First Encounter
Part 1 of 4 wherein Sylf and Ephraim meet. Atrea Silverleaf is Sylf's cover name.
Ephraim took a sip of his wine, casting a glance around the ballroom. The night had gone relatively well so far. After winning the impromptu sparring match without question, several prominent, and single, court ladies had been attached to his side for substantial part of the evening. He danced, flirted, and flaunted his position as the bachelor head of his household to great success. He wasn't really ready to marry, but he knew it was important to make his position and eligibility known to establish himself as a strong potential ally.
If only the Linklater General would take him seriously. If he could find favor with the General, then maybe, just maybe, he could convince the General to support him when the time came. Well, even Ephraim knew the Linklater General wouldn't fully betray Denalia, but if he could at least turn a blind eye… But no. When Ephraim tried to approach the General's circle earlier, they all but dismissed him outright.
"Why, if it isn't the Little Princeling of Falling Leaves. I heard you won the sporting event. How nice."
Ephraim tightened the grip on his goblet, but he managed to suppress a scowl. The next being to call him "Little Princeling" was going to earn his winning fist to their jaw.
He closed his eyes in an effort to calm down, and sighed. He was having a good time and he didn't want the General's insult to weigh him down. His goal tonight was to play the eligible bachelor, which wasn't hard, and impress the single ladies and their parents. He scanned the room again, looking for someone to dance with. He found Lady Marcen chatting with a group of her friends. They hit it off relatively well earlier in the night and she was a pleasant dancer—perhaps a reprise was in order.
But as he began to move towards her, a figure caught the corner of his eye. He stopped and turned towards a wood elf standing against the wall by herself. Ephraim couldn't help but just stare. She was tall with a sharp jaw, narrow green eyes, and a face that was so still it looked like porcelain. His gaze followed her dark wavy tresses as they seemed to cascade down over the shoulders of her purple silk gown, down past her decently exposed bosom, and to her thin hands that were clasped together tightly. Around her wrist was a black silk pouch that matched her gown. His gaze broke when suddenly she turned and began to walk towards the other end of the ballroom. Startled, Ephraim realized she was heading towards the exit.
His legs moved on their own and he didn't realize he'd caught up to her until he had stepped in front of her. As he caught his breath, racking his brain for something to say, her thin lips pursed, and eyebrows narrowed at him disapprovingly.
"Can I help you, Your Highness?" she asked. Her voice was tight, but polite.
Ephraim straightened. "Miss," he said with a small bow, "I can't help but notice that you were not present earlier tonight. I would be remiss if I did not offer my hand in a dance before you left."
Her visage relaxed as she seemed to consider him. Then she gave him a polite smile. "Very well, Your Highness."
Ephraim offered her his arm and she looped the hand without the purse around the crook of his arm. Her touch felt petite and soft through his jacket.
"May I ask your name, Miss? You seem to know mine, which puts me at a disadvantage," he asked. He gave her a grin, but she only stared at him with that stoic, porcelain elvish face. He loathed the way the full-blooded elves did that—specifically his aunt and uncle. They always used it to look at him with disdain, but on her he wasn't sure what to think. The elf seemed to be thinking more than anything else. She didn't respond immediately as they approached the dance floor and they moved into position. He took her hand in his and placed his hand on her waist, and despite her earlier touch being soft, under his hands she felt… sturdy. Based on her touch a moment ago, he expected her to be delicate and frail. How odd.
"I am Emeria of Hiddenbrooke, Shining Leaf of Fasesar," she said. They began to move across the dance floor effortlessly.
"A pleasure, Lady Emeria," he said, warmly. Then he added, "Fasesar? I thought your people prefer to keep to themselves." He now knew that his instincts were right in preventing her from leaving. There was something to this woman, something different. A mystery, perhaps. Well, Ephraim didn't mind a good mystery, particularly a good mystery that involved a lovely woman.
She stared at him with the same blank expression before it broke, turning into a small smile and a mischievous glint in her eyes. Her voice, light and humorous, asked, "Would you believe me if I said I wanted a little adventure?"
Ephraim grinned in response. He lifted her arm and twirled her around. As his arm came back to her side, and her hand pressed against his chest and her green eyes staring into his own. He felt lost in her eyes, and it wasn't until the song ended that he realized he never answered her question. Clearing his throat, he hastily said, "Well, I've heard Fasesarians are averse to adventure. But, I can't believe everyone is like that. Why restrict yourself so?"
She smiled warmly at him. "Indeed." She looked past him for a moment towards the exit.
"Shall we take a walk in the gardens?" Ephraim all but blurted out, his heart racing at the thought of her leaving. Stupid, idiot, he swore at himself. Pull yourself together, man!
The stillness came over her face again as she studied him, but then she gave him a small smile. "That sounds nice, Your Highness."
"Please," he said offering her his arm again, "Call me Ephraim."
She slipped her hand in his arm and glanced down demurely. "Very well, Ephraim."
Ephraim's heart pounded as he led her out to the gardens. For a Linklater garden, it was nice, anyway. The garden entrance was a nice lawn with a large gazebo in the center, where a smaller string quintet played. Numerous lanterns lit the paths around and towards the gazebo and there were several small groups or couples scattered about the lawn, talking and drinking. Ephraim noticed a less well-lit path headed towards the flower garden and began to walk in that direction. Emeria followed him wordlessly and it wasn't until the lawn was out of sight that he spoke again.
"How long have you been away from Fasesar?"
She glanced at the statue they were walking past before responding. "Too long. I miss home."
"Oh? And what of adventure?"
She turned back to him, the glint in her eye again. "I have had many adventures." But the looks was soon replaced with a tired one as she sighed, "I am ready to go home again, soon, I think."
Disappointment filled Ephraim but he steadied himself. Emeria was still here with him, was she not? He would do his best to ensure this evening was one to count amongst her adventures.
"Have all of your adventures involved glamorous parties and soirees?" He asked, grinning.
Her light demeanor returned, and they continued walking through the flower gardens slowly. "When I can attend, yes. This party was…more open to my attendance than others."
He stopped and stared at her, shocked. "For shame! How could anyone deny you entrance? This simply will not do!"
She smiled politely at him. "It is as you say, my people are reclusive. One suddenly among you sets others off-ease, I think."
The path opened up to a fountain with benches and shrubberies with rose bushes placed in corners for accent. Linklaters and their shrubberies: their tastes were so bland.
He walked towards the fountain and intended to sit with her on the bench, but she went over to a rose bush instead. Her figure was partially turned to him and he took the moment to enjoy the way the silk dress seemed to conform to her frame perfectly. He decided he must see her again.
"Well, you haven't been to a soiree at my estate! We're holding one next month and I will personally attend to you! We shall hold games and feasting and you shall see me in action." He pumped his fists to indicate the fist fighting, but she continued staring at the roses. "You missed it earlier, but I am quite strong. I gave all the other lords here a good walloping!" He laughed, full of bravado. As his laughter died down, he realized she had not responded. That would have worked on Lady Marcen, or any of the other ladies he had spent time with that night. Why not her?
As he stared at her, he realized she was still staring at the roses. He stood and walked over to her and stared down at the bush.
"Ah, white iceberg roses. They are pretty, but common and easy to care for. Makes sense for this garden considering…" he paused and cast a disdainful glance around the garden, "the Linklater's seem to love their shrubberies."
Lady Emeria turned to him, surprised. "You know what rose variant this is?"
"Of course!" Ephraim exclaimed. "My rose garden at home is full of all kinds variants—ground cover, grandiflora, climbing. My favorite are the hybrid teas. The peace and de Gaulle's are fickle but quite lovely and fragrant. Of course, my rose garden is only one of my gardens." He paused for a moment and grinned at her. It was only then that he realized she was staring at him, utterly bewildered.
"Did I say something wrong?" he asked cautiously.
She smiled softly at him as her visage relaxed. He thought her smile was lovely before, but the way she was staring at him now seemed more…genuine. He finally seemed to have gotten past her stiff and distanced demeanor.
"I too enjoy nature," she said. Her voice was quiet. "Not gardening necessarily, I don't have the time. But I do love being in nature, the quiet among the animals, the fauna, the trees. Away from beings, away from the cities, it's peaceful. I like that."
His heart pounding, he moved closer to her and slipped his hands into her. "Come visit the day after tomorrow. I'll walk you through the gardens. The rose garden, the white garden, the mediation garden, the greenhouse. We don't have a forest nearby, but the gardens are quite peaceful. That's where I go when I need to think…" he trailed off. He was standing close to her now, so close their noses almost touched.
Her eyes locked with his, and he was stuck in her gaze. "I'd like that," she said. Her voice was breathy, almost a whisper as she spoke. Ephraim let his instincts guide him as he leaned in and kissed her. Her lips were soft, and she responded to his slow, gentle, touch. When they pulled away for air, she chuckled. "Well, well, Little Princeling, you're not quite what I expected."
He should be upset that she used that detestable nickname, but somehow, the way the name rolled off her tongue taunting but light, it didn't sound so bad. But wait, he promised himself to hit the next person who called him that name! Was he supposed to hit her now? But he couldn't possibly-
Ephraim's thoughts were cut short as she kissed him heatedly, wrapping her arms around his neck. He responded eagerly, wrapping his arms around her waist, and, drawing her close, he thought of nothing else but her.
~*0*~
"And that's why you need to find her for me!" Ephraim explained. He clutched his heart dramatically. "I think I love her."
His companion snorted as he fought down a laugh. "In love? E., come on. You just made out with her at a party. You barely know her!"
Ephraim waited to respond once they moved past a thicker part of the crowd on the street. The two were weaving their way through the town, though Ephraim wasn't exactly sure where they were headed. It had been a long time since he snuck out of the manor and into the streets. Once they had a bit more space and could easily walk side by side, his companion turned towards him.
"E., listen, I already told you. No one knows anything about her. Nobles just don't appear and disappear like that." The drow stared at him, exacerbated. Ephraim stared at him and did his best to look heartbroken (which wasn't difficult since he clearly was heartbroken at the moment anyway). His companion sighed and pulled the hood over his head more so it shadowed his eyes. He turned to move but then paused and pulled the cloak hood back over Ephraim's head.
"How many times do I need to tell you to keep this up?" He chided.
"Sorry, 'Danna! But you must take me seriously! She's out there I know it!" Ephraim pleaded.
Mad McDanna shook his head and gestured down an alleyway. "Come on, we're almost there. Tell me more about her when we get inside."
Ephraim grinned as they made their way down the alley and a few more side streets. As they moved Ephraim noted how the further away from the market they were, the dirtier and more dilapidated the area became. What was Denalia doing? Every city had slums, but this was too much. The capital had enough wealth coming in—why wasn't the city being maintained? This was a recipe for disaster. All the more reason to continue his efforts against her.
When McDanna finally stopped in front of a large building where scantily clad beings in thick makeup hung around the doors or called to passerby's on the streets.
"A brothel?" He asked aloud.
"Keep your mouth shut and follow my lead," McDanna grunted. He stepped through the threshold and Ephraim followed. Inside seemed mostly clean, but he could tell that the decay of the city reached here too. The colorful furniture strewn about and linens decorating the ceilings and walls had small stains and tears. McDanna approached the Madame and Ephraim made an effort not to stare at any of the workers for too long, lest they think he was going to pay for their services. He didn't have to wait long for the Madame to begin leading McDanna up the stairs.
"Come on, gentlemen," she cooed loudly. "I'll set you up with the duo special in the back room."
Ephraim followed them up the stairs and down a long hallway. She turned a corner into what looked like a smaller room, but McDanna thanked her and handed her a small sack of coins. After Ephraim entered, McDanna shut the door behind them. The room was much smaller than what Ephraim expected, considering they were getting the "special". The space overall was quite small. In front of Ephraim were two sitting chairs on either side of a small table that contained a lit candle and a pitcher with goblets. To the left of the chair, was a nook that the double bed nested into a nook, underneath the only window in the room. McDanna pushed his hood back revealing his tousled white hair, and sat down in one of the chairs. He began to pour wine and gestured for Ephraim to sit.
"Alright, E. Tell me about your lady again."
"Aren't we meeting the contact? The one you want me to hire?"
"Oh, yeah," he replied taking a sip of the wine, "Our contact is probably already here but waiting to make sure we weren't followed. They're really paranoid."
"I see," Ephraim said slowly. He didn't quite understand the world 'Danna inhabited, but taking precautions made sense. After all, he insisted on meeting 'Danna's contact. Better to be safe than dead. The thought of Lady Emeria, however, brightened his mood.
"Well, Emeria of Hiddenbrooke, Shining Leaf of Fasesar is in search of adventure," he began but 'Danna immediately frowned at him.
"Fasesar? That doesn't make sense. Shining Leaf is a wood elf noble house but they never leave their city."
"Well she's different! I told you she is looking for adventure," Ephraim huffed. "Anyway, she was thinking about going home soon, but we bonded over our love of flowers and nature and she said she would come to my estate and-"
'Danna threw up his hands. "Slow down, E. Okay she's from Fasesar, so she's a wood elf. What is she like?"
Ephraim sighed dreamily. "She's demure and petite, but oddly sturdy. She's warm and doesn't laugh, but chuckles. I have a feeling she was putting on airs while at the party."
"Putting on airs? What do you mean? 'Danna asked. He topped off his goblet and leaned back casually in the chair. Ephraim took a sip of his drink and continued,
"Well, I have the feeling she wasn't really herself. I think there's more to her than meets the eye."
"So she's mysterious as well? Sounds like a perfect dame," 'Danna mused. "What does she look like?"
"Oh!" Ephraim exclaimed. He sighed dreamily again, "She's beautiful and holding her in my arms while kissing her was a dream! She has the most luxurious, long wavy dark hair and the most beautiful green eyes I-"
Suddenly 'Danna began coughing, nearly spitting up his wine, caused Ephraim to pause.
When it passed, 'Danna groaned painfully, rubbing his forehead with his palm. "Listen, E., I think—"
"Now, now, McDanna," a cool but familiar voice interrupted. "I'm anxious to hear more from the Little Princeling. I had no idea I left such an impression."
Ephraim turned to see a figure sitting on the bed, and he nearly dropped his goblet in shock. The wood elf with a sharp jawline, green eyes, and a smirk stared back at him. Her dark hair was in a single braid that was draped over her shoulder, and Ephraim noted the slung bow across her back. She was sitting with her legs crossed, the leather boot bouncing a bit as she stared at them, amused. She looked so different, and yet, she was unmistakable.
Ephraim stood shouted, "Lady Emeria?" the same time 'Danna said, "Ah, Atrea."
Everything in Ephraim seemed to sink and he lowered himself into the chair, stunned. This was…no, this couldn't be! He thought of Emeria's smile but that made his chest tighten. He couldn't think about this now. He was a prince and the head of his household and would act accordingly. Emeria, no, Atrea uncrossed her legs and sauntered over them, her green eyes glittering at him. Was she amused that she played him for a fool? Anger surged through him. He would not allow himself to be embarrassed for her entertainment! He exhaled sharply and put on his "annoyed noble face".
When she was in front of him, 'Danna stood. He nodded at Atrea and gestured to Ephraim. "Atrea, this is my patron. The one I've been telling you about for awhile now." He paused and then glanced slyly at Ephraim. "I'd introduce you but it seems like you're already well acquainted." Atrea's smirk grew and it took all of his self-control to remain seated.
"Shall we conduct our business?" It came out a bit colder than he normally spoke, but he didn't care.
The two elves looked at him, and that same, empty, porcelain look came over Atrea's face. The stare broke after a moment and the smirk returned as she pulled out the black silk purse she wore the night of the party.
"There's no need to be like that between us. After all, you found me." She spread her arms openly, gesturing towards herself.
"You knew who I was at the party," Ephraim snapped.
"Of course," she said. "But you're the one who prevented me from leaving. I wasn't planning on interacting with you at all."
"You kissed me!" he blurted angrily.
She stared at him for a moment before shrugging. "You're a good kisser." That only made him angrier.
"Never mind, let's just get this over with," he said, giving her a hard look.
Her jesting mood seemed to dissolve as she frowned at him. "If I had known you would take this so hard, I would have left after that dance. McDanna's been talking you up for years now, trying to get me to agree to meet you."
Guilt sunk into his gut. That was true. He cast a glance up at 'Danna, whose face appeared neutral and bored, but Ephraim could see he was staring at Atrea. Was there something between them? 'Danna mentioned he'd known her for a long time—how long was that exactly?
She opened the purse and pulled out a long, but thin parchment between her fingers. Ephraim realized the purse must be a bag of holding. He was impressed, considering those were expensive to have made.
"The gold?" Atrea asked. Ephraim looked at 'Danna and Atrea's gaze followed.
"Is it the original?" 'Danna asked.
"It is. I left a very good copy in its place."
'Danna went over to the bed and took out a large bag of gold from his pack. He poured the contents on the bed and arranged them so she could easily see the amount. She nodded approvingly. "Looks good."
At her word 'Danna scooped up the gold and put it back into the sack. He brought the sack to her and she handed him the parchment. The sack of gold went into the purse and disappeared.
"Now that our core business is done, I have another deal for you," she grinned. She sauntered over to the empty chair next to him and picked up 'Danna's goblet.
"You mind?" she asked 'Danna, holding up the goblet. He shook his head in response and she grinned, taking a small sip and leaning back into the chair. She looked relaxed in a way that reminded him of 'Danna, but the look on her visage was… predatory. Ephraim realized his heart was racing and he wasn't sure if it was because he disliked or liked the idea of being her prey. Under those green eyes…
Ephraim took a sip of his wine to hide his nervousness. He cast a look at 'Danna who was staring at them amused. Atrea took another long sip and placed the goblet down on the table. Then, she reached into the purse again pulling out a large, thick tube of parchment. She set the parchment between them on the table.
"I found this while I was snooping around. It's the original and I didn't have time to make a fake." She eyed Ephraim. "I promise it's worth your while."
"How much?" 'Danna asked.
She inclined her head towards him. "Triple."
"Triple?" Ephraim asked, shocked. He looked to 'Danna, who was frowning.
"I only brought enough for double," he said.
Angrily Ephraim was on his feet. "We aren't buying anything!" He looked down at Atrea. Predator or not, he would not be made a fool twice! "What makes you think this information is worth that amount? I may be new to this, but considering how expensive your rate is, triple is excessive," he said heatedly.
Atrea's predatory gaze hardened into a glare that sent chills down his spine. She didn't bother standing, as if he didn't warrant her standing at all. Instead, her hard glare remained on Ephraim as she spoke.
"Didn't McDanna explain who I am?"
"I did," 'Danna replied simply.
"And why did you recommend me for the job?" she asked.
'Danna sighed. "Because you're the best."
She repeated the words slowly. "Because, I'm the best."
"I trust McDanna," Ephraim said firmly. "But I don't know you. All the jobs you completed on my behalf were all done through McDanna. I don't know what happened in those handoffs, but I don't recall extra deals being made. Now you want to triple your price for information I didn't request? So, again, what makes you think this information is worth that price?"
The room fell silent for what seemed like an eternity. Then, she slowly stood, her porcelain glare locked on his angry gaze. They were both tall, he realized, as her eyes stayed at his level. But being in proximity to her reminded him of the gardens, her soft gaze, her heated embrace. Ephraim pushed the thoughts out of his mind. He needed to be present, here and now.
Then, her gaze broke into a lazy smile. "Well, well, Little Princeling. You do have a backbone." She took the pitcher and refilled his goblet. She took it and offered it to him. "Let's do this more cordially, shall we? I did pay for the good wine, after all."
He took the goblet and sat indignantly. Once he was reseated, she fluidly lowered herself into the chair and crossed her legs again.
"After finding what you requested, I did more digging. I found something," she paused and glanced away for a moment, "interesting. I think it's of high interest to you based on your requests thus far."
"Why would you do more digging after finding what I paid you to find?" Ephraim asked. Now he was curious. He took a sip of the wine as she cast a glance at 'Danna for a moment before replying,
"I've been doing jobs for you for some time now. I have a feeling I know what you're doing, and I thought it would be relevant." She shrugged. "Of course, you don't have to buy it. It's just an offer."
Ephraim looked down at the parchment. From the little he knew about Atrea, he knew this offer was unusual. Plus, McDanna trusted her, despite her deception at the party. She was undercover during the party, as much as admitting that stung.
Ephraim breathed deeply and relaxed. He needed to separate himself from what happened between them at the party. Emeria wasn't real, but Atrea was, and he wanted her on his side. He took another sip of wine and then smiled at Atrea.
"I'll give you double as part of your…repeat customer discount."
"Deal." She grinned at him, or was it a smirk? A smirk/smile? Was that possible? Either way, he liked seeing her pleased. McDanna gave her the gold and he whisked the parchment under his cloak, hidden. "Be careful not to be caught with that," she warned, and 'Danna nodded in response. She glanced between the two of them briefly before standing.
"Well, I think I'll be on my way then." She turned to Ephraim and gave him a flourishing, or mocking, bow. He wasn't sure which one it was. "May our next encounter be just as… heated, Little Princeling."
Heated? Was that-was she, no she certainly was not still flirting with him, was she? He felt his cheeks flush, but she was already turning to 'Danna. They spoke in low, garbled tones Ephraim couldn't understand before she stepped out around the drow and raised her hand, waving, as she walked towards the door.
"Until next time, McDanna," she called.
"See you soon, A.," he responded lightly back, smiling to himself and Ephraim watched his gaze follow her to the door. To Ephraim, the call seemed like a familiar custom between the two of them. It probably was. Again, he wondered how close they were.
As Atrea reached for the handle, he realized he still had one more thing to ask her. "Wait!" He blurted, standing suddenly. She turned to him, frowning. 'Danna turned too, seemingly out of curiosity.
"Was it… was it all a lie?" he asked.
She gave him that elfin stilled stare before responding, "What do you think?" The question hung in the air before she turned and exited the room. After making sure the door was closed firmly behind her, 'Danna turned to Ephraim.
"Well?" he arched an eyebrow, sitting back down in the chair.
"Well, what?" Ephraim huffed. He wasn't sure what to make of the encounter and the revelation that Lady Emeria did not exist.
"What did you think of her? Aside from, well, her being-" he clutched his heart dramatically, "your love!"
Even though 'Danna was making fun of him, he couldn't help but laugh at the reenactment. 'Danna chuckled good-naturedly and drank more of his wine.
"Well," Ephraim started, "she's not what I imagined. But, I suppose, with my lack of familiarity with your world, that's to be expected." After a moment, he frowned. "I can't believe that whole night was a lie."
'Danna shrugged. "That's what you paid her to do, E. You can't fault her for being good at her job."
"That's true," Ephraim mused. But she was still full intrigue. The sturdiness of her frame, her petite and demure demeanor, the way she looked at him when they talked of adventure, the roses… Her demeanor was certainly a lie. But he couldn't help but recall the way she looked at him and spoke about the forest and her love for nature.
"Speaking of her job, it's good you bought that parchment E. There's only two reasons that she would have risked her cover to get this info. One, she knew she could milk more money out of you."
'Danna's words took him out of his thoughts, and he frowned at 'Danna's idea. "It didn't seem as though the payment mattered much to her. She could have sold it to someone else for the price she wanted."
"Oh, trust me, payment matters. But in this case, you're right. I think the second option is more likely." 'Danna stared at him soberly. "A. didn't like what she found and wanted more information based on whatever the first parchment holds."
The thought chilled Ephraim. What could have been so bad to drive a professional spy like Atrea to look for extra information? "We should go," Ephraim said. He set the wine glass down and stood. 'Danna wordlessly followed suit and soon they were out the brothel and into the streets again. It wasn't until they were in the main market when Ephraim was able to relax again.
As they walked towards the servant's path to his manor, he noticed a boy selling wildflowers. He stopped and stared at the vibrant colors and petals, swaying with the light breeze. The sight gave him an idea. A possibly reckless and crazy idea, but it wouldn't be his first.
"'Danna, when I see Atrea again, remind me to bring her some flowers," Ephraim announced.
The drow looked at him skeptically. "Flowers?"
"Yes," he said firmly. "What's that saying you have? All the best liars hide in a little bit of truth?"
"Except for me because I'm the best liar there is," 'Danna grinned.
"Well, I think I found a truth," he said smiling.
'Danna raised an eyebrow at him. "Sure, E., sure."
'Danna may not take him seriously, but Ephraim was determined. Atrea had genuinely enjoyed their brief discussion horticulture, and next time they met, he would prove it!