Briar’s Wolf

Strawberry Crescents and The Silver Oak Grounds

The first day of observing court was one of the most banal moments of Briar's time studying, possibly even her life. Every petition, big or small, noble or peasant, had the chance to make it before the King. After a while, Briar began to notice a pattern. The nobles tended to petition for more funds from the treasury for various projects which they claimed would be beneficial to the citizens and the morale of the city. In these tense times of 'peace', the king tended not to disagree too much, and the nobles often got what they desired.

On the other hand, the peasants or merchants would petition for food and other essential supplies as winter approached. As much as he wanted to, and Briar believed that he did want to, the King was unable to help out with the majority of these requests.

At the end of the first day, Briar had asked Lady Estree about this. "Do you not pay attention to the political landscape unfolding before us?" She tutted, before softening a bit. "War is a terrible thing. So many lives are lost in battle, but more is lost in its wake. We have spent our resources defending against the constant barrage from Vestege. Before this peace treaty was signed, our trade routes were plundered by Vestegian soldiers or bandits, or both."

"Now that the peace treaty is signed, won't trade be able to resume again?"

"In due time it will, but for now, certain supplies will be scarce and we will need to rely on what we can make ourselves. Going into winter means that we will have to wait for the trade routes to be reestablished so that we can get food from other nations." Her eyes became vacant for a moment as she stared off into the distance, deep in thought. After a moment, she came to herself and turned back to Briar.

"That's enough talk for now. I must be going and you undoubtedly have some studies to do as well. I will see you again tomorrow, don't be late." She smiled slightly and began to walk away, further into the courts, leaving Briar by herself.

Making her way back towards the entrance, Briar pondered on what she should do. She did need to finish her assignment on Arcane Infusions, but she was also going to be meeting with Talion tonight. After thinking for a bit, it became apparent that she had already spent an entire day observing court, which counted as part of her studies. Therefore, she deserved a break to enjoy what was left of the afternoon.

The market was her first target. The amazing smells of cooked goods and the vibrant colours of store signs and flags always made her giddy, like she was a child again.

As expected, the sounds and smells of the market lifted Briar's spirits and wiped the look of exhaustion off of her face. The artisans of Lorry Square displayed the most exquisite goods in the world, or at least that's how Briar saw it. On her left, the smell of hot meat pies wafted out of the bakery, while on her right the Tawny Tavern shone with the warm light of a fire and the cheerful talk of the patrons; a very enticing prospect as the seasons shifted to winter.

As she walked amongst the stalls and shop windows browsing the goods, sampling their smells, and smiling at the shopkeepers, she wondered if she should get something for Talion and her to share later that night. There was a small sweet shop not far from here. Maybe she could pick something up from there? Yes, she nodded to herself, some strawberry crescents would be perfect.

A quick stop and an exchange of pleasantries later, Briar was on her way with a big bag of strawberry crescents in her hands. She wasn't sure when exactly Talion would be done with his duties. He had become busier and busier as of late. In fact, so had Briar. Pushing the thoughts from her mind, and some crescents into her mouth, she made her way up to the Silver Oak Grounds.

The Grounds was a public park atop a small man-made plateau in the upper district. With its easy access to the Royal Courts and Lorry Square, as well as its spectacular view of the city, it was quite the destination for nobles and star-crossed lovers alike. In the centre of The Grounds, a large oak tree with shiny, silvery bark rose into the sky. Luscious flower patches, neatly trimmed hedges, and topiaries were arranged around the tree in a peculiar pattern.

A beautiful fragrance filled Briar's nostrils as she reached the top. Despite the cooling days, The Grounds were perpetually in a perfect summer day, even in winter, even at night. An enchantment by Madame Zeneke kept it that way. On the edge of The Grounds, a small stone garden shed was built against a rocky outcropping. Briar made her way towards it through the gardens, running her hands through the ever-green leaves as she went. Moving around the building, she made her way down a narrow slope that took her under a portion of the outcropping that stuck out from the plateau. Much to her surprise, Talion was already there.

Standing up quickly upon seeing her, Talion promptly bumped his head on the low rock ceiling and sat back down again grasping his temple. Briar made her way closer and he looked up at her with a sheepish grin.

"When are you going to learn that you're too tall to stand up straight in here?" Briar pretended to scold, "seriously, how many times has it been now?"

"I've lost track now," Talion admitted, " but I always just get so excited to see you. I never see you enough these days."

Briar closed the distance between them and pulled him into an embrace. She could smell armour polish and sword oil on him.

"I brought us something," Briar said as she sat down next to him, pulling out the bag of strawberry crescents. "I already had some, but not too many."

"Briar, you spoil me," Talion replied softly. " If I'm not careful you'll make me fat and I won't be able to fight anymore." He let out a laugh and Briar joined him. She poured some crescents into his hand and then grabbed some herself. Biting down on the hard shell, she felt them break apart and her mouth was filled with the sweet taste of powdered sugar and strawberry.

"Maybe that's my plan. Make you fat so you can't run off into danger."

"That would be nice. We could grow old and fat together." Talion pondered for a second as if he was actually considering it. "If I did get too fat, or something, how would we survive?"

"Oh that's easy," Briar said cheerily, "We would move to a farm." She lifted her arm and pointed towards the eastern horizon, "Maybe south where the weather is warmer."

"That's east."

"I know that," she lied, "it's just a metaphor, well not a metaphor, I can't remember the word for it. But anyway, my point still stands." With that she crossed her arms and looked up at Talion. He looked back at her with a c****d eyebrow.

"What?" She asked. He turned and looked back across the city.

"It's a great plan. Really great", he began. "There's just one slight problem with it."

"And what would that be?"

"Well," he leaned in close to whisper in her ear, "you would hate to live on a farm." He grinned at her, and she tried to hold a straight face, but soon she was smiling too.

"What do you propose then?" She leaned into him and grabbed onto his arm.

"I say we stay in the city. Drink wine and eat cakes. We can fund it all with your inheritance."

Briar let out an exaggerated sigh. "We had better keep our jobs then, I don't want my parents to die just yet."

"Fair enough," Talion agreed, "besides, I can't leave now. My father needs me." Suddenly he went quiet in thought. Briar knew well enough that something was on his mind.

"What is it?" She prompted quietly, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing him tightly. Silence still, Briar could hear her own heart beating in her chest. After a few moments, he took a deep breath.

“I’m being sent out on a mission. Father has put me in charge of a contingent of soldiers to investigate something.”

“Investigate what?”

“That’s what father is trying to find out now. Some fellow from Stithulf came to the city a bloody mess.” He turned to look at her again, in his eyes she could see a glimpse of fear. “Something has happened down there.”

“Vestegians?” He shrugged at her and slumped forward.

“I can’t say for certain, but, I mean, who else could it be? Our forces are barely holding together since Telias’ Cauldron. If they’re attacking, then the treaty is broken and war is upon us again.” His eyes were solemn and pleading as he spoke. “If we go to war again, I don’t know if we can win.”