Private Tales At Her Patron's Table

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

The mage escort her patron sent to help her get to Alliria was not the talkative type. After using the portal stone near Elbion, they arrived in Allir shortly, but still had a carriage ride to Lord Iskandar's estate. Not finding any conversation, Virdalia pulled the curtains of their carriage window back and decided to take a look around the city and ponder all the things she had learned in her first semester at Elbion College. Firstly, she noted upon arriving in the city that the seal on her inner thigh began faintly pulsing. In her engineering courses, she had noted the strange seal pulsating on occasion. Most notably when she crafted her creations and thought to herself that it could be useful to her lord. She also noted that those creations specifically seemed to always come out perfect and operating at peak efficiency.

The seal looked like an exact replica of House Iskandar's insignia brandished on her inner thigh. However, unlike a brand, it was not raised, but rather incredibly smooth and somewhat cool to the touch. Whenever she felt the pulses of energy as she did now, without looking she knew it was very faintly glowing with an amber light mirroring the hue of Petrus's eyes. Its meaning remained a mystery, yet she believed this power could be shaped into something worthy, to allow her to make a creation to honor House Iskandar. Still, she could not ignore how it quickened whenever her thoughts wandered to him, to Lord Petrus Iskandar himself.

Which was probably more often than they should, he had been sending her letters and other correspondence on occasion asking about her progress, learning what she knew, and were generally laced with a polish of formality. Each word dressed in courtesy, yet beneath them lingered something... warmer. Between the lines, in pauses and signatures, desire shimmered. Not yet confessed, but undeniable in each exchange between them. She fantasized often about using the stones to come see him, without invitation, just to be near with him. However, she knew he was a busy man and she herself often had late nights studying for her next examination or meeting with friends and colleagues. So, she never got that chance.

When she got the news that Petrus invited her to visit him in Alliria, she was ecstatic. She had spent the last few weeks thinking about this day and had even gone into town to buy some clothes with her friends for the affair. Under her black cloak, she wore a gown of deep crimson silk, the fabric clinging like liquid fire to her lithe form. She had gained some weight while there and her malnourished form was starting to take the shape of a woman's. This was shown clearly in the bodice of her gown which embraced her figure with a sculpted precision, the neckline daring but not immodest. The sleeves were long and fitted and the skirt of the dress swept the floor. A slender slit along her leg revealed glimpses of her pale skin as she shifted in her seat. The deep red of her gown making her storm-gray eyes all the more arresting like lightning against a burning sky.

"Ready yourself, we are arriving." The quiet mage said brusquely.

As the large structure came into view, she began to anxiously wonder what kind of welcome she would receive from Petrus.



(Image source: social sight)

Petrus Ritus Iskandar

 

[Petrus Ritus Iskandar]

Contrary to Virdalia's own efforts in procuring a refined dress and refining her figure the welcome she received from her Patron upon her arrival to his mansion was a quiet, personal.... intimate.... thing. A cadre of soldiers in platemail, burnished black and at parade quality of resplendence, would greet her. The trim of their armors inlaid with honest to goodness gold while they held ceremonial greatswords aloft in a display of strength and prowess. A trio of knights bearing the black and gold of the house on their livery would begin to trail the carriage upon her arrival until the very moment Virdalia made her departure.

As the young half-elf stepped foot out of the carriage a young man just a few inches taller than herself, and handsome in a beautiful way for a man, named Drystan would greet her. The younger man was a favored messenger for her patron, with chestnut brown hair and gold-hazel eyes he could no doubt woo many a beautiful woman of his own but he had his own reasons to give Petrus his allegiance. As such upon Virdalia's approach Drystan would bow and sweep his hand in an elegant gesture. His hair tousled just enough to lightly curtain his eyes as he greeted her.

"Lady Deuxstrom. Welcome home."

Turning to walk alongside Virdalia the attendant to her Lord would motion for the soldiers to follow them, three of the plate-clad men on foot on either side while the three knights walked slowly behind. Drystan would then cast a sidelong glance at her before flitting his eyes forward to the manor and remarking.

"You look well. Much more.... complete... than Lord Iskandar described. I trust your studies have been proceeding smoothly?"

Whether Drystan was truly in on Petrus's plans, the games he played with Virdalia, or was genuinely trying to make small-talk, the young human seemed friendly enough but given how heavily he served her Patron in some of his business well... chances were equally good of him being and not being at least somewhat involved. Perhaps he even had some inkling of Virdalia's desires, or not, either way his cordial smile and glimmering hazel eyes betrayed nothing as he added.

"Our Lord will be awaiting you in the main hall. There have been quite a few interesting visitors since you've been gone. Not the least of which numbering the Empress-Regent of Amol-Kalit herself."

Drystan would pause before clicking his tongue, smiling softly, and muttering as much to himself as to Virdalia. Almost as if he was daydreaming.

"Interesting times....."

Spoiler: Drystan

Virdalia Deuxstrom

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

Virdalia sat surveying the area before arriving, stunned at the display before her. Never had she seen such a massive display of wealth and power flourished like this. She knew that the Iskandar family name held power and weight, but to see it in front of her was nearly incomprehensible. Though she had tried to look the part, she still had no idea how to carry herself before these men laden in... wait, was that real gold? Seeing their intimidating military strength on what she thought was full display, she felt herself get clammy with fear. Those swords were just so big, there's no way they could swing them. But in surveying the men, she noted, they absolutely could and would if need arose.

There was just something about the greeting that unsettled her as she couldn't help but imagine the carnage those swords had seen and what it would feel like to be beneath one in her final moments. She fought hard to combat her rising anxiety. She tried to soothe herself with the thought that these men weren't here to kill her, but protect her, they were under the same banner serving the same lord and soon she would be reunited with him.

As her fear dwindled, the carriage came to a halt. With a pang of disappointment, it was not Lord Iskandar who greeted her but rather a quite handsome human man. As her eyes began assessing him, she thought to herself he must be quite the charmer. Unlike the lord's weathered charm and hard edged allure, the man before her was a refreshing type of dashing. His words though, did lighten her heart, home she thought to herself. A gentle smile found its way onto her face as she took the man's hand and stepped out.

She began to wonder what his relationship with Petrus was as he commanded the knights to follow with a natural ease. As they formed around the pair, she took brief glances between the men to survey their arms and weapons with the keen eyes of an engineer. Not to mention taking on the sight of the manor itself as they approached by foot, the imposing structure seemed to radiate ominous energy, yet inspired awe at the mastery of its craftsmanship.

As she began inwardly pondering whether the men's swords were wrought iron or tempered steel, the man remarked on her appearance and posed a question to her. She flushed a bit with embarrassment, she was still underweight but did work hard to present a better figure before arriving here, hearing that acknowledgment though was quite odd to the ears. A bit flustered she answered quietly and briskly, "Yes, t-they're fine..." and she pushed her hair back behind her ear in a sort of shy gesture blushing harder at the fact she stuttered. Scared to find judgment there, she flitted her eyes to him for a moment, but they revealed nothing to her behind his polite smile.

As the man remarked on, mentioning the stay of the Empress-Regent of Amol-Kalit, her back straightened. How could someone so small and unremarkable as herself ever dared to walk these halls, let alone call them her home? She felt like a single note in a symphony far too grand for her. Her heart filled with regret, thinking of how meager she was, how insignificant. Surely, Petrus had far weightier matters to attend to than herself, the thought hollowing her and filling her with doubt.

Eyes downcast, a brief flicker of vulnerability crossed her expression. She quickly masked that with composure as she ventured to the man timidly, "Um... excuse me sir, I never got your name. Also, please, you may call me just Virdalia, the lady title doesn't quite suit me. Are you sure Lord Iskandar has time to meet me today? I can just wait for him if need be, I would hate to take his time away if he has important guests to attend to." Her gaze flickered toward him, wary yet inquisitive.

 

[Petrus Ritus Iskandar]

Spoiler: Manor Grounds

Drystan would give a good-hearted laugh at Virdalia's questions and her stuttering. His golden-hazel eyes seemed to dance with amusement as he mimicked her motion and tucked his own hair back. Albeit with much less timidity and more playfully mimicking her on purpose. He would then click his tongue, lace his hands behind his back, and look up at the manor as a fountain burbled peacefully at their approach.

"My my. The Lord Iskandar was doing you a disservice with how charming you are."

He would shake his head and turn to look at Virdalia as they walked. Showcasing a remarkable sense of direction and balance to emote so expressively without breaking stride. He would give her a smaller, somewhat sad smile.

"Alas My Lady I have my orders. The Lady Virdalia Deuxstrom is to be brought before our Lord post-haste. After all if you are to be his aide and, indeed, aid...."

Drystan chuckled at his own pun before continuing so quickly it made the chuckle sound more rehearsed than genuine.

"... in managing his time."

Drystan would drift closer without missing a step and gently, playfully nudge Virdalia as his eyes danced.

"Of course you did not think your entire position would be attending galas with our Lord hmm?"

There was something just barely beneath the surface of his words. Some might think his words actually vicious, mocking even, but in truth Drystan meant them only in something close to a sibling-like level of teasing. Like hinting that you knew they had snuck out on a forbidden date and were being sloppy. Levelling his eyes at Virdalia his smile would widen just briefly before he sighed.

"No I am afraid your duties are largely going to extend to helping our Lord attend to all his business, adjust his schedule, and work rather closely with him on refining any further inventions or ideas you possess to the House's benefit. Which means....."

Clearing his throat the young man would now outright grin.

"We will be working rather closely together. My name, as you asked, is Drystan My Lady. Personal messenger for our Lord and I am the one who has been handling your correspondences on our end of things once they have passed out of the college's hands. Once you are more fully in the House's work, however, I will be relaying missives from yourself to the staff, as you will begin speaking for our Lord on what his scheduling is."

A brief heartbeat of a pause before Drystan turned away and commented idly.

"Quite the responsibility I must say.... but... goodness you are a charmer. Genuine stuttering, authentic politeness, humility in abundance...."

He sighed wistfully before suddenly his smile faded and he would glance at Virdalia rather seriously for a moment.

"Do try to hold on to those qualities as long as you can, hmm?"

By this point the two were most of the way across the courtyard, past a second fountain, and moving into an impressive archway.

Virdalia Deuxstrom​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

Something about the man's laugh and the way he mimicked her left her feeling a tug of nostalgia for a life she hadn't lived. His teasing reminiscent of something akin to a little brother. She just listened as he went on with his jovial remarks, her body relaxing. As he nudged her, she let out a genuine soft chuckle, resisting the urge to reciprocate a playful push. Though when he began describing her duties, she once again felt anxiety knotting in her stomach as she fought to remain calm.

Working closely with the Lord when she was still so inexperienced was daunting, to say the least. Her jaw tightened a bit upon the reminder, but there was no room for weakness. She was determined to prove herself, to show she was more than capable and someone worth notice, so she kept her gaze ahead eyes shining with quiet resolve.

As the young man introduced himself, she had the realization that she was very grateful it had been him to meet her. His playful glee warmed her heart, and she thought inwardly that Lord Iskandar was good at picking his people. A man whose easy jokes and disarming smile made him incredibly charming, yet who also bore the immense responsibility of being Petrus's messenger gave her reason to feel hope. Hope that she may yet join him and prove her worth to the House Iskandar.

His compliments made her blush again shyly, she wasn't accustomed to praise and the attention embarrassed her. But when his smile suddenly faded, she caught a glimpse into another side of the man's personality. The sudden shift told her this was important advice, and she decided firmly to take it to her heart and not forget it.

"So, Lord Drystan..." She remarked, drawing out the word Lord to let him know she would reciprocate his formalities in a playful manner and smirked with a light bit of laughter, "Tell me about this place, how long have you been here? What's your story? You walk these halls like they belong to you, should I be curtseying?" Mirroring his sentiment earlier, she playfully nudged him with a slight mischievous smile and laced her hands behind her back, mimicking him now.

"Also, I truly do hope I won't be expected to remember every turn here for some time. I've already surrendered myself to being lost without you." As they entered the grandiose archway that left Virdalia amazed with the design and feat of it, she glanced over to Drystan waiting for his response.

Petrus Ritus Iskandar

 

[Petrus Ritus Iskandar]

Drystan would give a hearty laugh as she reciprocated calling him 'Lord' and waved a hand under his nose as if dispelling a bad smell from his presence.

"Now now Lady Virdalia THAT would be telling."

He met her gaze for only a moment and then shrugged, averting his eyes, and remarked.

"Our Lord may be as blunt as Morningstar to the skull but given my occupation I have had to get very good at keeping secrets. So you won't be getting anything out of me just yet. But the manor I can tell you a bit about."

Clicking his tongue behind his teeth, mouth closed, Drystan would look around for a moment before pausing at Virdalia's words and then feigning a dramatic swoon.

"Oh, what a confession! I'll be sure to sneak my own love letters into your quarters alongside our Lord's...."

He grinned sharply before snorting.

"As for the manor . It's been in the family for a few generations, good, solid foundations and a few surprises hidden away still undiscovered. As for the House itself in both wealth and reputation, from my understanding, it was keeping it's head above water when the late Lord Iskandar err... Petrus's father... was running the place. From what I understand Lord Petrus had a bit of a rebellious streak when he was younger, studied at Elbion, learned some fancy nature magic, and came back to inherit the family title when his father fell ill."

Drystan's smile smoothed into a grimace for a moment.

"In any case, his magic let him corner the market on wine and other expensive drinks, maintaining year-round production even out of season and matching demand effortlessly. Good news is that when your product is sold primarily to wealthy clientele your profit margins tend to be very generous. After that investments were made into infrastructure and, more importantly, land. Our Lord had the wise idea to buy land and then simply.... lend it to other enterprises."

Drystan stroked his chin.

"An interesting strategy that avoids a lot of dirty words in business circles. So what if you happen to lend the very land they operate on to other merchant houses? They work in markets you don't produce anything for like... say... lumber for instance. You're not technically in direct competition with them since House Iskandar does not possess a single lumbering operation in all the Allir Reach... but we do get continual revenue from a plethora of Houses that are."

Taking a slow breathe Drystan would shrug.

"So. We siphon off a bit of most the other House's earnings while avoiding any allegations of monopoly or attempting to over-centralize everything into our House. We are, as far as most of Alliria and the world is concerned, very wealthy vintners."

Drystan gave a dry chuckle.

"Not that other Houses haven't tried to copy the strategy but, in truth, only those on the Merchant Council have succeeded in replicating it to any degree."

Clearing his throat as he opened a door for Virdalia he would murmur to her quietly.

"Don't tell anyone just yet but rumors on the wind are that our Lord is finally maneuvering to secure a seat on the Council as well."

Drystan would shrug before following Virdalia into the doorway, leading her up a spiraling staircase, only to stop after several floors of walking up stairs. Drystan remained remarkably, oddly even, completely unphased by the continual stair usage and speak in that same, even tone, entirely unphased as they stopped before a thick wooden door.

"Here you will find our Lord's personal study in this wing."

Drystan would actually adjust Virdalia's dress and hair for a moment before smirking at her.

"Need to look your best, eh?"

Winking he would then knock for her and breeze past her down the stairs as Petrus's firm, commanding tone sounded from the other side of the door.

"Enter."

The study was large, circular room several stories off the ground. Petrus's desk sat on the right hand side from the doorway, facing leftward. Two chairs sat before it and a fireplace crackled gently even this early in the morning to Virdalia's right between the doorway and Petrus himself. Directly across from the door she entered from was a set of open double doors leading out onto a balcony overseeing one of the Manor's courtyards. From the walls a multitude of paintings depicting important figures to the House, including a stately one of Petrus himself, gazed down into the room from above.

Virdalia Deuxstrom​

 

[Virdalia Deuxstrom]

She chuckled a bit watching his reaction to her words. As he faked swooning and made his remark about love letters, Virdalia's cheeks heated, "I would hardly call those love letters, and you read them?" She said quietly to herself, making note of that revelation. Still, determined to seem unruffled, she rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, a smile tugging at her lips. No matter how much he teased, she found it impossible to stay upset with him for long.

She drunk in all of Drystan's explanations with keen interest, curious to know more about her patron. At the mention of nature magic, she wondered if that was the cause of that stupor she felt during her presentation as he made the model for her to demonstrate. Had it been on purpose, had he been testing her? Or was it something else..? Unsure, she turned her attention back to the man. As she listened to Petrus's business model, she was struck by how thoroughly it had been crafted, every detail calculated to deflect any potential backlash.

However, the sheer amount of gold needed for those investments must have been staggering, again, she found herself baffled by the thought of it. Her mind drifted to the wineries, she’d have to visit one someday, study the craft, and see if inspiration for her own creations might strike. Then her ears perked at the mention of a spot on the merchant council, and the brief insinuation to keep it quiet. Entrusted with her first secret, she nodded in silent agreement between them not to mention it.

As they traversed the seemingly endless stairs, she could feel her stamina waning, yet the man remained completely unfazed. She was used to running all over a manor, albeit not one of this size, so she held herself fairly well but still found amazement in his complete ability to maintain his demeanor as they ascended. Standing before the study door, she couldn’t help but think she would have placed hers on the ground floor if only to spare herself such an exhausting climb.

A tremor of nerves coursed through her, leaving her skin damp and clammy as she braced for whatever awaited her beyond the door. She felt disheveled and all the thoughts she had been pushing away came running back into her mind about what Petrus would think of her, of her appearance and her capabilities. Yet when Drystan adjusted her dress and smoothed her hair with a brotherly air, she managed a warm smile, "Truly, thank you for your escort, I look forward to working with you greatly and hope we can meet again soon Lord Drystan." His playful wink drew a giggle from her as he walked away, but as she turned to face the door the weight of it pressed in on her again.

At the command to enter, her heart lurched, and she swallowed hard, hands trembling as she reached forward. As the door swung open, a wave of warmth from the fire washed over her. The faint scent of parchment and ink lingered in the air, carrying her back to long hours spent studying at Elbion. Timidly, without yet looking at the man she knew would be waiting for her, she turned around and closed the study door. Avoiding his gaze, she dipped into a low curtsey, unintentionally letting the folds of her gown fall open to reveal a flash of her pale leg through the slit as she spoke. "Thank you for your gracious extension to me, my lord. I am wholly grateful to be in your manor, and am ready to begin my work."

She couldn't help but think about the time they had spent together at the gala, and a deep blush spread across her cheeks, still struggling to meet his gaze. Rather than take a seat, she wandered over to the double doors and stared down into the courtyards below, leaning lightly against the frame. "You have a truly remarkable home Lord Iskandar" She murmured, voice tinged with awe, "From its design to its grandeur, you never cease to amaze me."

Petrus Ritus Iskandar