The Lord of Devonshire

Unexpected Arrivals

Summer had just begun at Lancaster. A port city located in the southern lands of the Avalon Empire. The sun grazed it'a warm light and white clouds plastered the unending blue sky. The people of Lancaster considered summer a festive season. Every nook and corner of their city street's were adorned with colorful crafts and garlands to welcome the warmth with joy.

Summer markets lined up the plaza streets and were bustling with people. At the entrance of the plaza stood Elys, excited for her little excursion into the city. Sweat beads formed on her forehead due to the hooded cloak she wore despite the heat. She pulled it down, to let the cool ocean breeze sooth her hot face and sides of her hair as it fell in loose waves slightly below her chest. Enjoying the breeze, she took time in observing the delightful sight in front of her.

Celebratory music filled the city hall, children laughing as they swirled around to the street musician's tune. Cheering and surprised voices could be overheard from small crowds watching jugglers and magicians perform. Merchant stalls filled with unique and extravagant jewels, antiques and dresses from different empires. Game booths occupied by families and couples trying to win prizes for their beloveds.

The plaza looked grand with large columns of pillars circling the hall with a fountain at its center, grand arched and pilastered shades of grey buildings loomed over the columns as they glistened in the sunlight.

Festive were the only days when people from status of high and low could be found mingled among the ton. Yet, they only socialized with groups of their own class.

Elys scorned with disappointment at the evident display of hierarchy within the masses.

"Lady Elysia," called June, her maid from behind, "The place looks lively, doesn't it?"

Elys nodded in agreement and began to walk.

"My lady please walk slowly, it is hard keeping pace with you."

Elys did not slow down.

"June, do I need to constantly remind you to stop addressing me such."

"But lady..."

Elys halted, turned around, placed both her hands on June's shoulders, "June, you are my friend so drop the honorific at least when outside, okay ?"

June shook her head "Yes."

"That's settled. Now, why don't you take some time off, go explore...enjoy yourself."

"I'm afraid I can not, it's my duty to tend to you at all times. I..I can explore the festive with you."

Elys signed and took out a medium sized note and pen out of her strip bag to show June "I am here to sketch, you will be bored out of your mind sitting for hours watching me draw."

"My la...Elys the Viscount, your father would be furious if he were to learn..."

"Shush! Papa will never learn of this. Besides, I have been here quite often, the streets are familiar."

June stood contemplating. But Elys knew she would eventually agree. Back inside the carriage , June had been conversing non stop about the possible unique items that could be sold at the plaza and how in particular she wanted to get her hands on a neck shawl woven from the finest silk's of Savanna. June spent a year saving her hard-earned money for the shawl, still it wasn't enough so Elys had to intervene despite June's disapproval and make sure her wages were increased. Not for the fact that she was good friend but because she deserved it.  

After a good few minutes June spoke with hesitation,"Okay, but first promise me, you will always stick to crowded places and to meet me at exact three past half near the fountain."