Of Trolls and Homecomings Day 3

From Reydala

Revision as of 03:27, 29 May 2011

Of Trolls and Homecomings Day 3

Timeline: 26th of Chiarore

Scene 1: Morning After

Early morning in Leyandra had always been a beautiful sight. The way the sun rose slowly in the sky and shone only a small amount light down upon the world below; just enough to give everything a slight orange glow. It was a sight that Aelthir had in the past described up and down as an experience that everyone needed to experience at least once in their lives. Unfortunately, the beauty of the trees and the grass below the paladin was the last thing in his mind right now.

No, the striking question in the paladin’s mind as he left the bathhouse both cleansed and refreshed, all of his morning rituals complete (including tailoring); was not where he awoke, but how he awoke. Much like a drunkard, discarded in an alleyway, the paladin woke upon the rooftop patio surrounded by empty bottles of ale. Albeit a first in his books, the real issue however was that he did not remember drinking them. In fact, his memories of the night previous were far different than the situation had suggested. As the story told itself in his mind, he recalled watching the city of Allrevan, lit up in a wondrous as it prepared for the upcoming Baequi’via Ball, and annual city festival which began the day after the ball. He recalled Lady Ansr’onna challenge him to armed combat, which he had no choice but to accept. He bled, he burned, but he fought. Someone came out, and told the pair to quit fighting and that’s where the memories stopped.

As the paladin crossed the path toward the manor, he glanced up toward the sun. He estimated it to be around seven in the morning, and thus he sighed in relief. There was plenty of time before the Baequi’via ball tonight; he had to suit everyone up this afternoon and make a couple final adjustments on their attire. Oh, and perhaps telling his comrades about the ball might be important too. He wasn’t sure if he had time to teach them how to basically dance, but he figured no one would complain, lest they get punched out by the giant one. As he walked into the manor through the smaller dining room entrance, used for small meals mainly, he was greeted by the faces of his sister and Katrin who were talking about something in a hushed manner. “Good morning ladies.”

“Ah, good morning, Aelthiria!” Katrin said happily as she motioned for the paladin to sit down beside her. The smirk on her face however was enough to have Aelthir pause for a moment and consider the situation. His sister, and the one said sister thought was married to him, alone in a room, talking. Even though it was the breakfast room; yesterday they were all together, eating and conversing. However, so as to not act too suspicious, he moved to sit beside Katrin and realized there were no plates, as if this morning’s breakfast had not been served yet.

“So yes, dear sister-in-law just finished telling me about how you two ended up together.” Syllae sighed blissfully, as if she had just been told a fairy tale of a knight and his princess. Although, that begged the question of just what had been said, as well as the question he had to ask. “So, is it true?” She asked him suddenly.

“No, it isn’t.” Aelthir said as he shook his head, only to be smacked behind the head by Katrin. “H-Hey, what was that for!”

“You don’t have to be so embarrassed by the story! I mean, seriously. I like the story, and don’t you think your sister is old enough to know such things!? She can’t be coddled forever; she is the head of our family!” Katrin huffed up and crossed her arms. She certainly knew how to act.

Aelthir opened his mouth to say something, and was quickly silenced by the hand of one Syllae to Aelthir’s cheek. “How dare you, Aelthir Baequi’via! You have a wife who loves you, and you sit here and deny the truths that she holds so dear in her heart?!” Syllae glared at Aelthir and slapped him for a second time across the opposite cheek. “And that one was for having a libido the size of Allrevan. You’re a paladin, you should have known self control. She told you that she wasn’t ready to have children yet!”

A third slap and Aelthir’s neck twisted to the right. “That is for leaving your wife to sleep alone last night, while you were passed out on the roof from too many drinks at dinner!” Syllae hissed out before she sat back down. “I should force you back into a school for etiquette. It seems all your time gallivanting around the world has made you forget all your manners!”

Aelthir grumbled under his breath and stood up. “You’re right. My apologies.” He spoke in a sharp tone as he walked to the door. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go prepare for the ball tonight. Katrin, I expect I’ll see you later for your fitting and adjustment.” He left the room at that. There was still a chance he was being tricked by the duo, as had been such a theme these past few days. His expression held some annoyance and some confusion.

Through various hallways he walked until he saw Vidar and Alis outside with their blades clashing in form, a dance of their own. Also outside was Fal, whom seemed to be acting as an impromptu referee at this moment. The paladin stopped and watched for a moment, as if mesmerized by movements of the two combatants. “Such a difference in size, and yet they wield the same size of blade as scholars hold books and magicians hold wands.” He murmured and stepped outside through the nearest door.

“Yo! Aelthir!” Fal called out as he glanced over to the now approaching paladin. “How’s the hangover treating you?” he called again as Aelthir raised an eyebrow. Wait, Fal too? No, it cannot be. Maybe he heard the dragonborn wrong.

"I am as fit as a fiddle this morning, thank you." Aelthir spoke as he brought his fist to his chest in a form of respect and stopped beside his comrade to watch the continuing combat.

“Really? Damn, man. With how much booze you had, I’m surprised you’re even walking this early, and you’re telling me you don’t even have a hangover? God damn, I wish I had your constitution.” Fal scratched his head.

No, the paladin had heard him right. “I believe you are mistaken. Last evening, I did not drink, I was duelling at midnight. Although, you could call it a sword dance, if you would so prefer.” Aelthir corrected Fal as he tried to remember everything that happened.

“No, dude, you were hammered. No amount of denying it is going to change that and denying the truth is just uncool, bro.” Fal said as Aelthir listened to the clashing metal of the two blades. The way Alis and Vidar were parrying another’s moves perfectly was a sight to behold, a sight that Aelthir could not describe in words at the moment as he watched on. He did, however register Fal’s words and frowned.

“I see… but I recall fighting, and being electrocuted, twice; how can one simulate those physical feelings while drunk!?” Aelthir argued desperately, as if he was holding onto a last thread of hope.

“Bro, haven’t you ever had fantasy dreams?” Fal asked as he smirked. “Dreams of holding onto and caressing a beautiful babe and…” he stopped talking as Aelthir turned red and shot him a glare. “Well, it’s like that. All feelings can be simulated in a dream, if your body knows what that feels like.” Aelthir’s face was blank, already broken in the early morning. One would think he’d have some sort of natural defense by now against this sort of thing, but alas, it was not to be.

“I… I see.” Aelthir coughed and looked away after what seemed like an hour. “And whether I’ve had those sorts of dreams or not is none of your concern, Sir Fal.”

“Of course not, and I’d sooner not know. That sort of thing is just uncool to talk about. I was just giving an example.” Fal shrugged lightly.

“I don’t see what’s to be so worried about, Aelthir. It’s just one night. It’s not like you drink every night and get that plastered, every night. If you did, then we would have a problem.” Vidar spoke up as he and Alis stopped fighting, and the two turned toward the elf.

All that came from Alis was the familiar sound of munching. Aelthir didn’t know what to believe anymore. No matter what they said, he still had this feeling that things weren’t as they were saying and he should doubt them. However, what were the chances everyone was trying to trick him; even Syllae herself!? Well, honestly, fairly high, he figured, but still. All this confused him and he was sure his expression was one of great silliness. One which would make lesser men and women laugh and give away their lie, if it was a lie at least. Oh, he didn’t know anymore. “A-Ah… but I am certain this was not what happened…” he paused and took a deep breath. He shook his head a couple times and then looked to them. “There is a ball tonight, by the way and you all are going. Don’t go too far today, I will need to see each and every one of you for an adjustment on your clothing.”

“You're just telling us about this now?” Fal asked and then looked at Aelthir. “Bro, that's just uncool.”

“Be glad I gave you this much warning. I thought about just grabbing you throughout the day and telling you as I went along. However, I suspect today will be long and busy.” Aelthir spoke, his expression was serious, but his tone gave away his unfaltering confusion. He bit his lip after and then just left as his mind struggled with this. Another moment passed before he shook his head and retreated back inside with the words "I am never drinking again. Dear goddess, I am never drinking again." This was going to be a long day for the paladin.

“I wonder if we’ve gone too far.” Fal said, once Aelthir was back inside.

“He’ll be fine.” Vidar reassured before he pulled out his blade once more, ready for another round of sparring. Alis took a moment to munch a little quicker before she took out her weapon and prepared for the next round as well.

Scene 2: The Family of my Family is my Enemy

It was about ten in the morning when Aelthir and the hired help for the manor were finishing up with the décor for the foyer. As it was the annual Baequi’via ball, normal levels of fabulous were just not enough. A white banner with the Baequi’via crest hung beside a gold banner with the Allrevan coat of arms. All the drapes were replaced with gold coloured silk ones instead of the normal satin. Flowers were also laid around the room for an extra ambiance. Aelthir by now was dressed in a special tailor’s attire. He wore a white silk shirt, with a measuring tape around his neck almost like a scarf, and black silk pants, held up by a black belt. Upon his left sleeve, various sewing needles had been pushed through and tied on. Upon his belt were three gold cases which had different coloured spools of thread inside, as well as more needles.

When Ansr’onna came downstairs for the day, Aelthir inquired about their battle and even she denied that they had fought. At that point, Aelthir just gave up and went about with decorating and the mantra ‘I’m never drinking again’ was repeated many a time over.

“Thank you, Lord Aelthir.” The head butler spoke as he offered his hand to the paladin. This was the same butler who a few short days ago had been glaring daggers at him. “And I’d like to apologize for my behaviour when you arrived. It was not right of me.”

“There’s no need to call me as a Lord. I’m still technically disbarred from the family, so I am nothing more but a travelling paladin. Also, think nothing of the other day. I can see how much trouble you’ve been caused by my arrival. Furthermore, the other day is in the past; let us look to tonight, a night of celebration!” He smiled and shook the butler’s hand.

“Ah, thank you Lord… I mean Aelthir.” The butler smirked back and let go of Aelthir’s hand. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go perform other duties.” The butler bowed lightly and left the room. Aelthir had things to do as well, but he decided to take a moment to admire the work that he and the workers of the house had managed to complete so efficiently and beautifully. It was almost enough to make his heart go aflutter.

“Ah, servant boy!” a voice spoke from behind him. “We could use some assistance with our luggage!” the voice continued, and Aelthir couldn’t help but think the voice sounded familiar. “Hey! Servant boy, I’m talking to you!”

Aelthir turned around and looked at the young man in front of him. He was alone for the moment, but the luggage behind him suggested that there were at least three others with him. Aelthir knew the young man upon sight; his first cousin, likely his wife, and his aunt and uncle were the others who had come with him. “Ah, I’m sorry Feranes. I’m not with the servants, but if you’ll just wait, I’ll go get one on my way to my work.” Aelthir apologized to the boy and laughed lightly.

The boy simply smirked and dropped his luggage at Aelthir’s feet. “You’re not with the servants? Well, you certainly look like you do. Finally done gallivanting around the world, and decided to come beg for your old life back, have you? You’re lucky that it’s your sister who’s the head of the family and not I. I would have you arrested for even returning here, and I am not the only one who feels that way. If you ever want to get into the good books of the rest of the family, I suggest that you shut your mouth and do as we true Baequi’via say.” The elf said before he spat at Aelthir’s face.

Aelthir merely wiped his cheek off with his hand and took a deep breath. He didn’t say a word. “How pathetic, you know what I say is true, so you do not challenge my words. What a shame to see the so-called great Aelthir reduced to this.” Feranes continued as he swung his fist at Aelthir’s face. Aelthir took the punch right to the left eye and fell back onto the floor. The paladin frowned as he felt the skin around his eye as it already began to swell.

“Quit trying to provoke me, Feranes. You know I will not strike back.” Aelthir answered. “I have no quarrel against you. Just because even though I left, my sister likes me as a person more than she’ll ever like you, is not a reason to try and lower me to retaliate.” The paladin quipped as he continued to sit upon the floor.

“Quit acting better than me.” Feranes spat once more at Aelthir. “You are a coward. You couldn’t handle being the heir to the family, so you willingly broke the rules so you could escape this fate and leave it to your poor sister.”

“You’re wrong.” Aelthir stood up and stared Feranes in the eye. “Your view is flawed to believe only what you want to believe.” He spoke, only to receive another punch to the same eye and send him back to the floor. A moment after, the head butler returned into the room, ready to carry luggage when he saw Aelthir upon the ground.

“Ah! Aelthir, are you alright!?” the butler asked immediately as he moved to Aelthir’s side to help him up and Feranes simply watched.

“I’m fine, sir Dreraan.” Aelthir answered as he took the butler’s hand and stood up. “I tripped and landed face first on the floor. Feranes was just seeing if I was alright. I’d just gotten onto my back.

“Ah, very well sir. If you insist.” The butler Dreraan spoke as he let go of the now standing paladin and moved to Feranes’ luggage. A moment later and with a final glare, Feranes left the room.

Aelthir leaned against a pillar and covered his left eye with his left hand. He needed to get to his room and do something. Get an eye patch or something, at least until he could ask Katrin to heal the swelling. However, first he needed to relax a moment.

Other branch families entered the foyer soon after. One by one they saw Aelthir, stared him down in shock, some with disgust, and then just ignored his very existence. Aelthir simply watched quietly for a moment as this went on. Oh, how he wished to call them all out, but decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and simply sauntered off.

Scene 3: I'm Sorry Alis

One in the afternoon and Aelthir had just put the final touches on the group’s clothes, sans his own. After all, he never made his own clothes. His clothes looked a little dishevelled as needles were removed and replaced in the sleeve as the paladin had worked; he felt he worked a little slower than normal; however he did only have one eye to see out of presently. Across his swollen left eye was a white eye patch, which just barely covered the bruising, and if Aelthir could help it, it would stay that way.

He’d sent one of the servants to find any of his comrades and bring them to Aelthir. Much work still had to be done, after all. As if on cue, the door opened and a person quietly shuffled in. “Good afternoon, Lady Alis.” Aelthir said as he turned to face the cloaked girl.

“Aelthir, we need to talk.” The girl lowered her hood and stared at him with a serious expression.

“If you insist” he answered her and turned to the rack. He removed a gown and gently carried it to her. “Go change into your ballroom attire and then we’ll talk.”

The girl quirked an eyebrow and looked at the dress. “I refuse to wear that” was Alis’ only response.

“Why not?” Aelthir questioned as he stared at Alis. “I’m sure it will look good on you.”

“I don’t do gowns.” Alis said as she stared at the paladin who was visibly shorter than her at this time. He shook his head and moved to place the gown on the hanger once again. “And you will listen to what I have to say regardless. This needs to stop, Aelthir.”

“What, ever do you mean?” Aelthir asked as he raised an eyebrow.

“You’ve been just letting people get the better of you for days without complaint. I saw you this morning, you know.” Aelthir paused in his walking and just looked at her. Had she seen him get punched? He certainly hoped not at the least, for his cousin's sake. “I watched Syllae slap you for things that were untrue. I couldn’t believe how you just sat there and took it.” Aelthir sighed in relief now, but really. “It was pretty sad to watch. I see how it annoys you, and yet you continue to let it be!”

Aelthir walked back to her and stared at her now. His voice remained calm as he spoke “I thank you for your concern, however speak of yourself. You’ve allowed Syllae to believe that you are a man since we arrived. I see how it annoys you as well, Sir Alis. Why have you not spoken up either?”

“That is something entirely different, Aelthiria!” Alis said as she frowned. “This is your home, and she is your sister! You should have said something long before now!”

“It isn’t any different. This house has not been my home in thirty years. You could have easily said something to Syllae.” Aelthir sighed lightly.

“This still has nothing to do with this conversation! You need to man up, Aelthiria!” She quipped and glared at him now.

“This still has everything to do with the conversation! You need to man down, Sir Alis!” He retorted and matched her glare. “Lest you be a man in Syllae’s eyes forever!”

The pair stared each other down in silence. “Fine, I’ll wear the stupid gown.” She conceded and Aelthir’s expression lit up. “However, only if you start acting like a man and stand up to Syllae” she added and Aelthir sighed lightly.

“Yes, yes. I will speak to Syllae.” Aelthir sighed once more and brought her the dress. “Now change.” He spoke as he handed it to her gently.

As Alis moved to the change room, Aelthir glanced to the door as it opened swiftly. “Dear brother, can we talk for a moment?” Syllae asked as she entered the room and walked to the paladin.

“Of course, dear sister” he smiled to her, obviously in a decent mood.

“Well, you see…” she started as the changing room door opened and out walked Alis, wearing a white ballroom gown which accentuated the few curves the woman did have. “What the hell kind of practical joke is this!?” Syllae’s attention was definitely caught as she ran over to Alis. “What did my brother do to you!? A man of your stature should not be wearing a dress!” she turned and glared at Aelthir. “Why would you subject your poor stable boy to such… such embarrassing manners!?”

Aelthir and Alis both looked at Syllae as if she had two heads and an awkward silence filled the room. “Sister… Alis is not a man. I'm afraid you've been mistaken ever since we arrived” Aelthir finally spoke.

“Lies and deceit,” Syllae scoffed as she moved behind Alis. “I can prove it to you right now. First off,” Syllae’s hands moved to Alis’ chest and grabbed hold of it. “Women by his age at least have something that resembles a pair of breasts” Syllae started as Alis gave a blank stare to Aelthir. This was not happening to her, nope.

Next Syllae’s hands ran down Alis’ stomach. “Women do not have abdominal muscles. Sir Alis has a well defined six-pack for a young man. Something you yourself should look into obtaining for your wife’s pleasure.”

Syllae then removed her hands from Alis’ body and motioned to the hair. “Next, women have long hair. Men, outside of you like short hair. Alis, has short hair. Last but not least…” Syllae paused to cup Alis’ chin and turn the poor shocked avenger’s gaze toward her. “Women, often have soft features that make superficial men adore them. Men like Alis, on the other hand have a certain rugged handsomeness about them that I find very, very attractive.” Syllae said before she kissed Alis softly for a moment, almost as if Syllae had forgotten who was in the room. She then broke away with a blush and moved to the door. “Ah! Look at the time. Dear brother, please come to my office tonight once you are completed with your work. Sir Alis, save me a dance tonight!” Syllae coughed as she left the room.

“Aelthir…” Alis started as her senses came back to her and she glared at the paladin. “I am not going to the ball.” Aelthir just stared for a moment. Had all this happened in front of his eyes? Yes, yes it had. “Paladin, if you repeat this to anyone, I’ll make sure you live to regret it!” Alis said as she continued to glare.

“Ah yes. Of course Alis” the paladin said as he moved to his work table and stared at a white leather pouch for far too long. Alis raised an eyebrow and watched the paladin for a moment, whose shoulders had begun to shake almost uncontrollably. Aelthir finally picked up the pouch and moved over to Alis. He placed it in her hand and moved away once more as if he was trying ever so hard to not say something.

“I said I wasn’t going to the ball.” Alis said as she held onto the pouch and Aelthir looked back at her. It was at this point he couldn’t hold it in any longer and burst out laughing hysterically.

“Y-You’re definitely going” the paladin choked through his laugh. “And you’re dancing with Syllae too.” He clutched his stomach and doubled over as he continued to be unable to control his laughter. “Go get ready, I’ll see you tonight…” he paused to laugh more. “Or I’ll drag you there, kicking and screaming. I don’t give a damn. You’re going.”

At that point, Alis just left the paladin to laugh himself into a heart attack.

Scene 4: Forgiveness

Less than fifteen minutes after poor Alis had her moment with Aelthir’s sister and the paladin had taken a moment to rest his head upon his right arm. The day was barely half over and he was completely exhausted. He still had to make sure that the outfits for Katrin, Fal and Vidar fit properly; he had to go speak with his sister, and he had a good guess as to what it was that his sister wanted, which only made it worse. Then there was the ball itself. Although, if he made it that far, he was fairly certain he’d make it through the night. Or so he hoped at least. At that moment however, the paladin had chosen to take a small nap while he had a few moments alone.

It was during this nap that Katrin entered the room. She looked at the hunched over paladin inquisitively, and quietly shuffled over to his side. The poor elf was fast asleep, and Katrin held back a chuckle. She considered leaving the paladin rest, but knew that if she didn’t wake him, someone else would, and likely be less kind about it.

“Aelthir” she spoke to the man, who didn’t move a muscle, which was odd; normally his name caught his attention. “Aelthir”, she spoke louder, but still earned no response. She sighed and shoved his shoulder next, and yet he still didn’t respond outside of shuffling himself back into a comfortable position. She sighed and decided to take her life into her own hands. She carefully reached over and gently took some of his hair into her hand. She felt her heart beat faster as she closed her grip upon it. She knew just how the paladin reacted to his fabulous hair being marred, after all. She took a deep breath and pulled on it hard for a moment and let go as quickly. Yet, he didn’t move. He must have been that tired. She sighed in relief and walked over to the clothes rack. She’d change into the gown, and then hopefully he’d be awake.

The woman looked through the remaining clothes on the rack, and saw a very large and simple black suit; nothing too fancy, so it was definitely for Vidar. Beside it was a smaller black suit, with what looked to be a red trim and was that a fedora? Definitely something Fal would wear. The gown at the end was likely hers. The material was soft to the touch, she noted as she looked it over. The gown itself was blue, much like her skin, and was long flowing as any evening gown should be. The cuffs of the sleeves were made from white lace, and there was white silk at the ends of the sleeves, that seemed to stretch like elastic.

So, the cleric moved to the change room and changed quickly. When she stepped back out, the Paladin was awake and sitting up quietly. He gave a small yawn and still did not notice the cleric. “Welcome to the waking world.” The woman spoke as she walked up to the paladin.

“Huh? Lady Katrin…?” He asked as he glanced over to her and she saw the eye patch. “My apologies, I must have fallen asleep while waiting.” He scratched the back of his head and stood up.

“What’s up with the eye patch?” She asked as she raised a brow inquisitively.

“Fashion statement” Aelthir answered quickly as his eye scanned her over. “Well, how does it feel?”

“A tad too loose” Katrin answered in a casual manner before she gave a twirl to show what she meant. Sure enough as she twirled, her left shoulder exposed itself.

“Ah… my apologies, I suppose I should’ve stayed awake to explain.” Aelthir stepped to her and reached over to the sleeves. He slid them down just past the shoulders where the elastics snugly fit in place against her arms. “I should have asked if you wanted shoulders or not. I merely decided to go with what I felt would work best for each of you.” Aelthir then walked over to a second rack and removed a navy blue sash. “This might help the loose feeling as well.” He spoke and moved behind her. He brought the sash carefully around her waist.

“I’m sorry, you know.” She spoke casually as the man worked. A noncommittal grunt was his only reply to her at the moment. “I know we’ve been teasing you a lot lately, Aelthir; but you know we don’t mean any harm by it, right?”

“What’s with the sudden apology?” Aelthir asked as he stopped trying to tie the bow for the moment.

“It’s just this morning, when you left the breakfast room, you looked like you were at the end of your rope. There’s teasing, and then there’s going too far with teasing.” Katrin answered as she glanced over her shoulder at the paladin who simply nodded his head.

“You sound like you are worried about me” he said as she looked forward once more. He then resumed trying to tie her sash.

“Maybe I am, maybe we all are.” Katrin answered in an easy speaking tone to the paladin as she crossed her arms. “Friends worry about friends, even if they’re teasing or playing jokes on one another.”

“I’m alright. I was frustrated this morning, but there were many factors which attributed to that. You don’t need to worry about it, and can continue with your fun.”

“Oh, I had no intention of stopping. Little sister is so cute.” Katrin smirked lightly.

“You’re calling her little sister now?” Aelthir asked as he raised an eyebrow and nearly dropped the sash.

“How can I not? She calls me big sister Katrin.” Katrin chuckled lightly. “She looks up to all of us. Even after the teasing ends and she knows the truth, I don’t think that will change.”

“Probably not, she seems… er, enamoured with all of you.” He said with a nervous chuckle, his memories quickly returned to just a bit ago when poor Alis had quality time with his dear sister. He coughed lightly as he finally finished with the sash and stood up. “That should do it. How does it feel now?” he asked her as he moved to sit down once again.

“Better.” She said as she looked herself over. “Now, are you going to tell me what’s wrong? That took too long for you.” She finally asked as she walked over to him. “And you fumbled with cloth. I’ve rarely seen that happen.”

“Ah, I am still getting used to doing this with the eye patch.” Aelthir answered her and shrugged. “My apologies if I was keeping you from gossiping with my sister.” He teased lightly.

“Sorry to say this, but that eye patch isn’t a fashion statement. It’s nowhere near fabulous; or at least to your normal standards of fabulous. It messes your hair, probably messes with your makeup, and of course hides your eyes.” She commented as she casually reached over to take the eye patch.

Aelthir quickly jumped from his seat and backed away. “Sorry, but the eye patch has to stay for today.” He said simply.

“You got hurt.” She concluded with that. “That’s the only logical reason why you would do this.”

Aelthir looked away at that. Paladins do not lie, after all. “I did. I would request that you not ask how.” He said to her.

“Take off the eye patch.” She demanded as she approached him. “Let me see it for a moment.”

“Why?” He asked as he backed up another step cautiously, until he felt his back pressed against the wall, with a pillar on one side of him, and an armoire on the other. It was then he realized he trapped himself.

“I can’t heal it if I can’t see it.” She said as she walked up to him, and rolled her eyes. “Oh never mind, let me.” She sighed as she reached behind his head and untied the strap before she pulled the eye patch free. The flesh around the paladin’s eye was swollen and bruised. Katrin tossed the eye patch to the ground behind them and reached up with her right hand. Aelthir took a deep breath and just let her perform her magic. It did not take long for the swelling to start to lessen and the pain he felt to leave his body. “So, no hard feelings then?” She asked as she walked away from him after.

“Of course not; how could I ever stay mad at my friends?” He asked as he walked back to his seat and opened a drawer. “By the way… if you’re going to continue this charade,” he started as he removed two silver earrings and walked to her. “You’ll need to wear this tonight on your dress.” He placed the two of them in her hand and closed her fingers over it. She opened her hand and raised an eyebrow. They were essentially the symbol that was at the front gate of the manor; the Baequi’via family crest. “I know I technically have been long since disinherited, but just trust me on this one. My sister will be wholly fooled, and the branch family will have their own beautiful reactions.”

“Are you asking me out on a date?” Katrin teased as she started to put the earrings on. She couldn’t help but smirk at Aelthir getting actually actively involved in the trickery.

“As if” he snorted as he walked back to the desk. “One would have to be interested in dating to do something like that. I’m far too in love with myself for that.”

“Good, because you really suck at kissing” Katrin retorted, which earned another amused snort from the paladin.

“One cannot be perfect at everything.” He said and sat back down. “Thank you for healing me, by the way.”

“I disagree. I’m fairly perfect.” She scoffed and moved to the door. “No problem. I’m a healer, it’s what I do. Take care, Aelthir. Talk to you tonight.” She left at that note, and Aelthir just waited for the next person.

Scene 5: Request

A few hours later and all of Aelthir’s comrades were dressed up; and thankfully for Aelthir, Fal and Vidar offered no abnormal occurrences. Even though Katrin’s heal also re-energized the paladin slightly, he was still fairly exhausted over the past few days. By this point, the sun was starting to set, and Aelthir had changed out of his day to day clothes, to a white suit with a silver thread trim. His hair was shined and perfectly flowing and upon his lapel was a silver pin with the Baequi’via family crest on it. The paladin was in an older looking office, one Aelthir did not need to think hard to remember that this was once his mother’s office, and by rights, Syllae’s in the present day.

As soon as he closed the door, he noticed Syllae standing at the windows and she simply stared outside into Mirror Garden. Aelthir opened his mouth to speak and Syllae’s index finger rose in a motion which told the paladin to keep silent. An orb then appeared at Syllae’s shoulder and she spoke in a strange tongue he could not understand. If it was elven, it was a dialect that had long since passed. He cautiously stepped to one of the leather hide chairs in the room and sat down. It was time for the conversation that he felt he was not ready to have.

“Aelthir” Syllae’s tone was stone like, firm and unrevealing of any doubt, if she had any. “You know what I’m going to ask you.”

“Of course I do. Why else would you have your retainer deliver me here?” Aelthir asked rhetorically. “Even Ansr’esti hinted at it. Beacon of hope? Please… as if that wasn’t a dead giveaway.”

“Aelthir; as the head of the Baequi’via family, I have an obligation to support relations of all people in this city. Things are not the same as when we were younger. Humans and Elves were a hundred times worse at getting along. The concept of an elf taking on a human religion was preposterous. The elves would chastise and the Riscanans would have treated you horribly. When mom and dad disinherited you, it was to protect you from the humans and the elves. Our family alone would have made an example out of you as to why ‘we could not coexist’. These days, humans and elves have lived together here a little better. We are on an offensive geared to destroying the barrier between us and peace. However, we need someone who lives here, among the people to act as a beacon of hope. We need someone like you to hold the balance; to carry that torch and protect the values of peace.” Syllae’s tone was determined, passionate, strong willed and powerful. “We need you, Aelthir. We need a hero like you.”

“No, you really don’t.” Aelthir closed his eyes. “It is a dangerous gamble to place the hopes of peace on one person. You’ll either get it faster, or lose it all, and you’re not that naïve in the world of politics, or mother and father would not have made you the head of the family. Furthermore, I did not become a paladin of Triana to be regarded as a hero. So, please… tell me the real reason of this question.”

“Mm, you’re right. However, it is the truth. Part of, at least…” Syllae stopped for a moment and her shoulders slumped slightly. “It’s been hard you know. First, I lost you thirty years ago, then mother and father, three years ago. Two times I was thrust into an adult role at a young age. I’ve managed, but every day I’ve missed you. You’ve not written, you’ve not visited, nothing. I didn’t know you were alive, save for stories that travellers brought of a fabulous elven paladin of Triana. Then I heard you spotted in Todare by one of Ansr’onna’s agents, So, I had her bring you here. I just had to see my older brother, alive and well.” Her voice cracked at that, as if it was one of the hardest things she’d ever said. Aelthir felt his heart sink at her tone.

Aelthir stood back up and silently moved to Syllae’s side. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight as she buried her face in his chest. He felt the tears fall from her eyes onto his suit as her voice continued to shake. “When mom and dad first told me they were dying. I didn’t know what to do. I grabbed onto them and held onto them with all my might. They smiled sadly to me and held me. They told me I was strong and that I was never alone. A few days later and they died. It was like they held on, just to tell me that. That was three years ago.” She pulled away and turned to face the window. “I’ve done everything in my power to keep things going well with the family, but without Ansr’onna; I don’t think I would have been able to. I’m not diplomatic, I intimidate. No branch family member dares to argue with me, with just as much fear as it is respect.”

“Syllae…” he whispered quietly and watched her. He didn’t know what to say, or what to do. As a brother, he didn’t want her to suffer alone; he wanted to take her into his arms and shield her from pain. However, there was just so much he knew he wanted to do before he retired, and he just felt there was something still out there for him.

“I don’t want an answer now. I know you have your friends, and your wife to consider…” Syllae murmured as she looked down a bit. “You and your wife would live well off. I’d take care of that, and if you had halfling children, they would be treated the same as if you had pure elves.”

“Mm. You’re right, this will take a lot of thought.” He murmured to her and closed his eyes. “What of my pilgrimage. My mission to defeat cultists of Laviege… how, can I continue to do that if I stay here.”

“There are cultists everywhere. I’m sure there are some within the country as well.” Syllae responded. “I respect your devotion to your mission, but why travel everywhere to root them out when you can root them out here. Every time I thought about you on that mission, which I found out from Ansr’onna. Every time I thought that you may be dead, my heart froze! So think how your wife must feel. Think about your own life! Or do you not even care about your own mortality and those who care about you, because I highly doubt that when you’re fighting a cultist, you ever think to take someone with you to assist. After all, you’ve always been ‘I will do what I have to do…’”

Aelthir slammed his fist against her windows at that note. “Don’t make me out to be some sort of suicidal martyr! Of course I worry about my own life! Sure, I don’t always think before do things, but I am wise enough to never fight alone, and I trust my comrades with my life. So, I don’t need to worry about if something will go wrong in a dangerous situation, because they always have my back. Yes, my mission is dangerous; and I have accepted that one day that chasing cultists will be the death of me. It could be two weeks, or a hundred years from now. However, everyone dies and when it is my time, I will accept my fate. ”

“But Aelthir… I just don’t.” Syllae whispered as she looked away. “I’m just.”

Aelthir’s expression softened and he shook his head. “I know…” he murmured with a sigh. “I know you’re worried about me…” he rested his forehead against the window and shut his eyes. He didn’t even move as he felt his sister’s arms wrap around his waist and her body rest against his back. “Just, have more faith in me. Give me the night to think about this.”

“Of course” Syllae murmured against Aelthir. “Take all the time you need. My arms will always be open for you, my dearest brother.”

“Thank you, darling sister.” Aelthir sighed and opened his eyes. “I suppose now is as good of a time as any to tell you something important.”

“I am listening.” Syllae murmured to him and kept her eyes closed.

“You see.” Aelthir began as the door to the private office opened suddenly. Syllae quickly pulled away and pivoted to look at who entered. Aelthir wasn’t looking, but he knew it was Ansr’onna who had entered and that Syllae was once more standing in a dignified manner.

“Syllae; it’s time for you to make your appearance.” Ansr’onna said simply. “The guests have entered the ballroom.”

“Alright, just one second” Syllae said as she turned to Aelthir. “What were you saying, my brother?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.” Aelthir chuckled as he stood up straight and turned around. “It’s something we’ll discuss tomorrow. For now, let us depart for your ball. You would not wish to keep your guests waiting. I’m going to go join the others.” He turned to face her. “I’ll answer your request by sunset in two days from now.” He finished before he walked off and left the room with a confident smile.

Once he was close to the main foyer, his expression changed to a thoughtful one. He didn’t have time to think about this at the moment, tonight was a night of celebration, after all, and he was looking forward to that night.

Scene 6: The Elven Conundrum

By the time Aelthir managed to make it to the ballroom, the party itself was in full swing. Ball music filled the overly lavish gold and white room and the elf felt himself be hit with a wave of nostalgia from times back when he was a youth, just learning the roles and responsibilities of being a future head of the family. It was not an entirely discomforting feeling in the least. In fact, as stepped into the room, he felt his body gracefully sway and the golden cape upon his back flutter lightly and he felt all around peaceful.

Unfortunately, all things must come to an end when the gasps of shock and surprise were enough to snap the paladin out of his reverie and look toward the center of the room. Even though he was slightly shorter than the average elf in the room, there was no mistaking that black and red fedora and Aelthir began to make his way to the center of the room, fearful for what could be presently going on.

When he made it to the front of the crowd, he simply deadpanned at what he saw. Fal had his hand on his fedora, with his head tilted down. As the next song began, he pulled off his fedora, spun it on his fingers and then perfectly placed it back on his head. He then began to move his legs in awkward directions with a speed that was hard to keep up with. He then started to move his arms, no let his arms flow with the music and shuffle his legs to let himself move around the whole area.

He stopped in front of an elven woman and delivered a pelvic thrust in her direction, then proceeded to be slapped hard in the cheek. Aelthir winced slightly, but the dragonborne simply went in the direction of the slap, and his feet shuffled the floor so that he was spinning around in place. “Talk about rolling with the punches.” Aelthir muttered to himself quietly as he watched.

A moment later and he faced the woman again and started to slide backwards, and yet his legs looked as if they were moving forward. It was simply mesmerizing and shocking. Aelthir made a mental note t have Fal teach him how to dance like that sometime in the future. Sure, the dance didn’t seem as fabulous as he was used to, but there was an air of majesty around those moves.

Relieved that the dragonborne was not getting into too much trouble at the moment, the paladin turned away and prepared to make his way out of the crowd. Until he felt a hand take hold of his own and he deadpanned. Before he could open his mouth to protest, he was pulled into the dragonborne’s arms and led to the center. As Aelthir looked to the man, he noted that Fal’s eyes were shut, and he could smell some alcohol on Fal’s breath. So much for not getting into 'too much trouble'.

“Fal” the paladin said, hoping to reach the poor tipsy psion. Unfortunately, the paladin’s answer was as Fal decided to lead him around in what could easily be mistaken by a lesser noble as a waltz. To Aelthir, however; this was a man fumbling to try and dance properly, after a show where a normal person would have had no ability to walk after. The paladin tried to pull away, but Fal just had too much of a grip on the poor man. “Fal.” Aelthir repeated and tried to get the psion’s attention as well, once again ignored. Aelthir simply gave up and went along with the dance for now.

A waltz is usually done in three noble and majestic steps. However, the paladin was doing a waltz in his mind as well as with his feet. First step and Aelthir felt annoyed. Second step and Aelthir felt embarrassed that he was dragged into a dance with a guy. Third step and Aelthir felt like groaning in disbelief. Over and over, his mind cycled through these thoughts as his feet cycled through the three steps. Finally, as the song came to a close, Fal dipped the poor paladin and started to say something to say something to Aelthir which made him sigh. “Open your eyes, Sir Fal. See the terrible mistake you are making at this moment.” Aelthir said as he just glared at the dragonborne.

Fal opened his eyes and looked at the paladin. The face that Fal made would be something Aelthir would remember for years to come; followed with being dropped unceremoniously to the ground.

“Y-You!? What happened to that hot elven babe I saw in the crowd!?” Fal asked in a horrified tone as he pointed at the paladin. “B-Bro, that’s not cool!”

“You grabbed my arm! How could you not tell it was me!? I’m wearing a suit and a gold cape! I’m definitely not a lady, sir Fal!” Aelthir retorted as he sat up. “I mean seriously! Don't you know how to tell a man from a woman!?”

“Dude! There are a bunch of women wearing suits here, and you look like a woman, how was I supposed to tell the difference!?” Fal asked as he offered a hand to the paladin, his expression still overly horrified. Either way, that told Aelthir that no, Fal really didn't know how to tell the difference, and he wasn't going to teach the dragonborne, not today, not ever.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe for the fact I was saying your name multiple times?” Aelthir asked as he took Fal’s hand and got to his feet. The paladin brought up a hand to his forehead and rubbed it gently.

“Oh, I thought my dancing had just wowed the chick in my arms so much that she just knew my name.” Fal answered with a shrug. Aelthir groaned before he looked around at the people still watching and now snickering at the pair. Aelthir cleared his throat and turned to the group. “Alright ladies and gentlemen, resume your dancing, show’s over!” the paladin near hissed and the watching elves broke apart to return to their business of dancing and mingling. This had already turned out to be a long night, and it had only begun. “Come on, let’s just go sit down.” Aelthir sighed again and shook his head.

“Nah, I’m off to go flirt with more women and drink away this horrible soon to be memory.” Fal answered as he quickly moved off. “Later dude.”

“A drink sounds really good right about now.” Aelthir sighed as he turned to head toward a table, and came face to face with a certain blonde haired girl.

“There are women in suits, Aelthir! Why didn’t you make me a suit!?” She demanded to know as she got up in the paladin’s face.

“Because you needed to man down, in the worst possible way” Aelthir answered with a straight face, and immediately found himself on the floor once more. As he looked back up at Alis, he saw her munching on some snack or another in a loud and angry manner. She then turned around and stormed away, obviously upset with Aelthir.

The paladin groaned once more and stood to his feet as he rubbed his cheek. Tonight was turning into a disaster for him and he could only imagine what was coming next.