Valadel

Chapter XXXIII

Lord Perrelister had concluded a rather dull conversation with a party member he wasn't even sure he had invited. Something about...horses. Gods, he couldn't even remember what they spoke of. He never did enjoy small talk. He was certainly never good at it. He found it drab and superficial, a means of outdoing one another in perhaps the most passive agressive of means.

By the front doors of his once lavish residence stood his daughter, awaiting the arrival of Siegfried Whitelocke. If his wishes were to be granted, and Sir Whitelocke would court his daughter, his influence would rise immensely. It's been nearly three years since the destruction of his warehouses, his exposure as a criminal, and his rapid decline in wealth and influence. When Joras Freemane caught wind of his drug smuggling operation of Jade's Blossom, the King left Canton with two choices: life in prison, or the names of his accomplices and the forfeiture of his ill-gotten funds. He opted for the latter.

Perhaps joining the Whitelocke family through marriage could bolster his reputation and polish his tarnished reputation, even if just by a little.

His daughter did look stunning. Her scarlet hair was flowing behind her back, a braid running down the center, just like how his wife used to style her hair. She had worn one of her mothers old ball dresses. The fabric felt as if it was just made. A beautiful white lace dress decorated with jade green floral designs. She ignored most of the men who sought to court her, much to Lord Perrelister's pleasure. He finished his goblet of wine and sent a servant for more. He pretended to converse with another to avoid anymore conversations that would bore him.

After what seemed like hours, he saw the fair haired ranger make an entrance. His daughter and him exchanged a glance. He nodded and she understood. She left to speak with Siegfried.

"Sir Whitelocke," she said, giving him a lady like bow. "We are delighted you could make it."

Siegfried examined the party crowd. No one he recognized, not one who hailed from the noble families of Jorden. There were many of the small wealth and stature, something Siegfried found strange. He didn't care, either way, as he solely came for the company of the mysterious scarlet haired women.

"I wouldn't miss such a party. How do you fare?" He asked.

She smiled and nodded. "I'm well. Care for some food?" She gestured to a large table in the center of the mansion, topped with an abundance of foods.

Siegfried wasn't particularly hungry, but fearful of being rude, had accepted. She led him to a table decorated with various, succulent appetizers. He helped himself to the tail of a clawfish and some roasted pork, and the two sat at a small table in the corner of the room, away from the more obnoxious party goers. He washed down his meal with a gulp of wine and continued conversing with the scarlet haired woman.

"So...will I find out your name tonight?" He asked.

She gave him a playful smile. "My name is Leyanne. Leyanne Perrelister."

"A beautiful name," said Siegfried.

She once again flashed that smile that Siegfried found near irresistible. "Why thank you. My father takes pride for having come up with it himself."

"Did he now?" Said Siegfried as he scoped out the party, the attendees and their "costumes". He caught Lord Perrelister himself watching them from a ways away. His small black eyes studied him as if he were a beast in the wild. His chestnut brown hair was fashioned into a many braids behind his back. His goatee hung a little below his chin, curling at the end. His face was hard, and he made Siegfried uncomfortable, a sensation difficult for most people to make him feel.

"So how long have you been in Jorden?" He asked Leyanne, quick to escape the consuming gaze of her father.

"Since I was a young girl. My father met my mother when he was a soldier in the King's Royal Army. He brought her here from Arnland and soon after, I was born. What about you, Sir Whitelocke."