"Since the Mistress has made her decision, there's no point in hesitating." She met Ashlyn's eyes, which were alight with anticipation. "The legalities of founding a House are surprisingly straightforward. The Mistress possesses the required power, and the means for acquiring sufficient rings for land purchase. Beyond that, it's a matter of navigating the bureaucratic maze."
She paused for a moment, ensuring her words were taken to heart before continuing. "However, as I said before, the true complexity lies in upholding both the formal and informal obligations of a House. The formal aspects align with what Julian mentioned. Those particulars are best managed by a skilled professional – an expensive one. The informal obligations, though, can be a tortuous entanglement to unravel, woven from customs and unspoken expectations, much of which I've come to know only through hearsay."
Ashlyn swallowed, her earlier enthusiasm waning slightly under the shadow of practicality. The initial hurdle was clear: capital. The ability to charge rings helped, but the accumulation of sufficient currency to meet the substantial costs loomed large. The challenge would add another layer to her existing goals of joining the Academy and strengthening her powers. But it wasn’t as if she had a menu of options.
In the meantime, an unspoken idea began to take root in the minds of Julian and Natalia. The very thought of voicing it seemed absurd. They exchanged a knowing glance, a silent conversation passing between them. But almost as quickly as it appeared, that speck of hope was extinguished by the harshness of reality. They were already indebted to Ashlyn for her saving Andre and confronting House Akehurst. To propose their allegiance to her nascent House felt like an imposition too great. Besides, the feasibility of such a plan was questionable at best. The notion of a new House, without backing, flourishing in the complex socio-political landscape of the Hold seemed far-fetched. If establishing a House were a viable path, surely many independent resonants would have chosen it over aligning with existing Houses.
Marta's gaze hardened as she observed a silent exchange between Julian and Natalia. She understood their longing all too well. The aspiration to become affiliated with a House was a common dream among the unringed – a dream she herself harbored. To be recognized as a citizen, to ascend beyond one's birthright, was a desire that overshadowed even the wealthiest of accumulations. Yet, the idea of pledging fealty to a new House, especially one led by a resonant as unconventional as Ashlyn, was as much alluring as it was terrifying.
Ashlyn, catching the subtle interplay of glances, sensed an unspoken dilemma while Marta was facing her own crossroads. Years of cautious listening and astute observation in the Riverside's halls had taught her enough. To start a new House was a venture fated to fail, especially for a resonant who was yet to establish her footing. The Hold could as easily uplift as it could crush an emerging House, especially one that had already drawn the ire of established powers.
Even so, there was something about Ashlyn, the altruist naivety and unpolished resolve, that stirred the desire to believe in Marta. It was a gamble, undoubtedly, but the appeal of a different future, a chance to finally escape destiny, was too much too much to pass on.
With a surge of impulsive courage that surprised even herself, Marta broke the tense silence. "Mistress," she began, her voice still shaken, "forgive me for my boldness."
Standing up abruptly, Marta's actions sent a ripple of shock through the room. Julian and Natalia, seasoned in the ways of the Hold, could barely believe their eyes. Natalia, in particular, felt utterly confused. Had her practical, grounded cousin lost her sense, or was it they who were too fearful to seize the opportunity?
Ashlyn, caught off-guard, tensed instinctively. Beside her, Teresa nearly toppled from her seat in surprise. Before they could react further, Marta, with an air of solemnity, knelt down gracefully.
"I, Marta Perez, hereby pledge my allegiance and unwavering loyalty to House Quinn," she declared.
The room fell into a stunned silence, punctuated only by the muffled gasp from Teresa. Ashlyn's mouth hung open, a perfect portrait of bewilderment. The seconds stretched on, heavy with the weight of the unforeseen turn.
Overwhelmed and uncertain, Ashlyn turned to Teresa, almost panicking. "What should I do?"
Tess, usually ready to banter, found herself at a loss. "What the ringless hell should I know?" she responded, the decorum of the moment entirely forgotten.
In the tense atmosphere of the room, Marta remained kneeling, her earlier boldness now giving way to an internal turmoil. She berated herself for acting on impulse without first educating the resonant about the norms of House allegiances. Retracting her pledge now seemed dishonorable, but persisting in her current position felt equally problematic.
Fortunately, Julian had enough sense to step in and provide much-needed clarity.
“Mistress, Miss Marta's gesture is a traditional way of pledging allegiance to a House,” he explained, pausing to gauge Ashlyn's reaction before continuing. “For a House to thrive, it requires not only a resonant at its helm but also devoted retainers, typically unringed who pledge their loyalty.”
Marta's frame visibly tensed upon hearing Julian's explanation, while Natalia internally chided her husband for his habit of not being forthright, even in such delicate situations. She interjected to prevent any further misunderstandings.
“Mistress, please forgive my cousin's boldness. After witnessing your compassion towards us as unringed, she acted impulsively without consulting you first,” Natalia offered, hoping to smooth over the awkwardness.
Ashlyn, though unfamiliar with Hold customs, was quick to grasp the unfolding dynamics. She sought to clarify her understanding. “What would it mean if I accepted the pledge?” she inquired directly.
“Marta would become a retainer of your House, once established,” Natalia promptly responded. “This entails a legal obligation on your part to provide for her basic needs, usually compensated through rings. In return, she would serve your House within her capabilities.”
Ashlyn, still trying to make sense of the social fabric of the Hold, asked bluntly, “Why would she want to become a servant?”
The room's atmosphere shifted at her words. Everyone, almost instinctively, lowered their heads in embarrassment. Ashlyn, raised outside these norms, suddenly realized the weight of her question. Her life, completely different from those born into the Hold's system, hadn't prepared her for the complex interplay of power and privilege. She understood the concepts of injustice and powerlessness, but her identity as a resonant had not altered her perception of being part of a higher class.
Teresa, dropping all formalities that she rarely followed anyway, addressed her friend with raw honesty, “Ashlyn, where you grew up must be worlds apart from here. Here, everything revolves around the rings. For us, being a resonant is an impossible dream, but being part of a House? It would give us rights, a chance for our descendants. It's as high as we can reach.”
Ashlyn's heart wrestled with conflicting emotions. The thought of accepting Marta's pledge gnawed at her sense of fairness. It made her feel disgusted with herself, as if she was endorsing the system, a system that deemed someone like Marta as lesser.
“Is this truly your wish?” Ashlyn asked, her voice carrying her attempt to understand Marta’s position, who continued to kneel with tears cascading down her cheeks. Were these tears born of sorrow, indignation, or a sense of defeat?
Marta’s silent nod, steadfast gaze spoke volumes, affirming her decision. Ashlyn struggled with the decision, knowing the woman would never truly comprehend the repercussions of her own commitment, at least while she remained oblivious to Ashlyn’s real motives.
For the resonant, the choice to establish House Quinn had been a necessity rather than a preference. Given the deadly alternative of revealing her true nature and abandoning her quest for vengeance, aligning with an existing House had never been a viable path.
The complexity and expense of founding a House were scary, but these were hurdles Ashlyn could face; her journey was always destined to be arduous. However, the prospect of involving others in her crusade made her conscience bleed. What consequences would her followers endure should her true intentions be discovered? In pledging allegiance, Marta was unknowingly enlisting in a war against the very foundations of the Hold. Ashlyn wrestled with the moral implications of drawing others into her orbit of retribution. The thought of dragging innocent lives into her vengeance caused her to feel nauseated.
But, could she justly dismiss Marta's offer, deciding on her behalf that it was for the best? How could she replicate her parents' mistake, choosing for others as they had for her? And yet, was Marta better off facing the ruthless machinations of powers like House Akehurst alone?
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Understanding the suffering of those unringed and raised under the Hold's shadow was beyond Ashlyn's grasp. However, it was evident that they lived for a chance of joining a House, a chance at a better life.
Ashlyn's nascent House would undoubtedly need retainers. The Hold's strict norms would demand it. Aligning with others under the guise of normality would provide a shield for her ulterior motives. It was a pragmatic and disheartening realization; the road to destroying the Hold's oppressive structures would require sacrifices.
Torn between her conscience and her cause, Ashlyn faced a conundrum. Part of her yearned to dissuade Marta from this doomed path, to urge them to seek a life beyond the Hold's grasp. Yet, her revenge demanded a different choice, one that would forever erode a part of her identity, a part of her parents' legacy.
Thus, amidst a torrent of conflicting emotions, Ashlyn made a choice she knew would haunt her. "I accept your pledge." She paused, wrestling with the shame and guilt. Internally, she questioned whether her heart had turned that cold, or if there were deeper reasons for her own actions. A forced smile graced her lips as she continued "What should I do now? Is there something more to say?"
The solemnity of the moment was momentarily lifted as Teresa giggled, and even Marta suppressed a chuckle at the resonant’s boundlessness.
Julian stepped in, guiding her gently, “To make it official, you should acknowledge her with her new name.”
“Marta of House Quinn,” Tess whispered softly.
“Rise, Marta of House Quinn,” Ashlyn announced, still struggling to embrace this unfamiliar tradition.
“Thank you, Mistress,” Marta said through tears, hastily clarifying that these were tears of joy and relief.
The floodgates had opened, and what followed felt almost inevitable.
“I, Julian Morey,” “I, Natalia Morey,” they began, their voices harmonizing in a solemn pledge, “pledge my loyalty and fealty to House Quinn.”
The couple knelt in unison, sealing their fate with the still-to-be-found House. Andre, still nursing his injuries, received a threatening glare from his mother and immediately moved to kneel alongside his parents. His efforts were clumsy, almost toppling over, but the will was there, if only because of the fear.
Ashlyn, witnessing this tableau, felt her sin darken. She caught Teresa's eye, who playfully feigned a kneel, teasing the possibility of joining the pledges. Ashlyn shot her a threatening look, a silent 'don't you dare,' which Tess understood, retreating with a giggle.
The decision to accept the Moreys weighed heavily on her. Observing Andre's pained effort, she realized there was no time for contemplation. With a heavy heart, she accepted their pledges, sealing their fates with the utterance of their new titles.
Exhausted by the emotional tribulation, Ashlyn downed her glass of water and refilled it twice more. As the tension in the room gradually dissipated, thoughts turned towards the specifics of establishing House Quinn. They faced some primary challenges: securing a legal consultant, finding suitable land, and gathering the necessary funds.
Marta, taking charge, offered the Moreys accommodation in her quarters, then addressed Ashlyn with a thoughtful look. “The Mistress will need to stay in a proper room at the Hotel to maintain her image,” she suggested. When Natalia expressed concern about the arrangement's impact on Marta, she replied with enthusiasm, “My boss will be more than eager to be in my good graces, knowing I'm pledged to a House.”
With meticulous care, Marta guided Ashlyn through the lesser-traveled corridors of the Riverside, ensuring they avoided public areas. The reputation of a resonant, especially one about to establish a new House, was delicate. Sneaking through servant quarters was certainly not the image they needed to project.
As they traveled through the opulent corridors of the Riverside, Ashlyn allowed herself to forget her woes and fall into a state of wonder. The interior was a new level of extravagance; plush chairs adorned the hallways, sumptuous curtains framed the windows, and cushions of vibrant hues beckoned from every corner. The lavishness of the décor revealed the clientele the Riverside catered to – affluent merchants, retainers of prominent Houses, and aspiring resonants.
Marta, navigating the halls with practiced ease, ushered Ashlyn to the reception, where the grandeur only increased. The counter, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, was manned by impeccably dressed staff. It was here that Marta arranged a four-day stay in a luxurious suite for Ashlyn, at the staggering cost of 120 ring charges. The price left Ashlyn momentarily speechless, her mind unable to respond. This fee included meals, personalized service, and unrestricted access to Riverside's facilities.
Before Ashlyn could voice any objections, primarily due to her financial constraints, Marta stepped in, producing three large rings as payment. It was clear that Marta was drawing from her own reserves to cover the cost. Ashlyn, though touched by this gesture, couldn't hide her astonishment. The realization that it would take her a month of relentless casting to amass such a wealth of charges weighed heavily on her.
Her contemplations were briefly interrupted as Marta led her to a small empty room. Inside, Marta activated a mysterious ringtech machine, inserting two large rings into a wall socket and pressing a lever. The room suddenly burst into light and began to vibrate, causing Ashlyn to lose her balance. The lines of power illuminated on the walls fascinated her, but her attention was swiftly drawn to a ring that materialized on the floor. To her astonishment, the room started ascending.
Ashlyn, unprepared for the experience, let out a small squeak of surprise and clung to the walls for support. It was then that Marta, realizing her oversight, hastened to explain.
"Mistress, there's no need for alarm. This is an elevator, a ringtech mechanism that transports us between floors. It's completely safe," Marta reassured her with a serious tone.
Ashlyn, managing to gather herself, nodded in understanding. It took quite a few breaths for her to feel secure enough to step away from the supportive walls. The elevator's gentle hum and the steady rise offered a much-needed moment of peace.
The marvel of ringtech continued to unfold before Ashlyn's eyes as she stepped out of the elevator, her mind still trying to guess what rings could make a room float. As the ring vanished, leaving only a soft glow from a dim lamp, she followed Marta out into a corridor that was no less elegant. The hallway, adorned with minimalist decor, had four doors, two on each side.
Marta flashed a golden key and unlocked one of the doors on the left. Ashlyn entered, her eyes already scanning for more glimpses of ringtech. While there were no more startling inventions like the elevator, the suite itself was a spectacle of luxury. Spanning five rooms, it included a main room, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a balcony.
The main room, lavishly furnished, featured a plush sofa, an elegant table, chairs, a cooler for refreshments, and a switch to summon room service. Both bedrooms boasted expansive beds, wardrobes, and dressing tables, with the master bedroom presenting an even more extravagant decor. The bathroom, with its inviting bathtub and an array of fine lotions and soaps, promised relaxation and pampering.
However, it was the balcony that captured Ashlyn's attention most. Overlooking the serene river and the sprawling inner districts of the Hold, the view was breathtaking. Beyond the water, the cityscape stretched out in a painting of towering buildings, lush gardens – actual uncovered gardens – and impressive villas. Marta explained that these magnificent structures were the abodes of the Houses, each one an architectural masterpiece in its own right.
Ashlyn stood on the balcony, taking in the panoramic vista of the Hold – a world so different from anything she had known. If the previous sights had been the wealthiest of humanity, these were an entirely new world. The splendor of the city, the seamless integration of ringtech, and the sheer scale of everything left her in awe. In this moment, she realized the extent of the power and influence of the rings, a power she also controlled.
Her gaze, now less marveled and more analytic, swept across the landscape. The towering Houses, each cocooned behind high walls and adorned with their own high tower, hinted at even grander structures beyond – including the renowned Academy of Rings and the Ring Tower, which stood majestic on the horizon, at the center of the Hold. These landmarks were not just architectural marvels; they were her ultimate goal.
After a long time, her thoughts turned to dinner. Marta, suggested room service, tactfully noting Ashlyn's current attire and limited knowledge of Hold etiquette. Grateful for the suggestion, Ashlyn welcomed the opportunity to unwind in the privacy of the luxurious suite, away from prying eyes and the exhausting demands of the day.
Once alone, Marta had taken the opportunity to impart some critical advice. With Ashlyn’s application to establish a new House underway, maintaining a resonant's decorum was essential. Residing in Riverside's most opulent suite was a strategic move, though the hotel was only considered acceptable by resonant standards. Not because of the luxury itself, but because of the establishment’s stand and reach. Nonetheless, it was a necessary compromise to uphold her image during this critical period.
Marta also informed Ashlyn that she could use the meeting rooms at Riverside for consultations with legal and other professionals, thus ensuring she adhered to the appropriate conduct expected of a resonant. The revelation that Riverside's extravagance surpassed that of many smaller Houses was both alarming and reassuring to Ashlyn. While the hotel had to overcompensate for its status with luxury, the standard for Houses still demanded a certain level of grandeur.
Left to her own devices, Ashlyn eagerly delved into exploring the ringtech in the suite. Her first experiment was with the bathtub. Intrigued, she observed how it used two small rings – one red for alignment and one purple for waves. As instructed, she tapped the handle, and water flowed effortlessly, allowing her to control the volume with precision. The concept was simple but ingenious.
Next, she examined the heater, similar to the one she had encountered at the Morey's but remarkably more efficient. A small purple ring powered the device, heating the water in only thirty seconds. The efficiency and sophistication of these ringtech devices never ceased to amaze her.
Soaked in the warm bath, Ashlyn heard knocking on the door. Anxious and ashamed for almost sleeping on the tub, she hurriedly wrapped herself in towels and checked the door to find Marta in the hall manning a service cart. The enticing smell left no doubt about what was placed under the cloches.
As Ashlyn indulged in the rich flavors of the beef broth, her appreciation for Riverside's grew. The meat was tender, its flavor enhanced by the carefully selected vegetables, and the accompanying soft bread and fresh fruits completed the meal perfectly.
As she savored each bite, Marta took the opportunity to update her. "I've arranged a meeting with a legal consultant for tomorrow morning, after breakfast." Ashlyn, still engrossed in the delightful taste of the beef, looked up inquisitively.
Sensing Ashlyn's curiosity, Marta elaborated. "He's highly recommended and a generalist, proficient in a variety of legal matters." Ashlyn, slightly overwhelmed by her new responsibilities, simply nodded. She decided to meet the consultant first before asking any more questions.
However, a particularly unpleasant topic couldn’t be avoided: How in the Ring’s Supreme Glow would they get enough ring charges to pay for everything?