Spirit of Aspiration (Dawngate)

(Story Starts Here!)

The rain had gotten worse just as Aislynn, Raina, and Zalgus reached the safety of Duke Anzerani's estate. The massive white stone building loomed above them, as if to remind them of their place, and even in the night it was awe striking for Aislynn. The Duke himself did not deign to greet them at such an uncivilized time, a minor dismissal to show his displeasure at their arrival time. However, two familiar faces did hurry at a reserved hustle to meet them.

"Announcing Lady Raina and her entourage," said a portly guard that stood just inside the great doors.

Aislynn sneezed, a cold tremor racing through her chest. She looked up pitifully at Zalgus as he shrugged his cloak off and wrapped it around her. He gave her a quiet nod, but knew at this rate she was sure to catch a cold or worse.

"Shame for such a cute girl to look so washed up," said the guard who had just arrived. He stood tall with a clean shaven, angular face and an appraising twinkle in sharp eyes. His casual grin vanished when the girl accompanying him drove her heel into his foot.

"The storm is predicted to get worse," she said, stepping forward. Unlike the other women of this land, she wore light trousers and a heavy jacket - the top button was still undone. Mikella had rushed to prepare herself when word reached her of the Northerner's arrival - early, in the middle of the night, with an additional number to their party. She maintained grace and composure, but she was concerned.

"Then it would seem we arrived just in time," Raina replied with a bow.

"Zalgus," Varion greeted, once the pain in his foot had ebbed.

"Varion," Zalgus replied, lifting his head a bit higher.

"Who is this?" Mikella asked, quickly weaving her long, dark hair into a braid. "A younger sister?"

"No." Raina swept her hand toward Aislynn, pausing only a moment to consider how to introduce her. "This is Spiritess Aislynn, forgive her as she is not used to traveling."

"Of course," Mikella said. She began to curtsey, only to realize how awkward the gesture was when one was not wearing a skirt. So she bowed, claiming the declared masculine gesture with confidence.

Zalgus glanced at his sister with a raised eyebrow, only to be ignored. There was no such honorific in their land.

"May I introduce Lady Mikella Anzerani," Raina said to Aislynn, who took the cue and bowed.

Varion stayed back, his gun resting against his shoulder as he observed. The girl was clearly no dignitary, at least not one from the North. She had a quiet confidence, but nothing like the power and presence of the Duchess' daughter. It did not concern him, not for Mikella's or his own sake. He did, however, think her quite lovely, despite her drowned rat first appearance.

"I have already sent servants to prepare your rooms," Mikella was saying, welcoming the group deeper into the estate.

Whatever was to happen, Varion was certain it would be very fun. He already had in mind a few bets he would place tomorrow.

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