Rucejk La’Dhroo ab Jujnis, 2997
Mother invited me! She invited me to dinner! My heart's still racing at the thought! See, breakfast came with a note on it and as I read it, I sat down, surprised by the invitation. Kimaris didn’t stay long enough to inquire about it, he downing his food and zipping out the door (he’s in rather a good mood).
I then heard Bordel stir and wake. I was mildly embarrassed to be in the room alone with him, still I asked how he was. It took a moment for him to gather himself in his haze. He then mentioned that he was fine and was merely feeling his age. I gave a nervous smile and toyed the note in my hand.
“Mother has invited me to dinner tonight,” I informed him. Bordel looked surprised, maybe impressed, by my news. I then asked if he would come with. If anything, he’d be able to enjoy a good meal. He did question whether it would be wise for him to join after the words he parted with upon Laeni. I nervously chuckled reminding him that he couldn’t have caused no greater offence than I had upon renouncing my faith.
With that, Bordel agreed. Part of me dreads having him come, but at the same time, I’m really happy that he accepted my invite.
✻ ✻ ✻ ✻ ✻
Well, the dinner was successful I suppose. Bordel and I gathered enough details from it, but I also walked away with a lot of anger.
Fern and I first went out to buy provisions. Knowing the standards of my home, my simple dress would not suit for the evening. Let alone I felt obligated to present gifts since my mother was humoring us and I would likely be seeing all of my brothers and sisters.
Oh! While we were out at the market, I saw Kimaris with Aragoth! The boy looked so happy. I mean, compared to the night before, it was rather endearing to see him carefree. Part of me even had an appreciation for the Dragonborn’s care.
When it came time to go, I had thought Kimaris and Aragoth would have tagged along, but they had eaten too much at the market. Fern and I waited a little longer for Bordel to return, but it came to the point in which if we lingered further, we would be treading on lateness.
I was rather disappointed at first. I truly thought Bordel had stood me up, but I didn’t let it deter me. I was going to see those journals with or without him! In the end it certainly paid off that I didn’t let my mood be soured by the man.
Bordel had been summoned to do some kind of investigative work on a case the town had. He being a former executioner, a Cleric for the death domain, I figured he got caught up in his work. It certainly was a lovely surprise when I found him coming up the lane as Fern and I approached the gates. I dare say he was dashing. His face was clean shaven aside from the well groomed mustache. I was impressed by his tailored suit and cane too. It was very fitting for the dinner party and I felt whatever undignified display he gave earlier would soon be forgotten by my mother.
He looks younger too. Like... late thirties maybe? Certainly not the middle aged man I first met a week ago.
Once in, I lead the way into the sitting room. It was a queer feeling to see my family all there. They looked very much the same, though nearly three years older. I dropped into a low curtsy and waited for my mother’s acknowledgement to rise. I presented my gifts and was surprised by the exchange of their own to me.
I was given a wooden harp, a glass statue of a dolphin, a classic music box (with a ballerina figurine), a book of fairytales, and a teddy bear (of which I have half the mind to tease Fernwood with, considering the well yesterday).
I do loathe the gifts... As lovely as they are, full of sentiments from childhood, I’ve caused enough grief on the family that I didn’t deserve such a welcome. Still, I played my part as a gracious receiver.
Dinner came and went, though with it’s minor kinks. Baiden offered Fernwood a job in town. The Halfling’s eyes lit up and she inquired about how it’d operate since she wasn’t sure if she was ready to stay put (what a lie that was). However, as they went on to discuss the matter of her hiring a shopkeep, Launi inquired about Bordel. My younger sister then had the audacity to whisper in my ear that he seemed my type! I can only hope my blush didn’t go noticed. I seethed at her that the Cleric was merely my boss.
Heavens, that statement was made irrelevant after retiring to the Library. Mother eventually approached me and stated that I was welcome to go see the journals. I thanked her and in my euphoria felt dizzy. Two hands then rested upon my shoulders, bracing me, and giving a gentle squeeze. It was Bordel! And on top of that, I was reminded of the terrible itch my feathers were becoming.
Launi linked her arm in mine to escort me to the Library, giving me a look that would suggest she was right about my crush. I pursed my lips and rolled my eyes. I’d be lying if I said that gesture in the Library wasn’t a hopeful note in my mind, but I’d be a fool. I haven’t done anything extraordinary to warrant his affection.
We made quick work scouring through the journals. Together our eyes covered the pages five months back and we gleaned a few details:
-A merchant rumored that there’s a treasure in a volcano on Mythus island. My father is certain it’s a clue to another cup.
-Theedain had obtained a cup of his own, but after I examined the room for auras, it was clear there was nothing magical present.
-My father met a woman, named Lirena, on the island Ankmon, three months before he died.
Bordel and I were disappointed by the lack of information. Nothing was concrete, just more ifs and maybes and names. Then again, what had I to lose on these wild goose chases? It’s not like I have anything better to do as a Primordial- other than maintaining ‘balance’.
We did decide that we would investigate the docks for anyone who might have heard of the volcano on Mythus as well as check into the dealings of Remus Trophe. My father noted the argument he had with our Lordship, though what about I can’t be certain. My mind jumped to the conclusion that it had everything to do with the cup he found (perhaps the Order of the Empty Cups has been well established in my clan), but then again, my father clearly was embezzling money. It was disheartening to read, but it was evidence enough for my mother. His own greed had prevented him from Exaltation.
Here’s what Laeni had to say after reading that section of the journal: “I suspected your father was up to something... how disappointing.”
She SUSPECTED!!! Yet she blamed me anyways!? Three years of being the black sheep and she had suspected all along!
I plastered a smile to my face as she said it was good to see me again and how she hopes for future visits. I doubt I will ever come back. Correspondences, yes, but to be in her presence... never again if I can help it.
To add to that, upon returning to the Library, Fern spoke to us and said she would be taking up shop, meaning she was no longer going to travel with us. It was particularly troubling because Oda had left this morning to go to his home. With Bahamut’s words in my ears about safety in numbers, I couldn’t help but feel lost. For a moment, I thought that we as the five Primordials could be family... now there is just the three of us.
Bordel certainly was in a better mood than myself as we walked home alone. And upon entering my room, the two of us were met by Kimaris, Aragoth, and some other Human, named Daevri. There was also a huge amount of goods in the form of armor and weapons. Right quick it was made known that Aragoth had stolen them under the persuasion of the Human. Not wanting to get involve with it, I excused myself stating, “My corset’s too tight to deal with this.”
After stripping down to my dressing gown and washing my face, I returned to my room. Upon entering, I found Daevri climbing up Bordel! He was a nimble lad to say the least as the Cleric attempted to stop him. After perching on his left shoulder, the Human tried reasoning with Bordel about the goods, but was swiftly pushed off. The Cleric certainly wasn’t in a good mood any more with the shenanigans the other’s pulled tonight.
Soon all left the room, leaving me alone with the ‘borrowed’ items. Fearful of being blamed, I snatched a pillow, blanket, and my journal before walking across the hall to Fernwood’s room. I had hoped she would have returned by then, but even after five minutes of waiting, no one answered the door.
I then went and knocked on Bordel’s room. It was rude of me to impose on his privacy for the night, but he was kind to let me in. He even gave me the bed. I did remind him I wasn’t a stranger to the floor, I hadn’t slept in a nice bed in a long time. Still he insisted.
With all that had happened tonight, as well as feeling like I was infringing on Bordel’s kindness, I remembered my worry about Fern and Oda. I asked what we would do now that they have decided to go their own ways. The Cleric just shook his head and said, “If you had the chance to go home, wouldn’t you?” I scoffed. “Besides. Fernwood never really seemed much of the adventurer-”
“She’s more of an adventurer than myself!” I cut in. She had more of a mind to this sort of life than I do.
“True, but quite often there’s more than meets the eye. I believe there’s more to you.” Bordel then bid me good night and rolled over.
His optimism is comforting, but what if he or Kimaris is the next to leave? What if I find myself on my own? Heavens. You’d think being a Primordial would have it’s perks... like not fearing about being alone.
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