“It’s been far too long, my friend!” Taris said, slapping him on the back.
“It has. I was not sure you would be attending.” Taris’ presence was surprising. The Kolan stronghold was further south and sat against the sea. It had one of the largest navies on this side of the continent and was favored highly by Omel Dorei. Their involvement meant the capital was giving one last grand push at a diplomatic solution.
“You know my father. Anything to get me away from the ladies of the court. Little does he know.” Taris motioned behind him to a small cluster of human women huddled in a corner. One of them turned and lifted her fan to her lips.
“I’m sure he does.” Aisalan replied drily.
Taris’ attention turned to Miri and Aisalan stiffened. “And who is this enchanting creature?”
Aisalan had to stop himself from glaring when Taris gently plucked Miri’s hand from his arm to bring it to his lips. “The least deserving males always get the best of everything.”
His dismay increased when Miri laughed.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Miri said. The other male had a way of putting anyone at ease within moments of meeting them. It was one of the qualities that would make him an effective ruler if he could manage to take his inheritance seriously enough.
“Taris Kolan,” Taris replied with an exaggerated bow. He cast a mockingly disparaging glance in Aisalan’s direction and sniffed. “You must forgive my friend his lack of manners. His education was wasted.”
“If you do not mind,” Aisalan interjected, recapturing Miri’s hand and placing it back in the crook of his elbow. “I would like to get Miri situated in our accommodations.”
A mischievous gleam overtook Taris’ eyes, and Aisalan hoped, among all hopes, that the other male would not bring up his uncommon protectiveness of Miri’s company or the impromptu announcement of an impending engagement. “Of course. However, we must be sure to take a moment to speak before deliberations begin.”
Aisalan’s shoulders relaxed. Doubtless, he would be questioned later but Taris was allowing him off of the hook for now.
His comrade’s face broke into the same disarming smile used to get them out of trouble with tutors and angry fathers. “Are you attending the supan tonight?”
“Of course,” Aisalan replied, hoping the other male wasn’t going to invite himself along. He was fond of Taris’ company, but having Miri alone was a far more stimulating prospect. The summit would have him away from her for many hours and, despite himself, he wanted to spend every free second he could snaring her attention.
“You already have your seating then, I’m sure.” Taris replied a bit too knowingly for Aisalan’s tastes. He leaned in to clasp Aisalan’s arm in farewell. “My rooms are located down the main hall, the 5th door to the right. Do not rest without speaking.”
Aisalan nodded and gave a short bow. Miri’s curtsy, while appropriate, only added to his small pang of irrational jealousy.
“He was quite nice.” She said as he led them toward a table covered in small crystal glasses. A servant poured out portions of wine and he handed one to her.
“Taris is a good friend and a terrible influence.” Aisalan grumbled in reply. The other male was biding his time. They weren’t the kind of friends to discuss their relationships at length, but Miri was far removed from any of the females he usually took to his bed. There was sure to be an inquiry the moment she wasn’t by his side.
It seemed things were getting far more complicated by the moment. Could he tell Taris the truth? He considered the other Aelv a trusted confidant and Aisalan was sure he would be never reveal his affairs to another.
On the other hand, Taris was as much an appreciator of lovely female company as he was. Revealing that she wasn’t his intended could spur the Aelv’s interest. He would know enough to not pursue her while in the Otravian stronghold, but nothing would stop him from getting into her good graces and making an attempt once the event was over.
The thought alone caused his jaw to clench.
“Are you alright?” Miri asked.
He looked over to see her observing him, concern furrowing her brow.
“I am.” He offered a small smile, hoping it would convince her. He flagged down one of the butlers and
requested they be escorted to their quarters.
He was already feeling slightly uneasy without Taris’ company and he needed to gather himself in preparation for the day to come.
Aisalan was relieved when their quarters weren’t located too far from the main hall. After two turns they were brought before a large ornate door. They were quickly allowed in and the key deposited into his hand with a small bow.
He turned to find their trunks delivered and Lyrei carefully hanging Miri’s attire in one of the armoires.
“I’m afraid I must leave you for now,” Aisalan said softly, turning Miri to face him. “Though I will return for the midday meal.”
He wanted to say more. He needed to say more, but Lyrei’s presence stopped him. Looking down into Miri’s upturned face, he wished to drink her in and steal a taste of her lips.
“Right. I’m sure Lyrei and I will find something to keep us occupied.” Miri replied, pulling away from him slightly. “If you see Taris again, tell him I’m grateful to him for making me feel so welcome.”
He most certainly would not. Not wishing to reveal his plan not to play messenger, Aisalan nodded and slipped out of the room.
The hall was a bustle of activity as various courtiers were led to their accommodations. Spirits seemed strangely high among many and Aisalan imagined that was what also had him on edge. The somber reality of a possible war should have been felt throughout the palace.
He had expected the pomp and ritual upon their arrival. Maintaining a good image among the people was par for the course, but he’d also expected a far more subdued response behind closed doors.
He rounded the second corner and continued toward his destination before finally coming upon three men about twenty paces from Taris’ door. Wearing thick leather attire, he could tell they were not servants but a chill descended on the hall as he approached. Aisalan nodded in greeting, his attention captured by the pin holding one of the men’s cloaks.
The colors of the Otravian stronghold, the rich cobalt and gold of the family’s crest, were stark against the dulled iron setting. He could take comfort in knowing they weren’t mercenaries but their presence was unsettling none-the-less.
By the time Taris opened his door, they began to depart, with one of the men casting a last look in their direction.
“Do you know if Ulther Otravian has hired extra guard?” Aisalan asked, stepping into his friend’s room.
Taris closed the door and walked to an open trunk sitting on a small dining table. “No. Why?”
He didn’t know how to respond. The group of men had done nothing outwardly suspicious and Ulther Otravian had every right to staff his household however he wished. Aisalan shook his head. The stress of the delegations was already getting to him and they had not even begun yet. “It’s nothing.”
He took a seat in one of the room’s many chairs. “What is your strategy? I hardly feel it is necessary to stress how important it is that we convince the Otravians to stand down.”
Taris shifted the trunk from the table to the floor before crossing his arms and regarding Aisalan for a few moments. “I’m surprised you think that’s the first topic we’re going to discuss.”
Aisalan snorted and leaned back in the chair. “About as surprised as I am that you are unpacking your own trunks.”
He smiled at Taris’ bark of laughter. They were terrible at keeping up with each other, the responsibilities of age creating distance between even the most treasured of old friendships. When Taris moved to sit opposite him, it was as though no time had passed since their last meeting.
His laughing face slowly turned serious and his voice sober when he replied. “The Kolan Stronghold has already said that we will no
t support the Otravians in any of their demands.”
Aisalan exhaled and nodded. Myrenden had made no such proclamations. If there was a common ground to be found they would search for one. “Then why send you?”
“To maintain our position.” Taris said. “But if you have not noticed, I came alone. My Progenitors, and their council, do not trust the Otravians.”
“It will be taken as an insult.” Aisalan replied. Bringing a valued member of one’s household showed a level of trust in the host’s intentions. For Taris to arrive alone made the Kolan stronghold’s position clear when combined with their refusal to consider the Otravian’s claims.
Taris shrugged, “Be that as it may.” He studied Aisalan for a moment before his face broke into an impish grin. “Who is she?”
“Who is who?” Aisalan asked, momentarily caught off guard by the abrupt change in subject.
Taris chuckled and began unhooking his doublet. “The last I heard, you were dodging the attentions of Arlyia Daewraek of Ysran.”
Aisalan grimaced.
“Now, you arrive at a dominion function with a casteless.”
Aisalan bristled. “She is an alchemist.”
Taris raised his hands. “She is worthy of you if she has gained your attention.”
“It is not...” He paused, unsure of how to frame the situation before deciding to go with the truth. “It is an arrangement. She had need of a name and I offered mine in exchange for her attendance.”
Taris frowned. “That hardly seems like you.”
“I assumed this would be the most discrete method of obtaining a companion.” Aisalan said. “It seemed to present fewer complications than the other options available.”
“Seemed?” Taris asked, as one eyebrow crept higher.
“What is important is that she suits the role and sends a message.” Aisalan finished, though his words were unconvincing to his own ears. “There are more than Aelven lives at stake.”
Taris’ eyes narrowed. “Boldly cynical. Even for you. Though I will agree, she fits the role well. You certainly appear to be standing taller.”
Aisalan’s mouth opened, than closed. Taris was one of the few Aelven in his acquaintance who routinely took pleasure in throwing him off balance. “Once the summit is complete we go our separate ways.”
Taris huffed and rose from his seat. “That seems simple indeed.”
Chapter Twelve
Miri
The rooms were beautiful and far more opulent than anything Miri had ever seen. She had not expected the colorful bursts of blue, gold, and cream bathed in midday light. The Otravian palace didn’t boast delicate detailing or curved stained glass windows, instead bearing the outward appearance of an austere stone fortress, but once inside it became obvious that they valued luxury as much as their Aelven counterparts.
A massive bed was positioned against the eastern wall, and to the west, a large fireplace loomed with fresh wood already prepared for a servant’s flint. In front of it, a seating area fit for royalty sat awaiting quiet conversation.
Large windows were framed by thick drapery bearing the cobalt and gold colors of the Otravian coat of arms, and plush furs lined the stone floor. Were Lyrei not in the room, Miri would have thrown herself on the massive mattress to see if the bed was as soft as it looked.
“Midday meal isn’t for a few hours yet.” The Aelven female’s voice pulled Miri out of her awestruck state, “We can walk around the town square a bit if you would like.”
“I’ve never been to a human-led stronghold before,” Miri said excitedly. She was still nervous but the festivities outside of the window reminded her of her brighter days and merriment was always contagious.
They had only just arrived, and while Taris’ welcome had eased her mind, the stares and whispers during the announcement of her presence still left her uneasy. An opportunity to blend into a crowd and get swept away in pantomimes and street food was too tempting to ignore.
“Nor have I.” Lyrei replied with a sigh, “After my apprenticeship, I was sent directly to Myrenden. I haven’t gotten to see much of this region.”
“I didn’t know the Aelven were sent for apprenticeships.” Miri said, unable to keep the shock from her voice. She never encountered Aelven children while with the Hearth Mistresses or during her training.
Lyrei was quiet for a moment as she hung the last gown and shut the armoire door. “Poorer Aelven families will send their children to become apprentices if furthering their formal education is not feasible.”
“And your life was chosen for you after that,” Miri said sadly, knowing all too well the feeling of helplessness experienced once your life path was chosen.
Lyrei nodded, “We all have a path laid out for us by the gods.” She walked over to the window, and Miri wondered what she saw as she looked at the humans milling about the street. In a way, some of them had more freedom than she did. Humans with established names were able to sample all of the joys life had to offer, including the freedom to choose for themselves the lives they wanted to lead.
Miri joined her by the window and gave her a gentle nudge with her shoulder. “Want to go get into some trouble?”
Lyrei laughed and nudged her back, “I have been tasked with keeping you out of it, but I will not tell if you will not.”
Miri
“What would you rather be doing instead?” Miri asked as she licked the last remnants of pastry from the tip of her finger. What began as a casual stroll became a mission to try as much of the available delicacies as possible, and the sticky honey pistachio bun they just finished soared to the top of her list with the first bite.
“I’m having a good time,” Lyrei said around a mouthful.
Miri laughed, “No, I mean with your life. Everyone has a dream. I don’t want to be trapped in the The Magistra’s workroom forever.”
Silence followed, and the light-hearted atmosphere of their outing shifted for reasons Miri wasn’t quite sure of until Lyrei answered.
“I do not know.” She said softly, “I have never thought about it before, and no one has asked.”
It was a statement laced with sadness and acceptance. Miri looped her arm around Lyrei’s, “Maybe you should think about it anyway.”
Lyrei shook her head, “Once a path has been established, there is no turning from it without great difficulty. Fate guides us as it wills.” An answer from memory, a response that was as much a defense mechanism as an explanation.
Miri would not pry, but she longed to argue against Lyrei’s fatalistic outlook even if it was one she sometimes harbored herself.
They wove through the milling crowds of spectators and vendors before she spotted a long hedge with a wrought iron fence flung open and decorated for the day’s festivities. She motioned towards it with her head and pulled her companion in its direction.
As they entered, she was immediately overcome by a sense of serenity. The cobblestone streets gave way to smooth white marble paving stones interspersed with accent stones in the stronghold’s royal colors, and the intimate space was broken up by segments of neatly arranged bushes bursting with flowers. A white marble fountain sat as a soothing sentinel in the center.
The noise of the outside world seemed to be muffled by the aura of calm, and they were among few other visitors.
“I guess I’m lucky enough that I enjoy being an alchemist.” Miri’s eyes remained trained on the burbling water of the fountain, “It was like discovering a different world.”
“Then why change anything? You can do that now.” Lyrei replied.
“It’s about choice.” Miri said, “The freedom to choose when I rise, what I make, who I serve.”
Duriah was nice enough, and their arrangement gave them a form of equal footing, but, in the end, she still felt stifled. She wasn’t paid enough to purchase equipment of her own and was bored with creating the same stock of potions over and over. A healing potion here, a brew to increase battle prowess there. Orpheum’s Sleep was a cr
eation she took great pride in. She knew, were it on the market, it would make a fortune. A fortune she refused to secure for someone else.
“When I was younger, the uprisings never made much sense to me.” Lyrei replied before turning to Miri, “I confess, I sometimes thought humans ungrateful for the peace and order the dominion brought to your world.” She chewed her cheek and bent to pick up a small stone from the ground. “But I heard stories of how some of the human settlements are led. That anyone can be, and become, who they wished. That is not generally the way of our realm.”
Miri had never given much thought to the realm the Aelven came from, aside from the stories she heard as a girl. Their world was said to be infused with aether and steeped in danger. Despite this, she imagined they all had far more freedom of movement than the average casteless.
“I didn’t believe it, but it’s true.”
They turned to see two Aelven females standing behind them, fans held before their faces so that only their eyes were visible. She didn’t recognize them and they made no move to introduce themselves. Miri hoped this encounter would be a pleasant one.
“My apologies. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
One of the females laughed, “Nor would we ever. Who would have thought? A casteless among the assembly. The Vinhar family is far more eccentric than I thought.”
She felt Lyrei tense next to her. In all of the impromptu training she received, she hadn’t been prompted on how to deal with malicious verbal assaults. It was best to play off of what she did know.
“And far more influential as it seems I have no idea who you are.” She paused, “Still.”
Amethyst eyes narrowed, and the fan was snapped shut. “Wretched little guttersnipe. It takes so little for humans to forget their place.”
“And similarly, little to make you forget yourselves.” Lyrei snapped, catching Miri off-guard. “Judging by your unwillingness to name yourselves, I am led to believe you are of a lesser line. Insulting the future Lady Vinhar will not raise your Progenitors’ standing.”
An Ignoble Invitation- the Aelven Dominion Page 11