ooX ✘ and i- i took the one less traveled by [ location: gatas castle | visual ]

[herquietude]

As she stirs, it's almost immediately clear to Petrana that she isn't where she belongs. This is not Riva, nor any of the bedchambers she's most accustomed to occupying there or elsewhere. She considers this new development in her situation with slightly more tranquility than might be expected of her, her hands folded on her stomach as she regards

Comments

[visual]

[oneofthequick]

Behold a slightly sleepy, but generally well put together Uther Doul.

"It's not often that death is a good sign. How may I help you, Lady?"

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[oneofthequick]

Doul takes that all in and gives her another critical look after her admission of death. She doesn't look like any of the Dead he's known, but then again, her world is not his own.

"It is good to meet you, Lady, and as I have said, while my contract is with the other Lady Petrana, I will serve you just as I would her."

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[herquietude]

"I have to tell you that I think I will approve of her choice in you," she says, smiling blandly when he examines her. "Though I am a little startled by it."

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[oneofthequick]

"Oh? Why do you say that?" He says gently and looking rather amused at the changes in Lady Petrana.

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[herquietude]

"My husband was a mercenary," Petra tells him dryly, "and my daughter grew up guarded by paid men in our compound. Had I married a man who stayed a knight, well. I don't imagine he'd approve so well."

That might partially explain the ladies' very different reactions to his line of work.

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[oneofthequick]

"Ah," he says as if it explains it all. "I see."

Yet again, Doul finds himself vaguely relieved that neither of the Petranas' husbands are in Taxon and scowling at him.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Lady?"

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[herquietude]

"Yes, actually. Would you be so kind as to tell me where the Count and Countess's studies are?"

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[oneofthequick]

"Of course," he says before describing the route to get there, and mentioning that her tablet can also be used to create dynamic maps. How convenient this technology is.

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[herquietude]

"How very useful," she observes of it. "Not magic, either, unless I'm listening at the wrong time."

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[oneofthequick]

"No, it is not. Most of what Taxon produces is done through very advanced science, although some people here practice both magic and a sort of magic that blends with technology." His sword might fall into that latter category.

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[herquietude]

"I've never in my life seen science so advanced. Enchantments, certainly, but scientists are still mostly far behind us...it's intriguing. I wonder if I could take any of these innovations back, if I could understand any of them..."

Petra, a minute ago you wanted to snoop through Davidias's desk. Focus.

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[oneofthequick]

"Until my arrival, I hadn't either," he admits. "I don't know if those who leave retain their memories of this place, but I've heard that when those who have left are called back, they don't usually remember Taxon or the people of this place."

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[herquietude]

"So I might well not remember any of this," she surmises, pausing over the thought. "It's a dream, then."

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[oneofthequick]

Doul is quiet and still for a moment before speaking, "Consider this a holiday. A few days without consequence."

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[herquietude]

"Without consequence." She laughs, suddenly, pressing her hands to her stomach. "Well, I will enjoy them while they last. You know how politicians are, Doul- or I suspect very heavily that you do."

[ location :: countess's chamber ]

[oneofthequick]

"Very well." There's a quiet sound that might be his own laugh. "I know them well enough to avoid them, at nearly all cost."