Urberer followed Shelly through the large estate. Each step feeling more like an escape mission as they slide around corners, communicated by rudimentary hand signs and whispers, and did their best not to be seen by guards or staff. Urberer had mixed feelings about the ordeal. He’d prefer to simply walk out the front door, see the estate up close given its history on the island, and simply be his usual free ranging self. However, he was a guest, following Shelly’s lead. She told him early that the guards were on strict orders to keep an eye on her. And like in any job, some were more alert than others. Not that they were bad, but predictable; a trait she used to their advantage.

On the other -hand, others were extremely focused on their role. But quite a few of these guards she had befriended, visible by the wink they’d give when they’d simply turn away or distract another guard. And by the end, he had a different feeling; perhaps it was the child-like smile she gave when she distracted one guard by unleashing a valley of marbles across a hallway, that made him feel different. He felt, almost like he was having a flash back to his younger, younger years, a young lad sneaking away from his own estate. Those were always fond memories. And then there they were, in middle-town in the merchant’s quarter.

The Merchant Quarter was a bustling place of people, noises, and smells. Many tourist to the city flocked to the Merchant’s Quater located just south of the Etherne Temple, pass the high north south bridge that connected to the landmass of high town with mid-town. Though there were buildings with their ever-present crystals, what dominated this part of town were the multitude of stalls, many set up right in front of vendors. It was not something that all vendors were extremely happy about, but space was limited and if someone stopped to a stall, they might just stop into the shoppe. It was common custom for many stall vendors and shop owners to intentionally pair up, selling goods that a person would want to buy together. Need exquisite eating dinning ware? Great. But how will you cook it? With the dwarven made pots and pans known both for their durability as well as their style. Years of living on the island had showed Urberer that these matchings were quite profitable from how often his own coin purse would be drained; hence why he did not visit this part of town much.

Urberer continued to follow Shelly’s lead. No matter where she went, she sweetly haggard, and when necearrilly sternly haggard down the prices of vendors. Once the price was down sometimes as much as seventy-five percent she’d ask Urberer if he’d like the items. They were things he’d like such as: vials for potions; unique candles and incense, and even shoes to replace his worn pair. She even attempted to buy him a book on the topic of military history and the saints who lead them. A strange choice for someone who did not know him. But she seemed to just have an eye. Each time it was harder and harder for Urberer to resist; but resist he did. Shelly would then simply not purchase it, to both his and the vendors dismay. She merely chalked it up to “practice” and that they’d be even more willing to sell tomorrow when the item had not sold. If not. No loss to her. “The item is not the concern. It is the process and the skill.” Words that reminded him much of old Gricrir who he knew would be a worried mess since Urberer has been out of action for however long.

They continued their walk. Urberer saw vasts arrays of people. He saw elves from the lands, tall, elegant, pointy eared and not sociable. He saw their water bound brothers too. The Sons of Admiralane who took to the islands and sea fearing long ago. They too were tall, bearing large almond shape eyes, and high cheekbones. However, whereas their land living kind seemed elegant and refined, they were of a rougher lot, with sinewy muscle, skin of ocean colors, gills, and the ability to grow facial hair. And while this facial hair was no wear the level that other races could grow naturally it did, in the rare case that they met, gave them a slight bit of respect from dwarves who had all but written off land elves.

Sea elves were a much more common sight, especially in the Merchant Quarters as many were trades people. But they were not alone, a few dark elves with their majestic beauty, dark brown eyes, and ashen skin; often robed no matter time of day to protect their skin from the suns reaches. There were orcs too, the few from tribes that got along with the kingdoms. They were shorter than the elves. But what they lacked in height, they made up in by considerable bulk. They naturally dwarfed the mass of many humans with only the largest and strongest being able to compete in size; and that went for male and female. They all looked like sculpted statues.

Though there was talk that their kind once was gruesome in appearance, despite their enlarged incisor which were a bit unsettling, their bulk, green hued skin and a resting look of irritation, they weren’t so vastly different. But many still had a distrust of them, some believing them having been bred as a part of the demon lords army. Those of any formal education would no better. But their consistent support of the demon lords army never let that idea all together escaped. Urberer was not surprised they assisted the demon lords armies of the past. It’s not as if their lands wren’t being invaded and constantly taken by outsiders. Why not side with a force fighting against the forces that despise you?

Then there were the humans. They were a diverse lot, ranging all spans of ethnic heritages, countries, and positions of society; though most were of the upper merchant class. These groups engaged almost as equals. There were no formal bowing or curtieses. There was simply too much activity in the square, too much to buy, too many investments to make, it just wasn’t good to be over formal for anyone’s entertainment or gain; so it was scrapped and people just mingled. The noble may have bee na bit more reserved, but that was expected.

The smells of various perfumes and incenses gave way to an increasing scent of well made food. The smell hit Urberer first, followed bt the pain of hunger that followed. How long had he been out for? Even his feet were starting to hurt, unaccustomed to so much back and forth traveling.

They came upon a building that did not have any vendors in front of it. Instead there was an iron gated that surrounded its front. Inside of the space, before getting to the main building, were people sitting outside at tables, drinking and eating.

Shelly, her faced still hidden by her hoad, nodded her head towards the front door of the establishment. Above the door a sign read in common script “The Mercy”. They entered in through a heavy door. They were greeted by human male, wearing a professional looking uniform. He solemn expression turned to a smile once Shelly got close to him and utter a few words. He turned and led them to the back of the long restaurant two bench seating. As he walked Urberer noticed the mans brown hair had streets of green, and his ears were longer than they should be, pointed in fact.

A half-elf. One of his parents must have been a woodland elf given those streaks of green. Great rangers and trackers. I wonder how they met. Hm. Elves don’t necessarily like to be with non-elves. But granted, woodland elves are more disconnected than judgmental, unlike their “high” elven kin. So I could see it. A lost human found by an elven ranger. Love at first sight, yada, yada can’t be together because yada yada, fought through treachors hordes together and cultural differences, yada, and then finally are together, yada, yada.. Another Lace Noble work I’m sure. I’m more interested in how their kid got here I suppose. Orphan?

Urberer had lost himself to thought once again. He had watched the man come to the back wall, turn face them, and offer Shelly the seat closest to the wall. Urberer had however, not paid much attention to the mans gentle indication that he take a seat across from her. It wasn’t until the man gaze Shelly a curious look did Urberer realize he had zoned out.

“Oh, sorry.” Urberer said, his eyes looking down at his seat, attempting to hide his shame as he sat. He took a few moments and gathered himself. He then looked back up at the elf who was still staring at him. The man had barely been able to stop himself from rolling his eyes.

The waiter turned Shelly, and in a low tone with the fluidity and tones known to Urberer as Elven, he said “Are you going to be alright with this one? I can get some guards here to help you, discretely of course.”

Shelly whisper back, hand covering her mouth “He is a bit of an odd one, but he’s fine. He probably just hasn’t seen someone as handsome as you Elre.”

“Shelly, that may be so. But stares are still unacceptable. And inform him that I don’t do men. You’d be surprise at the amount of nobles that way to … play with my ears.” His ears twitched nervously just for a moment, so short that if Urberer hadn’t been watching he would have missed it all together.

“And what beautiful ears they are Elre.”

At this, the man’s skin flashed red.

“Oh Shelly. Always the charmer. What will you have today my dear? A simple Rorardian salad please. He’ll have a tender-loin, spiced with 9-Seasonings of the Homeland.”

Urberer resisted the urge to speak up, and let his host do the ordering for him.

“Good choice Shelly.”

“Always, of course.

“But of course,” Elre responds. He then turns to Umberer, and maintains elvish, asks “and to drink sir?”

Uberer simply stares at the man.

“Ah,” in accented common “what can I get you to drink?”

“A water will be fine. What about food?”

“The lady, excuse me, miss will has ordered for you. It will be delicious so you have nothing to worry about.”

“Oh. Very well then. Thank you mister …”

“Mister Elre.”

“That mister Elre is quite the womans man. They can’t seem to get enough of him, nor can he them.”

Elre’s head snaps back to her, “Shelly!”

“You told me to tell him.” She shrugs.

In Elvish, “Shelly. So bad you are. I could pinch both your cheeks.” He rolls his eyes. “Be good Shelly. The food will be a moment. I’ll try to get you out of here before they serve, the meal.” Elre then looks back at Urberer, and in a less friendly voice “Food will come soon. Please do keep miss Shelly entertained.” He then upturns his nose and walks off.

“Well, he surely didn’t seem to like me.”

“You did stare at him like a painting. It might make him feel a bit” she purses her lips in thought “uncomfortable. He is, after all, clearly a half-elf. They don’t get the easiest lot in life either. Elvens aren’t often the most social to non-elves. And he has the luck to be born of two heritages. I’m sure he has been stared at quite a bit. ”

“Hmm. You’re right. I should have minded my gaze more.”

“Yes,” seeming a bit more comfortable in this space “but you’re in luck. You’re with me today.”

“I suppose so. Are you going to tell me what you ordered for me?”

Flatly stated, “no”.

“Why?”

“Inefficient” her tone sounding somewhat dulled, just for a moment.

“No it’s not.”

“Well, what do you want?”

“I would like” as he tries to come up with something “seared tuna on rice, and … mead”.

I haven’t thought about alcohol this whole time. How odd.

“No.”

“What do you mean no?” Why did you ask me and then tell me no?”

“Because you’re not answering my question.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“I thought the question was, ‘what do I want to eat’?”

“The question was, ‘what do you want’? Specifically, what do you want in this life.

“That’s a very full question.” Urberer said. But he wasn’t simply trying to avoid the question. He wasn’t fully sure. But he fell back on what he knew. “I. I want to pass the staff off to the next generation, make sure they’re well equipped and disappear from the pages of history. I can think of few things more re-assuring. Yes. To disappear. Maybe just fish the rest of my days, drink hard drink and watch the sun set.”

Urberer had been looking at his hands up to this point. Fidgeting with them. He looked up and saw Shelly staring at him. Her expression had hardened.

“Why would you do such a thing? After you saved a few lives for members of prominent noble family’s some years ago, when no one thought the people could be healed, your name became known. Then that people can perform confessions and not worry about it being used against them. The feeling of religious relief. Of Guilt relief. It is tremendous. And you are one of the few who’s trusted in a world of secrets. You help the nobles, the wealthy, and the poor. You’re loved almost as much as high priest Arcbin. You, Urberer, have what we merchants would call vast social resources.”

“I would take your words as a compliment. But I feel like that is not the angle. Nor do I want it necessarily as a compliment. I prefer to be forgotten really.”

“My words could be taken as a compliment. I state them as I assess them. And assessing them in such a way, I realize you could have so much influence.”

“Are you trying to use me Shelly?”

“Urberer, we all use each other. How it’s done is often the most concern. Every mentored is used by their mentee. All the good mentors ask is simply to be listened to and appreciated. They gladly offer themselves to a student they find worth while to use them. What I am indicating to you, however, is that you can use your influence to work on behalf of the peoples. I don’t just mean mid-towners. I mean low-towners. But even mores, you can foster understanding between the groups. Use your sway to make things go easier for everyone. Careful negotiations could move literal mountains.”

A defensiveness to his voice kicking in “The merchant in you speaks. It’s not often I find merchants with hearts of gold.”

Shelly pauses before responding. She then carefully states “I’m going to look pass the chidiness of that remark to reminder you that my family are low-towners by origin. Our hearts are always there. But we recognize the better we all negotiate, the better it can be. This island and how it operates is strange for the empire, but we’re the most lucrative. It’s because we have merchant guilds where people can argue on our behalf with the nobles, and they come to joint decisions which are approved by royalty. We’re one of the few to be allowed such and we do so, so, well. But we could do better if we had more listening ears. You have the influence. Why not use it?”

“Shelly, I can’t argue with your point. And pardon my rudeness. But I just don’t have the same feelings you do. You know, the best I’ve felt in life is riding on the back of, racing off into the distance. That was freedom for me.”

She pauses for a moment.

I shouldn’t have said that last part. What low level monks have access to steeds on an island. She’s too smart for me to make those slip-ups less my pass be truly drug up. That’s a history that needs to remain there, in the past.

“But you’ve had a goal before, I’m sure. Something you were racing off to.”

“Yes. But now what am I? I’m no more than a show pony. The heart, spirit, and the force of a stallion, but without the freedom. I am stuck doing tricks for the rich and the noble alike.”

“So you just want to retire? Shirk your abilities and the responsibilities that come with those abilities. Or,” a mild tinge of disgust ringing through her voice “be a pony locked away in a shed? The shed of your apathy and lack of motivation your lock and chain? Your wooden walls?”

Urberer looks off to the side, out the mirror at the people eating and the denizens of the Merchant’s Quarter, as it appears to get brighter and brother outside due to the crystals reflecting sunlight. Then his words come to him “At least, I’m not putting on a show for anyone. I can be put way out of sight.” He taps on the table,“I prefer that than being a bird locked away for display.”

“So lock away the noble steed within so as not to get used? But even if forced to be a show pony, wouldn’t a stallion’s beauty, its life show through and impact the world?”

“Yes … and a dove in a cage is beautiful,” now looking her in the eyes. “But it never gets to fully stretch its wings; that is, if they’re not already clipped.”

“So, you believe the glass is half empty” Shelly said.

“Or for you, half full.” Urberer said.

In unison they both said “And neither of us want the-”

“Glass! Drinking glasses Waiter,” the sound of hands clapping, indicating a “chop-chop” to the whomever the voice was speaking to. “Get me and my esteemed drinking glasses of Elven Elder Berry Wine.”

“Right away Sir Wyncrest,” came Elre’s voice from behind.

Sir Wyncrest? Ah. Shelly’s fiancé. This will not be awkward at all. I’m sure. Not at all. Urberer thought to himself, knowing fully well this was going to be a terrible experience.

***

Urberer watched as Shelly’s eyes went from, what he had not realized, was a relax contemplation to a focused stare at the person coming up behind them. Urberer did not want to turn around. Maybe if we just don’t say anything, he’ll go away, Urberer thought.. Urberer could feel the presence of a person standing next to his stall; the presence did not move. Nope. He’s just going to keep standing right there all wonderfully not invited like. Best to not make a scene and keep his worries about me down. I’m not going to try and take his fiancé. Granted, given her mind and looks, I could see why he’d be worried. Honestly, if I were him, I’d want to keep her all to myself even if she is a bit pushy with her ideas. And yet at the same time would resoundly want her to be as free as the wind. You can’t find people like her. Not often. And …He notices Shelly look at him and then prepare herself to get up, these are thoughts I shouldn’t be having. Not me of all people at least.

The man walked up to their booth and stood beside their table. Urberer slid out of the stall in unison with Shelly, per custom, to greet a noble. As Urberer, a bit slower to his feet, watched as Shelly began her curtsy. It was still as poised as ever, but this time there was a rigidness to it, and the light in her eyes was not as bright. Urberer offered a polite bow.

“Please, please. Not so formal. It’s not often I get to meet my soon to be sister-in-law,” sir Wyncrest said in his controlled but excited voice.

Ah, it’s the younger Wnycrest, sir Georgio Wyncrest.

Georgio continued, looking at Urberer “and in the company of Monk Urberer. What good fortunes. Please, please sit.”

Urberer took in the man’s appearance. His faded blonde hair was pulled into a loose pony tail that still allowed him to have a barely contained bang. His face was marked by a strong jaw, long nose, and cloud colored eyes that bags underneath them. It was uncommon for a noble to have bags unless heridiatary. But it was known that of the two brothers, he was the business mastermind between them, and Urberer knew that came with a certain weight of responsibility. The mans cloak was purple with a high standing collar, and steel-colored tapestry going across the shoulders that had golden vine stitching going across it, until it met purple flowers that seemed to serve as pin points for the sash that kept his cloak closed. I fact, various parts of his sleeves had gold stitch leaf patterns that would blossom into flowers around gems embedded in the cloak. In all it was a mixed style, bearing the weight of an old noble line mixed with elements of the new-blood of trade, powerful and rich.

Georgio’s clothes, while not ostentatious, did make Shelly’s simple pure white hooded- cloak look even more basic. The difference between the beauty of fallen snow and the elegance of a velvet lined jewelers display box. Yet despite those differences, what struck Urberer as odd was Georgio’s expression. He smile at them, but his eyes didn’t share that same light, it’s as if they were only observing, or worse plotting. The excitement in his voice caused Urberer to feel even more confused.

“Why Sir Wyncrest, we could never simply sit as you stood. And this seating arrangement is not one that would benefit a person such as yourself. Perhaps we reconvene at a place more appropriate for you at another time?” Shelly said, her head bowed and eyes looking at the floor, still not sitting.

“Come now. This is my pleasure. You are ever so busy, and so is this good fellow too,” Georgio says, placing a hand on Urberer’s shoulder and massaging it.

“Sir it is just custom”

“I insist” Georgio says, verbally taking control of the conversation.

Urberer, felt the man’s hand stop massing his shoulder and become firm. There was a gentle push as if Urberer did not sit down, he would be, pushed down. Urberer didn’t fight it, allowing himself to go down and sit.

“Thank you Monk Urberer for sitting down.”

“But of-“

Before Urberer could get the words out Georgio started to sit down. Urberer scooted over fast not to be sat down upon. Now they sat next to each other, shoulder to shoulder. Feeling uncomfortable and unsure of the situation, Urberer looked to Shelly. Shelly had sat down too, but her eyes were affixed to the table.

I don’t think I like this guy. We could have gotten him a chair. Nobles. They literally just throw their weight around sometimes.

“I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything,” Georgio says, elbows on the table as he leans forward. Like I said, it’s not often that I get to meet with my future sister-in-law.”

“Sir, that’s not public-“

“Oh Rivashel! Everyone knows,” he leans back and laughs. “These nights of debeauchery, I mean, festive are not for nothing. Try, and did we try, as we might, keeping the news of a merchant marrying a noble under wraps is no easy ordeal. Especially, I must add, when the marriage is going to be accepted.” His eyes roll over to Urberer. “Right, Monk Urberer?”

Why is he asking me? Urberer thought, his body tensing.

“Well Sir Wyncrest,-“ Shelly starts in, but is interrupted again by Georgio.

“Don’t worry Rivashel. I’m sure that” with emphasis on his next word as he gently points at her “you were doing your best to keep quiet about it. But my brother,” he tosses his hands into the air “that’s another story. He always liked, and take no offense by this, gems in the rough. Things of value that no one else could see. We’ve spent and lost good money on some of his finds. But,” with a laugh “not always. Some of his gambles were surprisingly lucrative for us. ‘An eye for the under-valued deal’ he’d say.

“And he seems to be taken aback by your exquisite, hmm, homegrown beauty, might we say? One that he believes rivals that of many nobles in his eyes. A gem of a person in your own right he believes.”

Shelly’s eyes have not looked up once. She even looks stiff. And what’s going on with this guy? Does he like her or not?

Eldre came back to the table, he placed drinks in front of everyone in silver goblets and then waited to be recognized.

Good timing, good timing Eldre.

Georgio gave the man a nod.

“Sir Wyncrest, what will you be having?”

“The usual.”

“One bird of Mercy coming up for Sir Wyncest,” Eldre said. He then position himself to Shelly and couldn’t help but give an eye roll. In a false concerned voice to seemingly play off his eye roll “Oh my, had I known, I would have dusted here, I see small specs in the corners of the room. I’m so sorry.” He then addressed shelly in a tone that was more formal than he had been before with her and said “Miss Hali, your food items will come up soon. However, it will be, delayed given changes …”

Urberer knew what those changes were. The commoners couldn’t just eat before the noble. They would have to wait. Even the production of their food would be halted. As for what Georgio ordered, Urberer was unfamiliar.

Georgio continued after Eldre left, “Where was I. Yes. Don’t get me wrong. I am very excited that you’ll be my sister in law. Word has gotten to me on your shrewdness in business relations. In fact, I’d probably trust no on more than you with insuring our family’s financial success”

Urberer saw Shelly look up. Her eyes read mild surprise until Georgio continued.

“ other than myself that is …”

Shelly bit her bottom lip. Urberer leaned back in his chair, not knowing what to do. On his right was a floor length window, which he wish he bust through, and on his left was this noble; and couldn’t just ask him to move. He was stuck in the middle of this until they could eat their meals and leave.

Georgio placed his his chin in his palm as he leaned on the table, continuing “I don’t get much choice in the matter, being second born and all.” He sighs and then says “But I suppose you and I aren’t different in that. You are born a woman after all, your beauty and charm a blessing to this world.”

“Thank you sir, “Shelly said quietly.

“And a loss for you,” he says, shaking his head.

“Excuse me sir?”

“Imagine what you could have done? How successful you could have been financially? Imagine if you had been born true nobility, not just magically marrying in. And imagine if you had been born a man. You’d be a prominent power and a rival even to the Wyncrest line.

“I pity you … I guess. It is a boon at least for the Wyncrest,” he gives a slight smile.

Shelly crossed her arms and began looking out the window.

Georgio continued, “No, for you your family fortune will have to go to your little brother? What, all of twelve years old?” Georgio turns to Urberer and says, “Can you imagine a sheltered boy like him, who probably doesn’t even have a cock hair, or been in a fight, responsible for the future of a wealthy merchant family. Because if anything were to ever happen to his parents, and I hope that it does not, he’d be in charge.”

Georgio then gestures to Shelly, seemingly laughing at the irony “Whereas she’s been running contracts before he was even born. In fact, some of my sources, and my sources are never wrong mind you, tell me she was a better negotiator at ten than men thirty years her senior. That boy is going to have some shoes to fill.”

Urberer wouldn’t no part of this. “You bring up interesting points but maybe this not the best conversation topic? I am a outsider to your-“

“I’m talking Monk,” Georgio’s tone immediately harsh. “Remember the Nobel’s Way. We lower ourselves to sit amongst you. The least you can do is listen.”

Urberer stared at the man. He felt the impulse to strike him, and his younger self might have. But this was neither the time nor place for it. So instead Urberer simply coughed in his hand and cleared his throat. I hate when people mis-use the faith. His “noble way” is of him getting what he wants. Not of learning to be humble despite what position he’s been graced to have in this life. And his gifts of knowledge seem more venomous bites from a snake. Ug.

Urberer’s silence brought a smile to Georgio’s face. “Ah. So good you are Monk Urberer. Always respectful of your position,” and pats Urberer on the shoulder.

Urberer’s eyes glanced at Shelly; who for a brief moment was starring at Georgio. But there was something different in her eyes, that same dangerous and wild spirit he’s glanced briefly since the start of his day with her. She locked eyes momentarily with Urberer and then returned to looking back out the window, just before Georgio returned to speaking to her.

“You seem to be upset Rivashel? Don’t worry. I’ll take him under my watch. I’ll make sure he grows up to be a fine lad, like I was. With enough effort on my part he might even listen to you, despite your, hmm, condition.”

Shelly’s head turned slowly to face Georgio. “My condition being what exactly?”

Georgio leaned in and in a loud whisper said “being a woman.” And then his right lip curled up, giving a sinister expression that came and went within a moment as he leaned back.