Yrantan adventures (Completed)

[Ezri]

It was annoying, seeing this criminal lounge around her room as if he owned it. He didn't look like a recently escaped inmate, but there was no doubt about him being a dangerous man. As much as Anna didn't want to give in to any more of his demands, she couldn't deny that she wanted to know what he was after. She couldn't think of a reason for him to still be here now that the guards had left, but apparently he had one. But there was no way she was willingly going to put herself in such a vulnerable position again.


"Wait," she asked Levon quietly, hoping he'd calm down a little. Even if she was also upset, Levon looked like he might actually kill this man and she didn't think she wanted that. Frowning, she turned back to the intruder and spoke with what she hoped was convincing authority. "If there's something you want to say, I'll let you say it now. With no interruptions. But you'll understand if I don't want to be alone with you."

 

[ArcticFox]

"I can't imagine why." The intruder smiled ferociously. "Fine." He finally said, getting up from the bed and walking to stand in front of Anna. Levon immediately stepped to the right to shield her from the approaching man, which caused him to raise his hands defensively. "Your little mistress is safe, dog." He snarled at Levon, but then put away the knife in the holster on his thigh. "Here."


Levon just gave a slight nod and stepped aside, but his eyes never left Anna, and his muscles were still tensed and ready to jump at the intruder if he made one wrong move.


"You have a very faithful watchdog, here, girl." The stranger said to Anna, his snarl turning into a smile now. "I have a request, no, a proposition for you." His eyes glinted as spoke. "First, I'm Zach. A pleasure." And he sketched a theatrical bow.


"Anna." The girl said, her brows still furrowed, her tone suspicious.


"Great." Zach nodded. "My proposition is this: You let me stay here for a couple of days and I'll make it worth your while."


"How exactly?" Anna asked.


"However you choose. I can offer you my services or I can pay you in cash." He shrugged.


"I'd advise against it, madam." Levon chimed in. "He is more trouble than he is worth."


"Oh, but you do admit that I am worth something, dog?" Zach grinned mischievously. "Come now, I already said I won't make any trouble."


- Accept Zach's proposition.


- Deny Zach's proposition.

 

[Ezri]

Zach was certainly dramatic, wasn't he -- he seemed more like a charlatan than some ordinary thug. After all the trouble he'd put her through, and even while insulting her steward, he still seemed totally confident that he would get what he wanted. Her frown turned more into a pout, and part of her wanted to refuse just to knock him down a peg. "I don't want your money. Or your 'services'." she huffed; even if she needed the cash, anything he had was probably stolen. And she couldn't think of any service a convict could offer her that she'd be able to stomach accepting.


But there was a reason he wanted to stay here; the only one she could think of was that he needed to lay low until the guards weren't so vigilant about searching for him. Unfortunately, she was tangled up in that web now, too, and Zach had no reason to protect her if he was captured. Her expression apologetic, she glanced up at Levon and hoped he would understand this much before turning back. "You can stay until tomorrow night, the guards should be focused elsewhere by then. But not any longer than that."

 

[ArcticFox]

"Great!" Zach exclaimed in excitement. "I'll sleep here." And he was ready to walk off to Anna's bed.


"You will not!" She protested.


"What? I never said you can't sleep with me, girl." The convict gave her a sly smile, but in the moment he said that, Levon was on top of him. It seemed that the steward finally lost his patience. 


"You can insult me, but I will not stand for you insulting my madam." He spoke, his tone still calm and even, but there was a threatening undertone if you listened well. He held Zach by the collar, but the convict had already drew out his knife and its tip rested on Levon's ribs.


"Please!" Anna had to get involved. "Please give it a rest, both of you." At her words, Levon stepped away in an instant, while Zach gave a whistle.


"You really are an obedient dog."


"Stop it." Anna raised a finger in his direction. "Sleep somewhere else. Levon, please find him a room for tonight. I'm tired."


"Yes, madam." Levon nodded and opened the door, waiting for the convict to exit first. Zach flashed her another grin before exiting.


Anna was back in her bed for the second time that night, only then realizing that she had been in her night gown the whole time in front of everyone. And that gown wasn't the thickest piece of cloth she had, it was very light and almost sheer, silky and cool enough for the hot Yrantan summer. She would be more embarrassed if she wasn't so tired. Covering herself and setting in a comfortable position, she closed her eyes. Not a second later she felt a hand on her cheek. A finger brushed away a strand of her hair, as gentle as a feather might.


"I'd prefer to sleep with you." It was Zach's voice, but not as menacing as it was when he first entered her bedroom.


- Send him away.


- Let him sleep on the bed.


- Let him sleep on the divan.

 

[Ezri]

For a second Anna just froze, wondering if this was a dream or a bad case of deja vu, but it was undeniably real. How had he managed to sneak in again?! Her cheeks grew hotter in a mixture of anger and embarrassment, and she tried to ignore how much softer his demeanor was. He had terrorized her all night after all, a little acting wasn't going to sway her so easily. Even if it was a bit flustering.


"You are persistent!" she cried, pushing his hand away and glaring sharply. Zach had a lot of nerve coming in here and flirting -- he was lucky that she'd let him stay in the house at all! "I'm sure your room is perfectly fine, go back there!"

 

[ArcticFox]

"I am very persistent." Zach answered proudly. "But you are one tough nut. Neither intimidation nor goading works on you, does it?" He smiled, sitting on the bed next to Anna, despite her protests. Then he crossed his arms on his chest, his expression saying that he was deep in thought. "I haven't seen a woman in half a year, really." He said, looking at the ceiling, recollecting his memories. Then he focused back on her. "What is wrong? I won't bite."


Anna felt her cheeks reddening and not trusting herself to speak she just pointed at the doors.


Zach sighed and shook his head. "Fine. I'll leave you alone..." He stood up and walked to the bedroom doors, opening them slightly. "For now."


Morning brought with it new duties. Anna ate and got ready and then left her mansion to go to the Citadel. The Citadel was a home of the Duke of Yranta and also a place where all the Council meeting were held. It was a large towering building in the center of the city and, had Anna never visited it, very easy to get lost in. Luckily she has been inside once with her father and he had shown her the corridors that led to the Council room. The guards let her inside once she showed them her mark of office and she was soon in front of the large double doors, taking a deep breath to calm herself.


"Nervous?" A voice called from behind her, startling her. A man walked up to her, a kind smile on his face. "Welcome, Miss Penrose." He said with a slight nod of his head. "And good luck."


- Ask him for his name.


- Ask him for some guidance.


- Thank him and go inside.

 

[Ezri]

She had known it would be intimidating, but actually being in the Citadel and knowing how much she was responsible for was almost overwhelming. Despite all the studying and preparation she had done, it was hard not to be nervous. And since this man had read her so easily, she must not be hiding it very well at all.


"A little." she laughed, a little sheepish from being caught. She didn't think she recognized him, but it wasn't that strange for him to guess who she was, especially if he worked here as well. At least he seemed to have good intentions. "Thank you. Can I ask your name?"

 

[ArcticFox]

"My Lord!" A voice called out and soon a very tired servant came up the stairs, panting and desperately trying to catch his breath as he stopped in front of the blonde man. "My Lord Marcus... You... you forgot this." And he handed him a piece of cloth.


"Thank you, Micah." Marcus responded, giving the boy a kind smile. He took the cloth, unfolded it and placed it over his head. It was a sash in blue and silvers colors with a sigil of Yranta embroidered on it. Anna found herself staring at it. "I guess you have your answer, Miss Penrose." Marcus answered. "My faithful valet never lets me leave my quarters without this, not even when I leave it back on purpose." He looked sideways at his servant who in turn looked at his feet, a guilty look on his face.


That sash was only worn by a Duke of Yranta. This was Marcus Teil no doubt. Anna felt herself at a loss, unaware of how she should behave in front of a sovereign of her home city. She had never met the man, though she had seen his likeness, but the pictures always portrayed him with a stern look on his face and much older than he actually was in person. She now wondered why that was, maybe to make him seem more lordish? It was preposterous, in her opinion. He couldn't have been more than thirty and a duke already, it was quite an achievement.


"Come, Miss Penrose. Let us go in." The Duke said, offering his arm to her to hold on to. Anna blinked, her eyes widening in surprise. If she was seen linking arms with the Duke in front of the whole Council there was no doubt those old weasels will start spreading rumors at the spot. They would never take her seriously. But, then again, if she was to deny the Duke she might lose a powerful ally and gain a vicious enemy. Whatever she chose there would be consequences.


- Take his arm.


- Don't do it.

 

[Ezri]

This was difficult, although this time Anna made a conscious effort to keep her emotions off of her face. Just by being a woman on the council her reputation couldn't be great, and that was even without the stunt she'd pulled protecting Nerith. They'd probably all heard about that by now, one way or another. If she had any credibility left she wanted to salvage it, and walking in on the Duke's arm would probably be the final nail in her coffin. It felt a little bad to snub him since he hadn't done anything to her himself, but if he was as kind as he seemed to be maybe he wouldn't take it too personally.


"Yes, let's." Anna smiled, her expression slightly apologetic, and she turned to enter the doors without any move to accept his offer.

 

[ArcticFox]

The doors opened up into the Council chamber. A spacious room with a high ceiling and a huge stone table set right in the middle of it. There were fifteen marble chairs set around the table, but less than a half were occupied now ad the Council of Yranta had gotten smaller with the years. The Duke walked past Anna as she stood taking in the scenery, seemingly not noticing her refusal from a moment ago. He seated himself in the head of the table, crossing his hands on it, glancing at at the gathered Councilors. They stood up at once to bow to the Duke, but he waved a hand to still them.


"My good men." He begun, his gaze shifting to Anna. "May I present to you Miss Anna Penrose, daughter of Councilor Penrose now standing in for him in all matters that were ever his jurisdiction." 


As all the heads instantly turned toward her, Anna could not think of anything else except making a curtsy and giving all the Councilors the most pleasant smile that she could manage. The reactions of the Councilors were mixed at best. There were six of them in total. Each one representing one important field of business in their city: military, knowledge, economics, healing, religion, trade and law. Along with the Duke and Anna, eight chairs in total were occupied. Some of the Councilor greeted her with polite bows, while some only stood looking at her in contemplation. One of them loudly snorted which got him a glare from the Duke.


"Please find your seat, Miss Penrose." The Duke said to her, gesturing at the table. A Councilor, a woman in her late forties dressed in expensive beige silks, beckoned at Anna with her hand, pointing at the chair next to her.


- Sit alone far away from everyone.


- Sit close to the Duke.


- Sit next to the woman.

 

[Ezri]

Well, that could have gone worse. Maybe it wasn't the warmest of welcomes, but only one outwardly dismissive response was better than Anna had expected. It was still nerve-wracking just being in the presence of these people, but she would have to get used to it quickly. If she was careful and remained optimistic, everything would turn out fine.


She paused to consider her seating options for only a second, but unlike her earlier run-in with the Duke she couldn't see any reason not to accept this offer. With a respectful nod she took the seat next to the well-dressed woman.

 

[ArcticFox]

As Anna took a seat next to the female Councilor, she immediately leaned close to her and whispered in a conspiratorial tone. "You have one ally on this Council, my dear, don't you fret about those awful old men." While a whisper, her voice wasn't that silent and a couple of heads turned toward them, glaring in disapproval. The woman just gave them all blissful smiles like she was the most innocent person in the room. This newfound ally might be of much use for Anna in the coming months, having a friend among the Councilors meant that there was someone she could turn to if she needed advice, and being as inexperienced as she was, Anna would desperately need it.


"Now that we are all seated, shall we begin?" The Duke said, cutting short any chatter. He picked up the scroll in front of him and unfurled it. He read in silence for a couple of seconds and then called. "Councilor Haiman, I understand you want to begin a vote on a treaty?" His eyes shifted to a balding man who sat on his left.


"Yes, your Lordship." The man answered. "There has been some commotion in the University of Yranta in the past couple of days and I feel it is of high time to pass this treaty." He crossed his hands on the table in front of him, his face a picture of importance. "This far the University has been open to young men and women of good repute only."


"Meaning only for rich." The woman next to Anna whispered in her ear.


"I propose that we allow admittance for middle and lower class for this semester." This proposition raised some commotion among the rest of the councilors. "Please." Councilor Haiman raised a hand to stop them. "If there are no respectable candidates among these people, then we will not admit them. But I feel there is great need for this now that Yranta has many more middle class households than those of noble status."


As he finished, voices were instantly raised. Much of the Council agreed on not letting anyone without a title into the University as it would spoil the quality of the students or might cause a decrease in scholarship fees. Duke called for a vote once the passions were calmed down. Soon there were three votes opposing the suggestion while three were in favor. Councilor Haiman couldn't vote on his own treaty. All eyes were on Anna as she was to be a deciding vote in this.


- Vote for.


- Vote against.

 

[Ezri]

Of course, Anna's first vote had to be a tie-breaker. Just her luck! Thankfully it was an issue she didn't have to think too deeply about; as far as she was concerned, it could only be a good thing to allow more people to be educated. The university might lose some popularity with more stuck-up noble families, but they would suffer anyway if it couldn't admit enough students, wouldn't they?


The upside of the tie was that she wasn't entirely alone in her decision. With what felt like her millionth deep breath that day, she steeled her resolve and spoke. "I'll vote in the treaty's favor."

 

[ArcticFox]

As the treaty was declared as passed, Councilor Haiman look at Anna and nodded in acknowledgement. It might have been the sign of getting another ally. Maybe that meeting wouldn't prove to be as bad as she feared. After Haiman, all other Councilors took their turns and spoke. Councilor Tihua, which was the woman next to Anna, wanted for Yranta to commit to giving more funds away towards medical research. This treaty was instantly denied as five hands were raised against it and didn't even get to Anna. Councilor Kite spoke about the hardships of farmers outside the city walls, but proposed no treaties and his voice died down quickly. Councilors of military and economic jurisdictions just recited the monthly reports. All in all, despite everything, Yranta was in a very good state.


"Now, people of the Maker." The last man stood up, and Anna noticed that he wore a necklace with a huge iron ring at the end of it. It was a symbol of the Maker, which would make this man a High Chanter, a representative of the Church of the Maker. Each large city with the majority of human population had their own cathedral with its High Enchanter to preach to the people and give out blessings. He was a sort of a spiritual leader to the people and there were many pious men and women in Yranta. "I ask of you to make a decision that all of you should make without any indecisiveness: I ask of you to vote for holding the Sacramential in Yranta this year as we have done so in years past, in the Maker's light. I also ask of you to delegate as many funds as possible to make this a celebration worthy of our Lord." Raising his hands in the air, he looked quite theatrical.


- Vote yes and the proper amount of funding.


- Vote yes and a large amount of funds.


- Vote no. 

 

[Ezri]

The High Chanter was certainly... devoted to his position. That was expected a religious leader, Anna supposed, but his dramatics seemed a little out of place compared to the more dry and business-like among them. She tried not to think more about it -- she was hardly in a position to judge.


She wasn't against holding the Sacramential in the slightest, but 'as many funds as possible'? Many it was because she'd spent the past few days with her nose buried in budgeting books, but she couldn't feel right allocating so much money for a celebration. After a moment of deliberation she decided to vote for holding the Sacramential, but with a reasonable amount of funding.

 

[ArcticFox]

While the High Chanter was satisfied with the answer, his proposition was accepted unanimously, he noticed that Anna held back when it was a question of financing the celebration. In the end the Duke decided to give four thousand golden coins to the organizer of the celebration, namely the Church, which was neither here nor there. It was certainly more than Anna might have offered has she a say in it. The other Councilors agreed and as this matter was settled, the Duke looked at Anna.


"Miss Penrose, do you have a matter to speak for?" That was unexpected. Were they all supposed to speak on each Council session. Anna realized that she had spend too much time trying to make sense of her father's accounts and cases that she forgot to research on how exactly the Council worked. She needed to improvise. She did remember that while reading the accounts she noticed one peculiar thing, or rather, Levon noticed it - the guardsmen were too few, only about thirty for the whole city and its outskirts and Yranta had over one million of citizens. The second thing she herself noticed, there were no ranks among the guardsmen, instead all of them holding the same title and salary, unlike in the military. There were some veterans among these men and she felt that promoting them to Captains and giving them their own squads could do much to organize the city's law and order force. 


But, Anna knew that she could only propose one of these matters.


- Ask for more guardsmen.


- Ask to promote guardsmen.

 

[Ezri]

If she could Anna would want to ask for both measures, but if each councilor could ask for as many things as they wanted they would be here all day. Instead she'd have to prioritize. They certainly needed more guardsmen, but it would probably be better to introduce new recruits into an organized system rather than trying to impose it on them later. In any case, she'd have to thank Levon again later for helping her.


Anna got to her feet and began, speaking before she had a chance to change her mind. "It's come to my attention that currently, our guardsmen have no proper leadership within the guard itself. I believe that our guard would work much more efficiently if they held organized ranks, and propose that we promote the most accomplished among them."

 

[ArcticFox]

Anna's proposition was accepted with four votes, which was more than she had hoped for. With a feeling of thrill and accomplishment she exited the Council room along with most of the other Councilors. There were three who stayed behind to converse with the Duke, probably to bring this or that matter to his attention behind the backs of others.


"You did great, my dear." Councilor Tihua squeezed her arm in encouragement.


"Thank you." Anna answered politely, now thinking that maybe this Council business wasn't as threatening as she imagined it to be.


As she walked through the streets of Yranta with a happy smile plastered on her face, a figure intercepted her path. "Yo." The blonde man said, hands in pockets.


"Nate?" Anna was brought aback from her thoughts. It has been some time since she saw Nate's face and she still wasn't sure how she felt about his presence. 


"Fancy meeting you here." Nate said, but his tone wasn't cheerful as usual. "You are a girl on a position now, aren't you." He snorted. "No time for old friends." His eyes were red and brows furrowed, overall his visage did not portray any good intentions.


- Be friendly.


- Walk past him.


- Argue with him.

 

[Ezri]

The sudden shift in mood was a little hard to process -- just a moment ago she'd been on top of the world. Seeing Nate's expression so dark and harsh was surreal and confusing on its own, even a little painful. They were so close before, after all. It wasn't that she felt okay with what he'd done or said, but the wounds weren't quite so fresh anymore. And she hadn't really handled it productively either by ignoring him, had she? If only they could talk normally about it, maybe she could figure this out...


"That's not true." Anna insisted, trying to keep her tone light. All they'd done the past few times they met was yell at each other, and she didn't want that again. "Of course I... I'm glad to see you. Really."

 

[ArcticFox]

Nate's expression was grim when he raised his eyes to meet Anna's own. He scowled further, but there was a flicker of change in his eyes at her words. It took a couple of seconds for his eyebrows to unfurl and the corners of his lips to raise slightly in a bitter smile. "Me too." He said, his tone less angry now and he made a step towards Anna. Hesitating for a moment, as if he was thinking of turning back, Nate managed to close the distance between the two of them. In a blink his arms were around Anna and he squeezed her into a tight embrace.


His touch made Anna remember the time she met Nate, when he was a sailor on her father's merchant ship, too young for the position, bullied by other sailors and given the worst jobs. Anna had stumbled upon him in an alleyway in the Docks, hearing his sobs and peaked nervously inside. Nate tried to collect his composure, too proud for some stranger to see his tears, but as soon as Anna asked him about his troubles he was a mess again. Immediately Anna saw that he was an innocent boy. desperately trying to make a living for himself in a world that had turned its back on him. She pleaded with her father to promote Nate and Mr Penrose had listened to her, albeit reluctantly. He wasn't usually bothered with mere deck boys. After this even Nate had started following Anna around like a puppy that had been fed by a stranger. She took a liking to him quickly enough and thy started spending time together. They grew to be close friends, their friendship now six years long. But, what Nate said was true, in the days after she turned eighteen, Anna had been swamped with responsibilities and now that she took on the burned of her father's position her life wasn't about to get easier.


"I miss you so much." Nate whispered in Anna's ear as he held her, affectionately rubbing her hair with one hand. "But I understand that you have more worries now than ever before. I'm sorry for acting as such a jerk. Please, forgive me."


- Respond kindly.


- Respond unkindly.

 

[Ezri]

The hug caught her off-guard -- at first her whole body tensed, like she'd expected something much worse, but after a few seconds she relaxed. Not that she wasn't surprised, and a little distracted by his breath on her ear, but the reminder that they were still friends and he didn't hate her was comforting. It was very like him to try and act tough to hide his feelings, so maybe he'd just been lonely the whole time. Even though Nate might have done something cruel at least he seemed to know that, and apologizing had to count for something. Maybe it was unwise, but she couldn't help but want to go back to how they'd been before.


"You were a jerk!" she agreed, although now it was more of a laugh than an accusation. "But I'll forgive you. I acted like a bit of a jerk, too. Let's stop fighting and be friends again?"

 

[ArcticFox]

"I'm glad!" Nate exclaimed as he stepped back, his usual grin now plastered on his face. "If you need help with anything, I'm your guy!" He said, giving her a wink. They stood in the street for a couple more moments, catching up. Nate had never gone on his adventure, or at least he did not do it still. Anna often wondered what he was waiting for. He was a sailor, he could get off at the next port and get lost, take a new name, find a new life for himself. Anna sometimes wished she could do that also.


After her short but sweet encounter with Nate, Anna was back at her home. The meeting had taken a toll on her despite everything and she briskly walked toward the kitchen, feeling like she could eat a horse. So to speak. Levon was waiting for her at the mansion doors and followed her into the dining room where a table was set. For one only, Anna sadly noticed. The house had become quite empty as her parents left. She hoped to get a letter from them soon.


"Afternoon!" A voice startled her as she took her seat at the table. It was Zach, leaning against the wall in one corner of the room, catching Levon's attention instantly. The steward was about to reprimand him, but the intruder did not give him time to speak. "You are not inviting your guests over for lunch, girl? That is just rude." He said with a fake pout.


- Let Levon at him.


- Invite him to eat.


- Tell him to go away.

 

[Ezri]

For a moment she had almost forgotten that Zach was still staying in her home, but he seemed intent on not letting her forget. Anna might be a little lonely herself, but she should be able to find better company than this self-important fugitive! She opened her mouth to argue, and then promptly shut it -- after how he acted the night before, she doubted that anything she said would have much effect. His attitude might be charming if he used it for something other than causing her trouble...


Instead she just gave Zach a pout of her own and turned to her steward, her expression a little pleading. After being called a 'dog' so much she didn't think Levon wouldn't be quite so diplomatic, but maybe that was for the best. "Levon, were you saying something? Please go ahead."

 

[ArcticFox]

"I would ask you to please leave and keep to your bedroom, sir." Levon responded as politely as he could muster, thought his teeth were gritted. Being insulted did not seem to faze Levon much the previous night, but it looked like there was something about their new "guest" that irked him. Maybe he was just being protective of his mistress, or maybe he did not like the way the intruder behaved himself.


"Shut up, dog, I wasn't speaking to you." Zach snarled, glaring daggers at Levon.


It all happened in a blink. Levon's motions were a blur and Anna did not even realize that his hand had clasped Zach's throat until it happened. Even the brunette man let out a small gasp of surprise at the attack, but he regained his senses much faster than Anna, throwing a punch at Levon's ribs. Levon stepped sideways avoiding the hit, but this allowed Zach enough time to draw out his dagger. The blade flashed. A faint red line appeared on Levon's cheek. He completely disregarded it, attacking the intruder barehanded, now even more vicious and faster than before. They grappled, they swung and avoided blows. Levon seemed to dance around the sharp blade, now able to avoid each swing aimed at him. But, Zach was equally fast, him movements, even though much cruder than Levon's, did not allow the other man a second to take a breath. Zach took a hit in the gut, which slowed him down for a second and Levon landed a second hit to his jaw. The intruder stumbled, then let out a howl of annoyance and was at the steward again in a second. His movements were more controlled now, more dangerous. In order to avoid a blow, Levon had to jump on top of a large table, almost stepping into Anna's lunch. Zach jumped up after him and now they were both on the table, continuing their fierce battle that seemed endless. There was something odd, though. Anan noticed that the scratch on Levon's cheek was completely gone now. Maybe it wasn't even there in the first place and it was all a play on her eyes.


- Call out to Levon.


- Call out to Zach.


- Get out of there.

 

[Ezri]

'Not so diplomatic' was right -- Levon must have been holding back much more than Anna realized. She definitely hadn't expected an all-out brawl! By the time they were on the table she'd jumped out of her chair with a yelp, although she didn't know where to go from there. For a while she was just shocked, taken in by the strange combination of brutality and finesse, but it had to stop. At the rate they were going, one or both of them would end up seriously injured or worse. Zach might deserve it to some degree, but Levon shouldn't get hurt over this.


"Levon!" she called, her worried voice a little higher than usual. The 'stop this' was implied, or at least she meant it to be -- it was harder to say out loud, since there was no guarantee Zach would back down even if her steward did.