He awoke with a start, sitting up so quick that he caused the female servant at his side to jump out of her chair, dropping her book. She let out a bit of a scream which she luckily had muffled with her hand. Urberer glanced around and was glad she did. The room he was in was large and her yelp would have surely bounced off the white painted walls. The walls of the room spoke to its lavishness, as its trim was decorated wooden vines and flowers, touched with gold. One side of the room was furnished with a heavy looking desk with several bookcases next to it. There was a sizable dresser with an elven height mirror, trimmed in silver to the side of it. There was a large basin too, that seemed to have piping into water. And various paintings decorated the rest of the space.
His sleep had been restless and so he had yet to note the comfort of the bed he sat in until after taking in the room. It was soft enough for a king to lay on. Multiple pillows and a canopy overhead. At the bottom of the bed there was a cedar trunk. And to the left and right of the bed were night stands, one with an ample supply of paper and ink.
On the other side a pitcher of water and a goblet, enlaid with small pearls. And on that side, sitting in a winged back purple velvet chair was a young woman in simple, yet quality sewn garmets. She had a simple necklace with an obsidian stone at the bottom.
Who know’s how long I’ve been out. Or truly where I am. I best make good connection with my new friend here.
“Pardon me my dear. I had such terrible dreams. I thought I had died. And if I have, is this the fabled paradise? Are you my angel?”
The woman’s expression who once was fearful, changed to a blushed embarrassed look.
“Not paradise Monk Uberer, but I’m glad that it feels that way for you.”
“So you’re not an angel? Are you sure? You look it to me,” he squints his eyes at her, assessing.
“You speak such kind words. No. I’m one of misses Hali’s hand maids. One of the few still around. We lost one for gossiping. I’m sorry, that doesn’t concern you. But yes. I’m one of her hand maids and she put me in charge of looking over you until you awoke.”
“Well, quite the beautiful handmaiden you are.”
“You are so kind Monk Urberer. Let me get you some water.” She pours him a couple. Urberer goes to reach for it but she shakes her head no. She then begins to help him sip from the cup. “The misses was very particular that you did not do too much until she got to speak to you and see you well for her self. “ She whispers a little low “The Hali family take great effort in taking care of their guess. They’d tell you the same, so it’s not gossiping. So please do be understanding of all of these efforts.” She leans back, “and if there is anything I can get you, just let me know.”
“Well… hmm. Thank you. Could you tell me, how long I’ve been here and um, where are my things?”
“You’ve been here several weeks now.”
“Several days”
“Several, wait, what?”
“I’ve not kept track but its been a few weeks”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“Well, really…” Urberer said, not quite sure how to take the loss of time.
How could I have been out for so long? Was I poisoned? Overused my mana? We’ll figure out later on. Let’s check to see if this is real.
“Well there are things the body does… things that must be attended to in private. And to think of it, I smell like primroses. And where are my” he lifts the sheets up and then swiftly pulls them back down. His voice quieter “where are my clothes and under breeches?”
Her face flushes red once more.
“We … took care of your Monk Urberer. I suggested to misses Hali that we take you to the temple. She advised it wouldn’t look good on your reputation as it is, nor, for us to bring in any other hands to help. She then told me not be squeamish. That one day, I will be married and may have to look after my husband like this. And …” she shrugs in shoulders, looking off to the side, still embarrassed “She always says perfect practice and experience are the best ways to learn. So …” she returns her look to him “with you being such an important person, it was important to do things right. I hope you do understand.”
He shakes his head slowly. He was not an easily to embarrass man, but to think that this young innocent woman and another that people literally called princess would be the ones not just seeing him without clothes, but cleaned him when he soiled him as any human would, bathed him in expensive scents, and then put him back to bed was a bit much even for him to take in.
“I. Well. I thank you and prin- miss Hali. I am not the lightest of persons to move around, nor anyone when they are unconscious. Did you all at least get help for that?”
“Not a bit,” she said proudly and then flexes her bicep. She laughs, breaking her pose. “Miss Hali told me that beauty and strength most always go together.” She sighs, “to be truthful she did most of the heavy lifting. She’s a lot stronger than she looks. But, unlike other ladies, I know she is insistent on doing physical things. She even sneaks into the kitchen and helps move bags of flour. Can you imagine that? A woman her size moving bags, upon bags of flour?” She says holding an expression of admiration. She sits down again, and scratches her chin. Speaking more to herself “I wonder if they try to bribe her with sweets to help? No. No. She doesn’t really care too much for sweets. Hmmm.”
“Well. Miss. I am still, quite, umm, undressed at the moment. Where might my clothes and things be?”
“Yes. You did ask about that. Your have a set of clean clothes right there on the cedar trunk. Your staff is also there. The misses told me to make sure you were aware of that.” She gets up and gathers the items. She holds the folded clothes in both arms and presents them to him to receieve.”
He reached out to receive the clothes, and stopped, his hands under hers. The clothes were new. They were a beige color like the few sandy beaches left on the isle. There was noticeable embroridery along where the color and cuff lengths would be of purples, greens, and yellows. He looked up from the clothes to the handmaid and saw that she was blushing. “Sorry my dear. I did not mean to leave my hands there like that. I meant nothing by it as I would not be so forward to a sweet heart who has taken such good care of me,” he gives her a radiant smile. He meant it too. He had charmed many a woman in his day. It was easier that way. He could get to what he wanted be it information or sending off a young pursuers, or an older one as times have taught him, and no one would be the wiser to his movements. He just seemed like the flamboyant monk who no one could catch but was a great listener. But this lady. She had truly treated him kindly and he did not want to spoil what that mean.
The young woman let out a sad sigh, turning her head. Urberer than squeezed her hand. “Please take it as no offense. You have a beauty in your own right. I just prefer not to confuse or harm. That said. I’d prefer not to take either. These are not my clothes.”
A small smile returning, “Yes. Miss Hali insured that these clothes would fit your measurements. They are for you to wear. To keep or to toss or to give away to someone who needs it.”
“Very well. I shall oblige her kind actions. Given what you told me earlier but the Hali family’s kindness,” as he accepted the clothes.
“Thank you. She will be most appreciative.”
She brushes her clothes off and turns away from him. “Feel free to get address if you have the wish.”
“You’re not going to leave the room?”
“No. I was advised to keep a strict eye on you in case your health detonated or if you needed something. Plus. I may have to take care of a lord at some point, and I’d just have to be ready moments like this. Perfect practice, remember?” She said, her voice a bit nervous.
She’s nervous. She’s seen me quite undressed as is. But then again… seeing an unconscious man naked versus a very awake man is different. Then again. I hope something else was not awake while I was asleep. That would be quite embarrassing. He thought to himself.
Urberer spread the clothes out on the bed. They felt to be of the finest quality. He slipped his undergarments on quickly, then the pants and top. As he adjusted his items he said “these feel great. And the fit is perfect. I didn’t think the misses brother was quite old enough to by my size, nor did I think her father, much my senior would be mine either. How’d you all get these.”
Still facing wave, rocking on her heels, “Yes. Miss Hali measured you.”
“Did she now?”
“Yes. Noble ladies are known to have quality stitch work. Miss Hali might not be be noble. But, well, I guess she doesn’t believe in letting your status prevent you from being your best, or the best at something.”
Or she is preparing to marry a noble more like it. And has been? Ug. Why must I go so negative. They have taken good care of me. Granted. Who doesn’t try to treat me or any of us of the religious branch well? It’s always to their favor. Always an angel.”
“Something matter Monk Urberer? You got silent all of the sudden.”
Not able to completely hide the drop in his energy “Oh. Everything is fine. Just fine. Um. Very glad for all of this.” He looks down at his chest. There were bruising marks on and about his chest and abdomen, but nothing that seemed to serious. In fact, many of the marks seemed to be healing. Make sure the shirt was tucked appropriately to his body Urberer looked up and said “You can turn around now. I’m dress, minus shoes.” He idly kicked his feet off the side of the bed.
“How could I forget,” said the woman, and then retrieved shoes from in front of the chest, where Urberer couldn’t have easily seen them. She placed them in front of him and then took two graceful steps back.
“New shoes too?”
“I did say the Hali family took care of their guests.”
“That you did,” the cynicism stealing the gratitude from his voice.
“Yes ….”
“Well. Where is the princess at?” He said a coldly.
“Princess sir? You do mean miss Hali?”
“Yes. Miss Hali.”
“Yes. Please do not call her princess. There are few things that seem to upset her like being called that.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. And hopefully you do not take this the wrong way. But Miss Hali has been very dutiful in your care. Please be kind to her efforts,” she said, firmly with her eyebrows furrowed.
It took a moment for Urberer to realize. But the firmness from this otherwise pleasant woman woke him up. Yep. I’m being an ass. Quite ungrateful. Even if it is a rouse, like almost all things for the nobles and merchants, the least I can do is act like I don’t know the game. Or just appreciate that they actually took the time to look after me. I guess.
He forced a smile. “Please forgive me. That came off wrong. I am very glad for all that you both have done. That said,” he looks around. “This is quite the room. I was wondering where miss Hali would have gone off to given that she’s given me her room to sleep in.”
The woman blinked a few time, her expression seeming puzzled. Then her eyes seemed to gather recognition, as she brought her hand up and began chucking softly.
This time Urberer was the one to arch an eyebrow. “What, um, what is so funny? What did I miss?”
She chuckles a few more times and then brings her hands down in front of body, clasped together, and offers a smile. “Her bedroom? No. No. This is just one of the handmaiden rooms. If we are working overnight or it is late we are offered to stay. In fact, there are few servants who live in the estate year round. Others have family obligations and chose to not live. We’re all given the option. But no. Her bedroom is right next door.”
“This is just, I mean, this is for servants? Clearly I’ve gone into the wrong profession.”
“Well, we are all glad to work here.”
“I see.” Urberer said. Thinking to himself, I could see why a person with some sense, which this woman seems to have, would be very proud of, and protective of their employer. She’s dressed well, has the option of lodging in luxury. And I imagine, she might well just be treated well. Hmm. Maybe. Just maybe I need to think a little differently about, at least, this merchant family. But. They all do play games. Time will tell.
“Well Monk Urberer, how do you feel. Could I get you something to eat? Something else to drink? I can get you whatever you like that we have in store and we have some great chefs too. I’d just need a moment to alert Miss Hali that you’re up now first.”
“Actually, I’d like to meet our grand host. I at least must say thank you for her hospitality as soon as possible. And, it would be good for me to get my legs moving a bit,” he said, gesturing to the door.
Plus, I’d like to get my cloak and kit back as soon as possible. Even with these clothes I feel naked without them.
She respectfully bows her head. “If that is what you wish. Follow me,” she then offers an arm to him. Urberer gratefully takes her arm and slides off the bed, one foot at a time. Testing his stability he felt as if he really hadn’t been moving for days, and felt the stiff but weak feeling from very active use to sheer immobility. Make sure that he could mostly bear weight, he slid his feet into the shoes, still using the woman’s arm as a support. He took a few moments to make sure he wouldn’t fall and then released her arm.
“Thank you so much, miss… um miss what is your name? I apologize I’ve not asked you yet.”
“Grace.”
“What a suitable name. Grace.” And he meant it. She was quite kind to him, even if she had to be a bit firm a moment ago. He’d thought it best to take note of this experience as a good one. To be treated well, even if under command, and not have anyone expect anything in return. While she may have only done so because she was directed to care for him, it still felt good. “Well Grace, shall we?”
“But of course Monk Urberer. Please follow me.” She leads the way out of the room. Before he steps out he takes a look behind him at the comfortable room. I wonder what prin- miss Hali’s room is like. It must be majestic.”
He entered briefly into the wide hallway. The floor had a strip of carpet that went about it’s length with a variety of designs. The walls were bare except for the paintings hung on them and the mage lights. They were dim, which he thought was odd, until he walked passed them and they illuminated with the strength of magic as if they had just been placed. This gave better light to some of the pantings he could see, all done by talented artist, and quite a few by names he recognized. This hallway alone must be worth a fortune.
The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
There was not enough time to accurately measure the theme of the paintings, but there were quite a number of the city, the merchants quarter, and a few of low-town. Urberer, led by Grace, soon found himself in front of an ornate solid wood door. It had the same vine and leaf motif as the room he had just left. Surprisingly, on the front was a heavy door-knocker.
Well you don’t see that inside a person’s house everyday.
Noting the strange look Urberer was throwing the door, Grace simply stated “Miss Hali has a tendency to sleep heavy. She does not like to be surprised inside her quarters and prefer announce ourselves. It gives her time to get her wits about her. Or more likely, put down one of the books she’s enthralled in.”
“Ah. A day dreamer and actual heavy sleeper.”
“Perhaps,” Grace says and then turns to him “and we wouldn’t want her in any other way. We love who she is. Now excuse me, this may be a bit loud.” Grace turns to the door and then users the knocker to bang heavily several times, with decent pauses inbeweteen. By the third knock she heard a voice, proper and female ring out a simple “Please come in.”
****
Urberer followed Grace into the room. Grace stood to the side after entering, allowing Urberer to come in. The room was smaller than the one he just left, yet still beautiful in own terms. The room’s wall were laced all around with bookshelves that were near overflowing with books. The few spaces where there were no book cases were paintings.
Unlike the other room, there was no bed or wash basin, or dressing cabinet. In its place was a elven styled desk, identifiable by the high level of detail in its organic carvings of leaves, trees, and other elements of the forest. There appeared to be a large cushioned chair behind it. The table itself was set in a corner, looking out to the rest of the room, including the door he just entered and another close door across the room.
Sitting on a leather couch in the center of the room, with garments and stitch needle in hand was Rivashel Hali, first child of the Hali clan. Her eyes lit up when she saw him and she gave a broad smile. “Monk Urberer, you’re awake!” She placed the items down on the seat next to her and stood up. Taking three precise steps away from the couch. She was careful not to run into the small tea table that was sat in front of the couch and its matching chair. Once in a good position she gave an exquisite curtsie that would have made nobles jealous of her expert skill. “Pardon my excitement. Welcome Monk Urberer. It is a pleasure to have you here.” As she stands all the way up, she gestures with her hand to the chair placed next to the tea table. “Please grace me with your company.”
Urberer felt a bit taken aback, for the second time that day. He felt like he was actually welcomed. The energy in her spirit, in her eyes, those beautiful eyes, made him feel as though he was in the right space. He felt his heart beat quicken.
Calm down. We’re just in a foreign situation. It’s all the excitement and newness of the moment making you feel things. No different then how fighting that Dusk Walker woman brought up the old days. Just figure out where your gear is, what’s been going on and get back to the group. We’ve got more important things to do than let our emotions entangle us in lies. Leave that for someone, more worthy.
Noting the hesitation Grace cleared he throat.
“Oh. I’m sorry. I am still out of sorts. And,” seeming to get his linguistic feet back underneath him “I didn’t know how to respond to such a wonderful statement, because in truth, I am graced to be in your presence today.” He walks to the suggested seat and sits down. As he goes walks forward, his periphier picks up something he’d somehow almost missed a bird cage. It was an all white bird cage with golden designs hanging from the ceiling. Inside it was the cleanest dove he’d ever seen. A white dove, symbol of the faith. To have one, a symbol of wealth.
The dove doesn’t respond to him, seeming content to watch the whole room, making occasional bird sounds. It had the peacefulness of presence like that spoken in the faith. Shame, Urberer thought, to have such beautiful things locked up in cages. Faith and status? Some things should have never come together. He bites his lower lip to draw him back to the current moment, making his way to the chair. He sits down, doing his best to remember all the kindness he’d been shown to this point.
“I hope the seat is to your liking. If not, we can get you another one.”
Small chat. Here we go. Just try not to look at her too much. Urberer thought.
“This is fine. Thank you once again Miss Hali for providing such a great space for me to, hm, recuperate in.”
“Of course. Please, just call me Rivashel, or Shelly.”
That’s uncommon for one of her background to be so willing to forego using not just their surname, but even the proper use of their first name, for, a nickname to a stranger.
Urberer looked at her, the one mistake he made, because he saw the same energetic spirit in her eyes. He smiled naturally this time. Coming close to calling her by her preferred name, he simply resorted to what he knew best to keep him unentangled “Miss Hali. Thank you again. I must ask, how did you find me. And, so that I do not take up much more of your time, where are my items? As ragged and odd as they might be, I am fairly fond of them.”
“Well that’s a story. Can I tell you over some tea?”
“I would prefer to just have them.”
She bites her lower lip for a moment, “Yes. Would you not let your host tell you at least one story over a cup of tea? A moment of discussion and peace in a busy world. You and your healings and confessionals, and me, with the various lessons on lady-like behavior. Would you allow us both a break?”
I don’t like this. I won’t to get out of here. But saying no at this point would be rude. After who knows how many days of being here, to just get up and leave would be equivalent to going to someone’s house during holiday just to eat and leave as soon as you’re done; not the worst thing in the world, but doesn’t leave a good taste in your mouth. And she looks so bothered t the idea of me leaving…
“Sure.”
“Great!” She leans back with a smile. She claps her hands exictidely and begins to say “Grace could you …”
“Tea coming right up miss Hali,” Grace said. She quickly stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her with just barely a sound.
Rivashel Hali grabbed the items next to her, placed them in her lap, grabbing the stich needled she asked, “May I?”
“Of course” Urberer responded.
“Monk Urberer,” her voice firmer than before “I play by the ettiquettes of society. But I am not so formal. Please do me the benefit of simply calling me Rivashel or Shelly. My family’s name is great. But I am one just one piece of that garmet, and would like to be looked on and spoken to as such. Grace, my hand maiden, believes her rank is lower and thus refuses to call me by name. You are of the faith and I believe, from all that is said, a servant of such. If anything, I’d value your efforts more than mine. So perhaps, you can not find it not as difficult to simply address me like an individual, at least in this private space.” Her heard is titled down but she looks up at him, eyes peering intently.
Responding to the firmness of spirit, Urberer conceded without fight, Shelly it is then. I suppose, simply call me Urberer.”
“Wonderful!” Her voice enthused with that upbeat energy again.
Is this what it’s like talking with a merchant’s daughter? I heard that best merchants were tough. They could push an issue in a moment. I didn’t think the Hali family, given how merchants are nobles chose to live, would teach their daughter the same.
“I appreciate your respect for the faith. Most people in, positions such as yours, would not have the same response.”
“I am not like most people,” she smiles. “Just like how this cloak isn’t like most cloaks.”
“Oh?” Urberer said. Does she have my cloak?
“Oh? Oh where are my manners,” by passing his question. “We found you several days ago in mid-town. My carraige,” her voice drops down momentarily with the sound of annoyance, “my carriage that my father won’t let me leave the estate without, was enroute to the merchants sector, and my men stopped when they saw you in the streets.”
“Well that’s not good.”
“No it’s not. I was surprised a guard hadn’t found you. Nonetheless I got out and tried to shake you a few times, against my guard’s wishes. You woke up with tears in your eyes. Now, if you can imagine how I felt to see a man cry when the first thing he sees is me in the morning is me, and you’ll know” her next words are in an exonerated dramatic tone “the depths of despair. I know I’m no noble. But I can’t be that bad looking. Am I?” She stops knitting, and leans over, holding her chin up with her palm, and bats her eye lashes at him.
Oh my. She is attractive. Must control my tongue here. He bites down on his tongue to stop his rapid response. His expression holding.
“The silence says it all. That’s fine.” She leans back and starts her stitch again.
“Believe me, um, Shelly, but I’m sure for any man who’d awake, they would be tears of joy at how lucky they were.”
“Not you though?”
“I -“
“You don’t have to answer that,” she giggles. “I was teasing you.”
Urberer frowns, realizing he’s been being played.
“Please, do not take a young lady’s teasing too much to heart. I do not get to talk to a lot of people outside the house unless it is strictly business related. It’s nice to just be. You know? My class is a cloak. My face is a cloak. All these things are what people see or know, but they don’t get to see the real me. I’m just a porcelain princess from a wealthy family. And you, you’re the most eligible bachelor, trusted confesionaire, and remarkable healer in town.”
Why is she telling me this? I don’t get it.
“Yes, well…” Urberer said.
“And I’m pretty sure that’s its own cloak as well, right?” Shelly asked.
“I just try to - ”
“Help people?”
“Well, yes.” He stares at her for a few moments in silence. “Miss Shelly, I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”
“All done,” Shelly says, getting up and handing him the piece of clothing she was working on.
“What’s this, wh- wait” Urberer said as he unfolded the garment. It was his cloak. Many of the frayed ends had been fixed, and as he rubbed his hand over it, he could just barely feel a different in the cloth on the front of it.
“Magically enhanced garments are not cheap. Very hard to repair. It took some time for me to get a supply of enchanted cloth and thread to repair it. The torso area had almost all but be replaced. From my understanding of enchantments and clothing, you must have been hit with some very strong magic to cause this.”
“I couldn’t say ….”
“Couldn’t say, shouldn’t say. They all mean the same thing sometimes,” she shrugs her shoulders. “Not that I asked. And since I didn’t ask no one has to hide behind a cloak.” She gave a smile, which would have seemed innocent had Urberer’s alarms not been going off in his mind.
“What do you want?” Urberer asked, getting to the point.
What sort of black mail is she going to used. She knows something went on, and I don’t know how much she knows, or who she’s with.
“Is the stitching good?”
“What?”
“I want to know if the sticking word acceptible?” She said, eyes narrowing.
He rubbed his hands over the fabric once more. He looked it over several times. Once to determine if there were any magical traps placed on it. The second time to see if he could find any defects.
“I’ll put it this way. If this were not the cloak that I’ve worn for years, know where all the old tares were, and mended myself, I wouldn’t be able to tell a thing. It is in better condition than it has been for years, and no one will be able to tell its different, except for the lack of fraying. You truly did a good job.”
“But you could still tell a difference? I suppose I still have work to do?”
“Why would you say that? This is perfect?”
“In my world, things must be better than perfect. That you can tell, besides the frays being fixed, a difference is like a misstep during an elven folk dance. You can keep going, but you and your partner will always know. And that is unacceptable.”
“A bit harsh.”
“It’s the life of a merchant princess,” she says with a smirk.
Just at that moment the slow heavy knock of her knocker disrupted their conversation. Shelly momentarily adjusted her positioning, her feet angling at the door and her posture, seeming almost ready to come to a stand. It was a slight movement but Urberer noticed it as he watched her. Noting his gaze she simply responded “Curtsies must be done with exacting promptness less you disgrace yourself, family, and the person visiting. Lessons on ettituetes of the court, book one” Shelly said with an empty smile. “Please, enter.”
***
Grace enters the room, holding a tray with a tea kettle, matching cups, and a variety of teas and sugar cubes. She closers the door behind her with one hand and begins walking to them. “I’ve gathered a number of teas, including some of your favorites miss Hali.”
“Yes please do bring them Grace. Also, I have a few questions to ask you about today’s agenda, especially since our guest is now awake,” Shelly said, before turning to Urberer “Please, put it on” indicating his cloak “while we get the tea table set. Feel at liberty to walk around. We’ll only be talking for a moment.”
Urberer nods once while standing up and making some distance away from the small gathering area. He slipped his cloak on over his new clothes. His cloak smelled of primroses as he placed it over his head. It felt new and comfortable except that one thing was missing - his kit. He had it with him always. His garb was a simple two piece combination, an enchanted outerweave followed by his kit that neatly fit underneath, holding all of his favorite “essentials”. He still needed it before he left this estate. His cloak was a great improvement upon his dress ware, but without his under-kit, he felt like a man about to play spots without his underbreeches; unprepared and at danger for some unpleasant moments.
Noticing that they were actually going over details, unimportant to him, he did walk around the room. He started to read the names of the various book; a number he knew from the demands his own father put on him as a child, books his father would say were “for leaders of our country and conversation starters amongst the nobles.” These tiles he read off: The Art of Proper Penmanship; How to Write Letters for all Occasions; Economies of Large Estates and Small Countries; Records of Demon Invasion I-V.
He kept walking around as they talked, noting different tiles that came up, a number of titles he would not have been exposed to. These titles included domestic subjects such as cooking, sewing, child rearing for the first time mother and even titles that made his stomach churn like “How To Make your Husband Smile after Long Day of Work; How to Be an Obedient Wife Course 201; How to Heat the Dwarven Forge Of Passion For a Long Wedded Life; How To Make your Domicile It’s Own Red Light District; and How to Manage A Mistress for Familial Success. As Urberer’s eyes read pass these titles, an intruding sense of disgust built inside, mixed with curiosity. He wanted to look away but had a hard time pulling himself away. Is this what high-class women are expected to know? Am I lucky to be born a man, or unlucky to be born in a time when this is the norm? He shakes his head in thought. This led his eyes to another book case across the room.
Here there a few books that did stand out to him. The titles were more varied including: Acting For Small Town Plays; Jester’s Guide to Acting: From Amphitheater’s to Royal Gatherings; The Interplay of Magic and Technological Advancement; Merchant Treatises; Occult Myths of Savage Ages; and War, Charm, and Negotiations. These were curious titles for Shelly to read he thought. And while those titles were worth consideration, they are not what caught his eye. What did catch his eye however were a wide variety of books written by Lace Nobel.
A number of these books looked used.
She read’s Lace’s books? But why would she have used copies of his books? He flipped open a battered looking book. On the inside front flap he saw in large flowing text “To Rivashel Hali, my number one fan.”
“My number one fan?” Really? Wait. Let me check something.
He puts the book back. He then flips open another book and looks on the inside cover and read “To Rivashel”. He quickly puts it back and opens another book which read on the inside “To Miss Hali, I hope you …”. He puts the book back and does this several times, all with the same results. He takes a step back to look at the book shelf, reading titles such as: Fire and Lust: A Mage’s Love Story; Emerald Dreams: A Tale of Human, an Elf, and their Forbidden Love and even Mastering His Sword: The Tale of a Knight and his Female Squire. Reading the various titles, Urberer could barely hold back his smile.
I didn’t imagine she’d have so many romance books. Some of these are a little, steamy to say the least. It looks like she even has Lace’s other line of works. The ones about people being transported to different worlds to start a new life. In one of them a kid comes to this world from one without magic. Could you imagine that? A world without magic? He couldn’t figure out how to make it. He said the kid would be hit by a chariot. I said, why not have him hit by something hard to dodge, like a troll, maybe a troll called Truchkke-un. That’s a generic enough troll name. Just say he hit him so hard that he sent him into our world. And just send that same troll after any other character he wants to write. He said he’d think about it, something about it being a bit ‘unrealistic’ for the world the character came in.
Urberer kept perusing the works until he accidentally stepped back into the bird cage. The bird made a few cooing sounds, but mostly remained docile. Urberer glances around to see if anyone had notice. Seeing that wasn’t the case, he held the cage to stop it from swinging about. As he held it he noticed that the cage’s door was latched.
Locked in there little guy? I’m sorry to see that. Urberer thought as he fingered the latch. It was locked securely. Safe from the world. Free from flight. A guilded cage. I’m sorry little guy.
***
He heard Grace’s voice rise a bit. He looked over the bird cage at the two who were in deep discussion. He’d been so wrapped up in his day dreaming he forgot to keep an open ear to what might come up.
“Are you sure miss Hali? You’re father would not be happy with that. May I had, humbly, I do not think it will look good on you.”
“I appreciate your concern Grace. I really do. You are good to me like only a few others are. But as you and I both know, my Father, Mother, and even my little brother are not even on this island. By the time they find out, it will be old information.”
“But they will find out. And your father may still check up on the businesses through a messenger orb.”
“True. He might. But you know he’s left me in charge until he comes back. He trust me more than anyone else to make sure the business room exquisitely. He’ll only check in so often. Most of his focus will be spent on his interactions with the royal family; as it should be.”
“Then when he does know, won’t this be a distraction to him?”
“Father is good at compartmentalizing, he’ll be fine.”
“With all due respect Miss Hali, your father is great with compartmentalizing, except” Grace gives a gentle gestures “when it comes to you. To be more clear, if you will give me the ability to speak without judgement, he is more protective of you than a royal war dog at a dinner celebration.”
“Hm.”
Grace sinks her head, “Perhaps I spoke to boldly.”
“No. You spoke true. That is the best I can ask of you. And not only did you speak true, you were right. He is protective of me.”
“As you are of us miss Hali.”
Hali looks up from the notes that were on the tea table and smiled.
“Grace. I cannot promise. But I will try to be on good behavior. And given the reputation of our guess” she gestures for Urberer to come over “I think I’ll be able to easily speak anything away.”
“But Miss Hali.”
“Grace don’t worry. And I’ll make sure no blame comes to you. Please make appropriate arrangements.”
Grace pouts just a moment, grabs up the papers and holds them against her chest. She turns and walks past Urberer. Before she is completely pass him, she stops and says “Please take care of her”. She rushes pass and closes the door somewhat heavily behind her.
“Well, Shelly,” He returns to sitting at the chair at the tea table. “What was that all about?” He crosses his legs at the ankle and offers a smile.
“You and I, Urberer,” are going to have a day out on the city, she says with a bright smile.
“We are going to do what now?”