“This place is quite impressive. I can see you spending many hours here when you aren't busy with your responsibilities. Now then. We’re on the look for information about the Red Forest - but no one ever said that's all we would read about or discuss. Any ideas on where and what to start with?” Nevin sat back and began slowly munching on the pasty as he watched Stare set the tray down and sit across from him.
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Another room. This one smaller, but still large. A huge heavy oak table with ten chairs surrounding it. One is clearly where the master of the house sat - for this seat had elaborate, twisting arms and the image of a prancing pegasus carved into its back. Around the walls hung six portraits of the same man, steadily changing with the fashions but never in age. A soldier, a scholar, a scientist, a romantic, a book-lover and a merchant were all there - all facades of a single life lived.
“Someone was snoring all night, I could hardly sleep. It was one of the rooms to the west side of the house, really loud and borish. I am so tired now, honestly, I feel like I have very little energy to even begin the day.”
Stare rolled her eyes as she fell into her usual chair. Ever since moving to the mansion she had come to sit on the left hand side of the ornate chair - Vitruvion’s. The right hand was dedicated to Raevin. No one ever sat there casually, aside from visiting nobles at dinner. Usually it remained empty unless the elf warrior was staying in the mansion.
Beside Stare was a black haired elf, Mer - a woman who she and Vitruvion had rescued from the clutches of the Bounty Hunter Guild. She was proud, but prudent, a clever woman with many wits about her and a way of moaning that really annoyed you when all you wanted was a nice, peaceful breakfast.
“It wasn’t you, was it Stare?”
Stare grabbed her coffee. “Mer, no it wasn’t. And I am sure it wasn’t Nevin neither, before you start moaning about ‘your friend’. It was probably Druss as usual. If you are tired, then go back to bed. Have half an hour and then join the world again.”
“But I am awake now,” the elf frowned deeply, smoothing down her find cotton dress. “And I have things to do, apparently, because you say they need to be done. Honestly, do we have to interview every member of the household ourselves? Surely Druss or Mrs Deerling could …”
The kenku groaned and stood. Reaching forwards she began to grab food from the many plates in the middle of the table, where there was cold meat, bread, cheeses and fruit aplenty. A dish with a dome held hot sausages under it as well as warm bacon.
