~*~Interview in Jaedaxia~*~ (open)

Eriale · August 28, 2008, 05:05 PM

As the carriage bounced along the dusty road-Eriale watched the world pass by outside. She felt so many emotions just now. Happy that all had turned out so well, sad that she had to part with her friends,
grateful for the kindness shown to her by so many.
She had grown wiser as time went on. Knowing now that it was far better to live honestly. No one would be looking for her now. She was free to come and go and in the day light.

She sat back in the carriage and closed her eyes. Inwardly she wondered what Jaedaxia was like and even more so what the interview would be like. She couldn't resist imagining herself as a Lady in her own personal carriage. An amused smile lifted the corners of her mouth as she whispered," Like that will ever happen." A soft feminine chuckle escaped despite her effort to keep quiet.

She gazed at the interior of the carriage and sighed softly. It was elegantly designed, roomy and comfortable. It was nice of Lady Pomason to send her
to her destination in her own carriage. Eriale was so happy that she could not help singing softly. Her voice carried soft, warm and richly from within to the driver who sat high on the coach. Her eyes danced with contentment, not aware that the driver could hear her singing.

Crimson · September 17, 2008, 10:52 PM

Secrets :

The carriage ride from Portshire was uneventful and bumpy. Which was always better than an orc-raid in Eriale's book. The interior of the transport was cozy indeed, comfortable, and sang of luxury she could have never afforded otherwise. The kindness of people always surprised the former pickpocket and it was always nice to be treated like nobility from time to time.

Pulled by a pair of white thoroughbreds, the carriage rolled into Jaedaxia with little hindrance from the local guards and other travellers. The driver, a middle aged Portshirian was cheery enough and never stopped his passenger from singing to her heart's content. After what felt like an age, the carriage finally eased into a stop and Eriale peeked through the curtained windows and saw that they had arrived.

Lady Pomason's friend was obviously well-off. The manor was walled and protected by an iron gate. Uniformed footmen manned the structure and halted visitors and guests regularly. Upon recieving Eriale's name and reason for visit, a young man dressed in the House's colors nodded and instructed the guards to let her through. They passed a rather splendid garden with frost-kissed trees and marble statues littered about. Winters were harsh in the Carmelyn, but Jaedaxia gave even the most bitter winters an etherael, timeless beauty.

Vines creeped about the red bricked mansion. It stood three floors from its foundations and was wide as it was spacious. Blue tiled steps led to the front door and the carriage driver escorted the 'Lady' from Porshire over to the brass handle and knocked in her stead. "Who is it?" a song like voice came from within. It was a woman, Eriale guessed.

Eriale · October 8, 2008, 05:13 PM

In a cheerful voice,Eriale spoke with confidence," Serale , My name is Eriale and I was sent to see her Ladyship, by her good friend, Lady Pomason. It is my hope that I may be of service to her. The letter I have with me should explain all. My abilities range from painting and jewelery to that of singing and basket weaving.

Eriale's mood was light and happy. A burden now removed she would start new and fresh here. She had seen the inside of many mansions-having often been asked to sing for guests of the elite. Sadly she had also used the oportunity to steal. Thought she could not recall having ever been in Jadaxia.

She waited now for the woman with-in's reply. From the sound of the voice on the other side of the door-she imagined a beautiful young woman, dressed in elegant attire. Though in truth. Ladies let there servants answer the door. Eyes dancing with excitement she scanned the area before her. Even the door knobs were highly polished. In her hands she clutched her jewelers bag, canvases and paints.

Inwardly she began to wonder what it would be like to work in a castle. Though she would not have dared to steal from such a place. Far too many guards and she knew her nerves would betray her. Inwardly she scolded herself,"I have got to stop thinking like a thief. I am no longer going to be one. " A dazzling smile lit her lovely face as she thought those words...No more a thief."

She watched now for the door to open . Wondering now where all this would lead her........

Crimson · October 16, 2008, 04:58 PM

"Lady Pomason?" the voice from within came. Slowly, Eriale heard the distinct click of bronze locks being disarmed before the door creaked open. Before her stood a stout woman of middle age; she had a thick wad of hair, rosey cheeks, and wide blue eyes. She smiled abruptly upon seeing Eriale, as if she had been expecting some kind of present that had been long delayed. "Oh my deeah!" she cried happily "welcome welcome! Please! Come in! Come in!"

Hustled inside, Eriale could only smile and say her thank you's while the lady dismissed the driver kindly. "Thank you, Thomas" she said brightly "I've prepared some food for you in the kitchen. Thank you nicely for driving her home."

"You are most welcome, madam Ponfrey" the driver said in mild tones. He inclined his head toward Eriale after that before making his way toward the kitchen for a well-deserved snack and some rest.

As the two women passed through a narrow hallway, Eriale noted a hint of old luxuries sprinkled about the home. There was a crystal chandellier above a spiral stairway leading to the manor's upper floors; along each corner were shelves filled with beautifully bound books of all sorts of subjects. Eriale could have easily spent a lifetime scrolling through them, if books were her fancy. There were also picture frames filled with simple yet elegant works of art. Some were even crowned by gold plated frames - Eriale knew this from her previous lifestyle as a thief. Even against the dull oil lamps' light, she recognized gold when she saw it.

"You are so welcome, Eriale" Lady Pomfrey began after the two of them had been seated on equally comfortable sofas in the living area of the manor. A maidservant arried carrying some tea and snacks, including bread and cheese and some sweat things to boot. "Have some" the woman said brightly, offering Eriale a tray full of sweets. "My favorite, you know" she added after biting a large chunk from her chocolate covered almonds "I love chocolates. But do tell me" she added "how is my old friend Pomason?"

Eriale · October 21, 2008, 04:05 PM

Eriale's eyes brightened at the sight of rich chocolate covered cherries and almonds. It had been a while since she had such delightful morsels. Quietly she thanked Lady Pomfrey. "She is remarkably well considering the troubles she has had to deal with. I fear that the Lord Pomason - does not fare so well. He has slipped into somesort of delirium and seems afraid of his own shadow. It is rather sad actually. The Lady, however, seems to think it is for the best. Something about the past is best left to the past."

Eriale hoped that this would satisfy the Lady-so that she would not pressure Lady Pomason for details about the whys and what-fores. The truth being that she did not wish her past to be brought up. Though she knew that there was always a chance there would be someone that recognized her from her past-she knew only one man had actually seen her steal anything. And he had been drunk at the time. Of course there were those who knew she was a thief in her past-Though she doubted that the Scarlett Otter or any of the other thieves of the 'Thieves Guild' would reveal her secret. After all-they too were thieves and as far as she knew-they had not changed. Though she had-she had not told them of her plans to leave.

Eriale marveled at the beauty and charm of this place. It was unlike any other she had seen. Since she would likely be working for this charming Lady--she would offer suggestions on how to prevent thieves from getting into her home-if needed. She would use her knowledge of the thieves and how they worked against them and for the good of others now. " My Lady-May I say you have a most beautiful home. I do hope you have it well guarded. I have heard tales of thieves in the area of Portshire. A thieves guilld-as it were. No doubt they would try for such treasures as these."

Under Lady Pomfrey's keen blue eyes, Eriale began to reveal some of her previous paintings. These included Landscapes and Portraits, beautiful Still-lifes and unusually creative painting with hidden suprises in them. She vaguely gestured to her jewelers case and mentioned that she has some talent in crafting jewelry. She touched on the fact that she could sing and had done so for other households -to entertain important guests-including a Duke. Summerizing the fact that she had taken up basket weaving as a hobby as well. All these things were told the Lady-not to brag on her accomplishments-but rather to insure that she could earn her keep. She sat now and listened to Lady Pomfrey in hopes that she would indeed hire her to serve here- as needed.

Crimson · November 7, 2008, 12:07 PM

"My my you are a very talented artist!" Lady Pomfrey exclaimed happily. With each piece Eriale drew from her pack, the noblewoman seemed to grow more excited and impressed. And at the mention of jewelry and song, Lady Pomfrey only got happier. "Why, Portshire will be sorry without you!" she giggled "well, well, I am rather impressed by your work, Eri, may I call you Eri?" She beamed.

"I will hire you immediately" she added in prompt, near pompous tones "you will receive a stippened for your supplies and a salary of two hundred crowns per month. That's forty crowns a cycle, dear" she smiled then continued. "My home is yours and servant work will be below you. You are a talented young woman and I indeed hope to raise you into the most popular artist in all of Jaedaxia. Non! In all of the Empire!"

With that, Lady Pompfrey swiftly ordered some of her menservants to deliver Eriale's sparse belongings to her room upstairs. It was a quaint place with the most comfortable bed the former pickpocket's ever been on. The mattress was filled with down feather and there were over a dozen layers of blankets, each with varying texture. A small chandellier hung overhead, but it was miniature compared to the grand chandellier made from actual diamonds and crystals near the dining area of the manor. Eriale's room also had a massive closet, several wooden chests for her clothes and other effects, along with a tub which, she was told, was filled with water and empited by the household staff every half brightening.

"We have a chef as well and a kitchen staff" Lady Pomfrey noted "they will accomodate any and all of your requests. But" she pointed out "you must haress your talents, oui? I want you to become the best of the best of the best! Creme dela creme! No excuses! Your lessons will be scheduled and I will expect a dazzling and excellent performance for my parties. Masterpieces shall line my walls. You and I, my dear, will become the envy of Jaedaxia!"

Eriale · November 10, 2008, 10:52 AM

Eriale smiled her most charming smile. Amused at the wonderful Lady Pomfrey. Her cheerful demeanor was contagious. It would not be long till she spent time listening to the Lady's tales and sharing some of her own past...Then it dawned on her,"What can I tell her? Oh she must never know of my past as a thief..she would thow me out on my..well you know...' Eriale dissmissed this for now. Nothing would spoil her mood just now. She would work hard and show the good Lady that she could indeed be a great help to her-and so she would be.

Delighted with her new surrounding she felt like a Princess. She gazed down from the balcony of her room. Her heart filled with a sense of wonder as she took in the sights and scents from below. The frangrant smell of fresh bread filled the air. Somewhere in the distance she heard the sound of a carriage and horse clattering on the cobbled streets.

A light breeze swept across the ground and through the trees-the sound of the leaves made her think of applause. Peeking around to be sure no one was watching she did a quick Princess wave - as she imagined what it would be like to be adored by the towns people. She chuckles femininely at herself,"That was fun."

Stepping back inside she swirled around in a pirouette. Her young heart full of dreams and hopes. She quickly began to set up her few things and placed her clothes in the closet and draws. These were so few that the closet and drawers seem to swallow them whole. Before now it had never even occured to her how few items she really had.

Having been a former thief she had learned to travel light. This way she could move about quickly-without being weighed down. Her treasures she had hid in the wharehouse loft that she had lived in for so long. Now here she was in the beautiful estate-surrounded by opulance. Her every indulgence could be met here. She waited until she was summoned by the Lady before she again approached her. The uttmost in respect would be called for here.

Eriale curiously considered her surroundings. She wondered secretly if Lords and Ladies and perhaps a Prince or some other notable ever ventured into these halls. But courtesy called for -not- assaulting her hostess with too many questions. In time her questions would likely be answered. But for now she would content herself with indulging the Lady with her full attention. Attending to the needs and desires of her new benefactor.

Crimson · November 15, 2008, 06:39 PM

And so the giggling and princess-like daydreaming continue for the duration of Lady Pomfrey's almost two candlemarks' worth of introduction for Eriale. She met the maids, menservants, chefs, and even the gardeners. Behind the manor was a small stables which was kept by the stable boy named Errik. The young vagaran was a quiet lad though he had a gift for horses. Lady Pomfrey had a total of five white horses, four of which served by pulling her lavish carriage whenever needed.

By the time Eriale was led to the dinning hall, the former pickpocket was greeted with a mouth-watering assortment of scents -- from steamed chicken, to roasted meats, and honeyed vegetables, buttered bread, and mash potatoes. "Oh, perfect" the noblewoman giggled, clapping her fat hands together "it's time for Pracenda! Marvelous. Here, here dear" she motioned to a cushioned seat on her right hand side. The Lady, of course, sat at the head of the table. "Sit by me!" She smiled sweetly and thanked a butler who graciously assisted the Mistress of the house as she sat down.

All the silverware was actually gold. Even the goblets were made from either pure silver or gold and were embedded with gems, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds to name a few. A white embroidered table cloth seperated the platters of delicious food from the polished oak wood beneath. And after a small bell rung from the kitchen, Lady Pomfrey turned giddy again and inclined her head to pray to Ioannes and the Sacred Three.

For now, Eriale was free to have whatever she wished -- and there was a lot of foods to choose from.

Secrets :

Eriale · November 18, 2008, 03:46 PM

Eriale settled down into a chair next to Lady Pomfrey. She gazed across the elegant spread before her. The candles gave off a bright,radient glow. The polished gold tableware and silver trays shimmered in the light-giving the room a festive look. The foods-and there were many-filled the room with a delicious aroma.

Eriale watched Lady Pomfrey quietly. She was trying to learn from watching the Lady how she was to behave. Her deepest desire was to repay her benefactor for her kindness. Part of this -was to be sure she did nothing that would embarres her kind hostess. She bowed her head respectfully when the Lady did so.

When the prayer had ended and she was sure she would not be interupting
Lady Pomfrey-did she speak," You must certainly be a good person to have been granted all these wonderful things, my Lady," Eriale said with a warm smile. Indeed Lady Pomfrey had been most kind to her since the day she arrived and so these words had come straight from Eriale's heart.

While she listen to Lady Pomfrey's reply she secretly wodered about the horses in the stables. How she would like to ride again. She had a horse of her own at one time--but had to sell him to pay for a place to stay. It had nearly broken her heart. She had heard that he had been sold to a Knight or a Lord. Perhaps one day she would again get to see her old friend. And who knows- the new owner might even visit Lady Pomfrey. 'It was possible-was it not? After all Lords and Ladies often mingled together for special events-balls, socials and even business ventures. Maybe. Eriale brightened at this thought. Still she listened to Lady Pomason.

The food was delightful and Eriale had to force herself not to be greedy. She had not eaten like this ever in her memory. Even though she had been a guest in large estate homes -where she had been asked to sing-there food had been provided for her--but she had eaten with the servants. She had not complained and had been grateful for what she was given...and sadly...for what she had taken.

She swallowed a bit harshly as she remembered her past. She hoped and prayed that any who came here to visit Lady Pomfrey--would only recognize her as the young singer that had performed for them and that none had realized she was the thief. It had always been her habit to steal things and hide them in an area with easy access. She would return later and steal the items from the homes...This way if she were stopped at the door and questioned-she had no evidence on her. When she would returned in the early morning hours , before sunrise-she simply slipped in a back door-took the item and then vanished again with them.

Now deeply ashamed of her past--she tried to make amends when ever possible. As far as she knew...Only two people could readily identify her and they too were thiefs. But as leader of the thief's guild-The Scarlett Otter and his apprentice Stryker were not likely to divulge that information-as she could also identify them as well.

Crimson · November 18, 2008, 11:45 PM

Fortunately for Eriale, she was safely away from the Scarlett Otters ... for the meantime at least. Behind Lady Pomfrey's iron wrought fences, thick walls, and comfortable furnishings, she was a new woman -- and like any piece of art, Eriale was granted a new canvas from which she could paint her destiny with careful, bold, or fantastic strokes -- whichever she desired. That was the beauty of it all. She was free.

The Lady giggled sheepishly as she watched Eriale eat timidly. "Oh you must be starving dear from that carriage ride, dear!" she said, biting into a richly buttered piece of bread. And with a napkin she wided the sides of her mouth, an action Eriale observed to be some sort of ritual or etiquette while eating. For the most part, Lady Pomfrey was just glad to have company again. Having servants was just not the same, though they were more than happy to accomodate the Lady's occasional rants. Just then, a footman appeared on the edge of the dining hall. And at Lady Pomfrey's beckoning, he entered, bowed, then whispered something to the woman.

Eriale, with her trained ear, managed to catch snippets of the conversation from her position. " ... a Sir Garmont, madam ... oui, a new neighbor I imagine ... young lad, not too bad on the eyes." For a moment, Lady Pomfrey and her footman exchanged loud whispers and occasional giggles with one another.

"Well send him in, Alfred" Lady Pomfrey waved a ringed hand and nodded "seems like we have a visitor dear" she said to Eriale with a double-chinned grin "a Sir Garmont, former officer in some provincial military. You know how a woman like me can never have enough of men in uniforms!" And she chuckled heartily, her fabolous flab jiggling as she did so.

Moments later, Alfred returned with a young man by his side. "Sir Garmont, Order of the White Rose" the footman introduced with a deep bow.

The visitor was a tall, strikingly handsome man in his mid twenties. He stood with grace but had strong shoulders the features of a womanizer. He glanced at Lady Pomfrey then his green eyes fell almost unexpectedly on Eriale and stayed there for a moment longer. "I am sorry, madam" he bowed "I seem to have interrupted your pracenda. I may return on the morrow" he smiled apologetically, and Eriale suddenly felt her heart beat a little faster than she wanted. With his left hand, he produced a small wooden box and passed it to Lady Pomfrey -- all after kissing her outstretched hand, no less.

"I am your new neighbor" he added with a half grin "I just wanted to say bonjour ..."

"Oh, mon dieu!" Lady Pomfrey replied, absentmindedly fanning herself with her free hand "oh, my dear!" She placed the gift idly on a spot next to her and motioned elegantly toward Eriale. "Sir Garmont, this is my new staff artist, Miss Eriale of Portshire."

"Bonjour" the apparent knight greeted then extended his hand in a practiced maneuver to receive Eriale's hand to kiss ....

Eriale · November 20, 2008, 02:25 PM

Eriale was speachless as the Knight took her hand. He was young,handsome and strong--she could feel that in his grip-even though he was quite gentle she could tell he was holding back. When she finally found her voice she smiled her most beautiful smile and answered,"A pleasure to meet you, Sir Knight." Eriale was dazzled by this elegantly attired Gentleman caller.

She could not help but admire his perfect speach and his beautiful eyes. The intensity of them matching her own. She wanted him to stay-but dared not say so. 'This is Lady Promfrey's home,' she reminded herself. She secretly hoped that she would be seeing more of this gallant stranger. If so-soon he would no more be a stranger.

A soft blush caressed her cheeks as his gaze met and held her own. When he kissed her hand she felt a stirring deep within. Her heart beat faster and she was sure he could hear it. For a moment Eriale forgot her hostess was even there. When the knight released her hand she blushed at Lady Pomfrey's gaze. She could not tell if the Lady was amused or annoyed.

Eriale held the hand that he had kissed close to herself-as if she had to protect the kiss he had just bestowed upon her. 'Even his smile is dazzling,"she thought. She had seen knights before--but always at a distance. One never knew if they had been sent to capture...a thief. Amused at herself she almost laughed. 'Silly girl--why would they send a Knight after a mere slip of a girl,'she chided herself inwardly.

Barely able to stiffle her laugh she put her hand to her mouth and cleared her throat to cover the blunder. "Goodness, forgive me,"she stammered. For a moment there was an awkward silence. It seemed that even Lady Pomfrey was dazzled by this noble Knight.

Trying to help she quickly mentioned,"Oh what a beautiful horse. Looks a lot like one I use to train,"she said as she indicated large white horse that was being held by a groomsman just outside the large window. "I fed him a special mix of grains that made him strong and kept his coat shining like silk." For a moment she was not sure she should have spoken out. She then defered to Lady Pomfrey. The Knights smile made her stammer. She hoped he did not think her silly-It was a strange feeling to Eriale--Usually it was the men who became all tongue tied around her. 'So this is what that felt like ,"she mused quietly to herself.