Summary:
Nytam was not at home. Azlat discovers the letter that announced Taayi's visit, and inquires about it at Thykla Palace.
She continued on her way, eyes locked forward as she strode past Alexandra and Nere on her path directly home. Azlat's lived in one of the wealthiest quarters in the entire city, occupied by affluent priests and the most money-flush merchants thereof. After a short stroll, Azlat arrived at the massive three story villa. Constructed of carved marble and slate, it had doors hewn of lacquered yew wood that Azlat had recently imported from Epressa. Quite comparable to the abodes of her neighbours, all of which were as large and lavish with opulence as hers.
Azlat approached her front door and pulled on a chain beside it, that was also smithed of gold. It hung from the gaping mouth of a
Tuskadon carved of marble mounted to the wall with even more gold plating its tusks, further testament to the wealth the priest was blessed with. Hers was a fortune held by her family for generations, and a standard she’d known since birth.
A muffled brass-wind horn bellowed out a tone within the villa to signal her arrival. A short moment after, there was a click as the doors unlocked. From within, her
Elven housemaid Dritalla stepped forth.
“Welcome back, Lady Ushus!” She cheerfully greeted, closing the doors behind them once she entered.
“You’re back early, Azlat. The others are all out, I'm afraid. Your sister's at Thykla and Nytam hasn't come home yet.” She remarked, dispensing with honorifics once they were behind closed doors
and she’d determined that there was no additional company. Azlat was accepting of being referenced on a first name basis, but some guests she brought in might carry strong opinions about the social slight. Dritalla did her best to keep from sparking any such incidents.
“I couldn't keep aw͡ay any longer once I'd heard of the recent issues plag̵uing our city. Wh͞ere is Nytam, then? He's well, isn't he?” Azlat inquired.
“Of course, I saw him off this morning. Training's probably been keeping him late. Nothing all to uncommon, he's almost always back by sundown.” Dritalla explained, and though the words provided some small relief, she'd have preferred to see him for herself. Her visit to Thykla could not be delayed much longer, though. She'd simply have to return to see him later in the day.
“I see. I was h͞oping he'd be in. I can't stay long – my pr͞esence has been req̸uested at Thykla.” Azlat responded.
“I'll tell them you were here. Will you be returning for dinner?”
“Thank you. And I ex̴pect to be.” Azlat replied.
“Also, before you go – this letter arrived for you.” Dritalla announced, leading Azlat to her study where it lay waiting for her. Azlat plucked the note from her desk and opened it to read it over.
Taayi had arrived through the use of the sigil, and Azlat did wonder what had been the cause of her visit. Though elated at the prospect of seeing her again, this was rather poor timing given the ongoing crisis. More likely than not a visitor would be found suspect, and poor Taayi could easily find herself accused should she linger.
“How long ago w͡as this?” Azlat inquired.
“Oh, quite some time ago. A few weeks – I’m afraid I can’t recall exactly when, I’m truly sorry.”
“Oh no wor̡ries. I’m sure Thykla c̛an tell me.” She replied to ease Dritalla.
“...Have th̸ere been any unusual guests?” Azlat added, and Dritally simply shook her head.
“No one I've not met before, Azlat.” Dritalla affirmed, following behind as she returned to the front door. Perhaps Taayi had headed directly to the palace for whatever business had brought her to
Thagretis. Either way, it was fitting to check there first, as Thykla was Azlat's next mandated destination.
“Fare well, Lady Ushus!” She called out as Azlat departed from her home.
“Ta͞ke care, Dritalla.” She replied.
* * *
Azlat arrived after another half hour of walking. The further she travelled, the more lavish her surroundings became until her arrival to the palace itself, which was the peak display of affluence within the city. Gold trimmed everything, from stair banisters to archways. Precious gemstones were a common facet of decorations, found on the many monuments and sculptures throughout. Yet what the Thagretans openly displayed was but a fraction of their wealth, backed by a hidden hoard of gold guarded in secret.
There was a small commotion when she arrived, with groupings of priests busy in discussion dotting the scene. Azlat continued forth, entering further into the palace until she reached a priest acting as a clerk of the council.
“I've j̢ust returned to the city. I'm t͠old I've been summo͘ned?”
“Yes – we're having all priests check in to be acc͢ounted for. I just need your name, please?”
“Azlat Ushus.” Azlat affirmed, and the clerk scribbled something down on a piece of parchment spread on his desk.
“Also, I've been told I have a guest. Co̶uld you tell me how long ago Taayi arri͝͏ved? Or of her business?” Azlat inquired, procuring the letter she'd found waiting for her at home and handing it to the clerk to show him of whom she referred.
Taayi Alexandra Alcantos Nere Ashorn
