• Closed • [Oakleigh] An Introduction

[Edalene]

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4 Vhalar 717

Edalene wrung her hands nervously in her dress as she rode in the carriage. It was mid-morning, and still warm, but the cool morning air offered some relief that had not been felt in Saun. She was wearing her best dress, but given she was currently living on an archaeological dig, that was not saying much. She had dressed simply and she hoped, elegantly.

"Are you sure I look okay?" she fretted to her brother, biting her hip as she looked to him. "I know you think I look fine, but I've never met a duke before. And he doesn't sound like a normal duke from what you've said, so I'm not sure what protocols I should be following..." Edalene sighed and looked out at the landscape as they rode towards the Duke's estate.

Having studied Rynmerian politics, she should have known what was expected to her. But Aeodan had a friendly relationship with Duke Tristan already, and from what her twin had said, he did not seem to care too much for politics and expectations. And that threw her off. How deferrent was she expected to be?

Edalene sighed, leaning her head back against the seat of the carriage. "I'm sorry, my love. I'm just nervous. I don't want to ruin this for you, not when he's agreed to finance your expedition and now the museum? I just don't want to wreck this. Not when you've put so much hard work into this."

She looked out again and noticed with a start they were riding up a path, turning into a grand estate. "We're almost here," she noted nervously, again wringing her hands in her simple blue linen dress.

[Aeodan]

Aeodan, who was dressed comfortably in a pair of maroon trousers with a tight fitting black shirt and shined black boots, smiled at Edalene. She had been fretting all trial about meeting the Duke, and though he thought she looked gorgeous, he knew that no verbal placation would soothe her. Instead, he leaned across the carriage and took her chin in his hair, tilting her head slightly so she was looking deep into his eyes. She could feel the adoration between their link.

"Eda, you're beautiful. You'll be fine." He kissed her on her lips, gently and quickly, before sitting back. "Besides, he is probably just as nervous to meet you. I talked about you a bit, you know? It's hard for me not to." He grinned.

Turning his head back look out of the carriage, they passed by a familiar mill, no longer in use. The door, eaten mostly by wood-craving insects, was open and it was easy to see the milling stone inside. Pointing at it, Aeodan tapped Edalene on her thigh.

"I will tell you what, my love. See that milling stone? Should the Duke not absolutely adore you, I will lie in the sieve and allow you to roll the stone over me and turned me into Aeodan-flavoured flour. Then you can bake a loaf of me, and spread Mable's delicious salted butter on me, and your next adventure could be blessed by Cassion AND vindication."

Aeodan's grin was impish and infectious, and he swiftly kissed Edalene's nose.

"He's a Duke, yes, but... I don't know, Eda. He's more than that. Duke Tristan is relaxed, personable, sane... Not like the Venoras we've read about. Certainly not like his cousin. He touches slugs and performs cool experiments. We can trust him."

Aeodan let it ride at that, as they approached the ducal estate. He was farm more familiar with the area than his sister, so he allowed her to enjoy the scenery as they rode. Or, more likely, he allowed her to stew in her anxiety. He knew his sister, and he knew that she would worry until given reason not to.

As the carriage rode to the estate, it was stopped by a contingency of guards. Chief among them was Judah, the man who'd taught Aeodan how to defend himself. Sharing a furtive look, Judah stepped up to the carriage and politely knocked, to which Aeodan offered entry.

"Milord, milady--" Judah started, but Aeodan cut him off gaily.

"Judah, you know I am no longer. And this is my sister, Edalene. Only a lady in stature, not in title. Is the Duke expecting us?" Aeodan's smile was radiant, and Judah hesitated. Reaching a large hang out, he helped Edalene from the carriage, and let Aeodan climb out himself. Smoothing himself, the younger twin smiled and took Edalene's arm in his own.

"He is. I've been asked to lead you to his chambers." Judah nodded, and the group of guards turned on heel.

"Will Ayla be there?" Aeodan's question seemed to surprise Judah, who merely shrugged.

"Dunno, milo-- Aeodan." The response was dry, and Aeodan nearly frowned. He didn't, though, to maintain appearances with the Duke. He would not wish to get Judah into any trouble. As they were led to the room, Aeodan stopped Edalene and pulled her into a quick hug.

"I love you. So will he." He kissed her cheek, and the doors opened.

[Tristan Venora]

While Judah was outside, greeting his guests, Tristan was in his office, working on one of his newest experiments. He could have just sat behind his desk and waited for Aeodan and Edalene, looking all important and official, but he didn’t enjoy that particularly. He had recently found out that some materials needed to be prepared with a primer in order to allow them to receive enhancements, so he had ordered one from an alchemist’s shop – some sort of powder that smelled vaguely of vanilla, but probably wasn’t vanilla at all or even edible. The target material was mother of pearl. He didn’t know what he’d make with it yet. Maybe he’d make a bit of magical jewelry for Ayla. Or maybe he’d add a trigger as well so that there would be a totally weird effect if you touched the item. Or maybe …

Somebody knocked on the door, and Tristan quickly cleaned up his desk, let the primer and the piece of mother of pearl disappear in a drawer, and wiped his hands off on a handkerchief. Following that he cast a glance at Ayla who was sitting on a sofa, playing with a doll (a very normal doll, apart from the butterfly wings that were attached to her back). The hopefully future duchess of Oakleigh was wearing a golden silk dress so that she looked like a little princess, and she looked quite happy and content despite the fact that she was probably a Mortalborn of Syroa or Lisirra and growing three times as fast as a normal child.

Once he had made sure that he looked presentable (he was currently wearing black pants and a fine blue silk shirt that was the exact color of his eyes), he loudly proclaimed, “Enter!” He was really looking forward to meeting Aeodan’s sister. Before he had met him, he had thought that all scholars were boring and uncreative, like Padraig, but Aeodan had showed him that they could actually be a lot of fun sometimes.

Maybe Edalene would be the same?

Once the twins had entered the room, he approached them with a smile on his face (he didn’t believe sitting behind his desk as if his behind were glued to it and making people come to him). He didn’t remember much about the etiquette lessons his grandmother had tortured him with, but he was pretty sure that you were supposed to greet the woman first, so that’s what he did. “Edalene, welcome to Oakleigh! How are you? Your brother told me a lot about you! And welcome back, Aeodan! Would you like something to drink? I have a bottle of fine wine here, but I can also ask one of the servants to bring you something to eat!”

Having said that, he gestured for them to follow them to the table. The sofa on which Ayla sat was on one side of the table, and comfortable looking chairs stood on the three other sides. “That’s my daughter, Ayla Venora, by the way. I hope you don’t mind that she’s here. I like to keep her near me rather than having my servants take care of her.”

[Edalene]

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Though still anxious, Edalene could not help the soft grin that spread across her face at the touch of Aeodan's lips to hers; nor could she keep in the giggle at his ridiculous statements. "Aeodan, don't be ridiculous," she said shaking her head, but she pulled herself closer to Aeodan anyway. "You really think he'll like me?" she asked, looking up at him.

As they came down the path closer to the grand Oakleigh estate, Edalene briefly held herself tight against her brother, taking comfort from his skin against hers. A deep breath, and then the door opened. Easily, she took the hand offered to her. Before her was a handsome man, and when Edalene heard his name, she smiled. "Judah!" she exclaimed, leaning forward to kiss the man's cheek. "I've heard so much about you. You taught my brother Zin'maata, yes?" Edalene smiled looking between her brother and the guard, and faltered a little at Judah's dour answer.

"Well, it was wonderful to meet you," she said as they moved through to the grand estate. Edalene leant closer to Aeodan, frowning a little. "Why is he so... well... irritable?" But her confusion was quickly forgotten as they reached the door. Edalene took a shuddering breath, biting her lip, and was surprised when Aeodan drew her into a hug, kissing her cheek. Edalene could only smile - there was no time to respond as they were led into the room.

A handsome man, in a blue shirt approached them quickly, a broad smile on his face - she could only assume that this was the Duke. And yet he spoke a mile a minute, words spewing forward in greeting. Edalene flushed, not knowing how to respond, and stammered out a response. "Duke Tristan, thank you for allowing me to come today - it's an honour to meet you." Her words were formal - but she was so very nervous. "Thank you for all you've done for my brother in my absence. He's done amazing work, and he couldn't have done it without your help."

She followed the Duke to the table, taking one of the seats. "Wine would be wonderful, thank you," she said gratefully. It would definitely help her nerves. And then she noticed the little girl, playing on the sofa opposite. "Oh no, of course!" she rushed to assure him, but her heart sunk a little. She was so worried about impressing the Duke, she hadn't even considered impressing a child. "Hello, Ayla. Thank you for having me to your home." Edalene gave a shy wave to the girl, flushing in embarrassment. She looked pleadingly to Aeodan, hoping he would help her out.

[Aeodan]

As they walked, Aeodan shook his head. He knew that Judah was acting jealously, blaming Edalene for Aeodan's unavailability. But it was not Edalene's fault. Aeodan had tried to make it clear that he didn't choose Edalene. The world had. Fate and the Immortals had. It was simply misfortune that the two of them had met under the circumstances they had without the ability to change their stars. But Aeodan would not, even if he could. He cherished Edalene, and having her here on his arm simply enforced, both to Aeodan and to Judah, why that was necessary.

Edalene and he just melded together. It was hard to tell where one stopped and the other began. Aeodan's humour led into hers, their wit and charm were complementary. They were obviously made to be two halves to a whole, and Aeodan could consider no other things. Of course, to Judah, whose soulmate hadn't been found yet, this was not apparent. He could not fathom the depth of Aeodan's commitment, in his soul, to Edalene.

And so Aeodan just shrugged it off. Seeing the Duke lifted his thoughts from such heavy material anyway, and Aeodan's broad smile split his face upon seeing the Duke. He allowed Edalene to introduce herself, never presuming to be her voice, as he looked around the room for Ayla. She was not hard to find, giggling and sitting off to the side, and he slid by Edalene, Tristan and Judah to rush over to her. As he did so, Tristan regarded him, to which Aeodan looked back over his shoulder to smile.

"No, thank you, Your Grace. Just water for me, please." He looked back to Ayla. "I don't want to impair my senses while playing with Ayla." He poked her belly and giggled, losing track of the conversation thereafter. When Tristan mentioned Ayla, though, Aeodan spun around with her in her arms, allowing Edalene to greet the girl. He knew she was uncomfortable with children, especially since he'd mentioned wanting to have one of his own soon.

"Ayla, can you say, 'Hi, Eda'?" Aeodan helped her wave her little hand, though she had grown quite a bit since he'd seen her last. It was amazing how quickly she was growing, and in his arms, she started to grow heavy.

"Tristan, thank you for having us, again." He smiled, still holding Ayla. "One of these days, I'll build a house out here and have you over. Maybe I'll cook us a meal, and if Cassion wills it, we could all regale each other with our exploits." He grinned, scrunching up his nose at Ayla. "She'll be big enough to eat steak soon."

He set her back down and accepted the water as it came in, taking a sip.

"Your Grace, Edalene is the reason for my passion here in the Settlements. She studied the history of the Ryn nobility, and I thought she'd enjoy talking to one. So, I had to bring her here. My love, Duke Tristan is perhaps one of the most wonderfully interesting people I've ever met. I'm sure the two of you will hit it off." The boyish charm glowing on his face framed his cherubic features, bringing a warmth to the room.

[Tristan Venora]

Edalene talked about what he had done for her brother and how Aeodan couldn’t have done what he had done without his help. For a moment Tristan wondered if she had just said that because she was being polite or if she really meant it, and then he came to the conclusion that she had of course meant it. Without him Aeodan would never have been able to conduct his expedition – or build that museum. He had given him four thousand nels!

Maybe he should give him another thousand nels, he thought. He didn’t know what he was supposed to do with all the money he had made in the last arc since his career had really taken off anyway. But for now he just gave him – and his sister – something to drink. Most nobles would likely have asked a servant to pour their guests a drink, but Tristan did so himself. It wasn’t particularly hard work. “This wine here comes from the vineyard of the Raglan family here in Oakleigh”, he said as he handed Edalene her glass.

As Aeodan told him that he just wanted water, he made a face. He really liked the researcher, but refusing his delicious wine? That was not acceptable! But then again, he wanted to play with Ayla, and Ayla would probably appreciate it if he didn’t smell of alcohol. Tristan himself drank less since he had become a father since he wanted to be a good father. So he filled a glass with water and handed it to Aoedan. “One of these trials I’ll make a wine that has none of the usual side effects with my alchemy”, he remarked. “So that parents all over Idalos can drink and not have a guilty conscience.”

“I hope that Ilaren won’t be mad at me”, he added, thinking of his hopefully future wife who was also the Immortal of Alcohol. Having said that, he poured himself a glass as well, took a sip and watched Aeodan and Edalene interact with Ayla. Edalene seemed to be a little shy, he observed. For that reason he remarked, “She doesn’t bite. Ayla chews on her books and her toys, and she even tried to eat a pocket watch once, but so far she hasn’t developed an appetite for human flesh. Right, Ayla?”

Hearing her father’s voice, the little girl turned around and giggled, and then she said something that actually sounded a bit like “Hi, Eda!” before she grabbed Aoedan’s pant leg and tugged at it. She obviously wanted him to take her in his arms and spin her around some more.

“Are you a good cook?” he asked Aeodan. “I used to own the best cook in all of Idalos, but then I freed her because she wanted to be free.” Faith had been the first woman he had ever fallen in love with – really fallen in love with – and he still missed her sometimes. For some time he had believed that she was Ayla’s mother and that she had died shortly after giving birth. Now he knew that Ayla was likely Syroa’s or Lisirra’s daughter though which did of course not change anything about his love for her.

“You studied the history of the Ryn nobility?” he asked, and his eyes lit up. “As you know, I’m a noble, so if you have any questions about me and what I do, all you have to do is ask. I’m not a typical noble though. I’m not stiff and conservative, I write plays and make strange sculptures, and I have a child even though I’ve never been married.”

“I hope you don’t mind.”

[Edalene]

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"Thank you, your Grace," Edalene said gratefully taking the proffered wine from Duke Tristan. She had to remind herself not to drink it all at once, as she was accustomed to doing when she was stressed, instead taking a dainty sip in what she hoped was a graceful manner. Then the taste hit her, and Edalene could not help but smile. "This is delicious!" she said, turning to Tristan with a large smile. "So drinkable, but there's a decided taste of strawberries in the aftermath... flavourful but smooth." Edalene blushed at her rambling, before sending a smile to Tristan, embarrassed. "Excuse my enthusiasm, but as my brother could tell you... I am quite the lover of a good glass of wine."

Edalene was about to rack her brain for something to ask Tristan, but she was distracted by the burst of joy she felt through her link, and she turned to watch Aeodan whirling with Ayla, the little girl laughing merrily in his arms. Despite her anxiety, she could not help but feel warm watching how at ease Aeodan was, and a longing she had never felt before warmed her dead heart. Briefly, she imagined a little girl with dark hair and pale skin looking up at Aeodan in wonder, and want clenched her belly, knowing Aeodan could feel it. She wasn't ready to put words to it yet, but ... perhaps it wouldn't be so bad with Aeodan by her side.

Edalene smiled at the little girl's words. "Hi, Ayla," she whispered back, blushing. "I like your dress." But the little girl had already turned back to Aeodan, pulling at his pants for another spin. She couldn't help but feel a little bit resentful; Aeodan had the little girl's attention while Ayla could barely be bothered with her. Would that be the same for their future child? But Tristan's words broke her reverie, and she turned to the Duke.

"Oh, no," Edalene protested at Aeodan's words, colouring from the praise. "No, my love, that was all you," she said, sending her lover a warm smile, grateful for his assistance. He knew how nervous she was, and he was clearly doing everything he could to help calm her. "Yes, your Grace," she said, taking another sip of the delicious wine, smiling at Aeodan again. "I received my Letters in History, and for a while my focus was on the history of Rynmerian nobility, specifically the historical relations around economy. But due to personal events," she trailed off, shrugging, looking down at the red liquid, "my research focus changed. But I'm still very interested in the nobility."

Edalene looked agape at Tristan. He was not acting like a Duke at all. None of her research could have prepared her for his calm, casual nature. Without thinking, she laughed, before looking shocked at herself. "Forgive me, your Grace," she stuttered, her eyes wide. "I did not mean to laugh. Aeodan told me you were different, but all my research made me believe that you would not be quite so different... and of course I do not mind!" Edalene took a deep breath, wondering if she should speak her mind, but the friendship between Aeodan and Tristan cemented her decision. She had to be herself, after all.

"If I may speak freely, your Grace," she said, taking her time, choosing her words carefully. "If all nobles were a little less concerned with formality and posturing, the people of Rynmere might have more faith in the system. Then they'd know they were dealing with people, not figureheads." She shrugged helplessly, her cheeks red. "I hope I do not offend, speaking so candidly." She took a deep draught of the wine, waiting to see if he would agree with her... or if she would be thrown out.

[Aeodan]

Aeodan smiled, holding Ayla aloft as his sister and the Duke talked. Edalene remembered her manners, which surprised Aeodan. Often, she'd speak before thinking, and it landed them in hot water. However, since her death in the Fifth Temple, Edalene's personality had changed, and she'd become a bit more cautious. She was still the free spirit that Aeodan liked, and he was pretty sure that even if Tristan did take offense, it would not have stopped Edalene from speaking her mind.

Still, he was proud of her effort.

As they spoke, Aeodan walked Ayla around the room, toting her at different objects and tilting like he was going to drop her, only to snap back to full height. She giggled, and he carried on in the same manner for a few bits while Tristan and Edalene were speaking. A smile bloomed on his face, however, when Edalene mentioned the people of Rynmere seeing the nobility as figureheads. He didn't agree, but he also knew that Edalene knew more than he did. Instead, he just interjected, sitting Ayla squarely on his hip, switching arms so one did not grow tired.

"I think, Your Grace, that you don't have to be typical to be normal," Aeodan said, the linguistic difference of the words often lost on those not interested in the subject. "Since you and I have known each other, I've found myself as comfortable around you as I have my entire family, and indeed even those less fortunate in the duchies. With the exception of Edalene, you are perhaps the most normal man I've ever met, and I mean that as respectfully as I can," he beamed.

Ayla repeated "normal" once, gurgling a little after as Aeodan hefted her higher, booping her nose with his own. He murmured at her, praising her for her repetition of his words.

"From a linguistic standpoint, Your Grace, Ayla has quite the grasp on the Common tongue. With her propensity, I would love to tutor her in other languages? She could have a promising career as a linguist or translator when she grows older." He smiled, Ayla mimicking his face. It was clear to see that Aeodan enjoyed having her around.

[Tristan Venora]

”You don’t have to be embarrassed“, Tristan assured Edalene. “I’m glad that you like my wine. If you ever get tired of all the scholarly stuff, you can become my new wine taster. I’m good at drinking wine, but I’m afraid I’m useless when it comes to actually describing how it tastes – beyond good, acceptable and absolutely terrible.” He laughed. He was really enjoying himself, and he was also quite proud of himself because he had now offered both siblings an alternative if their current jobs didn’t work out – or they went crazy all of a sudden and decided that they needed more work and a second job.

As Edalene continued to speak, he realized that her skills would be wasted if he made her his wine taster though. “That sounds like a really useful degree”, he remarked. He looked quite impressed, too. “Did you also learn something about the Eastern Settlement? If you did, I might just hire you as my new advisor instead of as my wine taster. I have to admit, my knowledge of Rynmere history is lacking a bit. If I had known that the king would give me a duchy one trial, I would have taken a few extra classes at university.”

Studying sculpting and acting had been a lot of fun, but he had realized that he had been ill prepared for any political office. Being an actor helped to some extent, but he couldn’t fake everything – yet!

And then Edalene laughed, and Tristan’s eyes widened, and he actually laughed a bit as well – before he realized that most dukes wouldn’t have found the situation even remotely funny. They would have been offended, but they also wouldn’t have said what he had said. Still, he tried to look offended for a moment, but found that he just couldn’t.

“There’s no need to apologize”, he thus let her know. “You haven’t done anything wrong, and you didn’t offend me either. In fact, I appreciate your words, and I agree with you. Sometimes I think that formality and posturing are all that my fellow nobles are concerned about. It’s quite terrible. I don’t think I’d be able to do it!”

He shuddered, and then he turned around and watched Aeodan play with Ayla for a moment. The little girl laughed and giggled, and sometimes her bright blue eyes widened in surprise. She seemed to be having a lot of fun, and when Aeodan finally sat her on his hip, she rested her head against his side as if she were a little tired all of a sudden.

“What’s the difference between typical and normal though?” Tristan wanted to know as he heard Aeodan’s words. “I’m not a linguist, I’m afraid. I always thought that the two words were interchangeable. Thanks for considering me normal, by the way. Coming from you, that actually sounds like a huge compliment!”

He paused as he heard Ayla say “normal”. For a moment he just stared at her, and then he smiled all over his face and applauded. “Ayla, that was great!” he praised her. “I’m so proud of you!”

“Ayla’s an extraordinary little girl, isn’t she?” he remarked to Aeodan. “It would be great if you could tutor her. She seems to like you!”

If he had any say in that matter, Ayla would become Duchess of Oakleigh one trial, but having a career alternative would be a good idea, just in case, he supposed. Besides, knowing more than one language was always of advantage!

[Edalene]

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"Trust me," Edalene said, laughing slightly. "If I could spend all day every day sampling wine, I would be a very happy woman indeed. Alas, as you say, my research calls." Edalene flushed again at the compliment from Tristan. He was very personable, and Edalene had found she had not had to employ any political etiquette at all. It was quite odd, and for a moment she wondered what exactly he did on a political level.

It was a concerning thought, for a moment. For all the man was friendly, he spoke of drinking and alchemy, and not yet of any political enterprises. Indeed, Tristan even admitted to not knowing much about Rynmerian history and politics at all. Perhaps, Edalene thought with a sip of wine, that was why so few commoners had faith in the nobles. It wasn't just about being personable - it was about leading and taking action.

Though, of course, she could not say any of that at all. Tristan was warm and inviting, yes, but he was still a Duke, and Edalene was only a researcher. Rather than bother herself with these circular thoughts that she could not speak aloud, she simply smiled. "I'm grateful for the offer, even in jest. Unfortunately, I don't think I could be away from my brother that long at all."

Edalene flushed at the little girl's words, and gathering her courage, she set down her glass of wine and made her way over to Aeodan and Ayla. With a nervous glance at Aeodan, who knew about her apprehension with children, Edalene smiled slightly at the little girl. "Thank you for having me, Ayla. Your dress is very pretty, and I like your doll." Edalene reached out and stroked the wings on the doll Ayla had clutched in her chubby little hand. "Does she have a name?"

Ayla babbled something in the manner all toddlers did, but to Edalene it sounded like gibberish. She looked at her brother with wide eyes, hoping he would be able to interpret the young child's words.