Tears streamed down SJ's face as she wiped them away, while the cart crunched along the gravel path leading to the front of what could only be described as a mansion. She was laughing so hard at Zigferd's growing embarrassment. Jay had nearly driven the cart off the path, laughing hysterically at Petunia's story.
"He never stole from the pantry again," Petunia concluded.
Looking at the size of Zigferd now compared to the miniature form of Petunia, SJ still couldn't fathom him being sprawled over her knee and getting his backside spanked. While slouching forward in his seat, Zigferd held his head in his hands, attempting to conceal his face. He had groaned and cringed as the tale had been told, at one point trying to interject for Petunia to threaten him about telling the toilet tale. He soon shut up and let her finish her story without interruption.
"Has Alice ever heard the story?" SJ asked, gasping for air.
"Oh, yes. I know she has reminded Zigferd occasionally."
That brought more fits of laughter alongside another groan.
Dave was in hysterics, his addictive giggling making SJ even worse. As the cart came to a stop, SJ took in the building in all its glory. It reminded SJ of the White House, if only on a smaller scale. Thick stone pillars held up a large balcony that stretched the front of the building. The driveway was filled with carts. Drivers casually stood chatting, waiting for their passengers. Two balls of light floating in the air lit the entrance, and music escaped from the open entrance.
"If you go round there," Petunia indicated to Jay. "You will get some food from the kitchens. If it is like Otherlistar's normal affairs, ask for the Barbuti Steak. It is to die for."
"Thank you," Jay said as they climbed down from the cart.
As they walked up the steps leading to the front door, a troll addressed them. He wore black leather armour with a silver crest on the left breast. A large sword hung on a belt at his side.
"Names, please."
"Zigferd and SJ of Killic and her Worship."
If the term worship phased the troll, he didn't show it as he read a piece of parchment he held.
"I see Zigferd and SJ, but not your worship on the list."
"She has only returned today from Distillinyia. Please let Councillor Frewish know," Zigferd said.
The formality of the proceedings was not what SJ had expected.
"One moment, please," the troll said, turning and ducking into the entrance.
A few moments passed before Otherlisar's smiling face appeared in the doorway. "Petunia, oh my. I am so happy to see you."
"Otherlisar. I hope you have your usual spread. I could do with a plate or two," Petunia said, patting her stomach.
"I do indeed. And welcome Zigferd and SJ. Please come in."
Entering Otherlisar's home was like entering a five-star hotel. The hallway was wide, and a broad staircase led upstairs. Rich tapestries covered the walls, and statuettes stood on pedestals around the entrance. SJ was still trying to get used to the lavish display of wealth. Cristy's aunt and uncle's home would probably have fit into the entrance hall. Turning, Otherlisar led them into a large room. Servers moved around the room, holding silver trays and serving drinks and nibbles. A huge buffet table ran along one wall. At the far end, a group of musicians played music on a stage, and many people that SJ had seen at the tower filled the room, along with many she had never seen.
Laughter and conversation filled the air, reminding SJ of company dinner parties she had attended. Several turned and looked at SJ as she entered, and she felt nervous under their gaze. Most smiled politely as Otherlisar showed them to the buffet table, although the expressions on others' faces were not as pleasant.
'I don't like this,' she thought.
"It's expected. I doubt the tower usually sees what has happened today," Dave said.
'It doesn't make me feel any better about it.'
"Meh. You are a fully fledged councillor now. And you are an ambassador. You probably outrank many here."
That thought made SJ feel even worse. 'That doesn't put me at ease.'
"If my advice is worth anything. Just be you."
Dave's words were the subtlest compliment he had ever given, and she could not withhold the smile that crept onto her face.
"There we go, wind again, back to normal," Dave laughed.
Rolling her eyes, SJ picked up a plate and picked some of the buffet's selections. The food looked divine, and the catering staff perfectly presented each morsel on silver platters. She didn't know what most of it was, but she filled her plate, nonetheless.
Zigferd talked to a tall female elf who had headed over as he filled his plate, but Petunia ignored anyone around her while she piled her plate high with the delicacies. Picking a small vol-au-vent from the plate, SJ popped it in her mouth.
"Careful. They are hot," Petunia said.
The taste was exquisite. The soft, flaky pastry crumbled as she chewed, and the heat hit. It looked no different from a chicken vol-au-vent that she had eaten hundreds of times in her life. As the spice hit her taste buds, SJ couldn't help but cough, spraying flaky pastry from her mouth.
Petunia chuckled, reaching for a glass from a server who passed and handing it to SJ.
"Thanks," SJ said as he grabbed the glass and guzzled the drink. She didn't care what the drink was. Anything was better than the intense heat filling her mouth. As the heat faded, she asked Petunia what it was.
"Lava fly. It's a Bugbear delicacy. Delicious, you just need to be aware of the heat."
There was another on SJ's plate, and she moved it to one side, not going to make the same mistake again.
"SJ. Can I introduce you to Isavil," Zigferd said. The tall female elf who had been speaking to Zigferd smiled warmly at her.
"SJ. Lovely to meet you officially, and welcome to the council."
"Thank you. Who do you represent?"
"Direct and to the point. My sort of being. I am the city councillor for the market traders."
Trying to remember the chart she had seen with positions, SJ could vaguely remember the various sub-sections under the traders' section. The structure was so complex she couldn't possibly remember it all.
"You are being a little too modest. If it wasn't for you, your brother would cause chaos," Zigferd said.
Isavil laughed. The sound was musical.
"Who is your brother?" SJ asked.
"My brother Fasvil is the trade councillor."
"Your brother is a fool," Petunia said bluntly.
"Your worship," Isavil said, bowing her head to Petunia.
"Petunia. Please be civil," Zigferd scowled.
"I speak my mind, Zigferd. I don't waste my words."
"Indeed, you do," Isavil smirked.
"I have asked Isavil if she would be so kind as to introduce her to her brother at the chambers tomorrow," Zigferd said.
"That would be fantastic. Thank you, Isavil."
"No problem. Anything for Zigferd," she replied, gently placing her hand on his arm.
Zigferd smiled back and placed his hand on top of hers. The moment lasted slightly longer than SJ expected, and she would have to find out the pair's history, noticing Isavil's nostrils flare slightly.
"Looks like Zigferd has an admirer," Dave said.
'I agree,' SJ thought.
"I only wished to say hello. I must get back to Lorevil before she agrees to terms with Negitol that we can't meet. I will catch you tomorrow at the tower SJ."
"I look forward to it," SJ smiled.
Spinning, Isavil turned and appeared to glide across the hall to where a tall orc was talking to another elf.
"They were due to be married," Petunia said.
Zigferd's head snapped around, staring at Petunia, scowling again. "Don't give me that look. You know she would still marry you if you asked her. The stupid oaf turned her down when she asked him."
"Petunia, please."
"What? You did. It is common knowledge. The whole tower thought you had lost your marbles when you said no. Especially after the trouble, she went to arrange the proposal."
Zigferd's cheeks had again gone bright red as he closed his eyes and shook his head in dismay.
"If only you had been delayed in your return," Zigferd sighed.
"And what fun would it be without your old house mistress to guide and support you?" Petunia smiled wickedly.
SJ was struggling to contain a smile, her lips pursed.
"It has been forty years since. Yet, you still never fail to remind me of how stupid I was."
"And I will keep reminding you until you do the decent thing."
"I do not wish to drag Isavil from her home and family in Asterfal. We have discussed this many times before."
"Drag her. You know full well she would willingly join you. Your sense of honour affects your judgement."
"I must speak to Fretun," Zigferd said, turning and moving across the room to where a man dressed in blue and gold robes stood.
"Is that Master Fretun?" SJ asked Petunia.
"Yes. He's a horrible man. A vile worm of a creature. Just because he can mix a few potions, he thinks he is something special," Petunia almost spat the words.
"He has been causing problems for one of my friends in Killic."
"You are talking of Kerys. Bless her, what she went through in Asterfal," Petunia shook her head. "I haven't seen her in years now. How is young Fhyliss doing?"
"They are both well. I see them daily and they are dear friends of mine." Wondering what Petunia was referring to about Kerys.
Petunia smiled fondly. "You must pass on my regards to them both when you see them next."
"I will."
"Your worship," a voice called from behind them. Turning around, SJ saw the most perfect specimen of a man walking towards them. His eyes immediately captured SJ's attention. He had soft brown, piercing eyes, balanced features, wearing a subtle smile. He must have been six feet tall, wearing a sleeveless chain shirt, with broad shoulders and showing off his well-defined arms. As he approached, he exuded confidence in his movement.
"Cristian," Petunia grinned, holding her hand towards him.
"How have you been your worship?" Cristian asked as he took her hand and bent forward, kissing it. Which was no small feat considering the height difference.
"I have been well. I am glad to see your mother has let you out."
"Ha. If she had her way, I would still be at home."
"How is Ethel?"
"Not so well. Unfortunately, she still suffers with the ghost pain."
"I was upset when I heard she lost her leg. Did they ever catch the culprit?"
"No. The driver was never caught." Turning to look at SJ, he smiled. "And who might this beautiful creature be?"
'He is gorgeous,' SJ thought. Her heart leapt in her chest and her hands went clammy.
"Blurgh," Dave replied, faking being sick.
SJ had felt her cheeks flushing even as he approached, and now he had spoken to her, her brain span.
"This is the ambassador to Killic. Cristian, this is SJ, SJ, Cristian."
"Nice to meet you," he said, offering his hand.
SJ wiped her hand on her dress before taking his hand, feeling a gentleness but strength in his grip as he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. The action was nothing she had experienced before, and the romance associated with such behaviour left her tongue-tied.
"I think this is the first time I have known your mind to be absolutely blank," Dave said with surprise.
Her throat had gone dry, and in a slightly raspy voice, she eventually replied, "It's nice to meet you, too." Unable to take her eyes off him, he held her gaze, and SJ could see mirth behind his beautiful eyes.
"You have beautiful eyes," SJ blurted.
Petunia snorted. "It appears you may have another admirer," she chuckled.
Cristian's smile grew broader. "Thank you. I don't receive compliments often."
That remark got Cristian a swift kick to his ankle. SJ hadn't realised they were still holding hands until he suddenly let go, reaching down and rubbing where he had just received Petunia's boot. "Cristian Hodgson, do not lie in my presence. I know you too well. I helped birth you, remember."
Cristian came over with a look of embarrassment. "My dear girl. Do not be fooled by his looks. He has all the females in Asterfal begging for his hand in marriage. Unfortunately, for them all, he is sworn to marry."
"I am not married yet," Cristian huffed.
"And you never will be if I hear you say that again," Petunia glared.
SJ's heart sank at hearing he was to be married. Dave was still going crazy in her head, fake vomiting, as she struggled to control her thoughts.
"Sorry. My dear girl, you will not be the first to fall for his angelic features. Not everything you see is what you get with this one."
Cristian frowned. "Your worship," he said, feigning hurt, grinning.
Composing herself, SJ spoke, "And what do you do in Asterfal?"
"He does nothing," Petunia answered before he could. "He should be, by now, taking over his father's business dealings. Unless something has changed while I have been away, I doubt he has."
"I will have you know, father is very happy with my progress."
"I will ask him when I see him. His father is Luxoria's representative to Asterfal."
"Luxoria is the capital, isn't it?" SJ asked.
Both Petunia and Cristian frowned, looking at SJ. "Yes, dear." Petunia said.
Feeling her cheeks heat again, this time with embarrassment, SJ said, "I am sorry. I only learned its name from a book I bought recently."
"Well, that was embarrassing," Dave said.
At that moment, Zigferd returned, saving her from further embarrassing herself. "Cristian. I hope your father is well."
"He is sir."
"Do you mind if I borrow SJ. I would like to introduce her to some beings."
"Of course," Petunia smiled.
"Tell your father I will call in to see him before I leave."
"I will," Cristian smiled.
"Thank you," SJ said, as she followed Zigferd across the hall.
"For what?"
"I just made a complete fool of myself. After the time I have been here, I only just learned the name of the capital from the book I bought."
Zigferd rose his eyebrows in surprise, "It had never crossed my mind."
A group of four beings stood talking as Zigferd walked over to them. "Gentlefolk. May I introduce SJ our ambassador. This is Hertwell, Paulid, Berger and Martinous. If you want anything doing across the region, these four are your go to."
Nodding in acknowledgement, of the four, SJ said, "Nice to meet you all."
The gnoll who Zigferd had indicated was Berger replied, "It is our pleasure. Zigferd has been saying good things about you. A legionnaire with revered status is a claim to fame."
Taken aback about her being introduced as a Legionnaire and having a revered status threw SJ. After standing speaking to the four for some time, SJ learned that all four were mayor's of towns in the region. None of them were starter towns. Hertwell was a stocky dwarf, whose town Coldstone was in the eastern mountains, where mining was their resource. His had been the longest journey to reach Asterfal, taking him twelve days. Paulid was a human who lived in Maidillian, primarily an agricultural territory, which was in constant conflict because of tribal wars between various factions. Berger was from Scarshot, an open plain territory where hunting and fishing were its primary resources and finally Martinous, who was the mayor of the Forest of Restoria, whose trade was mixed.
The conversation had been interesting and to discover the happenings in other territories was enthralling. There was so much diversity across the region SJ hadn't considered before. The one town out of the four that perked SJ's interest above the others was the Maidillian. Paulid handled the control of a dungeon that existed there. The territory was level 50-60, well beyond SJ to even conceive visiting. He was a large man in stature and stood proud. SJ could imagine him battling his way through a dungeon with ease, or had until she had heard the territory level.
Dave had been commenting on their individual levels as they spoke. Standing there surrounded by individuals whose levels ranged from 36 to 57, had made her feel even more insignificant and she knew she had a long way to go to reach their status. The evening continued with introductions to various other members from both inside and outside the councils. By the end of the evening, SJ felt shattered. Her display read 01:14 as they climbed into the cart to return to the tower. Petunia, by this point, was a little worse for wear, having found pleasure in Otherlisar's bugbear sherry.
Otherlisar had sat with Petunia talking for most of the evening, sharing the bottle between them. After dropping Petunia at her home and Zigferd carrying her inside, they arrived back at the tower. It had been an informing and delightful evening and SJ had much to digest from all the conversations that she had. Thanking Jay for the lift, SJ transformed and flew back up to her room. As soon as her head touched the soft pillows, she had fallen asleep.
Dave woke her the next morning in his usual polite manner, screaming inside her head. Looking at her display, she saw it was 07:00.
"It's still early," she groaned, rolling over and burying her head under the pillow.
"You have things to do today. After the conversations last night, I have made a note of the various roles and functions of the people you met," Dave said.
"Have you really? That's amazing, thank you."
"What are friends for?"
Smiling, SJ sat up in bed, aware that she could never remember all the details of every person she was introduced to. She had just finished getting ready when there was a knock on her door.
"Who is it?"
"Cristian," the voice replied.
SJ's heart skipped at the voice and name. Brushing her dress down, she walked to the door after quickly glancing around the room and taking one last look in the mirror.
"It's him," Dave said groaning.
Opening the door, the stunning face of Cristian greeted her.
"What can I do for you?" SJ asked, smiling.
"Calm down," Dave said. "Your thoughts are running away from you."
"May I come in?"
SJ looked past Cristian to the empty hallway, frowning. There should have been guards posted on each floor.
"TATTOO," Dave suddenly screamed.
SJ glanced at his arm, her eyes widening in panic as she realised who it was. Slamming the door closed, the being stopped it closing fully with their foot.
"I am not here to hurt you," the voice of Cristian said, as she strained against the door.
