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The flies pestered him, buzzing by his face. He winced an annoyance, and with the wave of his hand, the swarm fell to the ground. His dog, Lufic, spared no time licking them up off the stone floor.
"Ani, come here." He called out coldly into the castle. It took but a moment for a woman in maid attire to come into the room, a tray in hand. It was clear she had been busy before she was called, but she knew better than to ignore her master's calling for others.
"Master Pawn, how may I serve you?" She bowed out of respect for him, and her own life. Realizing she was still holding the tray, she gently laid it down on a cabinet next to her.
Slowly the man turned to face her, his skin smooth and ageless. He was an Elderborn, that being the rare ability to live for thousands of years. It can show up in anyone, seemingly at random. But much like the gender of one's child, there is always a half and half chance that it can be passed down to your offspring.
He assumed he was the only one in the castle, that is, other than the queen. Though, he had a sneaking suspicion that his maid Ani was. She had been working for them for well over ten years and she didn't look a day over twenty.
"Lufic needs to go outside. Take him." He grunted, gesturing with his hand. Ani nodded, crouching down and waved for the dog. Lufic happily obliged, trotting over to her and forcing her hands over his head. Ani pet him with a smile, her love for dogs showed like ill fitting pants. Typically such pleasantries were kept private, away from the eyes of those above her. She stopped when she looked up to see Pawn giving her a strange look.
"Right away, master." She stood, brushing her dress before leaving with Lufic by her side. Usually Master Pawn was a bit more tender with her, it was clear that something was upsetting him. But as far as Ani knew, that could be any number of things.
The two walked through the castle. The thin carpet stretching down every hall was a blood red, with golden twirling designs on the sides. The walls were dark gray stone blocks, teetering on a shade of black, and as smooth as Ani's skin.
Her elven nature led her to believe that everything about it was the opposite of nature by design. There was no foliage, no semblance of life outside of the humans and mylians that wander the halls. It gave her a sickening feeling, walking down the corridors that reminded her constantly of the chains she wore. She most certainly wasn't there by choice. The more steps she took through the castle, the tighter the locks felt around her ankles.The longer it took her to fight it, the less she felt she could.
"Come on Lufic, lets make this quick. It's getting late." She patted the doberman's head. It was rare to see one without clipped ears, but luckily her master preferred it that way. This did come as a surprise to her. Though, Lufics older sister had clipped ears, as he had gotten her too late to do anything about it.
Lufic took the lead down the wide staircase. Flags of the different provinces of D'gyra decorated the walls with pride. But more prominent were the many portraits of Brielor Frroth, Queen of D'gyra. Otherwise known as the Dust Queen.
Her pale, almost gray skin complemented her white hair. She looked fair, a slender face with large almond shaped eyes with a crystalline blue glare. She aged older and younger in every one of the pictures, never really staying the same. She had been ruling the Island of D'gyra for over two centuries. She was believed to be one of the only Elders on the island. It was a small island, but acted as its own independent nation. Though it still had its fair share of history with Hyvak and other countries of Roae. It was the very place that Ani had been living in her whole life.
The stairs ended, leading into a large open venue of tables and chairs. The castle acted as the centerpoint of most events on the island. It was known as the Diamond Room. To the right though, was a set of doors that led to an extraordinarily large kitchen, and through that was the backside of the ever extending courtyard.
The kitchen felt lifeless, devoid of the chefs and sous-chef that would typically be scurrying about yelling commands to one another. Those were Ani's favorite days. When the Diamond Room was filled with islanders and nobles. The room would be thick with the sweet scent of meat and exotic foods, along with the never ending stream of music.
Ani ran her fingers along the counter. Dust layered them, leaving a long streak behind. It was clear that the other maids hadn't been doing their jobs. As she was in charge mainly of the second floor. It made her wonder where everyone was to begin with, that day had been a particularly empty feeling.
"Go on, boy." She instructed Lufic, who cocked his head as she spoke. But he understood, as he nudged open the swinging door that led to the courtyard. The chefs needed it, as sometimes they would host events outside too, and dealing with a handle when carrying soups and plates of food was beyond a hassle.
Lufic ran past the large stone patio and into the open field of grass. For as long as she has been stuck living in the palace, the open space has gone unutilised save for the occasional dance. Other than that, it sat there untouched by gardeners or landscapers. What a shame. She pouted to herself, sitting down on an empty metal chair. It wasn't very comfortable, it seemed to work against her at every angle. She rubbed her tail bone, watching as Lufic ran laps around the yard. His tongue hung from his mouth as he expended all the pent up energy from the day.
Pawn refused to use him for hunting, admitting he feared he was too dull to defend himself if he were to be attacked by a wolf or bear. Ani wanted to object, but watched as Lufic tripped over his own feet and tumbled through the grass, only to stand back up and keep running like nothing had happened. She chuckled to herself, covering her mouth. She realized she didn't need to, and feeling silly she lowered her hand quickly.
The sun had set, but the moon - and Coreterra- were so bright it lit the world with a hazy orangish-blue. It sometimes strained one's eyes when trying to really focus on something, but Ani could still easily make out the doberman as he ran further out into the yard. It truly was an impressive estate, especially with the sprawling forest at the back end of the field. Much like the field itself, it wasn't used for much. Though Ani had seen some servants, always male, fetch wood from the forest and cut it on the chopping block only a few feet away from the patio.
Ani had watched the servants swing their axes down onto the wood, it splitting with a satisfying thunk as the axe struck the log beneath. Which was followed by the sound of the now split wood hitting the grass while the other piece always tumbled onto the patio. Of course, they would never do such a brutish activity in the presence of guests, or even Pawn for that matter.
Just as she rose to fetch Lufic, a sudden noise drew her attention. Shifting in the night, she saw two forms stumbling towards the table where she stood. The color in her face drained. Though she was allowed to be there, she did her best to not be seen by nobles as they often found ways to pester her. It was clear that one of them was utterly inebriated, and they were getting closer. So in a last second decision, Ani swiftly dove off to the left. A large hedge that acted as walls on either side of the patio provided perfect cover for her. She minded very little as her dress touched the soft grass, dirt smearing against her skirt.
She whipped her head towards the field to see Lufic staring at her, then at the two new figures that were having trouble sitting down at the patio table. She bit her lip, looking for an exit of escape, but saw none. Knowing that Lufic would surely destroy all sense of her hiding, she frantically waved at him. The dog cocked his head to the side, his eyes bouncing between her and the nobles. Ani fell forward, getting to her knees and smacking the ground as if to direct him where to sit. After a few moments of push and pull, Lufic finally sombered over to the elf. Though his eyes never left the two nobles as he waltzed over. And even once he did, he refused to sit, standing at attention. Ani could see his lips flaring as a growl began to bubble up. She snapped a finger at him, finally the dog looked at her, and she shook her head violently.
"Quite the stir this has all been, don't you think? Rather…rather ridiculous too." A younger lady said, her voice smooth yet accompanied by a flurry of stutters. Ani could tell from her voice alone it was Lady Asu, who was prone to emptying bottles like she'd been bit by a snake and it was the only cure. A perpetual snake bite in need of a constant cure. It was rather embarrassing how often she would stumble about drunk at balls and gatherings. Pawn would scowl from across the room, but never make a comment. No, he could never.
Stolen novel; please report.
"It is interesting though, is it not? Perhaps a fallacy, but interesting no less." Another voice followed, a male. Ani couldn't quite make out the person this time, but it was clearly someone closer to Asu's age, possibly someone she was courting. She had been known to frequently court several men at once, often without them knowing it. This almost always ended in tragedy, but was also somehow never her fault. Ani wondered how many times it could happen before the noblemen either learned their lesson, or taught her one. She hoped for her sake, despite it being entirely her own fault, that she would straighten herself out. It was becoming clear that wasn't going to happen anytime soon.
"If I poked my nose into every interesting thing I heard on this island, I'd certainly have had it clipped off by now." She swayed a glass of wine in her hands, at least, that's how Ani imagined she looked in the moment. With her legs crossed and a glass of cherrywine close to her lips. Summer wine had always been her favorite. Her remark was quickly followed by a laugh, and the scratching of chair legs rubbing against stone.
"I always took you for a woman of gossip, I'm surprised."
"You misunderstand, dear. I don't pay mind to the scandals, I am the scandal." This was of course met with more pandering laughter. Ani rolled her eyes from behind her hiding place, and inched closer to its edge. She gathered enough courage to look around it carefully. It was just bright enough that she could barely make out their outlines in the orange light. Some features showed though, enough that Ani could make out just who the male was. It was a mylian, a newer noble who had recently taken residence in the old Lorrketh House. His untimely demise had shaken the island, as he was the last of the bloodline which left the manor empty for many years. It was almost unthinkable that someone would replace him, but of course, with wealth comes great opportunity.
"Well, then, I should be careful around you." He scratched his chin, looking at the blonde mylian with lustful eyes. She looked back at him, with an expression much harder to read, chin resting on her shoulder.
"I would think so, Symbre."
"Please, for you it's Sym."
"For me? I'm honored." A low growl came from behind the hedges. Ani snapped her head at Lufic who was nearly frothing at the mouth in anger. She had no time to wonder just why he was so upset, and quickly slapped a hand around his snout. Grabbing him by his underbelly she pulled Lufic close to her chest. The dog quickly silenced, though his teeth still chattered. Luckily for them, it seemed the two hadn't noticed. Once she was sure he wouldn't lash out again, she slowly let him loose. He finally sat beside her, though his head never touched the ground.
"But really, you don't find all this even a little bit interesting? Or, at the very least, worth further inquiring?" Sym persisted, scooting to the edge of his seat. His hair was short and curly, his deep blue skin absorbing the light that touched it. His green eyes very much reflected the light of Coreterra, though. But his general attractiveness did nothing to stave the annoyance that grew on Asu's face.
"Like I said, it isn't my job to try and understand that which I don't. I just sit at home and look beautiful for Jarvic, and dance with him at the balls." Ani smiled to herself as she noticed the cup of wine in her hand. She had at least got that part right, only she couldn't tell if it was cherrywine or not.
"I take it there isn't much to your marriage in terms of love, is there?" A bold yet predictable question, one that Ani truly didn't know how Asu would respond. But the noblewoman sucked on her lip for a moment, her head swaying side to side as she determined what to say, before a grin coiled across her face.
"He doesn't even want to have children. I insisted but he says his previous wife bore him enough already! It was purely political. Ah, as if I'd ever marry a man twice my age on my own accord anyways." She rolled her eyes, downing the last of her wine before tossing the glass onto the ground, saved by the blush grass. Sym gave her a surprised look, but kept his thoughts to himself. He coughed into his arm, then seemingly winced involuntarily as he readied what next to say.
"Such marriages are always so sad. Either a man looking to keep his wealth, or a woman looking to steal it." Sym poured himself a glass of wine, the bottle had a large white label. Though Ani couldn't read it, she had seen that label in the wine cellar enough to know it was apricotwine. She frowned, but realized there were clearly more important things to direct her attention to.
"And which do you think it is in my case, Sym?" Asu snapped back, a tinge of anger in her voice. Ani cringed, pulling back from the hedge as if Sym were about to catch on fire. But to her surprise, his nervous nature seemed to slip away more than anything. Looking to the moon, then out into the forest, he shrugged.
"Both, I'd wager." He said, his gaze shifting back to Asu who hadn't moved her head from her shoulder. There was a moment of silence, but slowly Asu began to chuckle, covering her mouth when she grew too loud. Sym didn't nothing but smile at her, surely feeling accomplished.
"You'd win that wager. The bastards outright told me our marriage was just to keep his House from falling like Lorrketh." Asu spoke of Lorrketh so brazenly it almost made Ani gasp. Personally, she cared very little for the politics of the island, but even she couldn't escape the impact that Lorrkeths death had on everyone. Those who never even knew him wept at his funeral from his influence alone. It was an eerie sight, one that Ani would replace with just about anything. Maids she worked with collapsed to the floor, holding onto the arms of their sisters as if they lost feeling in their legs. Women that had never even uttered the old man's name before had patted their wetted eyes, covered their mouths, and whispered in disbelief.
It felt like everyone had been struck with some sort of terrible curse, all except Ani. Some maids had even asked her why she didn't seem as disturbed as them, to which Ani simply shrugged and tried her best to avoid answering. Because the simple answer was: she didn't know. Nor did she really care all that much. Lorrketh had been in the most southern province, My'ora, away from the center where the Dust Palace lay.
Of the three provinces, the central province, D'ygral, was where the most important of noblemen had stayed. Perhaps he colored himself a black sheep, or he simply couldn't afford the taxes, but Lorrketh had never managed to build a manor in D'ygral. He had died alone, a hermit of sorts on his manor overlooking the sea.
"What does marriage have to do with his death?" Sym asked genuinely, as he had come to the island only a year ago, several years after the nobleman's death. Asu reached for the wine bottle, examining it, perhaps seeing if it was worthy enough for her to truly drink all of. Of course, her criteria was rather low, so she began to sip directly from the bottle. She was at least decent enough to wipe her lips, though a long trail of the orange colored wine still dribbled down her chin.
"Lorrkeths wife left him for a mainlander, a human at that. So he killed himself." She said nonchalantly, giggling as she swung the bottle back and forth like a drunken pendulum. Ani could see in the eyes of the mylian noble -as Coreterra flared in light as it often did in waves- that he was disgusted, and yet, he stayed. His lips twitched as he formulated a response, his head quickly snapped to the side as he fought back a wave of…something.
"Jarvic didn't have a wife before you?" A reasonable question.
"He did, she died from some incurable disease. I guess the kook thinks he'll go mad, like Lorrkeths loneliness is a disease he might catch as well." Asu narrowed her eyes, looking through her brow at Sym whose face remained emotionless. Whatever lust had been there moments ago was long gone. But Ani wondered if it was ever truly there to begin with.
"You don't think that Lorrketh was upset more so at the betrayal than the loneliness?" A thoughtful question, one Ani had immediately thought up herself.
"What? Betrayal? Please, no woman on this island is loyal. No, it's too boring here to anchor yourself to one old hag over another." She chuckled to herself, the bottle slipping from her fingers onto the table with a crash. By some miracle the bottle didn't shatter, though it began to spill out across the glass table. Sym quickly grabbed it by the neck, and tipped it back up. He then eyed the noble lady, who pursed her lips like a dog who'd been caught tearing through trash.
"Perhaps I will take you back to your chambers?" He suggested, ignoring what Asu had just said. It was disgusting enough of a statement that nothing else needed to be said. Asu looked down at her feet, her slippers were beginning to become too small. She had them since she was a little girl, she never thought her feet of all things would grow more. She frowned, and then stood, shakily. Sym quickly rounded the table, a hand on her waist and shoulder to keep her straight.
"Where is your room in the Dust Palace?" He asked, pulling her in close. Her arms seemed to naturally drape around his neck, her feet sliding out from beneath her. His teeth clenched in anger, but he pulled her up straight regardless.
"I don't live in the Dust, silly. I'm all the way over there!" She pointed towards the manor visible from the back courtyard. It sat on a hill not too far away, though it was certainly further than Sym wanted to travel with a drunk woman slung around him. He sighed heavily but began to lead Asu around the palace towards the manor.
Why were they at the Dust in the first place if she wasn't staying here? Who let them past the main gates? All questions that seemed important, but not nearly as important as getting Lufic and herself back inside. That is, before Pawn began to wonder why they were taking so long. If she knew her master at all, though, it was probably already too late.