Paths of Legend: The Journey

[crazy_monkey1956]

The guards turn in a military fashion, each grasping a handle of the gate and opening it in a formal manner, then gesturing Estelle through. Another guard, similarly formal, steps to in front of Estelle and bows formally, "I shall escort you to the Lords' stables and then to Lord Ezra's quarters."

OOC: Paranoia is good for the soul.

 

[ethandrew]

Another polite smile comes across her pale features, illuminated by the dusk, "Please, if you would, I have need to go directly to the Lord's quarters. Can't another guard tend to the horse?"

 

[crazy_monkey1956]

"Apologies, milady. You had indicated that the horse was to be delivered directly to Captain Jannus. Is that not the case?"

 

[ethandrew]

Estelle sighs in slight frustration, "Yes, but surely another guard can accomplish that simple task? If not, then I can do it myself, but it will be after I speak to Lord Ezra, for I must do that first."

 

[crazy_monkey1956]

"Very well."

He motions over another guard who takes the reins of the horse. He then proceeds into the Lords' Manor.

The exterior of the mansion is styled in white marble with pillars supporting balconies around the upper floors. Depictions of famous lords and ladies are carved into the pillars and the door frames.

Within, the luxury and decadence of the manor becomes more pronounced, with marble floors and dual staircases meeting Estelle's gaze, elaborate tapestries adorning the walls, and a hint of lilac in the air.

A servant, greets the guard and looks over Estelle's travel worn appearance with obvious disdain, "A messenger I take it? For which lord or lady?"

The guard responds, "Lord Ezra de Vedlund."

"Second floor, third door on the left. Assuming his lordship is remotely sober, that is."

 

[ethandrew]

Estelle takes in all the eye candy, the opulency and grandeur of her surroundings. She feels out of place in her dirty travelling clothes, her only sense of class being the ornate rapiers, one on each hip. She wrinkles her nose at the sobriety mention, she'd had her fair share of drunkard men fawn and grab at her, and that of a Lord could be difficult, as insulting him or hitting him in the face (as is her wont) might just go over quite well.

She makes to go to the stairs, hoping for a guard to accompany her so as not to be left alone.

 

[crazy_monkey1956]

The guard that has been escorting continues to do so. The door to the third room on the left on the second floor has rather ominous crashing noises coming from the other side. The guard knocks several times, loudly announcing the arrival of an official messenger. Finally, a thoroughly exasperated looking fellow answers the door, "His lordship is indisposed. I am Captain Jannus, you may deliver the message to me."

 

[ethandrew]

Estelle tries to look past the captain into the room beyond, but he skillfully maneuvers his body to block the view, "I uhh," she gives up and composes herself. "Well I was told that this message is to be delivered to Lord Ezra alone and to no one else. Sorry." She stands resolutely, staring hard at the man but with kind eyes.

 

[crazy_monkey1956]

Jannus rolls his eyes, "Pirren, yes? Self-important, uptight, irritating, know-it-all..." He sighs heavily, his shoulders slumping a bit, "Nevermind. Come in."

The normally luxuriously appointed room looks to have been occupied by drunken mercenaries for many days. A mess of clothing, food, various drinks, and other unidentifiable things litters the room and stains the carpets.

Lord Ezra himself is apparently passed out, half on, half off the grand bed, his generous gut poking out of his undergarments. He struggles to a wobbly sitting position, "Jannush don't shpeak ill of your bruvver like that. He'sh the one who gave up the chance to compete for my title so you could."

Jannus rolls his eyes where Estelle can see but Ezra can't, "As you continually remind me, father. There's a messenger here to see you, milord."

"Oh, well, let'sh shee then." Ezra squints blearily at Estelle and raises a meaty hand to motion her over.

 

[ethandrew]

Feeling small and insignificant, Estelle moves over when beckoned and hands over the letter with the official seal, delivering it straight into Lord Ezra's hand. Once he grabs it, she takes a large step back and looks at the Captain, unsure of what to do next.