[Kastren] The Monster in the Mine

[Vera]

40 Searing 4622

Kastren, Lorien

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Vera rode down the road, cloak whipping behind her. The mare beneath her snorted in exertion, the duo enjoying their first real run together. She gripped the reigns and pulled to the side, steering the mount to the right as they approached a fork and gave a small tap of her riding crop to horse's hide, spurring an increase of speed. She shifted her weight, thighs burning as the incline increased and the signs of the upcoming estate came into view. Up ahead, poised between two gnarled oaks and the bright blooms of white hydrangeas, was a wrought iron gate, opened for guests and carriages. The smell of moss and summer flowers carried on the wind and they slowed as the great house came into view, Vera sitting back to admire the display of wealth.

The morning sun was beginning to shine atop of the second story balcony, across the smooth stone and climbing ivy. It was a lovely structure, well cared for. She smiled beneath the cover of her hood, and looked at the sound of the front door opening, to the butler stepping out to meet her, "Good morning," he greeted, surprised by the arrival of another at such an early hour. He glanced back at the house, Vera noticing the peeking eyes of a nosy house maid as they scurried past the window with a tray of food. Just in time for breakfast, she mused.

She lifted a hand and pulled on the horn, grunting as she swung a leg up and over, climbing down from the grey horse with a small thud. Reaching up, she patted Silver Darling's neck, offering praise to the animal as the man approached, "Good morning," she repeated back, running a hand down the mare's nose. She gathered the reigns and turned.

"I don't believe we were expecting any guests at this time," he offered gently, curious as to who she was, "May I ask your business, miss?"

"I am here to see the man of the house," she announced unknowingly, reaching into her pocket to pass along a folded piece of parchment, "Is he awake? I understand I've arrived a bit early considering proper etiquette for these sorts of things."

"Man of the house?" he muttered, clearly caught off guard. He began to unfold the paper, Vera waiting patiently as he read the advert. She tilted her head back, watching his eyes widen and a small sucking of teeth, "Ah, Mr. Thomas."

"Yes," something about the tone in his voice struck her as curious, "I would have written, but I thought the matter might be too important to waste time on post," she reached upwards to push the hood of her cloak back and pretended not to notice the man stiffen in shock. Not many Arkanai in these parts, she surmised. There were very few in Lorien at all, the region consisting of primarily humans - and bigoted ones at that - so for a brief moment, there was a spark of tension. Would she be turned away? She stood a bit straighter, prepared to announce her citizenship and rights should it come to that, "Would you please tell Mr. Worth of my arrival? I've come quite a ways from the East End and I'd rather not dally given the circumstances. Services were requested," she looked him in the eye, "And so here I am."

Services that she believed were of particular alignment to her own set of skills, although she did not reveal that she was still a student of such things. The young woman did not wait for his response, reaching for her saddle bags where a pack of proper research material remained adhered to. She brushed a wave of silver hair behind her ear and retrieved her field journal and pen, tucking her riding crop beneath her arm as she began to date the page. Vera wrote of her arrival, of first impressions, and snapped the book closed as the butler returned, "If you would follow me this way, Damien here will take your horse to the stables," A youth, perhaps not much younger than herself, seventeen or so, came rounding the house to collect the mare and Vera was made conscious of just how young she must have looked. Well dressed, but inexperienced.

"Take good care of her," she smiled, "She's a wedding present and I've only just received her. I have to say, I love her already."

The boy nodded as he took her away, and the butler guided her towards the house, "So you're newly married then?"

"Engaged, actually," they climbed the steps to the front door and stepped into the foyer, well lit and decorated with more fresh flowers from the garden. From the fine tile and lush tapestries hanging from the windows, it appeared that the mining business was quite lucrative indeed. At least if they could resolve this pesky business of mysterious disappearances, "This is a lovely home."

"Very kind words, miss," he reached to take her cloak, which she removed with a bit of fumbling. He smiled politely, his thin mustache twitching at the expression, "If you don't mind waiting here, Mr. Thomas should be along shortly."

"Thank you."

She continued to admire the room and its decorations, eager to begin.

[Thomas]

Thomas had little practice in receiving guests as the Lord of a manor. In his checkered past, he had been received by fine houses all across the continent, and in many countenances: a humble servant, an itinerant peddler or salesmen, a down-on-his-luck member of the gentry, and even, on a few notable occasions, a lost heir. Now, though, he was playing himself, something that was both refreshing and stultifying all at once, and it was his job to receive fine guests. The servant made a mention of a young lady at the door asking after him, and Thomas had to bite back a joke about that clearly being nothing but trouble.

Servants in Lorien wouldn't laugh at his jokes unless he indicated that he expected them to, whereupon they'd laugh at all of his jokes even if they weren't funny. There was no point performing for an audience who was in this way coerced. It was strange enough having servants as it was; he far more time serving than being served. So instead, he merely nodded at the servant's announcement, checked to ensure his hair was in place and his outfit suitably pressed and impressive looking, and then went out to greet her. He still wasn't used to the size of the estate or its general majesty. It had been a few months. Wendall didn't understand this in the slightest, but Taelian said it could be the better part of a year, so Thomas was being patient with this new aspect of his life, as he was trying to be with many others.

When he appeared in the foyer, he wasn't sure what he expected, but this young lady was not quite it. For one thing, she was not dressed as a finer Rienese Lady. On the rare occasions where he had unexpected guests, it was often a member of the gentler classes with too little to do, but this was not that. His guest seemed determined, excited even, and was fiddling about with supplies. Some sort of artisan, then? Was this a sales call? But she had known to ask for him by name, so if she were a saleswoman, she was quite clever. Most did not know to ask for him, being as he was a relatively recent addition.

"Good day, Miss," Thomas said smoothly performing a half bow that could be taken either as her due if she outranked him or merely polite if she did not, as was more than likely the case. "I trust you have found our estate to your taste thus far? If you require food or drink stemming from your journey here, we can have our meeting in the dining room? Alternatively, we can stay here. I am at your disposal, and you may call me Thomas or Lord Thomas if the former seems too forward."

[Vera]

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Vera's head was bowed and she appeared to be writing something in her journal when the Lord of the estate arrived in the doorway. He was well dressed, with hair combed back and a clear-eyed expression, so she hadn't caught him too unawares. She felt his presence before catching glimpse, lifting her head when sound of his footsteps ceased at the entrance of the foyer. When she looked up she, she blinked repeatedly, certainly expecting... well... someone older? Thirties, forties onward? This individual was still in fine health and strong age. Brown eyes, brown skin, with the earthy golden hue so many others of his kind seemed to posses. She closed her journal and absentmindedly wiped bits of graphite dust from her fingertips on the seam of her riding pants, either ignorant or simply unbothered with such niceties.

"Good day, Miss."

Vera offered a polite smile in turn, relieved to find his approach amiable so far. He began to bow and her brows rose in fleeting surprise.

"Good day to you," she replied carefully in turn, trying not to fumble as she responded in kind with a curtsy proper to her station. Vera was from a family established more in academia than any elite society, but they had earned a place at most tables and certainly rubbed elbows with the wealthy enough when her father was seeking grants for his research that she at least knew how to say hello. What had struck her as most unanticipated was the fact that he gave the gesture at all. Very few men, especially of his station, would show such grace to Arkanai, citizen or otherwise. Perhaps things were done different in the East?

"I trust you have found our estate to your taste thus far? If you require food or drink stemming from your journey here, we can have our meeting in the dining room? Alternatively, we can stay here. I am at your disposal, and you may call me Thomas or Lord Thomas if the former seems too forward."

"I was just admiring your home. I'm sure the dining room is quite the view," she motioned to the art on the walls and the elegant wallpaper with fine, polished trim, looking in the the direction of the dining hall. She smiled at the offer for a bit of refreshment, "If it wouldn't be too much of a imposition, of course." The dusky-skinned woman could never really tell if offers were given for societal expectation or for any real expression of generosity. Either way, if he hadn't wished to host her, he shouldn't have offered. She had no need for any self titles, particularly if visiting in hopes for employment, "My name is Verasol, many call me Vera," As for the name she would refer to him as... That would take some consideration.

Vera would follow him towards the dining room should he lead her, "My fiancé claims to have an estate, although it is great need of renovation," her chin tilted back as she admired the high ceilings, lilac eyes taking in the details. Ever the observant guest, "I have yet to see it myself, but when the time comes, I might have to find out who your interior decorator is."

Vera grinned, finally pulling her attention back to the man before her. She was polite and flattering, but there was a casual air to her movements and appearance, instructed of the rules of polite society, but not bred into it. Dressed in riding pants and a plain blouse, her high boots clicked softly across the tile floor as she she moved. Her silver hair was cut short at her collarbone, loose and showing signs of the ambitious ride through the morning mist which had given it an untenable wave. And of course, the pale, spider silk scars that ran down her cheekbones, kissing her jaw. Not many delicate ladies could boast such intrigue.

She was direct, "I won't waste your time, you must be a busy man," she rounded the edge of the table and sat in the chair pulled out for her as the servants scurried to fetch drinks and silverware. When a maid tried to drape a napkin across her lap, she waved off the gesture, instead taking the fabric in her hand and laying her journal on the table, "-I'm fine, thank you."

The maid nodded and the ceremony continued. Vera twisted the hem of the napkin between her fingers as a slight wave of impatience took her. When it was all done and drinks were poured, she exhaled as if holding a breath, The room had settled and she could speak freely. Finally.

Business.

"I recently came across an advert at the esteemed Gothen University," she started, pouring a bit of cream into the black coffee, its surface blooming like swirling clouds. She watched the lord's face for recognition. Did he know where this was going? "I wasn't sure if it had already been resolved, given...well, its original date," the posting had been older than most, untouched in comparison to other jobs, which were quickly preyed upon by a graduate student in desperate need of some coin, "More recently, I saw it had been updated. Condolences for the tragedy," she blew upon the surface of the steaming drink and sipped it. Vera tried to explain, to the best of her ability, why she thought no one had shown immediate interest, "I believe many of the qualified men and women in the field understand it to be some sort of animal. Better suited for a woodsman, or hunter, certainly not academia" There had been a few rumors going around the Stacks, ones she had eagerly absorbed.

The coffee burned the tip of her tongue and she winced, the liquid biting at her throat as she embraced the bite of acidity on her tongue, "I do not. In fact," she reached for the sugar, bracing herself for his reaction, "I believe you have a monster."

The Arkani stirred in a cube of sugar, "Maybe something nesting in your mines from the description? Something clever," she continued eagerly, taking another drink and leaning upon the table. She smiled, again twisting the napkin between her fingers, "I would like to take a look and resolve this for you, should you allow it."

[Thomas]

The comments this young lady, Vera made, the way she waved away the maid, her attempts at manners that were clearly middle-class settled it for him that this was a woman not born into gentility, and who had not had much contact with same. That was more than fine, though, as she quickly resolved for him that this was not a social call. Nor, it turned out, was she selling something. She was instead bringing to bear an intriguing offer.

Thomas sipped a genteel mid-morning wine spritzer and pondered her offer. Of course, she'd be compensated for it, should he accept, and given her demeanor and her mention of academia, it seemed like she would get some kind of credential boost out of this if it were to succeed. Thomas had little interest in or patience for intellectuals, but he knew that credibility was everything to them, so presumably that would motivate her.

"Well," he said, contemplatively looking into his diluted ice wine as if it could hold the answers, "certainly, it would be good if the cause of the murders was found. The Argent Knights are a bit busy, what with the war and all, and the inside of a mine might be a tight squeeze for them in any case. All that muscle and bulk is no good when the circumference of a mine shaft means they'll be bent double and unable to move their arms. I think, given that no one else qualified has applied, and the duty to investigate out of noblesse oblige, I ought to accept your offer."

"That being said, it would be cowardly and small of me to do so and wash my hands of the issue. So, I accept, and I shall accompany you. I've not gone far into the depths of a Loranium mine yet, anyhow, so I feel as though this will be educational for me," he said with a small smile.

Also, it would be a lot more fun than reconciling Wendall's records from the last quarter. Damn, but that man was a business phenom, which was good, because doing much beyond basic numeracy was proving to be challenging for Thomas. He was fine with reading business proposals, better than Wendall, even, at spotting issues, but when it came to the day to day ledgers and accounts and taxes and confirmations of deposit... it made his head swim.

"So, I accept your proposal. We can gather provisions from the estate, then set off for the mine. It's not too far from here; perhaps a few hours of riding. If you are tired from your journey, of course, we can rest for the day here. You can recuperate and we can set forth tomorrow. Just let me know your preference, and I shall pack accordingly."

[Vera]

40 Searing 4622

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She watched the nobleman with a level expression, trying not to reveal her youthful exuberance. In truth, Vera had never approached another so directly in her career, especially for something as eccentric as monster hunting. While Thomas considered her proposition, she busied herself with her coffee, adding another lump of sugar to hide her restless hands.

"Well," he started, making Vera slow in her stirring. He was thinking carefully, respectfully so, weighing the pros and cons of hiring her, a young and rather petite woman, versus someone who might be better suited for combat. The war, apparently, was to her benefit, "...I ought to accept your offer."

She tried not to grin too soon, setting the silverware atop the saucer.

"That being said, it would be cowardly and small of me to do so and wash my hands of the issue. So, I accept, and I shall accompany you. I've not gone far into the depths of a Loranium mine yet, anyhow, so I feel as though this will be educational for me,"

Her brows rose upwards at his smile and she found herself returning it with one much larger, "That is quite the surprise," she admitted, spilling a small laugh of disbelief. She had not thought he would ever show interest in joining her, half expecting him to send someone on his behalf. She listened as he suggested respite after a long day's journey, another surprise. Unlike a bit of refreshment, she didn't have much intention of taking advantage of this extension of courtesy, "You are too kind, Thomas."

Did either of them really know what they were getting into? If she was correct and this was a monster... well, the pair of them hardly seemed the type to be trekking in the dark underground. Was it possible he went on hunts with the other noblemen? Or was he just a bit bored, stuck inside such a spacious home all day? She weighed the pros and cons of the expedition, not wanting to let her excitement get the best of her and cause more risk than what was necessary, "Hm. Your offer is more tempting than I'd care to admit. Now that we've spoken, I'm more eager than ever to go to the mines. However, that was before, when I believed I would be going alone or with-" she hesitated, taking the moment to sip drink to hide the pause, "..one of your men. Observation can tell us much about a creature and its lifestyles. It might be prudent to wait and see if it emerges from its den at nightfall, or shows habits befitting a more crepuscular visitor. Tell me..."

She looked up, her silver eyes poised over the rim of her glass, "What do you recall of the reported attacks? Had any footprints been found? I assure you, no detail is too small. I want to know everything."