~ A Pleasant Surprise (Elmaryia, private)

[Straylor Leonard]

Timestamp: Mid-Melora. Winter, Era XV Post Fractum.


A single note arrived at the Consul's Offices that early on Elmaryia's brightening. But that wasn't what caught all the Consul's staff's attention. Behind the messenger was some dozen or so men, each of them carrying a dozen roses each. All in all, ninety-nine separate long stemmed roses, picked, pruned, and beautifully arranged were placed all over the offices. And when Elmaryia finally got around to reading the note, it said simply:

Please me mine this darkening, in The Blade's Rest Inn & Restaurant.

How I've missed you.

Love,
Straylor

P.S. Happy birth brightening.

And indeed, Straylor was in town. He was also looking quite rockin' and brought gifts as well. What else was a husband suppose to do? Donning a slick all black silk suite with some suede cuttings, he waited outside the restaurant & inn with a flat polished box beneath his left arm. And in his other hand he held a single rose. "One hundred" he told Elmaryia as he flourished and handed her the rose. Then, grinning he embraced her, allowing himself to inhale her perfume and smell her hair after such a long time.

After pleasantries and added greetings (or kissing) had subsided, Stray led them into the massive first floor of the Inn. There he motioned a waiter over and, having already set their reservation, asked for their seat "For two" he said in that dashing way he always did "and bring the wine right away. I've already discussed our meals with the chef." He nodded and the waiter fluttered away, ten crowns tucked into his chest pocket.

Before Elmaryia reached her seat, Stray pulled it for her convenience before taking the chair in front of her. Smiling, he took her hands into his and effortlessly slid the polished flat box toward her. "Happy birth brightening, love" he said in soft tones "for you."

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Their were many duties and responsibilities that Elmaryia's position entailed that kept her quite busy. During her brightening's in the capital Elmaryia had spent time with Aerienna and other officials as well as learning about the cities culture. She had been so busy that Elmaryia had forgotten that this was the brightening when she was born. Returning to her offices and residence it was the roses that made her pause in awe. The sweet scent of the roses perfumed the air. They varied in different tones of reds and pinks, and with a smile Elmaryia took one of the long stemmed roses in her slender fingers. With a soft girlish laughter that would make Iseult shudder, Elmaryia brought it to her nose.

Pausing Elmaryia closed her eyes and enjoyed the beautiful scent. Straylor. Even still his name filled her with joy and made her heart beat quicken. With the rose clasped between her hands, Elmaryia walked up the marbled steps into her office. Upon opening the door a frown curved her lips in disappointment when her beloved did not greet her. If Straylor had one flaw it was how he was never their when he made a romantic gesture. When he scent the fire flies he was outside and when he proposed to her Straylor had transformed into a peeping tom bird. Yes he never witnessed Elmaryia reactions to his gestures. Surely there is a note somewhere. Spotting a piece of parchment in one of the vases Elmaryia took it and read it.

This darkening was going to be wonderful and Elmaryia longed to see her husband again. They had been parted for a few cycles and during the time when she was alone did she miss him the most. Feth she even missed his snoring which was reminiscent of a boar’s grunt. Walking to her bedroom Elmaryia removed a burgundy silk gown, that had silver beading on the corset bodice and on the hem of the long narrow skirt.

Once she was dressed in the gown and Elmaryia was boarded her carriage Elmaryia set out to meet Straylor at the inn. Opening the door Elmaryia smiled as she rushed towards him and wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders. After their greetings were done Elmaryia took the offered rose and followed him inside the tavern. “ Well it seems as though you have thought of everything, and the roses are lovely. Though you darling make it a habit of doing these wonderful things and not being their to see my enjoyment,” Elmaryia teasingly scolded as she took off her white cloak draped it on the back of the chair. Taking the offered seat

Elmaryia smiled at the man sitting across from her. “ Thank you, though your presence is all that I could want.” With a soft chuckle Elmaryia looked at the beautiful box and proceeded to lift the lid. “ However presents are wonderful as well.” Looking down Elmaryia lifted the lid to reveal what was inside.

[Straylor Leonard]

The polished redwood box was especially made and carved for its contents. And once Elmaryia clicked the two pieces apart the dim lamp light made the string of diamonds glow as if starlight while it larger, more tear shaped diamond pendant shimmered ever more brightly than the rest. On either side of the centered necklace were two matching diamond earings. Straylor smiled as he watched Elmaryia's reaction. Women loved jewelry; and jewelry loved women evidently. Still he couldn't help but chuckl as she gave some pause, as if hesitant to touch the object. "Happy birth brightening, love" he said then leaned forward for a kiss.

"Want me to help you with it?" he asked before gently placing the necklace around her slender neck first then latching the two ends together with another soft click of platnium. "You look stunning" he said through a grin then pressed a kiss on her neck. He just couldn't help it. "Just perfect." With that Stray returned to his seat while playing doefully with Elma's hands in his. It was just like their honeymoon, minus the drama and the overall exhaustion sea traveling was worth.

"How are you faring in Diana?" he asked after the wine was served. It was Medonian Red, Straylor's favorite. But to Elmaryia's surprise, there was also a dark case filled with black-amber liquid. At the smell, the Concul of Carmelya immediately recognized it. "Dwarven" Stray said "the hardest liquor the Church could allow inside the city." He chuckled then poured some into Elmaryia's waiting glass. After filling his glass halfway with the crimon liquid he went on, "happily enough, love, I met with the Regent as well. And it looks like I'll be visiting Ieffreon more often. I was appointed Consul to Eunesia."

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Like stars in the mid darkening sky the diamonds glittered in the red wood box. Never before had Elmaryia seen such beauty nor possessed a platnum diamond necklace. With reverent admiration Elmaryia looked at her birthday gift. " Oh Straylor the necklace and earings are beautiful, the diamonds glitter like stars from the heavens," she murmured in a hushed whisper.

Leaning forward Elmaryia returned Straylor's soft kiss after some time reluctantly she pulled away. The two had not seen each other in a few cycles and Elmaryia had missed her husband's touch. " Thank you darling nineteen era's old. I shall soon be an old lady with greying hair. Though still younger then you," Elmaryia teased.

With a nod of her head, Elmaryia gave her husband permisson to adorn her slender neck with the beautiful diamond stringed necklace. A soft rosey hue rosied her cheeks, upon hearing Straylor's compliment. Even know he could make her blush. A mear brush of the lips was the kiss on her neck, and yet it was potent enough to stir up goosebumps in its wake.

" I am faring quite well. I had an audience with Aerienna she is a lovely woman. Her and I discussed issues that needed to be addressed. Also I still have yet to meet the archprelate. I do hope that he does not bombard my head with religion. I heard he was a kind and noble man, and Milo said that he was quite tall for a fae. Also I have begun to get my consul mansion in order. The city of Diana is a wonderful place and more relaxed then Archadoon," Elmaryia said as she awaited for the wine to be poured.

Upon smelling the familure and scent of her favourite whisky Elmaryia giggled softly in appreciation. It was far more fiery then the sweet wine that Straylor often drank. " I may lose the air of a proper lady, but I do not care I have grown tired of drinking the fine wines." Once Elmaryia's glass was filled with the dark amber liquid she took a sip and smiled after the fiery liquid entered her belly.

Wait a moment appointed as consul of Eunesia and thane of Trysvale. That is wonderful but Enunesia is so far. Why would he chose a province so far away?

" That is wonderful darling, but Enunesia is so far away. During your duties as thane and now consul duties we shall rarely see each other." Of course Elmaryia was proud of her husbands ambitous nature and knew that Enunesia would be blessed to have him, yet she could not help but feel a pang of worry.

[Straylor Leonard]

Straylor smiled, obvious impressed but mostly inspired by his wife's attentive skill with people and developing interest in politics. It was like having a rather intimate advisor in all things -- making it that much more easy to meld his personal life with business. He loved Elmaryia for it, more and more. "Yes Aerienne is a unique being" he agreed "other than the fact that she is an Ancient Aelyrian, she has the insight that stretches farther than that of any elf or long lived race. If I didn't know any better, I would've thought her to be immortal." He shrugged then allowed Elmaryia to speak of the Archprelate then of Milo.

Now, he knew that the new Archprelate was some kind of fae but he never met the man nor found any real reason to. His allegiance was to Carmelya, though the Church obviously accepted the worship of Light deities rather than those of the Dark. Not that Straylor could imagine becoming a Jorelite or a Jalatine. He almost shuddered at the thought. "Milo is a good man" Stray nodded then took a sip of his Medonian Red "he looked rather cooped up in the Imperial Palace though when I met him. Perhaps even a man of his wealth and power still desire the freedom of the ordinary man." He chuckled softly then smiled at Elmaryia's mention of his mansion as well as her increasing comfort in Diana.

"I'm sure Aerienne insisted on a separate security team as well?" he wondered. Despite his dislike for guards following him, the twins had grown accoustomed to his movements and never got in the way. In fact, they may have saved his life a few times already. "As long as you are protected, my love, and happy most of all." He held her hands into his before watching her longingly as she took the dwarven ale. He chuckled at the sight but followed the display by finishing his own glass of wine. Stray then poured more of their respective drinks into their glasses as Elmaryia spoke of his most recent accomplishment.

"Worry not, my love, I have the most pleasant arrangement that defies even time and space." He grinned. After assuring him that Marcus, the current Vice Thane of Trysvale, was quite capable of running the township while he was away on other business, Stray mentioned his order of airboats from Medonia. "It defies the earth's pull" he explained "like flying! Except, you know, not as magically oriented. Which is fine. Until, that is, you learn Sorcery as is your wish." He smiled then went on "additionally, I've discussed things with Ceniel. Once he becomes a Journeyman it will be short work for him to provide us with imbuements so we can see each other whenever, without worrying about traveling."

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

Indeed Aerienne was a wonderful woman the two had become friends. The young woman very much enjoyed her company. "Indeed she is very wise and kind. I have discussed with her about possibly implementing a plan to make Carmelyn a safe haven for escaped slaves and giving them amnesty against their former masters," Elmaryia said softly the events of their wedding still troubling her. The drama that Arrientus had brought would not be easily forgotten.

Though she would not let the memory plague this brightening nor her time spent with her husband. The empire was blessed to have such a man leading it for era's to come. While she did not know him very well, Elmaryia was quite close to his sisters and considered them to be cherished friends. The memory of them standing up for her still warmed Elmaryia's heart. " Yes he carries a great deal of responsibility on his shoulders. Though he seems to manage well."

At the mention of airships Elmaryia's eyes widened with pleasure and awe. She has always wanted to board such a ship to fly amongst the clouds without the feather's would be lovely. " Oh Straylor that would be wonderful. Perhaps we can purchase a home on the beach in Ifferon as well. Our own private sanctuary to enjoy the beautiful darkenings..." With a mishivious smile she brought the glass of dwarven whisky to her lips and took a sip.

" I was worried but you have lightened them. I am sure that we will make time for us. Now darling I am getting a little light headed. I have not drinken whisky in many cycles. What have you ordered for us to eat? Also what else would you like to do in Diana?"

[Straylor Leonard]

Straylor smiled, giggles, and generally admired Elmaryia with his eyes as she spoke. With his hand entwined in hers, his cheeks flushed and his heart flattered even his most daring thoughts; a grin formed on his features when Elma mentioned that she was getting light-headed. Behind her a pair of waiters had just emerged from the kitch, a wide oval silver plate in each of their gloved hands. Stray had come prepared, as he should have, and ordered all the plausibly delicious courses on the chef's repotoire.

The pair of gentlemen bowed as they circled around their table, displaying the dishes with a gentle flourish. Stray cleared his throat and said: "We have lobster, seasoned crabs, an assortment of meats, chicken of course, and some vegetable specialties -- simply choose which one you want, love." Stray didn't mention it but those items that Elmaryia did not want were offered to other customers as his means of sharing the joy of his wife's birth brightening.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

During her busy brightening Elmaryia had not eaten much and upon the smell of food Elmaryia's stomach rumbled. This was a wonderful moment shared with her husband and in his company all of her worries and stresses were forgotten. When the waiters came and revealed their dishes Elmaryia chose the lobster and the steamed vegitables. Once the plate was placed before her, Elmaryia began to break into its red shell.

Looking up she smiled at Straylor, " I had a meeting with Aerienna a few brightening's ago. We discussed what Diana needed and we may be starting up a hospital as well as offering jobs to the poor. Though what has me most excited is we discussed offering amnesty to escaped slaves. If it is permited by the laws of the empire Aerienna has agreed to allow her city to give support for escaped slaves through making them citizens and providing employment. I knew that you would not mind if Trysvale also participates. I mean the escaped slaves could take advantage of the free land and farm. Which in turn would give them money and prosper Trysvale's economy. What do you think?"

Elmaryia asked as she cracked into one of the lobsters claws with such force that it became an unattached missle and went towards her. Letting a soft chuckle escape her lips Elmaryia caught it. " Lobsters are wonderful to eat but they can be slippery little buggers."

[Straylor Leonard]

"They say that lobsters are aphrodisiacs" Straylor mentioned casually while Elmaryia fought with her food. He chuckled merrily at the sight but managed to keep a thoughtful bit of attention at his own plate. He was reasoning with a fairly large chunk of meat while Elma finallly managed to crack open her cuisine. Stray responded by helping her with the larger bits of crab and shellfish, cracking them in a masculine fashion.

Between bites, Straylor affirmed her decision to become Consul and to attend to various responsibilities with Aerienne. The Ancient was something of a heroine for the two of them now, as they owed her a large debt by fending off the slaver who had a claim on Elmaryia while silmultaneously marrying them in the same brightening. "How busy is she?" Stray asked with a curious tilt of his head "Aerienne, that is. Would she fancy a visit from me? Or does she have enough on her plate." He smirked at that comment, seeing as Elmaryia was now well into her second serving.

With another light chuckle, Straylor ordered a refill of their drinks while sending his compliments to the chef. "Great food" he said thoughtfully "just a little more spice on the meats next time, hmm?" The waiter nodded aimicably before wandering off to fetch more wine and hard dwarven ale. The darkening was just beginning, and there was still much to do after the two Consul had their fill of pracenda and alcohol.

As the eating slowed and the flirting increased, Straylor gradually had their plates removed and tipsily collected the wine bottle from an incoming waiter. With his free hand, he motioned for Elmaryia to lean closer before he whispered something naughty in her ear. He burst out giggling then, boyishly, but his eyes continued to watch his wife, the desire pumping through his warming blood like fire. "I think ... we're done with pracenda, non?" he grinned.

[Elmaryia Grey Leonard]

" Is that so?," Elmaryia asked with a chuckle as she brought a sliver of the white meat to her lips and gracefully brought it to her lips with her finger tips. Savouring the lobster meat she chewed and licked her lips. " Now darling you full well know that I do not need an aphrodisac to lure me into bed with you."

The indeed owed a great debt to the ancient that had saved Elmaryia from the clutches of her former master. " I am sure that she will be very happy to see you again. She is such a wonderful woman and we have many plans for the province of Carmelyn."

The meal was quite tasty and Elmaryia was enjoying it fully. For many era's she had lived on bread and scraps from Arrientus and his guests plates. Now she could eat whenever she wished and whatever she wanted. Another gift that her newly aquired freedom had given her.

Her husband could never hold is wine and upon hearing his whispered words, Elmaryia blushed and giggled. " Why darling you are toying with my innocent sensibilites," Elmaryia said in a mock scandilized tone. Standing up she took her husband's hand in her own. " Come on love I shall show you the imperial consul mansion. It is quite grand and in the spring and summer month's the garden's will be breath taking." With that said she led her stumbling husband out of the tavern.

[Straylor Leonard]

"The mansion, hmm?" Straylor replied teasingly, before chuckling in low tones. He was getting quite excited indeed. There wasn't a moment he didn't miss his wife, especially with the distance and time they've spent away from one another. He longed to be with her again, clothing optional. "I doubt those gardens of yours will rival your own beauty, love" Elma's husband pointed out with a grin. He chuckled again, before rising with her. "Full already? I'm still famished" he squeezed her hands into his before stealing another kiss.

A moment later, Straylor summoned a waiter and asked for the restaurant to place the evening's cost on his tab. "I will return on the morrow to clear the bill" he said curtly "for now, I have an appointment with my wife. One can never miss those, you know." He laughed tipsily then took another long sip of Medonian wine. "Say, Elma, love" Straylor began suddenly "you didn't want to take a little vacation in the Spring did you?" Between the exhileration of being with his beloved again and the bit of conversation they enjoyed, Stray had gotten to thinking about getting some time off from politics after the seasons turned. "Maybe Eunesia again? But some place different ... Olympia, maybe. I haven't been there yet. Think it's still closed after that infamous Tempest ..."