[Palais d'Améthiste] "...or Not to Be?" (private)

[Rossen Klaa'ren]

OOC."...That is the question." hehe, had to let it out, the whole soliloquy wouldn't fit in the title after all. :)

Timestamp: 2nd Cycle of Kalendryas, Autumn, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XVI Post Fractum

Everything seemed to hurt less and less, with each brightening that yielded to another.

Once Rossen had accepted the loss of the index finger on her left hand, her outlook started to improve. Even if her housekeeping duties had become considerably more challenging, she still managed to maintain the same standard of work without rousing any suspicion. Even now there were still the occasional stings of pain that seared through the void where her finger had been. Phantom pain: the mind still clings to what the body has already lost. But with time as her healer, no longer was it a distraction to her every-brightening life.

Besides, as long as she kept her hand bandaged up, and pulled her sleeves up, no one would ever have to know, right? ....Surely, there were others who had suffered worse injuries. Even now, they were coping relatively well, were they not?

What troubled her, however, was not the loss of a finger, but rather...the other injury that had been acquired alongside: an S-shaped burn, a blue-coloured scar that looked as though it had been carved like a brand-mark into the back of her hand, to the point where the bone was just showing underneath.

Layers of linen bandaging might conceal it away from the eyes of others, but always was the dreadful-looking mark at the back of Rossen's mind. The passing of seasons might heal some wounds, but it would not change the fact that there now were others who had a claim on her life. Nor would it cleanse her hands of the blood that was spilled the winter prior. This scar was a reminder, one that would serve to keep her on edge, should she start growing to the fancy that she could live her life happily as if nothing had ever happened. She no longer had that right. The scar itself was a symbol of that fact.

With each brightening that she continued to live, this nightmare would not end. That was what they told her. Whether these words fed her truth or poison, the effect was still the same. She was being force-fed this new reality, which continued even now to fill her with guilt and self-loathing.

Nothing would make this reality disappear. She had to face up to it, there was no other path for her to walk. And that was why the flaxen-haired Xind'ell maid was standing, at this very moment, before the door to the Earl's study. Why, she had remained there for quite some time now, occasionally lifting her hand as though finally deciding to alert his Excellency of her presence, then letting it fall dejectedly...as though changing her mind again and again.

On many occasions before, it had crossed her mind to appeal to the Earl for help - Help of the nature that she wasn't even sure he would be able, or willing, to provide. Along with that, there was also the fact that he had only just returned from the battlefield, and Rossen could not even think to trouble him while he was yet still recovering from horrid wounds that he'd returned with that brightening.

Of course, time had passed since then. The Earl was recovering well, and Rossen had found the time to think over her new set of circumstances. But even now, Rossen was hesitant. Reluctant. Matters internal, she hated having to relying on others like this. The last thing she wanted was to become another burden on another person's shoulders. This matter should have been hers alone to deal with. She would have preferred it that way.

But you cannot put it off forever, said the voice of reason that resided within. You know that things will only get worse in the long-run, whether for you...His Excellency...the people you care about...everyone around you. You don't want that...do you?

...As if the answer was not already obvious. With that in mind, Rossen steeled her insides resolutely and rapped twice upon the door per usual, before entering the Earl's study.

The flaxen-haired maid greeted her master with a graceful curtsy as usual, before swiftly pulling her sleeve further up her bandaged left hand. She folded both hands behind her back.

"Good brightening to you, your Excellency. I hope everything has been treating you well as of late."

She smiled a bit weakly, before her expression turned reticent in contemplation. For a moment, her throat locked up in her nervousness, she was yet still hesitant about the request she was about to make. Keeping her eyes slightly towards the floor, she began to explain herself, in a somewhat quiet voice that faltered at intervals.

"I... I do not mean to trouble you, mi'lord, especially at a time like this, but..." She bit against her lip slightly, taking the time to muster her words. "...I've come to ask you for help. I've fallen into a bit of trouble, you see... though I wonder if I ought to be asking for this sort of aid..."

She said this with an artificially light-hearted tone of voice, as though trying to laugh off her worries, but...right now, her ordinarily sprightly manner seemed like a thing of the past. As much as she did her best to hide it, there was no overlooking the symptoms that indicated the onset of anxiety.

"...I need a new visa, and...a new identity."

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Riconus was working tirelessly in his office when Rossen finally knocked twice on his door, and entered. It would seem that the Earl was deep into work that he dreaded completing, for it involved months of backed-up inventory counts for his many forges and restaurants. More money, more problems... truly, there was no greater fact in life.

Therefore, Rossen's entrance was a welcoming reprieve from paperwork and complex mathematics. "Ah, Rossen. Please, come in, and save me from this work... I swear, I'll be paying street whores to fight each other soon, just to find some entertainment." The notion was meant purely in jest, although if Rossen knew one person that might actually go with such a ridiculous idea, it was probably Riconus.

"Take a seat." Riconus motioned, as his hand requested her to sit at a chair in front of his desk. "What seems to be the problem? If it's that idiot guardsman always hitting on every woman who walks through the front doors, you'll be glad to know that I reassigned him to an establishment of mine out in Vioux, many a brightening's walk from a Jaedaxian woman."

However, it seemed Rossen's problems were far greater than immature boys. A new visa and a new identity? Surely, Riconus could provide both... but why would a house servant need such reformation in her life? It was truly amazing, that Rossen seemed to get in more trouble than any of the Earl's rebellious cousins; Although, perhaps his cousins were just better at getting away with things. Rossen, as previous experience would indicate, did share such skills at evasion.

"... Why, in the name of Diana, could you possibly require either of those two things? Of course, I can get you a visa without too much difficulty, and there are plenty of safehouses around Aelyria that I could grant you access to. However, I shall not complete any extreme favours without first knowing exactly why you are taking such measures.

And please, Rossen, spare me the 'none of my business' routine. You made it my business the moment you walked into this room... Now, what happened."

[Rossen Klaa'ren]

At first, Rossen was apprehensive about the very idea of wandering in and interrupting the Earl's work. At his prompt, she unquestioningly took the seat in front of his desk, smoothing out her skirts, sitting at the edge of the chair, and placing her hands in front of her knees - One hand covering the other.

From the rather stoic expression on her face, such a mundane thing as the issue of a young man's advances seemed an almost delightfully trivial matter in comparison to the grave dilemma she faced now. The maid winced slightly as her master demanded of her an explanation, which was something that was only to be expected. With a desire to change one's name and identity came also reasons one was not always proud of.

But she owed him exactly that much for even making the consideration to help her, even if she hated herself at the moment for getting him involved in this mess. And right now, having harboured such darkness and fears for so long, Rossen felt as though she needed to speak her inner mind. To someone. To anyone, whoever would listen.

As such, once she took a minute to brace herself for the words that were about to surface, Rossen began. Not with the beginning of the story in question, but rather, with a confession.

"I...I never meant to hurt anyone." Her voice shook slightly. "...I know it's all my fault, but I don't know what I did wrong. Should I have been more careful? I'm...I'm always getting into such awful trouble, and I’m never able to understand why. Am I just unlucky? Am I just not smart enough to figure it out on my own? Am I a bad person? ...Or am I not cut out for the real world at all?"

This was even worse than the time she was caught eavesdropping at the Royal Marshal’s office. In this case, hers was a crime she did not fully comprehend, as simple as those who had confronted her made it all sound.

"Do you... remember the Elementalist attack on Jaedaxia last winter...?"

It was news that was unlikely to escape any who lived within the city. Nearly an entire section of the city was burned down in arcanic flames, taking with it over a hundred and thirty lives. Rumour spoke of a lone elementalist who was responsible for it all, but none could say the reason...save for a mere handful of certain people.

Rossen kept her eyes trained to her knees, where her hands tightened slightly. "The mage responsible had been a part of the bloody coup that destroyed the Nor'valen family. With Master Romitan missing, they're sending mages to hunt him down. ...But, they found me first. They know that I'm a maid in Jaedaxia, that I'm the last surviving servant of the Nor'valen family, and thus the one ally Romitan has left. And that is why they are not intent on letting me live. I might have survived the attack last winter, but it is only a matter of time until they send more on their way, to finish the job they had started in the first place."

Though she kept her eyes downcast, her irises began to wander slightly, as though she was recollecting a vision in her memory that had not faded over the passing of seasons.

"They...they won't leave us alone. They won't stop at anything. The destruction of entire cities or hundreds of innocent lives don't mean a thing to them. They won't stop until we're both dead. If they know that I work here...they'll find me, and they'll cut through anyone who stands in their way."

She looked up for but a brief moment towards the Earl, wondering if he had begun to understand, not only her reasons, but also the sense of foreboding in that knowledge alone.

As she paused, what began as a relatively simple explanation turned a somewhat dark tone.

"The people who saved me...told me that my life is less than worthless. With the lives that were lost because of me, my soul belongs to Jalat now. I'm already as good as dead. Just by existing, I've dragged so many people into this spiral of destruction, and I will continue to do so for each moment that I keep on living. I'm the cause of so much suffering, and more people will get hurt because of me. That was what they told me."

An eerie, hollow-eyed smile crept up from beneath that stoic facade.

"They said to me... that my existence should be erased from this world... Everyone, including myself, would be better off...everyone would be safer...if I simply...disappeared. I'm a curse. A mistake. I'm the reason for it all. Everything that happened is my fault, I shouldn't have come to Jaedaxia in the first place. Things can only get better if I just die. That was what I was told."

There was little verbal indication about how she felt about being told such things. But from the tone in her voice and the look on her face... it was clear right there, how much words alone, while not leaving any visible scars, could utterly carve up the inside.

"Do you understand, mi'lord? Do you know what that means? As long as I keep on living, serving you like this, then...then I'm sure that you'll be cursed too. You, Lady Esme, and the child that will arrive soon... Everyone here. Do you understand? Getting you involved is the last thing I could want, please believe me."

The look that she gave him now was direct and meaningful, reflecting no less than all the gravity of the manner. It seemed as though the presence of such a burden on one’s conscience instilled a sense of responsibility that one had no choice but to act on, even if they were the most timid or cowardly people in existence.

"And that's why...I absolutely have to become someone else, for whatever length of time is necessary. I have to put a stop to this, through any means possible. ‘Rossen Klaa’ren’ isn’t a person who is fit to exist anymore. But if I can throw away the person I’ve been up until now...if I can just 'disappear', even for a little bit, I can buy that much more time for everyone. I can keep everyone safe.”

Smiling a bit weakly, as though to muster what was left of her courage for what she was about to say next, Rossen added, in a somewhat apologetic voice.

"Th-that said, if you think my presence bears you too much risk, then... then I won't hold any grudge should you ask me to leave. You've been so kind and generous when I don't deserve it, I don't want to see you involved in this senseless conflict. If you wish it of me, then ....I'll disappear from your world forever."

Falling silent at last, she left the decision right there for the Earl to make. She had been backed into a corner, the help he offered was the only way out that was within her sight. But...should he choose to turn his back now, then... Rossen would surely understand.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

OOC: Um... PS... you're avvy scares the hell outta me lol.
---

Even beginning to absorb Rossen's complete story was enough for Riconus to draw a headache, as was evident in the slow movement of his hands rubbing over his face. The Earl's eyes closed as he collapsed back in his chair, and tossed his quill onto the desk.

"A group of powerful mages want you dead... is that the jist of it?"

Riconus didn't expect a response, to the contrary, all his mannerisms suggested he did not want Rossen to speak but even one word. After a moment or two, which seemed like an eternity under the excruciating weight of silence, he rose from his chair to look out the window behind the desk, arms crossed. "My child is due next season, Rossen. The only reason I swore off the battlefield is for his or her sake, and now, I must worry about you bringing a league of villains to my front door..."

Sharply, Riconus turned around, although his manner seemed far less exhausted of Rossen's antics than before. "You know, you seem to get in quite a bit of trouble, for a woman that would deny my passes." For the first time since she entered, Rossen noticed the most feigning of smiles on her master's lips. Casually, he returned to his desk, and began sorting out documents from every drawer in his desk. Thus, without looking at her, Riconus began to issue directions.

"I'm sending you to Aelyria Prime. There, you'll be able to use a safehouse in the city's Castle district, once used for a Special Operations Unit formerly under my command." After retrieving it, a black key and small map was slid across his desk, for Rossen to pick up. "The safehouse is located here. It will appear to be a abandoned tavern, but around back, you'll find a reinforced door that leads to more comfortable quarters. Use the key for the door, and do not - I repeat, do not - allow anyone to see you entering or leaving the house."

After a moment or two more, Riconus returned to a massive chest behind his desk, and retrieved one of countless bank vouchers located inside it. It was safely fastened shut after use. "This voucher is valued at one thousand crowns." The Earl continued, as it too was shuffled across the desk. "Use it only for food and information, and it should last you for more than enough time, until you can figure things out.

Xavier should be talking with Gwenivere in the Servant Quarters now: tell him I said to craft an Imperial Visa for you, under the name 'Federya Xind'ell'... no watchmen should look too carefully at a visa when they notice a name like that, and if they do, I would be able to verify its certification through your new surname." Again, Riconus withdrew from his seat, walking around the desk before leaning on its front, directly in front of Rossen. His impressive stature towered over Rossen's confused mind, as he intended.

"I have never permitted a servant to get away with so much infractions, without penalty. So, I hope you will take such generosity into account, and rid my House of this problem before you return here. Should you require any further assistance, you need only write a letter here... but while my wife is with child, such help must be rendered from a distance.

Questions?"

[Rossen Klaa'ren]

OOC.Yeah, I’ve gotten that a lot. And it pleases me to no end. *grins sugar-sweetly*

Rossen shifted uncomfortably in her seat. At the moment, she was all too aware of the tension that was just about starting to culminate while the Earl mulled over this information. Despite his silence, it was clear to Rossen, judging from his mannerisms and expression, that what none of what she had said sat well with him.

I must be dead set on becoming the most troublesome servant ever to be set to work in the Palais, Rossen thought to herself, amused and in despair at the same time.

It was evident from the words that were finally spoken that theEarl was not intent on keeping her around any longer, particularly when he had much to risk in doing so. As Rossen had feared, the events of recent times were causing her to overstay her work term. Could she have possibly expected anything else?

So…he was ordering her to go to Prime? Rossen’s features shifted slightly into something of a frown as she contemplated this idea. Despite the fact that his Excellency was going beyond the terms of her request to lend her aid, Rossen was somewhat diffident. This much was apparent from the tense silence she gave in reply.

As for the voucher, Rossen pursed her lips slightly, not knowing how to take it. One part of her surmised that…decidedly, the Earl was once again, going beyond what she had asked, as a way of helping her. That said…

…He must really wish for me to get out of his sight, mind, and life, if he’s going so far as to pay me for it.

Inwardly, she sighed at the Earl’s decision… But at the same time, Rossen understood. He had more to lose than did she, looking from his perspective, at least.

That did not necessarily mean that Rossen was in agreement of the suggested course of action.

A moment was spent in silent contemplation, and as such she remained perfectly silent and unmoving in her seat. Then, she rose to her feet and moved towards the desk. A moment more was spent looking over what was being offered to her.

Rossen reached out. The key, the map, the voucher – with unmistakable rejection she pushed all of it away from her, and so they slid back towards the opposite side of the desk.

Well then. If it’s your problem that I’ve become... Rossen kept this thought firmly to herself as she turned, and lifted her face to meet the Earl’s eyes directly with her own.

Shame she did not have a pedestal on her person. She might have had an easier time achieving an eye-to-eye conversation, as she wished so right now. That said, considering the seriousness in her expression, perhaps maintaining eye-contact was all she need do to achieve this.

“I appreciate your generosity, your Excellency, but I only asked for a means to change my identity, not for a place to hide. If you wish for me to leave the Palais, then simply order it of me.”

This was said in a clear and calm voice, one that demonstrated all the respect she owed to one of his standing. And yet it possessed all the edge of resolve, even stubbornness to a degree.

“That said, along whatever unfinished business I have in Jaedaxia, I made a promise to address this problem directly and put an end to it. Running away, or hiding, is not what I intend to do. Therefore, a safehouse far off in Prime is not something that I need, or have want of.”

All of this was said as she maintained eye-contact with him, dark-autumn eyes that somehow possessed a cutting clarity that matched that of her words, which neither stammered nor faltered. Somehow, right now, she seemed a far cry from the timid, indecisive maid that she had been but a moment before. It did not seem to even matter how the Earl was taking this sort of reply.

“Likewise, I am already overstepping my bounds by asking you to supply me a fake visa; there is no need for you to be involved anymore than you already are. Therefore, I cannot accept the responsibility of bearing the surname Xind’ell, especially if it means that my actions will be traced back to you. There is no other help you need grant me other than what I ask for, nor I do not wish for it should it mean getting you tangled up in this mess I've made.”

Was this really the same girl who tripped on washbuckets on a constant basis, shrieked at the sight of cockroaches, listened through keyholes, and lost her nerve at every moment of embarrassment? Clearly, when it came to the things that had to do with the direction of her life and self, no one assumed more center and control than did she. ...Even if it meant refusing help to make sure things were done her way.

“I hope you understand my reasons, your Excellency. All I need is a visa and nothing more, but I promise you that it will make all the difference. Whether or not you trust me, you can be assured that it'll help me keep this problem purely my own, until I find the means to end it. ...As for the name I am to use-“

She looked away for but a moment, frowning in thought, as though she was right now, in a purely decisive moment. Upon appearing satisfied with herself, her gaze shifted back determinedly towards Riconus.

“...Instead of your proposed name, allow me to make it so that the name on my visa is 'Ainsel Lu’ciel.'”

…'Ainselmeaning: 'my own self''…Wasn’t that a boy’s name?

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Riconus couldn't hide his surprise at Rossen's new rise in opinion. Surely, she understood the favours she was asking, no? That Riconus was even providing support for the woman was extremely unusual, considering the problems it could have presented for he and his house. From his chair, he looked up at Rossen with lifted eyebrows and a confusing smile.

"So, let me get this straight, Miss Klaa'ren." Riconus began, before rising from his seat. "You come here to tell me that my house is in danger because of your association to a former employer, and ask for my help... and when I provide it, you dare pick and choose what parameters you will abide by.

... You are beginning to frustrate me, m'lady." The tone in Riconus' voice was that of a growing aggrevation, though she didn't see any expressions on the Earl's face when he moved for the study's doorway. Loudly, Rossen could hear her master call out for Xavier, prompting the elderly gnome to appear moments later.

"Yes, m'lord?" Xavier appeared confused, especially how Riconus said nothing until falling back into his chair, behind the desk. There was a thick tension in the room until the Syl finally broke its silence with his deep voice.

"Rossen needs transportation out of the city, and a forged visa." His icy blue orbs stared off into the distant wilderness that occupied the view of his study's window. "The visa's name is Ainsel Lu’ciel. Provide her one thousand crowns, and transportation to wherever she needs in Aelyria."

"Ainsel Lu’ciel, m'lord?"

"This would be a bad time for questions, Xavier." Xavier nodded slowly as Riconus' attention returned to the two individuals standing in front of him. Eventually, his eyes fixated on Rossen again. "You have one season to figure you situation out, after which time I will presume your undoing.... Xavier will escort you out.

Good evening, Miss Klaa'ren. I shall pray to Carmelya that your return is soon, and hopefully without your constant reservation towards some unknown former master of yours." Rossen had enough time to speak any last piece to Riconus, but there was a chance such words would fall deaf ears, indicated by the Earl's eyes returning to the view outside his study's window. Without any further words, Rossen felt the small but worn hand of Xavier gently tugging on her blouse from below. Quietly, she was escorted out of the study and into the atrium.

After a surprisingly long wait, Xavier returned to Rossen with an thin case of brown leather, containing 1000 crowns in bank vouchers and a visa that red as follows:

Secrets :   AELYRIAN IMPERIAL VISA Name: AINSEL LU'CIEL Born: MEDONIA, ENAMORIA PROVINCE Birth Date: ERA II PRE FRACTUM Eye Colour: BROWN Charges: NO CRIMES RECORDED Citizenship: GRANTED, NO SPECIAL PERMISSIONS

Not a moment after placing the brown ledger in Rossen's hands did Xavier begin to explain. "Here is enough money to keep you alive and then some for a season or two, as well as an Imperial Visa.

I don't know what you did, Rossen, but Earl Xind'ell does not just commit forgery on a whim. Whatever you have done must directly affect him. That said, I cannot permit you inside the palace again until your situation is figured out. A carriage waits for you outside; the coachman has been paid well, so he'll take you to Trelore if necessary.

I hate to do this, Rossen... but please, take your leave from this place until you have cured that which curses you."

[Rossen Klaa'ren]

Now seemed the best time to hold her tongue, Rossen mused to herself. This judgment arose purely from the tension that was on the rise between both maid and master. Though the Earl appeared calm and more or less reasonable, from both his words and tone, Rossen was perceptive enough to recognize a growing storm when she saw it.

Rossen remained resolute, her eyes moving only to acknowledge Xavier's arrival before returning back to meet those of the Earl.

There was much she wanted to say there and then, how she had absolutely no intention of leaving the city, and how she had no need of such a sum from the nobleman. But to that end, she would only be restating what had been said before. Outright obstinacy from either of them would get them nowhere, Rossen thought to herself. ...If it were implicit, on the other hand...

Given how she was already looking intently at him, Rossen did not have to adjust her gaze as the Earl returned his own upon her, making his last words.

It seemed a bland formality this time, his parting graces. Rossen thought little of it, save for the last bit - His mention of the most important person in the world to her as 'some unknown former master' of hers.

She blinked, giving no visible reaction to such words, other than a reticent expression...and a raised brow. The source of confusion might have been apparent.

After all, was this not the very same gentleman who had offered with such warmth and sincerity to help her look for Master Romitan in the first place?

...Well, she would forgive him. The Earl must have been referring to someone else. Romitan had always been and was ever still, a master to her, one that was neither 'unknown' nor 'former'.

As for her own last words and gestures of farewells, what else could she think of but to be as polite and professional as she had always been? Even with the Earl's back turned towards her, Rossen stepped back and performed her trademark curtsy, though this time it was deeper and more solemn than was usually displayed. Her words were short in number, but not in tone. Deaf ears might have been receptive to what was not being said within that frame of time.

"I thank you for your aid, mi'lord. T'was a pleasure having served you."

As Rossen was led out into the atrium, she endured the wait with perfect patience, smiling her gratitude towards Xavier as he handed her the visa. She glanced at it briefly, before nodding in satisfaction and turning her attention back towards Xavier.

"Xavier, I've already told his Excellency, I've no need nor want of the money. It'll do me better to spare my peace of mind the thought of being indebted to him." 'Of all people' she added in silence. She handed back the vouchers firmly.

"Also, perhaps you should tell him he'd better ask the coachman for a refund. To where I intend to go, I can easily walk." Realizing that her words were becoming somewhat sharp, Rossen paused for a moment...then smiled apologetically towards Xavier. "I'm sorry... I'm being difficult, I know, but... I want to make my own choice in the matter, that's all." Contemplating in thought, she suggested brightly. "I know! Find on the map of Telath the most remote, distant, and inhospitable place in relation to Jaedaxia, and tell his Excellency that that's where I'm headed! Of course, I've no intention of actually leaving the city, but at least your overlord will be rest assured, yes?"

Rossen sighed a bit sadly. "Either way, Xavier... I thank you for your kindness throughout the duration of my stay here. I know I've been troublesome, and I apologize for it. ... If you find the opportunity, please apologize to the Earl for me, as well. In any case... it seems like farewell is in order. Even if there should be a later time when I would be welcomed back... I would not expect a return any time soon, if at all. But either way, I thank you...and bid you farewell."

Smiling her farewell, Rossen took the Visa and (if there was nothing left to be said and done) began heading back towards her chambers to pack, say her farewells, make adjustments, and depart for the city.

[Riconus Xind'ell]

Perhaps she did not hear it, but Xavier gave a quick "Please be safe..." as Rossen passed through the door, a final request of Xavier's that was muffled as he began to choke up on his words. The sight was easily enough for one of the other housemaids watching the incident to cry, for no other reason than seeing an old man like Xavier going moist in the eyes. It was a heartbreaking sight indeed, on all accounts.

However, not more than a moment was paid at the now shut doors of the palace, before Xavier charged off to the study of his master, eyes once misty now enraged. It was known throughout the palace, that Xavier was one of the few people on the planet that spoke his mind to Riconus, without filtering thought. Only under that liberty did he charge into the Earl's study without knocking - as brazenly as a gnome could - and spoke his piece. Loudly.

"WHAT A STUBBORN ASS YOU ARE!"

Riconus, still looking out his window, said nothing nor moved any. If not for it being so conceded to suggest, Riconus almost predicted Xavier's response; he knew Xavier liked her, saw her as something of a daughter even. It was perhaps for that reason that Riconus kept his chair faced away from the study's entrance... lest his confidant or anyone else see the concern for Rossen that streaked through Riconus' eyes like a cancer. Still, the Earl attempted to keep himself as reserved as ever.

"Please lower your voice, Xavier. I value your candidness with me, but not if it means attracting the ears of my staff."

"... I'm sorry, Riconus." Xavier replied, his voice lowered as requested. "... But why? Why exile that poor girl, and send her directly into harm's way? I mean, what could she have possibly done to warrant your wrath in this way???"

"Allow me to answer you last question first." Riconus turned his seat around to answer Xavier's question eye-to-eye. "I agreed to help her find the whereabouts of this former master of hers - or, well, current, it would seem. But I wish I could give you a transcript of the conversation, so I can show you the void surrounded by my acceptance of the possible dangers it had towards my family. She claims there are mages hunting her down and that they'll come after my House to find her - would you have me risk my wife and the growing child in her womb so that she can draw the attention of mages I don't know anything about?"

"Riconus, that still doesn't mean---"
"Answer my fething question, Xavier!" Riconus quickly interrupted. By now, the better part of the palace's staff - guards, housemaids, even a groundskeeper - focused their work closer and closer to the study, desperately trying to listen in on the altercation.

"... No. If it was my family, I would not risk such things."
"Thank you!" Riconus exclaimed aggressively, and continued before Xavier could finish his thought. "And in response to your first question," Riconus had his back arched over his desk, hands placed even on the desk. "I did not throw her into harm's way - she volunteered to go out there, and chase some former master of hers that doesn't pay her salary, provide her food or shelter, or even give her the clothes on her god damn back!!!"

Xavier's footing fell back three steps as his master's voice raised to epic volume, a wise calculation as, in his own fury, Riconus grabbed the glass vase on his desk and hurled to the wall, shattering it into pieces. The sound of fine glasswork smashing the wall with the same resilience as that of a twig against a charging stallion was preceded by a mighty roar usually reserved by the Syl for the bedroom or the battlefield... once it broke, silence was casted over the room like a thick cloud.

Not a servant in the palace wasn't within earshot of the study now.

After a moment, Riconus finally broke the silence, embarrassed by his temper. "... Forgive me, Xavier. That was so very uncalled for."

With his eyes still drawn to the floor, Xavier replied in a somber voice. "... Quite alright, m'lord."

"Oh come now, Xavier, enough of that 'm'lord' garbage. You know I always appreciate you just calling me Riconus when in private."

"You know how nosy the staff is here, I doubt this conversation is still very private."

"Touché." Riconus let out a small huff that was supposed to be a laugh. Finally, he sat his rear on the edge of the desk, arms crossed, eyes down. "It tears through my heart like a knife to consider, let alone know, that Rossen is in danger. But young as she may be, she's her own woman and shall do as she wishes. I will say a prayer to the gods for every brightening that she is away in some unknown land."

"Well, if it would please Your Excellency-- er, I mean Riconus, whatever. Rossen confided to me that she actually was not leaving Jaedaxia, it would appear that completing her quest can be done so within the city. I can have a few of our more specialist soldiers in the Sapphire Guard watch over her in plain clothes, to ensure she's ok."

"I don't think I should interfere with any of her affairs anymore. Although, if one of our men happened to notice her somewhere in the city, I wouldn't mind knowing she's safe."

"Very well. Well, I'll leave you to your affairs again, and get all the servants back to their damn chores. Oh, and I'll get a maid to clean the mess in here."

"To Aeternia with that. I'll go find a broom and clean it myself. If anyone's going to clean up something that comes from my temper or stupidity, it's me."

[Rossen Klaa'ren]

OOC.prior post made me laugh and tear up so much, just had to make one last reply, lol
[Fake Songstamp:"Thanks for the Memories" ~Fall Out Boy]


After a certain span of time, Rossen emerged from her chambers, gathering up her belongings and carrying them with her. A cloak was wrapped around her shoulders, a hood drawn up to cover her hair partially. A pair of cutting shears were returned to Lady Guinevere, to whom she said a tearful goodbye. She was donning plainer clothes. Her maid outfit had been left on the bed, inside what had been her quarters before, now an empty, vacant room.

Rossen was sniffling as she made her way down the path. Though passers-by may presume to think otherwise, tears were NOT the cause of her mild fitfulness. She was sneezing. Was there something about cutting hair that induced an allergic reaction? Or was someone just talking about her behind her back?

Either way, the....former maid of the Palais was furiously rubbing her nose to clear it of redness (and in turn, achieving the complete opposite effect) as she made her way back to the study to give her farewells to her former overlord, properly this time. The last time they had spoken, tempers were on the rise, and she had left quickly before either of them had the opportunity to say words that they might regret...

That said, Rossen found that her access to the study was completely barred by what seemed to be ... a crowd consisting of what Rossen was sure to be the entire household staff.

...and they were eavesdropping, of all things.

Sniffling quietly, Rossen watched them with a bemused expression. Well, perhaps it was an odd sort of nostalgia, but... did this not seem like a familiar scenario, now? From her own experience, she might have warned them of the various consequences of such unseemly acts as eavesdropping, but... oh, it was not in her liking to be a busybody. Best not deprive the dilligent and loyal houseworkers of their love of gossip, yes? Smiling to herself at this amusing scene, nonetheless, Rossen stealthily sidestepped, avoiding all notice whatsoever, and made her way back to the Palais entrance. Perhaps now was not the best time to step into...whatever storm was stirring up in the study right now.

Just behind her, the sound of shattering glass and a voice that sounded as though the Earl was having a fit of his own was enough to confirm that. Growing a bit apprehensive, Rossen hastened her footsteps to a frantic pitter-pat towards the exit.

So she would not have a chance to rephrase her farewells into one more heartfelt and sincere? It made her feel somewhat remorseful, not being able to even thank him, to tell him how grateful she was for everything he had done, but Rossen doubted that the Earl would miss it.

Still, there were pleasant memories that had unknowingly sprouted while working here in the Palais, yes? Well, there were some that were unpleasant, and others that were downright embarrassing, but all in all.... No, she would not regret working here. The people here were kind and hospitable, not least of all the Earl, come to think of it. And that was why she had to leave. Whatever horrible mess Rossen was tangled up in now...she was determined not to let anyone else involved, if she could help it.

She would not work as a maid again. There was only one Master to whom she devoted herself now.

Rossen ignored the carriage at the gates and instead broke away into a light run with her belongings in tow, along the familiar winding path that lead away from the Palais and into the city. From the inside of her hood, she sneezed, and let out a disgruntled sniffle, rubbing tearful eyes that slightly stung.

Why am I sneezing so much? Someone is certainly speaking much of me this brightening...I certainly hope 'tis not a conspiracy.

...Or perhaps she truly was breaking into tears this time.