders. The knight towered over most and wore steel armour covering his torso. A crest was imprinted on the chest, denoting a bear. "This is Sir Lambert the Allegiant, first of the Ashen Knights; he has come as an emissary of the crown, to personally escort you to the capital." Introducing the formidable figure with a calm tone of voice.
Orpheus turns his gaze to the towering man. His eyes glance down to the two swords bonded to his waist. Sheathed but still visible to the eyes, they were quite clearly enchanted weapons. "I have heard of your great feat defeating a whole army of goblins single-handedly. Very impressive, your magic must be very powerful, I, on the other hand, have no talent with such things, thus I devoted myself to the sword." Lambert looks to Orpheus taking his measure after extolling his exploits.
"Thank you, Sir Lambert." Orpheus replies simply.
"If it's convenient we may leave now, his majesty is very keen to meet you." He directs Orpheus and the others to the opened carriage door. Orpheus nods, complying with his direction. He then walks up to the carriage's steps, followed by his companions. The butler seats himself in the driver's seat. Lambert and two other soldiers mount their horses to follow the carriage.
"It was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Brendel." Orpheus bids the man his farewell before entering.
"The pleasure was all mine, sir Orpheus, have a safe trip, you as well lovely ladies." Lord Brendel replies his tone slick with subtext.
Susanna and Yvette both politely nod to his remark. Turning to Orpheus with a contemptible expression, noticing his smirk. Pausing for a moment, they all enter the carriage. Orpheus opens his belt bag, picks out a small black stone and holds it in his hand. "Initium." He chants quietly, the stone starts to glow. He then places it back in his bag and enters the carriage.
Susanna and Yvette follow soon after and seat themselves opposite each other. Now in a two seated carriage with Susanna next to Orpheus and Yvette seated alone. The carriage abruptly starts its journey, with a whip from the carriage's reigns prompting it to jerk forward.