Light of the Heavens

VIII. Respite

For a noble estate, Masaharta's home was tastefully understated, but it still exhaled wealth out of every inch of its being. Surrounded by high stone walls and a flourishing garden for grounds, the manor house existed in a quiet shade so different from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, though the Crown Ward was slightly less populous than the city streets. The exterior of the building was the same white marble that many noble estates were built from, decorated and accented by cuts of darker, bluish stone. The ceramic tiles beneath their feet as  they approached the grand main entrance were glazed to look like lapis lazuli. Ahead, the set of double doors was carved of a dark wood, with rings for handles set into the mouths of brass lions. At the center of the door was a large, complicated looking lock.

It was not magical, but certainly ingenious. Vassa suspected dwarven artifice was its root, though it was possible that a human artificer might have crafted such a thing. Masaharta made no move to unlock it, however, as it was opened as they arrived by a stern, tall Eth man in a suit of ceremonial armor. "Welcome back, Lord Osei," the man said stiffly, more in keeping with formality than being displeased. "I assure you that we have kept the estate pristine in your absence."

"Thank you, Djau," their noble escort said with an approving nod. "My guests will be staying with us for a time." He turned to look at his bodyguards. "Paser, Teos, you have done exceptionally well. You are relieved of duty. Please, go eat and relax."

Both guards bowed deeply and entered the house ahead of them, leaving their master and his guests standing before Djau.

Djau offered a deep bow to Seben. "I have heard Lord Osei speak of you, my lady." He offered the same to Vassa, though he seemed distinctly warier. The sight of a mask and a blade at her side gave her an unsettling air, as did her ability to move. He was a servant of Lord Osei and likely no stranger to danger.

"Proper introductions are in order, I think," Masaharta said with a chuckle. "My friends, this is the inestimable Djau. A more faithful friend cannot be found in Sarom. I am fortunate that he has chosen to look after the place for me. Djau, may I introduce Seben Femi, the daughter of my late friend, and her companion, Mistress Vassa."

Djau raised an eyebrow at that, studying Seben more closely. "I see the resemblance," he observed.

"You knew my father?" Seben asked. Her grip tightened on Vassa's elbow, an indication that she wasn't certain how to feel about that.

"As did many, though I did not know him well," Djau said thoughtfully, glancing at Masaharta with a question in his eyes. Whatever he saw made him incline his head slightly in a nod. "It is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I will arrange for the finest of our guest rooms for your stay, Lady, as well as for your companion."

Seben seemed to lock up at being addressed as a noble, so Vassa guided her after the two men into the house. "He has a fountain inside his house," she muttered as they stepped over the threshold. There, in the middle of a tiled pool set into the floor, was a statue of a mermaid seated half up out of the water on a stone, her tail curled to form the edge of the pool. All around, the walls and columns of the entry hall were painted mimic the shores of the sea and broad, large windows left open to the air showed a breathtaking view of the ocean, out over the great cliffs. They were within sight of the Royal Palace, the view almost crimson as it was touched by the light of the sun setting into the Sea of Pearls.

Masaharta laughed at the comment, but in good humor rather than mockery. "I do indeed, though it was not originally my house. A gift, as I said, in return for service to King Ienheru. He was a most generous man. He appreciated my willingness to protect fair Ethilir, even if that sometimes required a...less straightforward touch." He patted Seben on the shoulder. "You will become accustomed to luxury soon, I think."