Kronshi
Sky Blue
Majoraa
High Moon
Emberdawn2
VirgoDrago
CitrusArms
Soldat Elf
Estylwen
“Olivia, you’ve worked hard these past years. Consider what I’m about to do for you now a small reward. Don’t be greedy, understood?”
A pause. A ring of smoke bloomed out from the nobleman’s lips as white ash was tapped into a crystalline tray.
“Though I suppose I wouldn’t be too opposed to it, if you can’t help yourself.”
…
The Rhinecliff Estate stood tall upon a cliff overlooking the Fey River. From the tallest tower, one could see the entirety of the nobleman’s domain, terraced fields and irrigation channels fueling the agriculture that made up the second half of the city-state’s name. Grand as the ancient walls and gothic spires were, they appeared muted in comparison to the architectural wonders of Odonfield itself, with grand libraries and universities, with the great cathedrals of the All-Force and the hundreds of scribes that continued their work in illustrating beautiful tomes and texts. Wondrous too, was the purpose with which people carried their lives, the light of ambition or inquisitiveness that drew so many here. Though they lacked the gambling halls and places of pleasure that Caelin held, Odonfield was a nexus as well, and infinitely more accessible than that sea-bound place.
Indeed, House Rhinecliff had protected their domain during the bloodstained era of the splintered province, had made the city-state ever more prosperous during the reign of the erudite King, and had safeguarded Odonfield’s interests even into the tyrannical era, where Seeds of unnatural power shattered the paradigm of spell and sword. The golden era had not yet faded, and even in the absence of their lord, the servants of House Rhinecliff were not so undignified as to allow a Viscount to bruise her knuckles against the great doors of their master’s abode.
The doors swung inwards, a handsome butler bowing in the Viscount’s presence. “His Grace is out at the moment, Viscountess Skybound,” she said. “He’s out hunting, but we expect him to return within the hour. If it would please you, allow us to receive you in the lounge until then.”
Of course, if such matters truly were so urgent, the young viscount ought to have no reason to decline. She would be brought up two floors up to one of the many rooms within the Rhinecliff Estate. Books lined one shelf for her perusal, while large windows opened up for a view of the city-state on a separate wall. A pot of tea and accompanying snacks were brought in a few moments later as the viscount was allowed to enjoy herself upon the plush seating, while a servant stood silently by the door, prepared to attend to any other need of hers. Time passed idly, the gears of the clock spinning in their perpetual measure.
And then, in due time, Duke Laurent Rhinecliff, black gloves adorning his hands and a dark blue cloak tossed over his shoulders, entered.
He was as sharply-dressed as could ever be expected of a duke receiving one of the favoured viscounts of the Wizard-Queen, the only strands of hair that were out of place having been intentional. In the subdued lighting of the lounge, his circular glasses did not gain the sharp glare they often did in other encounters, allowing the warmth of his brown eyes to come through more easily. There was amusement present as he strode in, the faint scent of the forest carried by his stride and accompanied by hints of sweat and blood.
“Lady Skybound,” he said, his moustache tickling the back of her hand as he greeted her. “I do hope the road to Odonfield was pleasantly uneventful. To what do I owe your visit?”
