Dragon Age: Chains of the Past

Chapter 3: Return Of Lord Richmond

The arrival of Lord Richmond at the estate was a significant event, one that sent ripples of excitement and anxiety through the ranks of servants. Adaia felt it the moment she stepped into the kitchen that morning. The usual hustle and bustle was accompanied by a tense energy, a buzz of whispers and nervous glances.

She paused by the long wooden table where several servants were busy preparing breakfast. Beryl, the senior servant who had shown her occasional kindness, looked up from kneading dough, her face drawn with worry.

"Adaia, you're up early," Beryl said, her voice hushed.

"I couldn't sleep," Adaia replied. "What's going on?"

Beryl glanced around to ensure no one else was listening. "Lord Richmond is returning today. Lady Marian has been in a foul mood all morning."

Adaia's heart sank. She had heard of Lord Richmond, Lady Marian's husband, but he had been away for the entire duration of her captivity. The prospect of another noble, possibly as cruel as Lady Marian, filled her with dread.

"Is that why everyone seems so tense?" Adaia asked.

Beryl nodded, lowering her voice further. "There's more to it than that. They say Lord Richmond has been spending a lot of time away because he's losing interest in Lady Marian. They say she's not as beautiful as she once was, and he finds her less appealing."Adaia frowned, the gossip adding a new layer of complexity to her already precarious situation. 

"And how does Lady Marian feel about that?"

Beryl let out a mirthless laugh. "How do you think? She's furious. She's been taking out her frustrations on everyone, especially the servants. You'd best stay out of her way today."

As the day wore on, Adaia tried to keep to herself, focusing on her tasks and avoiding any unnecessary interaction with Lady Marian. She worked in the herb garden, finding solace in the familiar scents and textures of the plants she tended. The garden was her sanctuary, a place where she could momentarily forget the harsh reality of her life as a slave.

By mid-afternoon, the sound of approaching hooves signaled Lord Richmond's arrival. Adaia looked up from her work to see a grand carriage pulling into the courtyard, flanked by a retinue of guards. The servants gathered at a respectful distance, watching as the door of the carriage opened and a tall, imposing figure stepped out.

Lord Richmond was a striking man, with broad shoulders and an air of authority. His dark hair was touched with gray at the temples, and his eyes were a piercing blue. He surveyed the estate with a critical gaze before making his way towards the entrance, where Lady Marian awaited.

Adaia caught a glimpse of Lady Marian as she descended the steps to greet her husband. She was dressed in her finest attire, her hair meticulously styled, but there was a tightness around her eyes, a tension in her posture that betrayed her unease.

"Richmond," Lady Marian said, her voice carefully modulated. "Welcome home."

"Marian," he replied, his tone cool. "It's been a while."

Adaia watched the exchange from a distance, noting the lack of warmth between them. She could see the strain in Lady Marian's smile, the effort it took to maintain her composure. Lord Richmond's return had thrown the household into a state of upheaval, and Adaia couldn't help but wonder what it meant for her and the other servants.