I will admit a certain amusement at this turn of events. Thomas was always so reliably boring. How surprising then to witness the lad grow a bit of a backbone. It was not inspiring in his bravery. It resembled something akin to those kickable mutts who bark at other dogs when they know there is a fence separating them and the larger, more predatory creatures.
Thomas had secured a larger animal in the form of Mayflower, a bold and daring fellow with the basic shame and judgement of a Pitbull. Mayflower knew what he was about, it appeared, and pushed until he got it. The only difference between Mayflower and Thomas is that Mayflower had money. Wealth really did buy you a lot of things. But good sense was not one of them. But that hadn't stopped Mayflower. Ambition was the name of the game, and the two men now approaching the Parson's residence were ready for anything Fate threw at them. Thomas had tried to prepare an inquisitive Mayflower as to the nature of this visit. He told the fellow about the Spring-heeled Jacks and their mission in getting the inventions Jacqueline Parsons had made for her gang. As they neared the gate, they noted the presence of two constables who were stationed at the entrance. The quizzed the constables, who having exchanged several puzzled glances, merely waved them in. They informed the gentlemen, who gave the constables their names, that they had 10 minutes, before walking down the street.
Reaching the front door, they knocked. None other than Morty and Boyd, two lackeys of Thomas' former employer, Roald. Thomas and Mayflower both were on alert, aware that they would need to tread carefully with these two breathing down their necks. The two goons led the pair up to the study and waited outside while Thomas and Mayflower entered. The study was paneled in dark wood, a large desk, sizable paintings and a wall of books filled the room. The fire snapped out against the darkness, but only managed to cast longer shadows. A solitary figure, a dwarven male who was presumably Mr. Parsons, sat facing the fire in his high back armchair. Every line in his face was deepened, the color gone from his cheeks and his voluminous beard and thick eyebrows, streaked with grey, hung about him like a brooding cloud. It was not the sight of an industrious man. I cannot say Mayflower was moved much, but Thomas was sympathetic to this man's loss.
Thomas attempted to approach Mr. Parsons by pretending to men of business, hoping to help arrange for the managing of the Late Mrs. Parsons assets. It appeared immediately that Mr. Parsons had no idea of his wife's extracurricular activities, nor of her intimate relationship with her murderer, the ork driver they had formerly employed. Thomas successfully related a lie. Thomas likely thought he was sparing the old dwarf some pain, or perhaps thought better of revealing the true nature of his dearly departed wife. The parts about Jackie saving Thomas were true enough. He just missed a few key details. Thomas changes tact at this point, revealing to Mr. Parsons that his life was likely in danger from the two men now standing guard outside his rooms. Mr. Parsons was also ignorant of this detail, and growing more annoyed by the minute, stormed from his study to come face to face with Morty and Boyd. This was when Thomas grew bold, and Mayflower wilted. It's understandable. Mayflower was quite confused as to what was going on. Declaring that he would wait outside, Mayflower left Thomas and Mr. Parsons staring down the mean dogs in front of them. Morty was growing irritated, trying to rouse the others into some kind of fight. Mr. Parsons was growing equally indignant at the insinuations of Morty about his wife. I was rather hoping someone would snap and start shooting, but Morty and Boyd were under strict instructions not to create another scene. And so finding themselves at an impasse, they left out the back, Morty whispering to Thomas that "I won't forget."
Thomas, glad he would not have to skewer anyone else this evening, quickly left, and having found Mayflower, made him promise to have his men return to claim the prize in the back workshop. They then departed, Mayflower at once insisting they return to his home for a meal and a much-needed lesson in etiquette for Thomas.
Sometime later that day, Mayflower received word from his fellow vigilantes that the workshop in the back had been cleaned out and anything of obvious value had been removed. There was a small safe cleverly hidden behind a false panel that had been opened by a professional and now lay bare.
Now we go to the business of Philip. I imagine any reasonable employer would have scolded their servant, and maybe for good measure just sacked him too. But Lindion did not toss Philip to the street for breaking trust. Philip was at first completely offended that she would think him such a scamp as to reveal personal details about his mistress to the Duke. But then it dawned on poor Philip, like the light of a nightwatchmen on an unfortunate burglar, of the error of his ways. For Philip had recently made the acquaintance of head mistress in the employ of the Duke. They both shared a similar position, and it helped that she retained some of her good looks and charm. What is more, Harriet Dodds was an encouraging listener. This information had somehow made it into the ears of the Duke. Lindion, having learned there was no obvious nefarious intent, informed Philip that he would endure punishment instead of being sacked. He would for the foreseeable future partake of her new elixirs, potions and concoctions. Dear reader, you had not the pleasure of hearing her voice, seeing that look in her eye or the fear I so relished in Philips eyes. But rest assured, her threat worked. In fact, it worked too well. But I won't spoil what happens next. For it shall prove equally enlightening. Lindion for her part, reminded Philip that he was low class and Lindion was highborn, and that there was a difference.
He accepted his fate with the grace pummeled into butlers and excused himself. He returned a few moments later to announce a Miss Dendrarr was requesting an audience with her. She was ushered into the parlor and Philip was instructed to keep everyone out of earshot. An indelicate parting shot at Philip I have no doubt.
Yuko wasted little time in relating the dire warning spoken by the assassin. Yuko had sent a letter to the Lorieths and speak to Lindion's aunt as soon as possible. Lindion thought it best to send advance warning and simply risk a visit. Philip departed early by carriage and let the Lorieth household know they would be coming shortly.
The ride over was not terribly eventful. Both were occupied with their own thoughts. When they arrived, they were escorted through the halls of the Lorieth estate. The black and white tiled floors shimmered in the low light. They walked past an abundance of marble pillars, alcoves which sheltered statues, relics and items of the old world. The house was very quiet, so that the only sound was their own shoes clicking on the floor and their hearts pounding in their chests. The passed through double doors and were seated in a comfortable room, elegant in its decor in the simplest of terms. A few paintings hung on the walls, a fire had been lit and a few seats were set before the fire so as to make a comfy place to speak with guests. Soon tea and a lemon watere were brought for Lindion and Yuko, followed soon by the glowing hostess, Genevieve Lorieth. Yuko wasted no time telling her hostess of the threat spoken by the assassin. I shall not bore you with the specifics of the diplomatic talk of two people both feeling out the other for a confirmation. There were the obvious denials and the deflection from commenting on the situation. They spoke of the desire for the war to end, but Yuko soon learned that the perception of the North was thoroughly clouded in a misunderstanding of history. Both looked to the other as the instigator, their perceptions of history Yuko had taken for granted completely non-existent in the eyes of the Lorieths. They didn't even know about the Ivory Queen and the good she had done, nor of the connection between their beloved monarch and the Voice of the Alluminat church. The terms of peace for the West were a complete surrender of the forces in the North. Yuko knew the implied meaning of such terms and deferred until a later time.
Lindion and Yuko left, the ambassador confused and unsure of her move forward. As they drove through the lanes back to the Belebrante estate, their conversation turned to the Safari that was on the horizon. Yuko desired to invite Remallia Ulbrinter. Lindion commented that this was not likely, as the Ulbrinters would not so easily part with a second child or place them in danger. Yuko, being curious, inquired further. Lindion told her that she was once engaged to be married to their eldest son who was lost at sea before they were to be married. Lindion changed the subject, Yuko turning to her other guests. She also had invited Telmage, much to Lindion's chagrin. Lindion carefully suggested asking Father Collins along as his knowledge would be most useful source of knowledge if she wished to understand the conflations in their two histories. Lindion had ulterior motives, of course. She managed to get Dr Psmith to accompany her as her personal physician. She wanted Father Collins to get a sense for this man who was far too excited about plumbing the depths of her mind and memory.
Once they arrived at the Belebrante estate, Lindion requested to speak with Arthur. The head of the house was sitting behind his desk, consumed by his work and preparations for the expedition. Lindion told Arthur about her encounter with the Duke in a vague and direct way, leaving out specifics where it was possible. She then asked Arthur again why he invited her. Arthur was dismissive and even evasive in bringing his opinion to bear on the topic. I watched with some amusement as the frustrating nature of Arthur brought out the personality of Daverreinna. The annoyance was replaced with a coquettish grin. Arthur noticed. It was delightful, as this outbreak of Daverreinna was likely to further complicate the implied attraction of Lindion to Arthur. But Arthur was no fool, and politely ignored her. Recovering, Lindion mumbled "Not again" and left flustered and desiring for a private place to scream into a pillow.
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