Libramentum

Chapter One

She had been waiting years for the chance to go to the capitol and to the court. She loved her home at Hightyde Castle, but as a maid in her teens, she had dreamed about the tourneys and charms of the court. The initial excitement had faded when she assumed she would never go, but now it had returned full force, almost as if she were a child again. So many questions came popping into her head. Would she fit in? What sort of fashion did they favor in the court? How beautiful was the city? Would people like her? What was the best place to enjoy fish? Have people seen someone with magick before? Would people treat her differently because she had magick? What if she got sick? What if it was awful?

Eleanor had been ill as a child, the local healer claiming it had something to do with an organ called a thyroid. In turn, it had all been associated with her magick, magick always took more than it gave, contrary to popular belief. Even in a world where those born with the gifts were dwindling, everyone knew that magicians were frail. Each had their own ailment, something that the magick stole from them so that they could have their powers. For Eleanor it was her thyroid being hyperactive. It caused her to be ill often as a child and while it faded as she grew older, it had never disappeared. Sometimes the cold bit so deep into her flesh that twenty quilts and a roaring hearth could not warm her. Other days her heart would pound so rapidly that she thought it would kill her. In truth, she would have traded her magick in for being a normal, healthy lady. 

When her parents had delivered the news, she nearly burst into tears. Her only exposure to the court was the letters her sister would send to their mother and what she read in books, that were likely outdated. She knew that the court could be a dangerous place, especially for someone as inexperienced as her, but she was most excited for the art, the architecture, and the food than anything else. Her mind always focused on things that she thought were beautiful, whether that be people, buildings, animals, or fleeting moments in time. Mother called her a cloud head sometimes, always dreaming of something.

It was her father’s warning that hung above her, the only cloud in her clear sky. Her magic would be of wonder, a gift that people would try to take advantage of. Mages needn’t tell anyone of what they were, their eyes betrayed them. Any person with magic had irises of inhuman colors, whether than be a brilliant ruby red, an electric blue, a deep vibrant amethyst, an exotic gold, or a warm orange. 

Eleanor’s own eyes were a rich orange, flecked with crimson and gold. People had commented how she ought to have been named Autumn, for the colors in her eyes matched the season so well. Her eyes were not so haunting as that of a sorcerer she had once met, such a fierce blue that his eyes seemed to glower constantly. He had been the only other magic wielder she had met in her lifetime. Once, those with the gift had been 1 in 10. Now, her gift was 1 in 1,000,000. The crusades had been certain to chase away magick until it nearly ceased to exist, only after that religion had fallen out of favor just a half a century ago, did mages start to reappear in meager quantities. In any case, Eleanor wouldn’t even go as far to claim she was a mage. 

Her talents lay only in healing magicks, not that she minded. As a child, she’d been tutored on the human body and herbology to compliment her magick. Not once in her years had she shown any promise as destructive magick, but from books, that was not uncommon. You were given one gift, be it the control of fire and ice or the ability to heal grevious wound or to see the future… Never were you gifted with all of them. 

The wind ran its long fingers through her chestnut curls as they rippled behind her. Her fingers clutched the beech railing as she grinned at the ocean that swelled in front of them. Waves rocked the ship, but it was just as natural as the unmoving earth. Often, she had been on the ships, finding the movement comforting for her ailments as a child and her father would always take her if she requested it. 

“How do you fare, my lady?” Captain Patrack asked her, coming up alongside her. He was a lean man, arms covered coarse hair. He was middle-aged, but was a handful of years younger than her father. Despite no noble birth, he had merit with the Blacktydes and captained one of their best ships; The Siren. 

“Better than ever, I could not have asked for a clearer day to leave home,” she commented. It would only take a few days to sail to the capitol.

“It’s a beautiful place, a lot warmer than here. If the wind is on our side, I expect that it’ll only take us two days to reach the southern reaches,” Patrack told her with a kind smile.

“Could you tell me more? I only know about what I’ve read in books.”

“Oh, where could I even start? I haven’t seen the castle much aside from the outside, but I can tell ya the port is filled with fish mongers, the people prefer to wear a thicker fabric, despite the mild air. The richer dressed folks have attire that are made of cotton, silk, prints… unlike the sheer silk we favor. The buildings are made mostly of wood and stone, with shingled roofs. It’s got a very charming look, cobblestoned roads… I ain’t no poet, but the market smells of freshly baked bread. There’s a lot of taverns… flowers grow on some of the buildings. I mean, I’d keep out of the lower city, ain’t no place for a lady, but the center and high town are a wonderful place, as long as you’ve got protection with you, you can never know what’ll happen in the blink of an eye.”

Her mind’s eye filled with the details he gave her, portraying a sweet city, compared to the white, craggy keep she had called home. She had always loved the castle and their city, along with the port beneath, but it was no court. The only nobles she saw were her father’s sworn bannermen and most often, it was the same men. She had spent long hours studying the sigils of houses across the country, so that once she finally had her chance to go to court, she could properly introduce herself. Her sister had never really spared the time to tell her much about court, but her mother had explained it as a charming and romantic place. Donovar, on the other hand, warned her.

‘I know you are excited, but you need to know that not everyone is your friend in court. You are one of few gifted with magick and people will try to use and manipulate you. Choose your friends carefully, remember all of the houses I’ve told you are trustworthy, but still… Do not go there with an open heart to those I have vetted. The more secrets you keep, the more intriguing people may find you, and secrets are power in court.’

Secrets are power. Her father’s words had always been worth more than her mother’s. Tansy had never been the loving mother that she deserved. She had always doted on her elder siblings, leaving Eleanor in her sickbed to waste away. On the days she felt well enough, her father would take her under his wing. 

“What’re you looking forward to?” he asked her.

“Honestly?” the young woman breathed, before contemplating her answer. “The food!”

Patrack broke out into laughter, his chest heaving. “Spoken like your father’s daughter! I might have thought it’d be the handsome lordlings and the artwork in the court.”

“I mean, those are exciting too, but we’re so used to fish up here. I’m excited for the southern wine, the sweet mead, the venison, and the pastries. I suppose I’ve got a bit of luck that my magick will keep me from growing fat on all of the filth I’ll indulge myself on.”

“I’d be looking forward to the food too, now that you mention it. The Dyser golden honey wine is one of my favorite vints. Expensive, so I have no doubt it’ll be available in the castle.”

“Why do you think I’d be so fixated on the lordlings?” she asked curiously.

His mustaches ruffled, as if he were embarrassed that he had made the jest. “You’re a fair lady and that was what your sister was excited by when she made her journey south.”

“My sister was much younger than I am, when she went to court,” she reminded him lightly, but left it at that. In truth, she might have been interested at the prospect of finding a partner, but it certainly wasn’t her priority as it was her mother’s. Instead, she was excited to work with the mage who lived in the castle as a royal enchantress. If she could learn more about magic, Eleanor would leap at the chance. 

The comparison between her and Raina had always been a sore point. In every way, Raina had been a perfect lady, except when people were not paying attention. Tansy had trained her daughter to have poise and courtesy, but wield her sharp comments beneath her breath. Those comments had often found their way to Eleanor, calling her sickly and worthless. Eleanor only had speculations why her sister was so disdainful, but she always believed it was because their father had doted on her more. Now, her sister had a husband and a place in court, one would hope that she wouldn’t hold any grudges, but Eleanor wasn’t certain. Raina was the type who would hold the smallest slight against you for years. 

Eleanor wouldn’t deem herself as good of a lady as her sister. Her needle work was good, but not as excellent; her manners and courtesies were also good, but in comparison to Raina, poor. Her mother Tansy had always been tough with her, always comparing her skills to that of her elder sister. Eleanor had always just thought she hadn’t been as practiced as Raina due to be bedridden for days as a child, but she came to understand that Raina would just always be Tansy’s favorite daughter. In actuality, she realized her needlework was quite superb and she often did her own embroidery. Her father had requested several of his doublets were emblazoned by their sigil; an orca, hidden beneath the depths of midnight blue waves, trimmed with white.

Her thoughts lingered on what people might think of her, for she knew that there would be comparison drawn between the two sisters. Part of her held all of the doubts that her mother had spewed in her ears for years, that she wasn’t good enough for anyone or anything. On the other hand, her father’s promises and encouragement made her hope that she wouldn’t be as badly off as she thought. 

“Well, we’ve got a bit of journey ahead of us, don’t tire yourself too much. You should be well rested for when we arrive in port, wouldn’t want to put your name to shame,” her thoughts were interrupted by Patrack.

“And when have I done that?” she was not offended as others might have been, he truly was looking out for her wellbeing. She c****d her head at him playfully, “You do know, I’ve got my sea legs much better than Raina ever has.”

“Aye that you do, but try not to get too worked up. I know you’re excited and that can wear you out too,” he told her, a small smile gracing his weathered features.

“I’ll try.” But no promises, she thought, her eyes turning back to the dark sapphire waters lapping against the bow before them. She had been waiting her whole life to go to the capitol, how could she not get worked up?

Weather held up, and while a smidge longer than Patrack had hoped, their voyage had only taken three days. The water was a crystal clear teal, fish and creatures visible as they sailed into port. Again, she stood, admiring as they approached. The city swelled as they grew closer. She noticed that the port had sea walls, erected some centuries ago to protect from invasion. The walls prevented more than two or three ships from entering or leaving at once. The wall was manned with guards and ballista, and a primordial gate that could keep any ships from entering the port, was lowered. Patrack stated he couldn’t ever recall a time when the gate had been drawn up.

Within the shelter of the bay, many brightly colored sails flew. Crimson and amber sails of the Isles flew on merchant ships. The deep violet of the royal house colored many of the fleet that were docked in the military sector of the port. The port back home was large and protected by dangerous rocks and craigs, but this port was chocked full of ships and activity. It wasn’t only about 2/3rds the size of the one back home, but it was thrice as busy. 

The city approached and Eleanor could see the charming buildings that Patrack had described. As they listed forward to tie up to the dock, she could see the cobblestoned townhouses rising in the distance, cresting two and three stories. The roofs had terracotta shingles that contrasted from the blue and white of the framed windows. Close to the port, were fisherman and mongers, attempting to sell fresh wares. When they approached, she could hear the din of their voices, crying, “Fresh cod! Fresh halibut! Fresh clams!” the wares were shouted about and Eleanor could feel her mouth water. The food on the ship hadn’t been terrible, but it was nothing compared to a freshly cooked meal of seafood. How she adored the different tastes of aquatic creatures.

Eleanor noticed that there was a gilded guard on the docks, waiting for their ship to tie up properly. She half hoped it was her sister, come to greet her arrival into the city, but the banner was off. Instead of black, navy, and white, she saw the black and white of her mother’s maiden house. The Beesbury had come to welcome her to the capitol. Among their guard, she thought she espied a few other sigils, likely knights that offered to accompany them as well. 

The captain’s eyes smiled at her, reflecting her own expression as she soaked in her surroundings. Where they were, it reeked of fish, which was not an unwelcome aroma. However, down below, as the plank was set, she could see that the guard was a little green around the gills from the stench. 

Eleanor knew her belongings would be drawn up behind her and courtesy demanded that she addressed those who were patiently waiting for her. She had cleaned up as best as she could, but without a proper bath, she knew that was still not up to noble standards. That day, she wore one of her silken gowns; it bared her shoulders, sleeves shimmering down, a midnight sheet that flowed around her arms. The waist was drawn in by an ivory cinch, the skirts billowing beneath her like a jellyfish’s tendrils. Her hair was pulled away from her face, it was thick with the salt and brine from her voyage and held well in the braids she had looped to tame its stiffness. 

Surveying the group that approached her, she assumed that Taliyah was the young woman with emerald crest emblazoned with a honey bee. However, there were a few knights who also wore the sigil. The girl was a little older than what Raina had been when she came to the capitol. She had long, silky, strawberry blonde lockes that tumbled over her tightly tailored bodice. The verdant fabric she donned was thick and tailored more sharply than what Eleanor wore; this was the fashion that Patrack had spoken of. It was a less whimsical attire and accentuated her waist and breasts. 

“My dear cousin Taliyah, I’m honored to finally meet you,” Eleanor greeted as she swept herself down the plank and onto the dock. Her eyes flitted between the heavily garb warriors, noticing that eyes were pinned to her. She wondered if it was her dress or her eyes.

Taliyah dismounted her horse much more gracefully than Eleanor would have expected. She was a tall girl, taller than Eleanor was. Her skirts fluttered as she wrapped her thin arms around her. “I’ve heard so much about you, but it’s another thing to finally meet you,” Taliyah told her, icy eyes glittering with excitement as she pulled apart. She stared intently into Eleanor’s eyes, a smirk breaking out on her face, much to her own chagrin. “Sorry, I’ve never seen eyes like yours. I didn’t mean to stare.”

“It’s nothing more than I’m used to,” she shrugged. 

“I don’t mean to touch, but your dress is absolutely lovely,” Taliyah reached over and ran her fingers along the fabric that moved with the wind. “I wish fashion dictated this, it’d be so much cooler,” she sighed with a smile, bringing her eyes back up. “Welcome to Harelport.”

“Thank you, and I brought some more dresses, perhaps some may fit you as well, you’re of a similar height as I am,” Eleanor greeted as a horse was brought forward, saddled and prepared for her. A knight offered her a hand up, helping her onto the loaned steed. 

Taliyah gave her a sympathetic look. “I’d wear them, but unless the other ladies start adopting them, I’m afraid it won’t do either of us much good. I’ll refer you to my tailor, they’ll be able to tailor beautiful gowns for you that are of fashion.”

“Is fashion really that big of a deal here?” Eleanor chuckled as they began padding away from the docks. 

“Yes, it’s part of the game. Having the best gowns puts you a step ahead of the others, though you are gifted with magick and that does a deal more than a dress ever could. However, I fear you might be ostracized if you don’t try to fit in. In court, things are very… prim and particular. You follow the rules and you have a chance at climbing, but if you rebel… You’ve already got potential, like I said, so proper dresses would only help in your chance for success.”

“Fashion? Really?” she couldn’t even formulate much more. Her eyes went to the scenery they were passing by. The stoned road beneath their feet clicked beneath the hooves of their horses. They passed the mongers and came into a charming city area where she could smell freshly baked bread and pastries. Her mouth watered, it was the first time in a few days she had been around fresh food. The city folk paid vague attention, only a few noticed her orange eyes sparkling with intrigue. 

As they climbed higher in the city, the quality of the buildings increased and the roads became more spacious. She could now see the keep rising at the top of the hill, slate walls bordering the castle. While the chatter had become mundane, Eleanor’s mind shifted to her cousin. Taliyah was a comely teen and probably had a good handful of suitors, seeing her house was a prestigious one. Her curiosity would have to wait until the security of a chamber, but she accumulated her questions as they made their voyage to the castle.

She noticed more ladies who were garbed in the same fashion as Taliyah, but it wasn’t until they passed the threshold of the keep that she felt out of place. Now, the ladies in the courtyard, admiring those who were sparing, saw her dress and spoke to each other in hushed whispers. Despite their breasts being bared by their gowns, somehow, her dress was scandalous by showing her bare shoulders. Eleanor’s cheeks flushed as she was helped down from her steed and Taliyah joined arms with her.

“You must be exhausted. All that time on that ship, I know I would be.”

“Actually,” Eleanor started. “I’m quite refreshed. I may need a bath, but I think I may need a drink and some food before that.”

“I know a chamber has been prepared ahead of time for you, I could have some servants draw up wine and fresh food for us, if that’s what you’d like. Then I could leave you to recuperate from your journey.”

“I think I’d like that, I have so many questions. Wine does sound good as well, I’ve only had ale these past days,” she told her with a smile. Her eyes flitted, inspecting sigils as they passed. She recognized many minor houses, only a couple of larger house knights were in the yard training. A couple of knights had attracted quite a crowd of women and she could see why. A few handsome men were sparring and with the title to back their looks, of course ladies would try to win their favor. Eleanor couldn’t help but smirk to herself, amused by the frivolousness of it all. 

“Look out!” someone cried, gasps from thin voices following. 

Eleanor’s eyes only managed to flit to the side before she saw the dagger flying in their direction. She shoved her cousin behind her and bared her hands, a spell casting subconsciously, her lips twitching. A barrier formed in front of them, shimmering like a mirror before the dirk plunked into it. The magicked shield sounded as if glass shattered, the blade skittering to the ground. Her cousin’s hand grasped at her sleeves, knuckles white, a breath just escaping her lips as the blade fell away. 

The courtyard had gone quiet and eyes were drawn to the shout and the queer noise of the magick. The posse of ladies were leering at them with stunned eyes, it was the man who threw the knife who wandered forward. 

“I am so sorry, my fingers slipped… The blade is dulled, but-” his voice was thick with an accent not of their land. 

“It would have hurt us either way, perhaps your aim should be better or you shan't be throwing such dangerous objects where there are several ladies you could wound,” Eleanor regarded thinly, her eyes sweeping to the group that wouldn’t have been able to defend themself. “Fortunately, you threw it at us.”

The man bent down and retrieved the training dagger. She did not recognize his sigil, but his accent she placed with someone from the Isles. He was a man with golden skin and short cropped oaken hair, a short cropped beard to match. His face was apologetic except for his hazel eyes that smiled. “I’ll try to be more careful, lady-?”

“Blacktyde. And I suggest you don’t try, but you are.”

Eleanor drew away her gaping cousin away from the courtyard and into the stone walls of the castle, where the exchange was forgotten. The girl finally managed to get words out of her mouth once they were away.

“You did- In front of-” she stammered, losing her composure for the first time in Eleanor’s company. The young lady had been so poised and careful until this point.

“Who was that? I did not see a sigil or recognize him,” Eleanor asked.

Taliyah shook her head, her curls bobbing as she tried to collect herself. “Adaro Stassos, he’s a knight from the Summer Isles, the northern country I believe. A lot of ladies dote on him, I hear the Summer Isles are beautiful and his family is very wealthy. Although, he doesn’t fight like any knight I’ve met. He uses tricks and dishonorable fighting tactics. I’d stay away from him, he’s notorious for stealing maidenhood.”

“He is handsome, but I do admit his carelessness is already something that has already turned me off. He also has an… air of arrogance,” she grumbled.

“Yes… but your display…”

“I had to protect us. It was a subconscious movement for me. Sorry if I startled you,” she paused, a mischievous smile crawling onto her lips. “I do admit, I like that all of those ladies saw. They will know that I have gifts and of my name, rumors will spread as well. A lady with magick is in Goldenhour Castle.”

She was not trying to be smug, but if word spread of her powers, it would attract those who were interested and push away those who feared it. Her father had stated not to betray her powers, but deflecting a dagger with a shield did not show her true abilities. What the nobles had seen was a woman who deflected weapons with a small mutter and a wave of her arm. The stronger they believed she was, the better for her. If folks knew that her skill was limited to healing and defensive spells, she could see many more trying to take advantage of her. How would she be able to fight back? She was a thin, frail woman. She had to play this guise for her own benefit.

Taliyah had collected herself, though her cheeks were flushed from the event. “Right now this is the main hall, within the castle is another sub-keep where the royal family and other important nobles live. If the first defenses were to fall, the bridge and portcullis to the inner sanctum would be drawn so that they could be protected.”

“So most other nobles had quarters in this outer castle. Is this where events are held as well?”

“Yes, there is a Great Dining Hall, a Ballroom, and several other large rooms that could be used for parties or gatherings. However, our quarters are in the inner sanctum.”

“Does living in the inner sanctum have sway in politics?”

“It does in a manner, the more important houses typically have quarters in the inner sanctum. However, the castle is quite full right now and the larger groups have to be housed in the outer castle, despite their worth. I was actually living in the outer until word of your arrival. The royal family made accommodations for you in the inner sanctum and also moved me to a room beside yours.”

They want me in the inner sanctum? The Blacktydes were one of the largest houses in the kingdom and had a lot of bannermen. She should have expected the crown would give her a place of honor due to her titles and her powers. Eleanor wondered if Raina had always lived in the inner sanctum and if she was there now. Raina was almost always at court and she expected to run into her sister at some point. 

Upon passing over the moat, the inner sanctum possessed another caliber of finesse and artistry. The title of Goldenhour had been bestowed on the entire keep, but it had been attributed to this part of the castle. Gold was flecked into the marble, such a feat in masonry that Eleanor could not fathom how it had been accomplished without magick. She could feel it, the wards humming against her flesh, speaking of the ancient runes that had been wrought into the inner sanctum. She wondered if anyone could feel the power radiating from it or if only those with magical inclination knew of the wells it held. If anyone tried to laid siege, magick would be utterly useless against this part of the castle.

Eleanor had to hold back the urge to touch the walls, to feel the power beneath her own fingertips, as she was amazed by the skill it had taken to accomplish such a feat. 

“Beautiful isn’t it?” Taliyah asked her.

Stirred from her thoughts, she blinked and then nodded. “More than you could comprehend,” she breathed.

The ceilings were just as high and vaulted as the rest of the keep, but the floors, walls, and pillars were all made of the gold flecked marble. It had a magicked quality to it, perhaps retaining the spells better than any other material. The light from the sconces and chandeliers all cast heavenly golden light, brightening the halls where her own home seemed dingy and drab in comparison. The hue this marble cast was little in comparison to the limestone that was not imbued with primordial magick.

Further into the inner sanctum, there were pillars wrought in the shapes of various heroes and royalty of old tales. She spotted their Elven counterparts, a race long since disappeared, holding up the structure with their immortal and angelic features. She had never espied any creature as flawless as they, even though she had read that their marble counterparts did not honor how they truly appeared. She spotted Ser Lucan Ryswell, a prince of the royal family known for his ability to strike an alliance between dwarf and elf. There were other heroes of their kingdom of whom had been immortalized in stone, but to see them in person was a completely new experience. Eleanor stood like a child, gaping at the skill it had taken to reach so high and capture the truth of each hero’s flesh in stone.

It took Taliyah pulling on her arm, leading her away from the Hall of Heroes, that Eleanor was able to finally gaze away from their magnificence. 

They scaled a tier of stairs before coming to a hallway that had a few sparse doors. She noticed there were soldiers patrolling these halls. There had been guards throughout the entire castle, but none of which had been so densely populated as they were in this section of the keep. Stout nods and bows greeted them politely as they made their way to the room at the end of the hall.

“This is where your dwellings have been chosen,” Taliyah explained, the room she spoke of, sectioned off by at least twenty feet to the next door. “I have your key here,” she placed the brass key into her cousin’s hand, giving her the honor of unlocking the door to her chambers.

Eleanor unlocked the door to a room thrice the size of hers back home. It was a manse so expansive that it felt almost excessive. The suite had a sweeping balcony that could be viewed through a density of golden silks, hanging in front of glass doors that could be opened to let the air in. A large bath, more suitable for a bath house than a room, could seat at least half a dozen people. It released a thin mist that smelled of rosemary, lavender, and a few other herbs she could not identify. A hearth that could fit an elk over it sat idly across from a large draped bed, to the left side of the bathing area. Two wardrobes, a vanity, and a changing shade also were located on this side of the room. To the right of the bathing area was an area to occupy guests with. A few tables and chairs sat, some with games such as chess and checkers or dragons and maids. The balcony guarded this side of the room so that the windows and glass doors could be thrown open to let in a wonderful breeze from the salted sea air. 

“By the Goddess this room is enormous,” Eleanor breathed, blinking a few times to be certain she hadn’t been hallucinating. “How many other rooms are like this in the castle?”

“Only a handful more and those all belong to the royal family. This is the guest suite, reserved for very esteemed guests,” Taliyah told her, her expression impressing the fact that this room had been given to her. The thought of that unsettled her, but before she could make mention of it, Taliyah continued, “The waters in this bath are filled with herbs that are good for your skin. The water bubbles up from a natural spring and cycles through to remain clean throughout your stay here. In these baskets are several other bathing ingredients that are safe to combine with the waters.” She gestured to the closed square baskets that lined the tiled baths.

“Why me? I assume there are other lords that suit this room more than I do…” Eleanor drawled as the door closed behind them.

Taliyah shifted uncomfortably. “Well, this room is rarely just given to lords. It’s reserved more for ladies of high standing, in truth… And, those who are of more promising caste.”

It took only the most brief a moment for Eleanor to understand. “Cousin, you can speak more plainly with me from now on. But from what I gather, you’re under the assumption that perhaps one of the princes is intrigued by me?”

 “An unmarried lady from one of the most influential houses in the land that has magick? Of course they’re intrigued by you. I must admit, my room is also much better than it was before, but it only has a quarter of the glory this has. You’re also lovely to boot, I’d say that by the morrow every suitor will have heard of you and will be seeking to win your hand, since it is yours to give, by command of your father.”

Eleanor blinked, “How do you know that?”

“Many have assumed, but the royal house knows it, as do I from Aunt Tansy’s letter. Your father dotes on you and would have you choose the one, whom you favor, and not another…. Unless he deems them unworthy, which I doubt.”

Chewing on her next words, Eleanor instead gestured to the right of the bathing area where there was a table assorted with some wine and liquor in decanters. “Sit with me cousin. For you are the only one I can trust in this pit of vipers, for I assume, being beside me also has given you many benefits as well.”

Taliyah was discomforted by her words, but followed her to the table where Eleanor poured them each a glass of golden vint. The girl swirled her goblet, staring at the bubbles that frothed to the top.  “I do benefit by being beside you, but we’re blood too.”

“My sister and I are blood and I have no doubt you haven’t heard why she is not here in your stead,” Eleanor commented before tasting the wine. It was sweet upon her tongue, lavishing in flavors of golden cherries and pale grapes. 

“Yes, Aunt Tansy explained as much that there is no love lost between the two of you. But I assure you, that I gain nothing by betraying you, if that is what you are worried about. I gain much more by being beside you as your cousin and companion. The suitors who you turn away might try to court me in turn.”

Amused by the girl’s guile she smiled into her glass. “You would have me believe none have tried to court you thus far?”

Taliyah snorted, though her fair cheeks flushed as she took a deep drink from the wine. “Some have, but none who intrigue me or are worthy of a woman in the Beesbury house. I will not settle.”

“And I did not suggest you should,” Eleanor remarked, her brows shooting up as she savored another sip of the wine. “The Beesbury are also one of the most influential houses in the land. How about we come to an agreement then?” her cousin gave her a mild look, perhaps albeit suspicious. “My own aims are to learn while I am here. I know there is a powerful enchantress here and I’m more interested in learning from her so that I might be able to put my talents to good use, while the idea of finding a proper husband are only second in relation to that. You let me know which knight or lord suits your fancy the most and I shall help you in courting him…. If there is none of the sort and you’d wish to have your pick, then I shall also help in that manner. However, I expect you to be my right hand and to support me. I came to the capitol to learn and succeed, not just to choose a husband. If that manages to happen, then so be it, but that is not my primary goal.”

“It is a goal that many ladies seek, but I can see why you might want to obtain more. As a lady, you’re put in a position where you either fit the mold and get married or prove you are worthy otherwise. I have no such talent, but if helping you benefits me….”

Nothing is free is it? Even from someone of your own blood, Eleanor thought sadly as the cousin who was supposed to guide her through her stay in the capitol, considered her offer. 

“Perhaps getting along with you won’t be as hard as I thought,” Taliyah smiled before draining the rest of her glass, much to Eleanor’s disbelief. “I wish I had talent such as yours. I’ve found myself in a rut where I’m treading in circles. I’ve always craved more excitement and my attention has always been fixated on men that are in the field more oft than naught. I know that you’re skilled in herbs and healing, and I only request in exchange that you teach me some medical knowledge that does not require magick. If I could find myself on the field of battle, aiding knights who have been wounded-” Eleanor saw the glitter in her cousin’s eyes, a fantasy that the girl had concocted, despite having no experience with the terrors of watching men die, made her wistful. 

“If that is what you require in return, I can teach you, but I don’t believe you know of what you truly request. Healing men close to death or beyond what you can do to help is not… a very savory act, in many ways it proves to be more heart wrenching than rewarding, though I do commend you for being amiable enough to wish to help. Many ladies would spurn the idea of getting her hands dirty.”

Taliyah lowered eyes at her, that for the first time, were haughty. Eleanor had only had a taste of the lady and no so much the ferocity that laid beneath. “Thank you, but I have dwelled much on this. In the few years that I have been here, I have seen many good men die who deserved to live. If I could have aided in their survival…”

She didn’t want to spoil her cousin’s hope, but a little knowledge in suturing and herbology would not save any man more than the head healer could have. If this was the price of Taliyah’s loyalty, she would pay it, for it was easy to teach another what she already was versed in so well. Only Eleanor’s own power in healing magicks could truly make the difference in life or death as she described and sometimes the cost was too high for Eleanor to even risk it. 

“Then I shall teach you, as long as we agree that our loyalties lie here within each other,” Eleanor agreed as she managed to get halfway through her wine.

The girl’s eyes lit up with ambition, making Eleanor feel terrible for stringing her along. She would teach her, but it seemed that Taliyah believed the talents she would learn were much stronger than they truly were. “Well, if we’re agreed on that part. I do believe I’d ought to tell you that I arranged for my tailor to come by a measure you. While your dress is lovely, it is not to the fashion of the court. This tailor is quite expensive, though I have no doubt that your family can afford for you to have many dresses of the latest fashion. I expect that no one shall bother you today otherwise, but tomorrow… I’m not certain. The royal family has put you in this suite, so I expect they’ll want to welcome you.”

Eleanor pursed her lips. She didn’t mind having the rest of the day to herself for some fittings, but the idea of having to face the royal family on the morrow was daunting. “Damn,” she muttered. “And I am to assume I’ll have to face that on my own?”

Taliyah nodded, “I’ve yet to be extended the invitation, but I doubt I’ll receive one. If they are really considering you a match for one of the princes, then they’ll want to dissect you while you are alone and defenseless,” she warned. “Don’t let them get you to that point. Remain courteous and sweet, but do not betray yourself. Use your wit when you can, but do not give them everything. Keep them wanting for more, whether it be their curiosity for your magick or your silver tongue. In my own opinion, hiding what your magick gifts are, will assure that people will be certain not to cross you. I may have been nervous in the yard, but you were wise to display you gifts openly, now that I look back. It marks you for one of two people in this keep with magick.”

“Speaking of which, do you know of a way to arrange a meeting between me and sorceress?”

“I can send a servant, but I cannot assure anything. The sorceress has been known to be very… mysterious in her mannerisms. A part of me feels she will visit you on her own whim, being that those with magick are very rare. Tomorrow, if you still wish me to, I will send to arrange for a meeting between the two of you if she has not reached out before then.”

“Very well, we will play it by ear then,” Eleanor agreed. “But instead of all of this heavy chatter, how about we speak of more mundane things? It has been a long journey.”

The two women spoke of the capitol there after, sharing a few glasses of wine. For just being sixteen, Eleanor came to see that her cousin was especially perceptive in many aspects. While her mother had rarely done anything kind for her, setting her up with Taliyah had likely been one of the kindest.The girl knew her way around the court, as well as which men to stay away from, as they were known adulterers who had nothing else on their mind. Eleanor always came to an understanding that many of the ladies in the court were subtle and sweet, which to her own ambitions was contrary. Eleanor had already portrayed herself as a strong individual in front of many in the courtyard and she felt as if she had to keep up this character, rather than slinking back into a passive and kind lady. Of course, she would have her courtesies, as every lady must, but with her magick, she had much more ability to push against normality. 

Their conversation only broke when the tailor that Taliyah had arranged, finally arrived for her fitting. Her cousin pardoned herself to her own chambers for the evening so that she could get her clothing situation arranged. By this point, her own attire had been dropped off by her men in two solids chests. In truth, one of the chests was entirely filled with herbs, medical equipment, and her spells books. Only one held her clothing and the weight of the chest was more due in part to the coin she had been given, rather than the few dresses she had packed. 

“Good evening, Lady Eleanor,” the tailor greeted, he was a thin, sinewy man who had a queer and flamboyant accent, rather high and nasally. He looked her over head to toe, his eyes fixating more on her current attire more than anything. “A lovely piece,” he commended as he reached forward, without hesitation, to run his fingers through the dark silk. “However, it shall not do here. A thicker, more dramatic ensemble is what the ladies in court demand.”

“So I have heard, nothing romantic at all about their dresses,” Eleanor mused as she spun her silks slightly. 

He raised a brow at her. “I can make your dresses more romantic if that is what you choose.”

“And if I asked you to make them both romantic and intimidating, would you do that too?” she asked him.

His eyes smiled before his lips, “Intimidating? Only a few have ever asked me for that. The queen and the sorceress… but-” he placed his index finger on his lips, considering. “Romantic as well? Humph, that’s a whole other challenge on its own. How should I do that?”

“I’ve heard the queen likes metal wrought with her dresses as if she were also weight mail or plate like knights. But what I’ve heard little of are dresses that suit this weather more. I know that silks, such as this, will not work, but perhaps a similar silhouette? Halters, or bare shoulders that are matched by long sleeves?”

“Hm, a tight waist, fitted around the bodice, but more room to play around the neckline and shoulders? I could play with that in a romantic fashion. Your houses is midnight blue with the orca? The dark garb shall also prove to be more daunting, but I think I could do a steel girdle wrought with the abysmal waves of the Blacktydes. I ask, my lady, do you fear plunging necklines? I dare only ask few, for many fear such…. ‘Scandalous’ attire.”

“I do not fear them, I’m afraid I don’t have much of a chest that should be prompt to slide out from between,” Eleanor remarked with a smirk, gesturing to her thin chest. 

“I did notice that, which is why I fear less putting such a dress on your than a woman with a bigger bosom. However, not many would think kindly on a tailor giving them dresses that plunge nearly to their naval, which is why I ask so that I do not offend. I have actually brought a dress tonight, in hopes I might be able to prepare if for you tomorrow to wear in court. I’d need to measure you properly, though.”

Eleanor nodded. “Then let’s get on with it then,” she said, standing and heading to the changing shade. She disrobed from her silken gown and remained only in her underclothing so that the tailor could get a proper measurement of her. It took but a few moment for him to measure her bodice, waist, chest, hips, and height. She slipped her gown back on and glanced over at the parchment he was making his markings on. “And what color is this dress of which you spoke?”

The tailor glanced up at her a smiled. “Midnight blue, I picked a dress that was of your own house colors. Thought I fear you’re much more slight than I had believed. But do not fear, I’ll have it delivered before tomorrow morning, I’ve only a few alterations to make to it. But for your other gowns, you wish to remain on the same style which we agreed upon?”

“Yes, the same romantic and intimidating fashion we spoke of. I trust your artistic integrity to do me well and you shall be paid in full. However, I do request that a few other gowns are made as well. A few that are made for riding specifically as well as being out in the field. If I am required to leave the capitol due to my gifts, I would prefer not to be restrained by my attire, if you understand my meaning.”

The tailor made note, “Of course, not everything can be made for an appearance in court. Sometimes, people require travel gear and attire that is more suitable for function rather than appearance,” he commented before closing his leather book with her details. “I will send a bill once your order is complete, but as promised, a gown will delivered, altered to your specifications before morning.”

“Thank you, I wish you safe travels back to your home,” she told him, leading him to the door.

The tailor chuckled. “I live in the outer sanctum, it’s not too far, my lady. However, I am very excited to begin working on your wardrobe, no one has given me as much artistic liberty as you have.”

“And I hope for their liberty you shall deliver,” Eleanor said.

He rose his brows at her. “Of course! Or I wouldn’t dare call myself the royal tailor! Goodnight sweet lady, enjoy your first night in the capitol.”

Eleanor smiled as they parted ways before locking her chamber door. She poured herself another glass of wine and threw open a pair of glass doors to step out onto her balcony. At this point she had drank enough to make her head buzz. The flavor was so sweet and succulent on her lips that she hadn’t been able to stop once she had began with her cousin. From her view on the balcony, she could see the beautiful gardens that unfolded inside the inner sanctum and extended past the moat that protected them from siege. The stars blinked above her in the distance, where she found herself wondering what her own family was up to back in their limestone castle on the cliffs. 

“Lady Blacktyde.”

Her skin crawled that her name being called and as she turned, she saw that there were two figures in her chamber.