"I really don't like parties," huffed Leinas, as Samuel tightened the sash at her waist.
"Yes Madam, but this party was your idea after all."
"It was," admitted Leinas. "Only because it's what someone needs to do if they want to have any standing in Imperial Society."
"Such chores one must complete to indulge in the rewards," agreed Samuel. "Watch your eyes Madam."
Leinas closed her eyes and felt Samuel gently, and expertly apply eye shadow with a small brush.
"Chin up," commanded Samuel, applying blush and contouring to Leinas' cheeks.
"Do you think anyone will come?"
"Anyone? Of course Madam, there are those that live for these sort of events. Those that wish to use these events for their own social status, those who will be curious as to how your first hosted party will be. Then of course those who simply enjoy free food and drink."
"Did we get enough of a spread? Do you think? Maybe too much?"
"Enough for what is considered the average consumed at an open invitation such as this, with overflow enough for the unexpected or curious. We also have an agreement with Horst and Sons to provide additional food and desserts should we begin to run low. If truly necessary, we have a well stocked wine cellar that has not been touched since we acquired this property. Thankfully, wine increases in value and esteem with age."
"Majordomo Samuel, gold or black for the ribbon in the hair?" asked Syllia, having just finished putting Leinas' long hair into a single thick braid.
"Gold, we want the contrast with the dress. Same with the jewellery, gold with emeralds, both for the earrings and necklace."
"Of course Majordomo," said Sylia respectfully, tying the ribbon and then picking out the select pieces of jewellery.
"When do you think the first guests will arrive? Should I be outside to greet them? It has been terribly long since I've been more than an armoured statue at one of these events."
"Some are already here Madam, they are being served refreshments as we speak."
"Oh, then I should go meet them," said Leinas, hurrying to the door.
"Shoes, Madam," said Samuel simply, holding up high heeled shoes.
"Right, right, shoes," said Leinas, rushing back and putting them on in a hurry.
"Madam, please sit and relax a moment."
"But I have guests," protested Leinas.
"Please sit Madam," asked Samuel and Leinas did, fidgeting uneasily.
"I should be down there though."
"Be at peace Madam, they will still be there in a few more moments time."
"It feels rude though."
"You are the host Madam, they will make themselves available to you when convenient to you. For the sole purpose to thank you for inviting them to the party. You will not rush to them. You are not begging them to come, you are deigning to allow them to enter your home."
"Right, of course," said Leinas.
"There is no reason to be so nervous Madam, this will be a fun evening. Everything will be most splendid, I assure you."
"Yes. Fun."
"I will be ever at your side should you need anything," said Samuel more gently.
"Thank you Samuel. Would you care to escort me downstairs?"
"I would be delighted," said the elderly butler, proffering his arm for Leinas to take which she did. "A deep breath in, out, and let us meet your guests Madam."
There were near a dozen people already in Leinas' home, dressed richly in finery befit for the Royal Court, many were faces that Leinas did not recognize, though some she did. From what she could tell, most were of the same or lower social station as she was. Though she was one of the Four Knights of the Empire and richly compensated for it, she wasn't one of the titans of the Baharuth Empire. Wealthy merchants, successful craftsmen, and nobles with modest holdings were those who she could expect at her home. They would attempt to use her and she would attempt to use them, for such was the way of these things. She may even end up making a friend or two out of this. Though that could be wishful thinking.
The decorations were truly lovely, both inside and out. Elwin had been assigned as gardener and he possessed a green thumb like no other Leinas had ever seen, even at the Imperial palace. Every bush, flower, and tree was in full bloom. And thick too! It gave such a pleasing aroma and the wide array of colours made everything appear festive and lively. Nothing ever seemed out of place in the gardens, and the hedges seemed to have been cut from stone, so symmetrical and perfect were their trimmings. Though, Elwin and Syllia had needed pulled out of the bushes by an irate Samuel. Twice in fact. The second time they had defended their actions saying that they had been on break and not working like last time. Leinas chuckled at the memory, using the mirth to pretend a joke from one of her guests was funnier than it was.
Banners were strung out, displaying her crest and the offshoot of her family that she had created. She had mentally prepared herself already for someone to address her by her old family name, even though she absolutely loathed it. It brought up too many sordid memories.
Music carried from the rear gardens from the band she had hired, with more hired help seeing to the needs of her guests out back. Soon singing was heard as well. A local boy, talented enough to be hired on for a party like this, but not too expensive or talented as to be seen as trying too hard. It had seemed like a perfect compromise and he had been more than happy for the pay. Leinas was rather surprised when a portly man bedecked in higher quality clothing and jewellery than anyone else kissed her hand and bowed lowly to her.
"An absolute privilege to be allowed to attend a party hosted by one as beautiful as yourself, Lady Rockbruise. Or would you prefer Ser Rockbruise?"
"Lady Rockbruise is more than sufficient," said Leinas, feeling her cheeks heat up in a blush. She still wasn't used to people complimenting her yet, much less calling her beautiful. The man smiled at that, his teeth white and very well cared for.
"It warms my heart to hear Lady Rockbruise."
"Forgive me, but you seem to have me at a disadvantage, I don't believe we've met before."
"Duke Theophano Himerus Yeb Cydones," said the nobleman bowing again, and Leinas' eyes widened of their own accord.
She recognized the name immediately from the palace, though she had never met the man personally. He was one of the nobles who had not only survived Jircniv's reforms unscathed, but had continued to thrive under his rule. Part of the reason being that most of his business ventures were outside of the Empire, and the other was the man was just so damned useful. He traded heavily livestock, bipedal or otherwise. The supply of elf slaves from the Theocracy's war had made his already substantial wealth even greater. She had heard more than a few rumours that he was one of Jircniv's spy masters, though she had no way of knowing for sure.
He was of a social strata several leagues above her own. The kind of man who could request a meeting with the Emperor and speak with him on a first name basis. The kind of man who would have stood equal with her father, which meant to stand among giants. Even Leinas recognized the boon he had granted her by attending.
"I pray you forgive me for not recognizing you immediately, I am honoured that you would come and visit my estate Duke Cydones. How are you finding things? To your liking?"
"Very much so, but if you would permit me to be so bold, I came merely so I could bask in your radiant beauty once more. Ever since our chance encounter in the market that day, I dare say I've become quite a fan of your career."
Leinas suddenly recognized the man as the one who had bumped into her the day she had met Titus and discovered his illegal healing operation.
"I hardly think I am worthy of such praise," said Leinas. "I merely do as our Emperor bids me."
"Yet with such skill! It was my caravans that were being hit you know. For weeks I was losing product and profit and all I was getting in return was excuses. Then you ride out at the head of fifty knights and return three days later with the problem solved. Truly remarkable."
"Colonel Bardas deserves the lions share of praise for that, he had already deduced the next caravan to be struck and where it would happen. I merely made a few suggestions and was the point of the blade which we used to strike."
"You do yourself too little credit Lady Rockbruise. From what I've heard, you were the one who suggested waiting until the bandits were committed before striking and then crucifying their leaders for their crimes. A woman of steel backbone and firm resolve. I would very much like us to meet more often, perhaps you would grace me as my escort at other events such as this?"
"Who knows what the future holds? I would not be opposed to such a thing, though it would need to not conflict with my duties to the Emperor."
"That is wonderful to hear, and I would never dream of having you shirk Imperial duty to be by my side."
"I have a great deal of experience in personal protection, though a naked spear may seem as more of an open threat at a gala. I could opt for to carry a sword instead, though I must confess I am at my best with a spear," said Leinas. She realized that she had misinterpreted when Duke Cydones laughed heartily.
"My dear, you are such a treat. I would enjoy the pleasure of your company dressed as you are now, or something else equally as stunning. No need to blush Lady Rockbruise, I should have expected a warrior of you calibre to think first of her profession."
"I...believe I would like that as well," said Leinas, cheeks burning with embarrassment at both the faux pas and the constant compliments.
"May we talk again more later? I see that I am keeping you from your other guests and fear that I am taking exclusive advantage of your time."
"Of course, I would enjoy that," said Leinas allowing the duke to kiss her hand once more.
There was a couple dressed to the same level as Duke Cydones, though the fashion even to Leinas' untrained gaze seemed several seasons out of date. They seemed eager to meet with her, and were holding a gift wrapped with a blue bow.
"D-Duke Cydones, we never expected to see you here," stammered the man, managing a short bow while his wife quickly curtsied.
"I pray your health is good?"
"Obviously, as you can see."
"Y-you look good your grace. Have you lost weight?"
"Do I look like I need to?" asked the duke and the couple's faces paled several shades.
"N-no, of course not. We are the Furt family," said the husband, trying to steer the conversation into safer waters.
"Ah, the former Count Furts," said Cydones.
"Y-yes, that is us. Just a momentary hiccup in our status, we assure you," assured Mrs. Furt quickly.
"Ah, I see," said Cydones. "So our Emperor has seen fit to restore your lands and titles to you then?"
"Well, not as of yet, but we have petitioned him," said Mr. Furt.
"Ah. I hope that turns out well for you," said the Duke, walking past the couple, his manservant placing himself between his master and the couple trying to curry favour. The couple seem quite deflated at the rebuff, dejection making them seem to shrink in on themselves. Leinas felt sorry for them.
"Furt was it? That name sounds familiar, you owned the copper mines in the south did you not?" asked Leinas politely.
"Yes, we did. Do, just a slight hiccup in ownership at the moment," said Mr. Furt quickly, smiling a little too insincerely for Leinas' liking.
"Just a trifling leasing error, nothing serious," added Mrs. Furt, smiling too widely as well.
"I see. I hope that it gets resolved quickly," said Leinas politely.
"We have been trying as of late to find someone to champion our cause for us, but alas, the bureaucracy is a separate beast all on its own," said Mr. Furt in a way that made Leinas sure that he was trying to get her to offer to help them, without actually asking for it. Her silence must have been uncomfortable, because Mrs. Furt suddenly thrust out the wrapped gift box she was holding.
"A present, for you. To honour the hostess of this magnificent party."
"Oh," said Leinas dumbly, taking the proffered gift that was practically forced into her hands. "This is quite unnecessary, no gift was required to attend, nor expected."
"Please, we felt it only proper Lady Rockbruise. Please, we hope that you like it," said Mr. Furt, waiting expectantly for Leinas to unwrap the gift, and so she did.
"This crest if from Zimisces Jewellers," said Leinas, legitimate surprise colouring her voice as she examined the gem encrusted golden bracelet. Zimisces was the preeminent jeweller in Arwintar, nay, the whole of the Baharuth Empire. Jircniv himself sourced near all of his jewellery form the man.
"We only deal with the best. You can hardly put a price on quality," said Mrs. Furt.
"But the expense, it feels too much," said Leinas, feeling awkward at receiving such an expensive gift.
"Nonsense, think of it as a gift nothing more."
"Well, I thank you for it, truly, it is a remarkable gift," said Leinas slipping it onto her wrist and admiring it. How it glittered and caught the light.
"Forgive me for asking, but I am not familiar with the Rockbruise family. What lineage do you claim?" asked Mr. Furt.
Leinas smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. She had been expecting this question and so did not hold it against the couple when she answered.
"My full, original name is: Leinas Flavia Eil Comneno Doukas."
"Doukas," said Mrs. Furt, breath little more than a whisper, holding her hand to her breast.
"Y-your father, is he Maxentius Leo Eil Comneno Doukas? Supreme Commander of the Imperial Legions?" pressed Mr. Furt.
"Owner of the largest gold and diamond mines in the Empire?" added Mrs. Furt.
"One and the same," said Leinas, forcing down the resentment at the conversation steering towards her family.
"Forgive us for not recognizing you sooner," Said Mr. Furt, a new, strange gleam in his eyes.
"That is quite alright. I chose a path separate from my father, and have managed to secure my own standing without his help." 'Mostly because I was forced to' added Leinas mentally, but left those thoughts to sit unspoken.
"You must allow us to have you over for dinner or tea sometime. It would be most delightful," said Mrs. Furt.
"I am usually quite busy, sometimes the duties the Emperor gives to me sees me gone for days at a time. Weeks even. However, I would not be opposed to such an arrangement. If I am free I would not mind such a social visit. Indeed, this is my first foray into polite society since I became one of the Four Knights, it would be good to have friends outside of my duties," said Leinas.
"Oh, I have so many noble ladies who would love to meet you," said Mrs. Furt, practically beaming. Her smile slipping with the sound of a vase shattering and a child beginning to wail.
"Kuuderika! What did I tell you!" said Mr. Furt sharply to his wailing child. "Forgive us lady Rockbruise, we'll pay for the vase," continued the former count, but Leinas had already moved away from the couple and towards the child.
'It was an ugly vase anyways,' thought Leinas, seeing the broken pottery scattered on the floor. One of her cover purchases for Titus to do his work in peace.
"Syllia, a hand if you would. Come now, big girls don't cry, let me see," said Leinas grabbing hold of the girl's hand. Taken aback when she saw how deep the gash was and how much blood was gushing freely from it.
"Okay, maybe they can cry a bit," added Leinas, as the wailing rose another couple of decibels.
"Is she going to die?" asked the other, identical child, looking like she was about to begin crying as well.
"We're terribly sorry, we truly are," said Mrs. Furt, looking aghast.
"It's alright. Here, I'll see to her hand if you'll comfort your other child," said Leinas, taking the rag that Syllia gave her and using the gold ribbon from her hair to tie it in place.
"Come on, up now," said Leinas picking up the young girl, wailing loudly in her ear, and carrying her into the kitchen, setting her on the counter.
"Get Samuel to grab one of my healing potions would you?"
"Of course Madam," said Syllia, curtsying quickly and hurrying to find Samuel while Leinas tried to comfort the squalling child. Taking the proffered crystal decanter without looking back and pouring it onto the girl's wounded hand. The healing potion slowing, then stopping the flow of blood, the flesh starting to slowly knit itself back together. Kuuderika's wailing sobs slowly lessening, before ceasing altogether.
"Now drink the rest, it'll help. Quickly now, the taste isn't pleasant. There you go," cooed Leinas, doing her best not to giggle as the little girl scrunched her face up at the unpleasant taste.
"Thank you Sa-" began Leinas, words dying on her lips and blood turning to ice in her veins.
"Nice party, the food is excellent," said Arclight smiling. He was dressed richly, gone were the drab robes, instead he wore perfectly tailored formal attire of dark blue, black, and trimmed with red. His fingers were bejewelled with rare stones the size of birds eggs and a torc of solid gold fashioned in the shape of a bird of prey hung from his neck. Script she couldn't read inscribed on the precious metal. "You look stunning by the way."
"KYAAAA!" yelped Leinas, jumping straight up in fright, backing away from the man. "I-I-I," stammered Leinas, feeling her bowels turning to water. Had she done enough? Too little? Had the party offended him? Oh, she knew she shouldn't have hosted a party!
"I can explain," said Arclight," holding up his hands in a placating gesture.
"N-no, n-not that, please," stammered Leinas.
"Peace, I'm not a vengeful spirit. I merely wanted to see how you were doing. It's been a while is all. I also wanted to apologize."
"F-for what?" asked Leinas, face turning sheet white.
"I've not quite gotten used to my new situation yet. Sometimes I can act a little, odd. My thoughts I find are not always my own. I fear I gave you the impression that if there would be consequences if you failed to keep your promise. The only thing to come of that would have been my disappointment, nothing more. Though I have to say, I'm actually quite happy. You seem happy too. Have you been sleeping better?"
"Yes, actually. I have," said Leinas swallowing heavily, finding that she had backed up to the counter in her fright.
"You should be, your soul is practically shining since we first met. Ah, there I go. Being weird again," said Arclight sheepishly. "Please, be at ease, it was not my intent to cause you distress."
"Leinas, is everything alright?" asked Elwin, the elf standing in the doorway leading out the gardens, drawn by her shriek of fright. Dressed in simple black pants with suspenders and a white shirt, his dark blue eyes fixed on Arclight in suspicion. Starlight coloured brows coming together into a dark frown, while his hand rested on the long knife at his waist.
"Everything is alright Elwin, you can return to your duties.
"As you say," said Elwin, keeping Arclight firmly in sight. "I'll be within earshot if you need me."
"So, you're not going to..." said Leinas, finding that she couldn't finish the sentence once they were alone again.
"No, I don't have that kind of cruelty in me," said Arclight shaking his head, taking on a more sombre tone. "I have more experience with injuries like that than you realize. Oh, I forgot that we had an audience," added Arclight, bowing to the child who had been watching the interaction curiously from the counter top.
"You're weird," stated the child matter-of-fact.
"You...are not entirely wrong," said Arclight sheepishly.
"Madam, is everything quite alright?" asked Samuel, having arrived healing potion in hand, Syllia at his heels. The old butler eyeing Arclight suspiciously.
"Yes. Just an old friend," said Leinas, pulse still racing.
"I'm the man that cured her affliction," added Arclight helpfully.
"I see," said Samuel, face darkening. "And what are your intentions with my Madam, good sir?" There was an edge to the honorific, an implied terrible violence if Arclight intended to harm Leinas or return her curse. Samuel's gaze steely and without fear.
"Nothing nefarious. I...I seem to have botched things here completely. I had only meant this to be a polite social call, not a dark foretoken. I can only offer my apologies to that end," said Arclight bowing his head.
"I see. Then I must thank you for lifting such a dreadful curse from my Madam, Sir Arclight."
"No thanks is needed, if anything it is I who needs to apologize. I seem to have ruined an otherwise pleasant evening. I shall take my leave of here now, I can only ask for your forgiveness again."
"No, it's alright," said Leinas quickly. "Please, stay. Enjoy yourself. I would be more offended if you left here feeling you had caused a scene. If you have something that you would like to discuss, we can do it in private, or after the party if you would prefer."
"Thank you for your understanding. I'll be mingling if you need me," said Arclight pleasantly, seemingly embarrassed and eager to extricate himself from the scene.
"How is the hand, young miss?" asked Samuel once Arclight had departed.
"Really good," said the girl, showing her hand whole and healed, though a scar remained.
"Ah, most excellent. You were such a brave little girl, it must have hurt a great deal."
"Uh huh," agreed the girl. She, looked so much like a doll it was almost odd to see her speaking and swinging her legs from the counter. Leinas half expected her to be made of porcelain. Her and her sister both were quite adorable.
"Well, how would you like a cookie for being such a brave little girl? Two?" guffawed Samuel as the child held up two fingers. "Well I suppose we could spare two. Here, let's get some for your sister as well. Syllia, would you take Kuuderika her back to her family? I'll be out in a moment."
"Of course Majordomo Samuel," said the elf curtsying quickly, before taking Kuuderika by the hand and back to her family.
"That man was not human. Not entirely," said Samuel when they were alone.
"No. He's not," agreed Leinas. "But, he doesn't seem like he intends any harm. He just seems..."
"Out of place," finished Samuel.
"His heartbeat sounded odd," said Elwin, causing Leinas and Samuel to look over and see the elf standing in the doorway again, eating an apple.
"Odd how?" asked Samuel.
"Don't know. Odd," was all Elwin offered, shrugging his shoulders.
"Well, I don't think he intends any harm," said Leinas collecting herself.
"Would you like to return to your guests?" asked Samuel.
"Yes, I should," said Leinas straightening herself up and catching her breath. She left the kitchen and returned to the Furt family, who looked more worried than she was, which was understandable, they had just seen their daughter cut her hand open.
"Kuuderika, do you have something you would like to say to Lady Rockbruise?" asked Mrs. Furt.
"I'm sorry for breaking your vase, it was very clumsy of me," said Kuuderika, the doll-like child giving a curtsy and sounding like she was doing her best to remember her lines of a play.
"Well thank you very much, but it's alright. It was an ugly vase anyways," said Leinas sweetly, crouching down to the girl's level. Startled to see an older, taller, and still doll-like version of Kuuderika appear out of the crowd of guests behind her. A teen girl of perhaps sixteen with jaw length blonde hair and blue eyes, dressed not for a party, but rather travel on the open road who stopped a polite distance away.
"Arche, what are you doing here?" demanded Mr. Furt.
"Lady Rockbruise, my name is Arche Eeb Rile Furt and this is my family," said the teen ignoring her parents and giving a short bow. "You were given a gift tonight that we can not afford to give. I would ask if you could please return it to me, so I could exchange it for the money we paid for it."
The girl spoke in a monotone, but Leinas recognized the look in her eyes, on her carefully stoic face. She could see the embarrassment in the girl's eyes. The shame of having to prostrate yourself and be at the mercy of someone, because of events outside your control.
"Arche!" said Mrs. Furt sharply.
"Lady Rockbruise, please, ignore my daughter. You don't have to give the gift back, we're more than capable of covering such an expense. Truly."
"With my money. Money that if we don't have they're going to kick us out of our home," said Arche, the teen girl's voice rising, anger creeping into the edges.
"You're making a scene Arche, are you really going to demand Lady Rockbruise return a gift? In front of everyone?" demanded Mrs. Furt.
"You're shaming the family Arche," added Mr. Furt.
Arche didn't answer, but Leinas saw her bottom lip begin to tremble, the teen struggling to keep her composure.
"Here, follow me. Mr, Furt. Mrs. Furt. Would you mind staying here a moment?" asked Leinas.
"Well, of course Lady Rockbruise," said Mr. Furt.
Leinas brought the elder Furt girl to a backroom where they kept small gift baskets that she had been going to give to her guests at the end of the night. Slipping off the bracelet she had been given, she pushed it to the bottom of one such basket, before handing it to the teen.
"Tha-" began the teen voice catching and she gritted her teeth as if in pain, face contorting. Trying to speak again, her voice seemed to catch again, a half-choked sob the only sound emitting. "Dammit," cursed the girl, voice cracking as a few tears started to fall.
"I'm sorry," said Arche wiping roughly at her face. Leinas felt immediate kinship for the girl, understanding the hardships that she was going through. Leinas embraced the younger girl in a hug that caught her off guard.
"Never feel ashamed for doing what you need to do to survive," said Leinas, stroking the back of the younger girl's head. "Look out for yourself, because it is not a guarantee anyone else will. There is a powder room you may use before returning to the party if you wish."
"No. No, I just want to get out of here, I've made enough of a scene," said Arche sniffling. "I have to thank you for you understanding Lady Rockbruise. I'm sorry for ruining your party."
"You've ruined nothing, bear no mind to that. You can call me Leinas if you like. Here, I'll grab a few more baskets for your family, I'm sure they'll be eager to depart now as well."
"Don't stroke their ego," said Arche bitterly.
"This isn't about ego, it's about not causing embarrassment to you or them," said Leinas. "Come now, let's use our public face shall we? Don't let them know what they can use to hurt you."
Leinas nearly stopped her stride when she saw Arclight talking pleasantly with the Furt family.
"It's just a shame about the scar," said Mr. Furt.
"Well I have some skill in healing magic, would you allow me?"
"We couldn't impose like that," said Mrs. Furt.
"Oh it's no imposition at all. Here," said Arclight, stooping over and taking Kuuderika's hand in his, removing a ring from his finger as he did so. A soft golden glow came from between his hands, making the younger Furt girl giggle. When he took his hands away, the scar that had formed from the healing potion was gone.
"Uh oh," said Arclight, a worried expression making its way onto his face as he looked at them. Gaze fixed on Arche. Leinas saw that Arche's eyes were wide in shock and pure animal terror. The teen trembling, almost shaking violently.
"Calm yourself," said Leinas gently, putting a hand on the teen's shoulder. Her head whipped towards Leinas, eyes wide, and face pale as porcelain.
"H-h-he," stammered Arche, voice wavering.
"He's a friend," said Leinas quietly, hoping that the teen wouldn't go into hysterics.
"Arche? You look like you've seen a ghost," said Mr. Furt, seeming to show genuine concern for his daughter.
"I'm fine, father," said Arche after a few long moments, swallowing and seeming to regain her composure, though she held the basket in a white knuckled grip as she stood once more with her family. Eyeing Arclight warily, if not fearfully.
"Ah. Mr. Furt, you were asking what I did for a living again?"
"Yes, I was somewhat curious," said Mr. Furt, seeming distracted by the fear his daughter was displaying.
"I'm something of a master craftsman. Jewellery, armour, weapons, enchantments, and the like. If it can be forged, I can make it. I also own some rather substantial property. And I must admit I enjoy parlour tricks," said Arclight, moving his hands in a very showman-like fashion. With a flourish a white gold hair clip styled in the fashion of a butterfly appeared as if from nothing. Precious stones lining the membranes of the wings, while a large blue diamond dominated the centre of the hair piece. Appearing to be a flower that the butterfly was suckling nectar from.
At the sight of the richly crafted accessory, the concern seemed to disappear from the Elder Furt's face.
"For the young lady," said Arclight, holding out the jewellery with an outstretched hand towards Arche. Mrs. Furt making a sound of appreciation at the gesture.
Arche's eyes flicked nervously between the offered hair clip and Arclight. A light sheen of sweat starting to bead her brow, and gaze near unblinking as though she was standing in front of a dragon and any false step would be her doom.
"Don't be rude Arche, the man is offering you a gift," said Arche's father.
Leinas saw that Arche looked between the hair clip and Arclight again. Her porcelain white face having seemed to almost take on a sickly tint to it. Her body gave a small twitch, a shudder, and then she proceeded to vomit all over the front of Arclight.
Despite everything going on, Leinas struggled not to laugh as Mr. and Mrs. Furt let out a flood of apologies, wiping at the vomit with kerchiefs. Leinas also noticed Arclight put the ring back on his finger which he had taken off earlier, which caused Arche to blink like she had glanced at the sun, trying blink away the spots.
"It's quite alright, really it is," said Arclight. "Here, let me," he continued, putting the hairclip into Arche's hair, the girl standing wide-eyed and stiff as a board as he did so. "You have quite a wonderful soul young lady," said Arclight pleasantly.
Arche's face paled further than Leinas thought possible, before the teen calmly fainted.
Xxx
"I'm pretty sure I made her think I was going to eat her soul. I don't do that," added Arclight, seeing the look on Leinas' face. They had taken the teen into one of the guest rooms to rest on the bed until she woke up and could recover. Syllia was looking after her, preparing to give her honey tea and some fresh fruit when she awoke. Arclight had produced more jewellery of doubtlessly extravagant cost for the rest of the Furt family, to both distract and placate them. Suggesting that their daughter was simply exhausted from her duties as a worker.
"She has a rare ability, that Furt girl," said Arclight. "I haven't encountered anyone else with the ability to see magic potential in this world. I've been wearing this ring to hide mine, just in case someone like her did exist, but it impedes my ability to use magic properly when I wear it. I was careless," he added, sounding disgusted with himself. "It was probably blinding to the girl."
"You said this world," said Leinas slowly. "Where are you from exactly?"
"Not here," said Arclight slowly and unhelpfully. "Truth is I'm not entirely sure how I got here, or why I'm here."
"Are you...human?" asked Leinas.
"I don't know," said Arclight, face darkening as if considering something unpleasant. "I was human, in fact I still consider myself as such. But...well...I don't think I truly am anymore. Not entirely at least."
"So then, are you different from how you look now? Is this...something else?"
"This?" asked Arclight gesturing to himself. "This is how I looked when I was human. Well, before my accident at least. If you could call it an accident. If you're asking if it's how I look now, then no. I use magic to make myself look like this."
Leinas realized that the man before her felt lost and confused. Probably felt like he was drowning and stumbling over everything in Baharuth like a toddler who had strayed from its parents. A being of immense power, who ironically seemed to feel powerless.
"I do not want to overstep my bounds, but may I ask why you approached me that day? By the brook?"
"You were the first person I'd seen, besides my friends when I arrived. They're in a similar predicament to me, but different. I wanted, actually I think I needed to get out and take a look at the world. Wasn't ready for it though," added Arclight, sounding bitter about the fact.
"No? How so?"
"I...I don't know how to really describe it. I mean, I've got a better handle on it now, can turn it off and on to a degree, but it's always present. I can see people's souls I think, a part of me, the new part I feel is almost telling me it's their soul. Sometimes it's nice, when a person is good their soul shines in a warm, bright glow to me. It's comforting," added Arclight, sounding almost embarrassed. "I feel a strong desire to help those people."
"You said mine was clouded when we first met, didn't you?" asked Leinas.
"I did," admitted Arclight. "There's still patches of dark, more than some, but the light underneath is also brighter than most as well. It's something I'd expect of a warrior so it doesn't bother me hardly at all. When there's too much darkness in someone's soul though, it's like someone dragging nails on a chalkboard. It's like someone rubbing sandpaper across my face, and I'm surrounded by a smell noxious enough to make me ill if it's bad enough. When I met you, I was still trying to make sense of it. I couldn't control it. When I first arrived in Arwintar it was like a thousand voices shouting in my head all at once, asking salvation or demanding punishment. When I was speaking to you in that inn, I could hardly hear you."
"You said that you had friends, are they like you?" pressed Leinas.
"I shouldn't talk about them too much, when they're ready I'll introduce you if they want to meet you. Right now...wouldn't be great."
"Can I see what you really look like?" asked Leinas, finding herself morbidly curious.
"Not...just yet," said Arclight. "Like this, I can more or less keep my thoughts in order. When I go into my...real form, it's like there's an other influencing how I think."
"An other?"
"It's like I have my thoughts and memories and I can still reason things out normally, but how I feel about things is entirely different. Muted, or amplified, like I'm being guided to feel a certain way. Like this, I can more or less be me. I'm just glad it wasn't more severe."
"I must offer gratitude for your trust, but I must admit that I am perplexed as to the reason for it," said Leinas, surprised by how candid the man was being.
"Oh, that's simple," said Arclight. "I told you I can see your soul, the purer it is, the more at ease I feel. You've been doing good work and it's actually been cleaning your soul. Purifying I suppose is a word for it. If my new intuition is to be believed, you'll live longer, sleep better, and generally be happier. Also, I have a thing for blondes. Bad joke?" asked Arclight, giving off a sheepish grin.
"A little forward, perhaps too much so," said Leinas, cheeks flushing hot.
"Bad Joke," said Arclight, seeming apologetic, holding up his hands in a placating manner.
"You know, you gave me back my life when you lifted my curse," said Leinas.
"No, I gave you the freedom to live it without restriction. You taking it back is entirely your own doing," said Arclight.
"This sure has been an interesting party," said Leinas.
"I'll say. Far too exciting for my tastes. I think it just got more interesting tpp," added Arclight, peering around the door frame and into the main foyer below.
Leinas followed her gaze and almost choked at what she saw. Nimble, another of the Four Knights was standing fully armoured on the main floor, with Baziwood standing beside him. A few more Imperial retainers stood at the ready, and with them was Emperor Jircniv himself. The party falling silent as all present paid respect to the Emperor.
"I need to go," said Leinas hurriedly.
"I'll be here. I'd rather not cause another incident," said Arclight, leaning against the wall, hidden from view from those below.
Hiking up her dress ever so slightly, Leinas rushed down the stairs, pausing the correct distance away, and genuflecting to the Emperor, bowing her head in subservience. Staying like that until Jircniv addressed her.
"I've never known you to host a party before Leinas, I'm a little hurt that I didn't get an invitation."
"I did not dare think that you would be gracious enough to bless my estate with your presence," said Leinas.
"No? You are one of my Four Knights, my sword and shield. Only recently you completed a labour I gave to you in record time. Colonel Bardas praised you greatly in his report. Truly you did your station proud. Rise and greet me warmly. Everyone, continue as you were, this is a party after all," said Jircniv jovially.
Leinas stood, looking to Nimble and Baziwood, but their expressions were neutral, giving away nothing.
"Would you like refreshments Your Imperial Highness? It would be modest by your standards, but I will see the best we have be made readily available."
"Don't trouble yourself with that. Here, come and embrace me," said Jircniv warmly and Leinas approached him, kissing him on the cheek in greeting and him doing the same. Leinas noticing immediately that he chose to kiss her right cheek. The one recently freed of the curse.
"I see that the rumours are true. You have indeed been freed of your affliction."
"Indeed I have your Imperial Majesty. It is a blessing I am most fond and greatful to receive."
"As you should be. A curse lifted that not even the great Fluder Paradyne could banish? That is a tale I would be most eager to regaled with," said Jircniv, still smiling, but a chill in his words that made Leinas' stomach clench. The smile didn't reach his eyes, leaving them cold and calculating.
"I would be most happy to do so your Imperial Majesty."
"I'm glad to hear it. I've been wondering what a woman so inspired by her blessing would be up to in her extended absence," said Jircniv. "It must be quite a tale, no?"
"Anything you wish to know, I will be more than happy to tell you," said Leinas bowing her head.