Finishing her meal, Ashlyn eyed the remaining fruits, pondering over the next steps of her plan. It was time to address some less pleasant topics. She cleared her throat, preparing to broach a subject she found somewhat embarrassing.
"Marta," Ashlyn began hesitantly, "we need to discuss the rings. You’ve already invested your savings into this room, and now there's the matter of the consultant. I only have about thirty charges to my name. Shouldn't we pace ourselves until I’ve accumulated more?”
With a somber expression, Marta responded in a deliberate pace. “Mistress, we're fully aware that your financial situation is... less than ideal at present.” She paused, weighing the words carefully. “But considering the resources pooled from my own and my cousin's family, we can manage the initial expenses.”
Ashlyn opened her mouth to protest, but Marta’s resolve was evident as she continued. “We are now members of House Quinn. It’s only right that we contribute in whatever capacity we can. Please accept this as our contribution to the House.”
She eyed Marta in embarrassment. The thought of allowing others to shoulder the financial burden was discomforting, but her resources were stretched thin. Reluctantly, she nodded in agreement.
Marta’s tone softened with kindness. “You should rest, Mistress. I'll return in the morning to accompany you to the restaurant and the meeting.” She added, aiming to reassure, “For now, let the concern of the rings rest. I will confer with my cousin about our total assets and update you tomorrow.”
Ashlyn’s expression clouded with further worry at these comforting words, but she could only muster a weak smile and a nod, deferring the issue to the morrow.
Once Marta departed, Ashlyn found herself exploring the ringtech in the room. For hours, she delved into their mechanics, a welcome distraction from the weight of her responsibilities. Finally, conceding to fatigue, she succumbed to the embrace of the comfortable bed, where she found an unexpectedly deep slumber.
The next morning dawned early for Ashlyn. Despite the coziness of the bed, she roused herself at the first light of day, her disciplined nature prevailing. After engaging in a rigorous routine of stretches and combat forms, invigorated but still pensive, she took a swift bath, readying herself to face the day's challenges.
The restaurant, nestled on the second floor of the hotel, sprawled lavishly with its tables arranged both for common dining and more secluded encounters. Each piece of furniture, crafted with care and comfort in mind, echoed the hotel's commitment to elegance. At this early hour, only a few tables were occupied, giving Ashlyn the liberty to choose her spot amidst the sparsely filled room.
Breakfast, though lacking the sumptuousness of the previous night's dinner, still presented a delightful array of choices. Critically, Ashlyn loaded a plate with a colorful fruit-adorned pastry and a savory mix of eggs and cheese. She enjoyed the food and promptly concluded the breakfast to head for the meeting.
The hotel's meeting rooms, located conveniently on the first floor, catered to a variety of guest needs, from casual gatherings to confidential discussions. Foreseeing the need for privacy, Marta had reserved one of these rooms the day before. Ashlyn, already conscious of her limited financial resources, refrained from making any special requests that would add to the cost, settling for the standard refreshments provided by the hotel.
As they navigated towards the room, Marta seized the opportunity to brief Ashlyn on their financial status. The revelation of 310 ring charges in their fund caused Ashlyn to stumble in disbelief, and the subsequent realization that Morey’s ringtech and furniture, if liquidated, could garner an additional 700 charges, only intensified her shock. Seeking to appease the Mistress, Marta attempted to downplay the significance of the figures by comparing them to the cost of a single empty large ring, at 20 charges. However, the attempt only aggravated the resonant’s growing concern.
Approaching their destination, Ashlyn's ears picked up the sound of a familiar voice inside the room. Undoubtedly, Julian's.
“I’m honored to make your acquaintance, Mistress Quinn!” A young man stood and bowed excitedly to her as she walked in.
Ashlyn responded with a polite smile, refreshed by the young consultor’s eagerness. "Thank you, Mr…?" she replied a little embarrassed but still mindful of her superior social stand.
The man’s enthusiasm barely waned as he introduced himself. "Kovitch, Allister Kovitch," he declared, his words spilling out in a rapid stream.
Julian rose and extended a chair towards Ashlyn. "Mistress, please, take a seat," he offered with a courteous gesture. Ashlyn took the offered chair, her mind still reeling from the staggering sum of rings Marta had mentioned.
Allister, eager to establish his credentials, produced a striking insignia of red and gold, intricately adorned with the motif of a tower encircled by rings. "Allow me to present my qualifications, Mistress," he announced, handing the emblem. "I am duly licensed by the Academy of Commons to manage all legal affairs within the Hold." His voice held a detectable note of pride, but Ashlyn discerned a subtle undercurrent of melancholy as he gazed at the insignia, hinting at a deeper story left untold.
Julian stepped in to provide context and explain their purpose. "Mistress Quinn is an independent resonant, aspiring to establish a House. We sought out Mr. Kovitch's expertise for the necessary legal formalities and associated matters." His explanation was concise, minimizing Ashlyn's need to speak, thus preserving her dignified image as a resonant.
"Just for clarification, Mistress has not been previously registered with the Hold, neither as a resident nor a citizen, correct?" The consultant's query was direct and unambiguous, his tone careful, almost probing.
Fleeting apprehension struck Ashlyn's heart. Was he subtly inquiring about her origins? Julian cast a discreet glance her way, seeking silent permission to respond. Left with little alternative, she gave a slight nod in affirmation.
"I see... This makes the Mistress's situation quite extraordinary," Allister mused reflectively. "There's certainly no legal impediment to this. Typically, resonants are registered within the Hold. It's not unusual for someone from the settlements to come across an... 'opportunity,'" he carefully selected the words to avoid broaching a sensitive subject, "but it should be noted that additional requirements, strictly regulated by the Hold, also apply. Even when private agreements with a House are made, individuals usually enter the Hold under a resident status."
Ashlyn struggled to maintain composure. Her unique circumstances – possessing an Arcanite and a Neuroenhancer without ever having been near the Hold – were a secret she needed to guard closely. The sudden realization of her vulnerability sent a ripple of panic through her. She was on the verge of devising a hasty escape plan when Allister's voice pulled her back to the present.
"Please, forgive my intrusion, Mistress," Allister said, his tone apologetic but professional. "My intention is solely to clarify details for the legal proceedings. I assure you of my discretion."
Ashlyn's heart rate began to normalize as she listened. To smooth her unique circumstances, Allister suggested the use of a legal instrument known as dissolution, typically employed for disassociating resonants from a House to facilitate their transition to another or, in rare cases, to establish a new one.
"I understand," she began, her voice steady despite the lack of confidence. "So, if we proceed with this dissolution, there won’t be any suspicion about my origins in the eyes of the Hold's legal system?"
Allister Kovitch nodded. "Exactly, Mistress Quinn. Once the dissolution is processed, we can proceed with establishing House Quinn as if you were a newly recognized resonant."
Julian, who had been listening closely, interjected, "But wouldn't this dissolution process require the Mistress to be part of another House in the first place? How do we address that?"
The consultant paused, carefully considering how to answer. "The dissolution addendum can be worded in such a way that it implies a previous affiliation without explicitly stating it. It's a legal grey area, but not uncommon in complex cases. It provides enough ambiguity to satisfy the bureaucratic requirements."
Ashlyn felt a sense of relief wash over her. This approach could shield her from probing questions about her past and allow her to focus on becoming stronger. "Then, let's proceed with this plan. I trust your expertise, Mr. Kovitch."
Allister then broached the subject of cost, casually mentioning a figure that made Ashlyn's heart skip a beat. "The petition, along with the dissolution addendum, will cost 450 ring charges," he stated.
Ashlyn's reaction was visceral, "450?" she gasped, the number echoing in her mind like a thunderclap.
Julian swept in to save her from embarrassment, steering the conversation towards practical matters. "How long will this process take, Mr. Kovitch? And what other arrangements must we make for the House registration?"
Allister Kovitch leaned forward, his demeanor shifting slightly. "We'll need to draft the necessary documents for the dissolution and House registration. The procedures are relatively fast, so it would take a week, at most. This will require specific details about House Quinn's charter, values, and objectives. We'll also need to start looking for suitable land for the House's establishment."
Ashlyn, who had been leaning forward in rapt attention, sank back into her chair, her mind working on the possibilities. The week-long timeframe for the procedures seemed both a blessing and a problematic deadline.
Sensing her hesitation, the consultor leaned in slightly. "Might I inquire, if the Mistress already secured a suitable property for House Quinn?" His words were carefully chosen, but his ulterior motivation was barely concealed.
The resonant’s gaze darted to Julian, seeking his seasoned judgment. She found Allister's eagerness suspicious.
"No, Mr. Kovitch, we haven’t secured a property yet," Julian admitted. "Do you have any options to present us?"
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Allister straightened up. "Well, I'm privy to several properties. It's important to note that real estate within the Hold is a coveted commodity. Proximity to the Tower escalates the value exponentially. I have connections up to the Bronze Ring district, but most available land is in the Outer Ring. Prices range from one thousand to ten thousand charges for land, while buildings can peak at five thousand. I might be able to secure an acre of land close to the Hatder Lake. However, securing property in the Bronze Ring would involve more than just capital."
Ashlyn's heart skipped a beat at the mention of thousands of charges. The numbers floated around her mind like a maelstrom. She felt rooted to the chair, unable to articulate the shock that constricted her throat.
Even Julian found his usual facade of professionalism cracking under the strain. The staggering costs of land within the Hold far surpassed their wildest estimates. Owning land, a distant dream for the unringed, had suddenly become a nearly insurmountable obstacle for their nascent House.
The previous evening, in the privacy of Marta's quarters, they had poured over their finances, piling every single ring. He knew establishing a House in the prestigious Bronze Ring would be impossible, but he never expected that even the Outer Ring was out of reach.
"Mr. Kovitch, the amount... it's significantly beyond our initial expectations," Julian admitted.
Mr. Kovitch, sensing the meeting drawing to a close, was caught between conflicting emotions. His professional instincts urged him to withdraw gracefully, but a part of him clung to the slim hope that this would be the opportunity he had been waiting for.
On one hand, House Quinn, still in its infancy, appeared weak. Their financial limitations, the apparent inexperience of their retainers, and Ashlyn's own lapses in the complex etiquette of Hold society painted a picture of a House fated to fail.
However, despite the glaring weaknesses, there was something undeniably compelling about Ashlyn. Her naivety, coupled with the mystery of her origins, compelled him to hope.
Confronted with the prospect of fading into obscurity, Allister's decision teetered on the edge of reason. In the end, it was the lure of the unknown, the possibility of aligning with a resonant whose story was unwritten, that tipped the scales. It was a bold, reckless choice, but in a world where the unimportant were easily trampled, it was a risk he was willing to take. Perhaps, just perhaps, this gamble would be key to his return.
The atmosphere shifted in the meeting room as Mr. Kovitch decided to speak. "Mistress," he began, "I might have a way to transfer ownership of a manor to the Mistress in exchange for a favor." His deliberate vagueness seemed designed to probe their reaction without fully revealing his hand.
Ashlyn and Julian, seated across the polished wooden table, exchanged a knowing look. There it was, the moment they had been anticipating, the revelation of the consultant's true intentions.
"And what would be the favor?" Julian inquired, his professional tone hiding the suspicion.
Allister hesitated, prefacing his next words with an apology for any perceived indiscretion. "In exchange for a manor in the prestigious Bronze Ring, and any other assistance I can provide to House Quinn, I ask for a vow," he stated, his eyes fixed intently on Ashlyn. "Should House Quinn ever come into possession of an arcanite, it would be given to me."
A heavy silence enveloped the room. Despite her limited time in the Hold, Ashlyn understood the immense value of an arcanite. No House would part with it lightly.
Julian, visibly taken aback by the audacity of the request, rose from his chair. To propose trading an arcanite, especially to a resonant, was not just bold but bordered disrespect. His stance was clear. He couldn't permit such a transaction. The very notion of bartering an arcanite was unthinkable, and its suggestion by an unringed in the presence of a resonant was a breach of Hold etiquette. "Our meeting is over, Mr. Kovitch. Please see yourself out," his tone devoid of the earlier cordiality.
Allister hesitated, his demeanor shifting from assertiveness to caution. The realization that he stood before a resonant, someone who wielded power beyond his reach, came abruptly. He had overstepped and by doing so, he lost his chance, perhaps his last chance. He began to turn towards the door, ready to make a hasty retreat.
"Wait," Ashlyn interjected, making Allister stop in his tracks. Her eyes were fixed on him. "Before you go, I want to know who you really are, Mr. Kovitch."
The room seemed to shrink around Allister as he faltered, his professional guise crumbling. He opened his mouth to speak, likely to fabricate a response, but Ashlyn continued.
"I don’t know much about the Hold Laws and etiquette, but I’m particularly interested in the Academy. I heard only citizens can attend. Yet, you mentioned being licensed by the Academy of Commons. How does a resident like you manage to get enrolled in the Academy and negotiate a manor in the Bronze Ring?"
Allister's retreat became more pronounced, his back edging towards the door. Julian, who had been intently observing, blinked in realization. How had he missed such a critical detail? He had been so focused on assessing the consultant's credentials that he missed the important detail.
In the Hold, the social structure is defined by three distinct categories: residents, citizens, and prime citizens, each with their own set of rights and privileges.
Residents are the unringed individuals who have been granted the basic right to live within the Hold. Their rights are, however, quite limited. They lack the authority to own land or to appeal to the court for any grievances. Their legal entitlements are restricted to owning private possessions, land being the notable exception. While residents can rent properties, engage in employment, and conduct trade, their inability to invoke the law for protection or in disputes sets them apart.
A step above residents are the citizens, also unringed but with a significant distinction: they are retainers of a House or members of a recognized institution. This affiliation brings a layer of security and rights. As members of a House, citizens are protected by the law, have the right to use public services, and can plead to the court. They may also enroll in the Academy of Commons, where they can pursue further education and advancement.
At the apex of the Hold hierarchy are the prime citizens. This category includes all resonants who are legally associated with a House or an institution. Their status as prime citizens entitles them to the full spectrum of rights enjoyed by citizens, along with several exclusive privileges. Prime citizens are empowered to establish new Houses, change their House affiliations (subject to the Hold's approval), and own land. Their elite status also grants them access to the prestigious Academy of Rings, a chance to partake in the government body, and a host of other significant privileges.
"Mistress," Allister began to plead.
Sensing his fear, Ashlyn interjected with an unexpected measure of respect. "Is it something illegal or dangerous for you? If so, I won’t insist."
Surprised by her respectful approach, Allister paused, weighing his options. He could fabricate an excuse, but the resonant's unexpected reasonableness presented an opportunity for honesty.
"I wasn’t always a resident," he started, his voice already taking on notes of sadness. "Ten years ago, I was Allister of House Bauer. But our House was dissolved after losing its last resonant. All retainers, including me, lost our citizen status. The manor I mentioned was our last property, transferred to a friendly House before confiscation. I have no legal claim to it, but I believe they would transfer it if I asked."
The sorrow and shame in his voice added a layer of authenticity to his story, helping Ashlyn realize that even a mighty House could fall and lose everything. She began to understand that while resonants were indispensable to the Hold, the unringed, were not, making it illogical to sustain a House without a resonant. This revelation shed light on why the Moreys and Marta were prepared to sacrifice their savings and independence to serve her House as retainers.
Julian found himself wrestling with mixed emotions after the account. On one side, he empathized with the consultant and recognized the potential for beneficial collaboration, given the consultant's direct experience and connections. However, the prospect of associating with a fallen House and potentially drawing ire from any rival House responsible for their downfall was unappealing. Though Allister had not explicitly implicated another House in their demise, the bitterness in the young man's words suggested as much.
As a retainer, Julian's role was to advise, but the ultimate decisions rested in the hands of the Mistress. His experienced eyes settled on Ashlyn, conveying a silent message that the decision rested in her hands.
"Mr. Kovitch, I value truth over etiquette. I can't guarantee any future arcanites, and our House is far from being in a position to acquire one. But if by chance we do, I promise to offer it to you at a discount." Her words were firm, conceding as much as she could.
Allister was drenched in sweat; the intensity of negotiating such a high-stakes deal was overwhelming. He faced the most significant risk, as he was about to relinquish his last bargaining chip for a slim possibility of future negotiations. However, the opportunity to obtain arcanite was priceless. In the Hold, the most influential Houses wielded unlimited rings and power, but these advantages were futile without access to the stone.
It was a risk. In doing so, he would gain the favor of an emerging House. Had it not been for his lingering, perhaps naive, hope, he might have opted to join House Quinn as a retainer right away, rather than gambling on a future opportunity. However, he was bound by a sense of duty to his mother and the memory of his ancestors.
"Then, I'll accept the Mistress's conditions." His voice ended up sounding more desperate than hopeful. "Of course, the initial legal fees remain as discussed," he added quickly.
Ashlyn’s eyes briefly met Julian's for a silent nod of agreement, responded, "We have a deal, then. You can discuss the details with Julian. I must take my leave now." With swift steps, she stood and exited the room, leaving the details in Julian's capable hands. Allister bowed deeply, his gesture infused with genuine gratitude and relief.
Exiting the meeting room, Ashlyn found Marta waiting in a nearby lounge. Despite relinquishing her job at the hotel, Marta still enjoyed certain privileges, cleverly negotiated to assist her new Mistress. Their conversation in the public space was cautious and brief, mindful of the curious eyes around them. Ashlyn's mind was already racing ahead, eager to return to her suite and contribute to the House's meager finances.
Back in the sanctuary of her room, Ashlyn was greeted by the expansive view of the Hold from her balcony. While enjoying the sight, she immediately set about the task of charging the stack of empty rings provided by the Moreys. Each ring came to life under her skilled manipulation, glowing briefly as she infused them with energy. Her technique was improving, the casting process now more efficient. Slow but steady progress.
As Ashlyn gazed outside, her attention was captivated by the architectural splendor of the Houses within their compounds. A common design prevailed: high walls encircling structures with a few stories and a central tower, interspersed with gardens and occasional small lakes. She pondered how they sustained such lush greenery amid acid rain. Could they be using protective rings for their estates?
Indeed, the explanation made sense, as beyond the Outer Rings – the district marking the boundary between the Houses and unringed districts – the absence of uncovered gardens, parks, or other luxuries vulnerable to the corrosive rain was obvious. Why hadn't they developed ringtech to shield against the rain? Was it prohibitively expensive or challenging to create?
Further observation revealed a telling detail: smaller, less affluent Houses lacked these non-stone, exposed amenities. This observation indicated that rain protection, employed by larger Houses, was either expensive or complex to implement.
Lost in her thoughts, ten minutes swiftly passed. Ashlyn realized she was ready to cast charging rings again. Successfully adding another charge in just over a minute, she brought her purse to 46 ring charges. Despite this, she still felt too modest to consider contributing to House expenses, though she knew the increase in her power would accumulate to something significant soon.
Nonetheless, Ashlyn couldn't spend all her time as a ring charger. She envisioned a relaxed routine in her room, alternating between recharging, eating, and unwinding. The next day promised more diversity, with a morning visit to a mysterious manor and an afternoon meeting with an etiquette consultant.
Her retainers, thankfully, handled the tedious operational tasks, allowing her to focus on her rings. The only downside was not being able to see Teresa freely due to her precarious status while awaiting registration, which could risk the House's reputation. Once her position was secured and she had her own manor, she could entertain as she pleased. Gratefully, the merchant, seizing the opportunity for free accommodation and networking, extended her stay indefinitely. Ashlyn found herself considering, in a break from her usual reticence, inviting her gregarious friend to join as a retainer, just to keep her close.
Her retainers handled the operational aspects of establishing the House, allowing her to focus on her ringcraft. The only downside to this arrangement was the limited interaction with Tess. Given her precarious situation as she awaited the official establishment of her House, she had to be cautious about maintaining a reputation untainted by controversy. She looked forward to the day when her House was secured and she could enjoy the freedom of her own manor, perhaps even inviting Teresa to join her circle of retainers.