80 Heart-Breaker (1/2)
As expected, her father was sitting in his office, stacks of parchment covering his desk as he grumbled with the House chamberlain. The office was a testament to his personality: austere and functional. The plain wooden desk lacked the elegant carvings and mouldings from experienced carpenters. Knowing him, desks must have been purchased in bulk from the carpenters of Neva for the various offices in the manor and he took one for his own use. The only departure from the simplicity was a small ornate wooden horse resting on the desk. It was a gift from her mother, carved by hand during her parent's courtship. Proof of her mother's uncanny abilities; if any more was needed, the little carving shimmered in the light, seemingly leaping from the desk in triumph. The room was filled with the scent of the lavender oils her father used to maintain the carving, a task he refused to delegate to anyone else.
”I thought you two grew out of this.” Her father raised an eyebrow as he pointed at a breathless Lidia, a clear sign of his amusement. His voice was so dry Elya could feel his exasperation and she snapped to attention at his tone, remembering a hundred lectures in this office, the familiar sights and scents bringing a smile to her lips.
”Maybe if you didn't encourage their… liveliness.” The chamberlain chuckled, his aged voice cracking at the Duke's expression. The old man tilted his head and waved at the door. ”It would seem they've encouraged pursuers as well.”
Nikolai burst through the door after the chamberlain's last word, red-faced from exertion. His Mage robes were lopsided, hanging at an odd angle from one shoulder. ”Stop… Not… Ready.” He wheezed, raising a trembling finger towards her. It took him a moment to realise where he was and when he saw the Duke he shuddered for a moment, finger dropping to his side as he gave a shaky bow. ”Apologies.”
”It would seem your apprentice has a better sense of direction.” Jarek's head hovered beside the door frame, a frown on his face. The Duke nodded in appreciation and added. ”Cautious as well.” He beckoned and Jarek sighed, no doubt wondering what kind of disaster his Master had caused before sliding into the room to stand beside Nikolai, dragging a heavy staff behind him. ”Caught your breath yet son?”
Nikolai twitched and cast a dark look towards Elya which she pointedly ignored, her lips twitching at the odd atmosphere. The great Master Mage of yesterday was gone and all that remained was a young man flush with embarrassment while facing his elders. [It's almost like he's used to this. The way he refuses to meet papa's eyes is just like Lidia whenever she caused problems.] He rearranged his robe, tugging on the collar and muttering under his breath before bowing once more.
”It's an honour to see you again patriarch…” Nikolai began.
”Still feels too formal.” The Duke interjected, stroking his chin as he observed the flash of frustration crossing Nikolai's features.
”… as I was saying. I hurried after Elya and Lady Lidia because of the item they… acquired…” Elya coughed at the sarcasm, grinning at Nikolai's discomfort as he continued. ”It's not quite ready, and I was concerned it would lead to issues.”
”So what did you girls steal from him?” the Duke's gaze fell on the rod in Elya's hand, the only item out of place in the room.
”It's a gift!” Lidia declared, pulling Elya towards the desk. ”For you papa.” Elya placed the rod carefully on the desk and stepped back, eyes glittering at her father's puzzled expression.
”A stick.” He said.
”A most impressive stick.” The chamberlain added, nodding in appreciation.
”It's called Tovotesk.”
”A most impressively named stick.” The chamberlain stroked his silver beard and reached out to caress the small rod. ”Heart-Breaker. Quite impressive.”
”So… what is it?” The Duke asked.
”A stick.” Lidia said.