RFC-Mini Arc 4: Night Life-04

Several minutes later, our idle chatter is interrupted by the Earl announcing the last guests. Miss Alyssa isn’t a surprise but the second woman is. I don’t recognize her, her bronze skin and dark hair making her hard to place geographically. Not to mention she simply looks strange next to the fire caster. While Miss Alyssa is wearing a simple red dress paired with a brown leather cloak, her companion is a riot of colors; a predominantly blue robe with a wave-like pattern done in greens and yellows tied off with a white belt, and several gold chains looped around her neck. A bulging pouch is attached to her waist, one made from expensive leather. Her face is a canvas; the area around her eyes is painted silver and gold and her lips are painted a bold red that make her brilliant smile even brighter.

Miss Alyssa scoffs as she eyes the room. “It’s a gathering of brats.”

“I think it’s cute,” the mystery woman says, lightly slapping the redhead’s arm. “And you can’t insult the homeowner while we’re guests.” Her eyes are focused on Kierra as she says that. Which is appropriate as this house was gifted to my wife.

“Alyssa. Thanks for coming. And Cynthia. What a surprise.” Kierra grabs Miss Alyssa’s hand, giving her a friendly pat on the shoulder. She tries to do the same to the other woman but my wife is pulled into a hug. My elf goes with it, the two exchanging false kisses on the cheek before she’s released.

“I hope you don’t mind me tagging along. Ally kept bragging about her invitation and I bullied her into bringing me along.”

“I don’t mind at all. Really, this isn’t my gathering.” She turns to me. That’s my cue. I walk over, pasting on my best smile. “This is my wife, Lourianne Tome. Lou, this is Cynthia Oriole. She’s an alchemist and teaches several classes to support her research.”

“A pleasure, Lady Oriole.” I put out my hand. Rather than the sideways grip of a handshake, she extends her hand with her fingers down. I follow the que, grabbing them in a gentle grip and kissing the digits.

She giggles as she pulls her hand back. “I hope you don’t mind me barging in like this.”

“Don’t bother yourself. I never reject the presence of a beautiful woman.”

Miss Alyssa groans and moves past me, heading for the table full of food. I ignore her, my smile stretching wider. “I wonder what brings you here. I wouldn’t think an instructor important enough to be a researcher would be interested in a gathering of initiates.” So, are you just trying to get closer to my wife? How close exactly?

“You’re too modest, Lou.” She winks at me. “Your name has reached me and not just through Ally. In case you are looking for employment opportunities as an acolyte, there are plenty of alchemists who like forging partnerships with summoners. Materials from other realms are rare and potent.”

“Oh? Are you also interested in forming a partnership?”

“Haha, no, no! I’m a businesswoman as much as a researcher. While rare and exotic materials are great for a big payday, I prefer working with local ingredients. Perhaps another time. Today, I’m here to taste the food and drink that could make my grumpy friend agree to a night out on the town.”

“Help yourself, please.” I gesture toward the table. To my delight, she hooks her arm around mine and walks with me, happily engaging the others. I have a feeling we’re going to get along swimmingly.

“Lady Oriole.” Maxine is the first to notice us. A subtle shift comes over her face, her smile gaining an edge. I know that look. The merchant has made an appearance. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with the Tomes.”

“I could say the same for you, Maxine.” Cynthia, I have a hard time mentally attaching any titles to her name, repeats her greeting. Maxine doesn’t seem surprised by the ritual, returning the cheek kisses with aplomb. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Kierra through staff functions. I take it you’re acquainted with her lovely groom?”

Is that supposed to be me?

“Yes.” And you’re not going to say anything about it!?

“I suppose the question is, how acquainted are you?” Cynthia leaned toward her, whispering conspiratorially. “No need to be shy. In fact, I’m hoping you give me all the details. The quickest way to Kierra’s heart seems to be through her little love.”

I’m sure I’m not supposed to hear that second part or the suggestive tone she says it in. Guess Kierra hasn’t been talking about me to her friends.

“Please,” Maxine whispers, averting her gaze from the alchemist’s inquiring eyes. “Have some decorum, Lady Oriole. I am lucky enough to be their friend and I hope to be their business partner. I’d hate to ruin our relationship aspiring for something more.” Her tone held a warning.

“Really? No need to be nervous.” Cynthia moves closer, lowering her voice to a breathy whisper. “Did you know? People’s fluids and excretions can be used as alchemical ingredients. Sexual emissions are common in some of the most powerful aphrodisiacs. There are studies suggesting that the more sexually active the specimen that the material is harvested from, the more potent they are.” She flicked her gaze about the room. “Doesn’t it sound like a…wonderful business opportunity?”

“You’re not going to convince me that you’ve come all this way to harvest Lou’s…sexual emissions.”

“Mm. Kierra’s would fetch a high price I’m sure and Lourianne would be the cream on top of the money cake. But you’re right, I didn’t come here for that.” Cynthia pulled back, her voice returning to normal volume. “I’m here as Ally’s plus one to impose on my colleague’s hospitality. It’s rare I get a chance to see her loosen up. And being around all these young maidens makes me feel young again.”

“You can’t be a day over thirty.”

“Oh, how nice of you to say!”

“Your cosmetic line is truly extraordinary. In fact, I was wondering if you had any interest in expanding your distribution network. Your products are well-received in Summer Spire. There is never enough supply to satisfy the beauty market.”

“Hm. Distribution isn’t the issue, sweetie. There’s only so much balm and lotion I can make. As you say, there’s no satisfying the voracious appetites of a lady.”

“Ah. The Guiness Company is well-versed in building large scale manufacturing networks. We can source trained employees, land, and equipment. Of course, our partners receive discounts while using our supply routes and we provide original manufacturers’ protection…”

I stop paying attention as Maxine goes heavy into her merchant talk, turning my gaze to Miss Alyssa. She’s seated in front of the snack trays, looking unsatisfied with the meagre offerings but mollified by the bottle of Herbanacle she’s clutching to her chest. She’s in a staring contest with Cloud, who is seated across from her while holding Bell in her lap.

“You’re one of the combat instructors, aren’t you?” Cloud asks.

“And you’re one of those Temple psychos. There, we’ve both stated the obvious.” Miss Alyssa takes a swig of the bottle. Something tells me that remarking on the hour isn’t going to stop her. This instructor is kind of a lush, isn’t she? “I guess she met you during her punishment for that mess with the prince. It’s a little impressive she managed to flirt while scooping monster poo.”

“I wonder under what circumstances she met you. Honored sister does have a talent for attracting dangerous women.”

“Sister? The hell? No, better not to ask.” Another swig. “So? You sleep with her yet? Planning on?”

“You’re very interested. Were you looking for a review?”

“Please. Do I look like I’m interested in elf-bait over there? I have no idea what kind of convoluted, teenage hormone fueled lust-tangle you brats are in but I’m here for the grub and the booze.” She takes another swig of her bottle, eyeing Cloud. “I know the tamers are big on unarmed combat. You wrestle monsters?”

“I do not wrestle ‘monsters’. I do commune with my brethren of the earth.”

“Uh-huh. That. You wouldn’t be interested in a job ‘communing’ with your, ah, brethren, would you?”

“If you mean for me to help slaughter and process them like a farmer’s cattle, then no. I am the opposite of interested.”

“No, there’s work that won’t offend your senses. Tracking, trapping, research. Stuff your Temple does but for a pretty coin.”

Cloud makes a thoughtful noise. “The job may be acceptable but the others must abide by the spirit of the Temple. I would be upset if I were to do a trap just to have a brother handed over to butchers. Trust would need to be established between me and the leader.”

“You’d be working under me.”

“You?” Cloud eyes her critically. “Now, I am a bit interested.”

“Saints guide these brats. Whatever, I need the bodies.”

I chuckle and leave the conversation. More drink is brought out and the conversation flows. I move between them, sometimes engaging, sometimes just listening. Is this the life of the rich and powerful? Enjoying good food and drink in a room full of beautiful women. Surrounded by their perfume, watching their shy smiles and cocky grins. Moving around them but easily able to join in, welcomed with shining eyes full of charm and calculation.

Now that I’ve tasted this life, I can’t go back. And I can’t get enough.

I shove my growing desires down and urge everyone to their feet before they can get too comfortable. After all, we’ve got a whole night ahead of us!