Chapter Text
The Mothlace Hotel was currently being dusted down and cleaned.
Many hooved and horned masked figures would be working hard to clean up the Lobby, the halls, every amenity that they had. In hindsight they would have done it sooner, but the Miasma made time move differently in the Mountains. Days could be hours, hours could be months long outside… so schedules were never quite set in stone.
As such, the time on Vil's phone made very little sense.
"Hmph." Vil would narrow his eyes as he put his phone away. "Strange. It says we've only been here for less than a few minutes. But I swear, it's been hours…"
He and Rook had gotten rooms on another floor, away from Malleus and his cohorts. The rooms were dusty, but well decorated, with many a painting and sculpture tossed around the place.
It was charming, in a tacky hoarder aunt kind of way.
What interested Vil more were the windows.
The room he had been given had some very strange window blinds, which seemed to open like veranda style doors. There even was a landing on the moulding outside, offering a shallow, railless balcony for Vil to stand on.
The first time he had opened the window, he had scared off two female figures with clawed feet and wings… they had sworn at the startled student, shaking their balled up talons as they winged away… harpies, apparently.
His window opened up to the more heavily populated street below, and Vil could only describe it as 'haphazardly rustic". Brick buildings were crammed together, making narrow alleyways and dimly lit side streets run behind every building. The buildings themselves looked as though they were books jammed onto a bookshelf by a careless librarian, some buildings tilting and crumbling into the space of others…
The streets below, while clean, were crowded. Many of the horned and oddly grotesque individuals walking around were going about their day at two speeds: at full pelt, or at a dead stop.
Many of the monsterfolk down below were hurrying along to get their chores done or packages delivered, but if they met a friend on the street, they would immediately drop everything and start to chat. Many a group was congregated on the sides of buildings, lounging on stone shelves and ledges that served as benches and tables for the people below. Some had even climbed into windowsills to sit and chat about what they were going to do for the holidays…
And of course, among this sea of generic yet uniquely formed Monsterfolk were the more distinct individuals.
Centaurs would trot down the cobbled streets, usually carrying packages or pulling carts and buggies. Two exceptionally large centaurs were even pulling a trolley down the more expansive part of the road, full of all manner of passengers.
There were even a couple of restaurants with specific seating for centaurs, outdoor patios with cushions and higher tables, like one might find in a pub. A few fancier looking centaurs were sat outside, having a full but late lunch. The larger of the group had said something, causing the whole herd to bray and stomp in amusement at the joke…
Along the windowsills and wires that were connected between buildings, feline pyroclasts were wandering to and fro. Their flaming ears made them easy to spot at all hours, only aided by their brightly colored and adorable bandanas and bows. Some, in their little work vests, were testing the tensile strength of the wires, purposefully jumping and swinging from them to see how they held up.
One such individual, ears spouting a bright green flame, had lost their balance and was now dangling from the wire and screaming for help. Granted, they would immediately be dragged back up by a co-worker, with a heavy scolding waiting for them back on solid ground…
Other individuals were rushing with tools on their backs, running between buildings and squeezing into holes along the moulding to get into the buildings' inner workings… some even carried small packages on their backs and in their mouths, rushing to get to their destinations ASAP…
Vil could not help but watch this seemingly mundane world ebb and flow. What looked like something out of a fairy tale was just a way of life to the citizens of Mt. Barren. Simple. Seemingly devoid of the trappings and intrigue of his usual existence. He could not help but wonder: who were the rich and powerful of Monsterkind? Would he ever meet them? And would he ever find the time to promote himself to these folk?
Even on vacation, Vil was never truly 'off'.
He would have to turn away from the window for now though. Two of his pondered questions were apparently going to be answered tonight.
He, along with Rook, had gotten the invitation for the dinner tonight. And while that was still some time away, he needed all the time he could afford to unpack and start to make himself look presentable.
=
Time still moved so strangely here.
Looking at a phone was worthless. The time change was palpable, and no amount of adjusting the built in clock would make the time display properly. One could look at a phone screen and see that, despite everything, an hour had just passed. Look back again, and another 25 minutes. And yet you are sure it's only been 5 minutes, tops.
And so, the only reliable ways that Jade found to tell time was through the sun and through the clocks stationed everywhere.
The eel mer had noticed. The ever present ticking of a clock. Unheard of in many spaces, as one could look at a phone to tell time nowadays. But here, the pallid faces of shining clocks would hang on walls and lurk on desks. Always on time. Always reliable.
Jade had settled in just fine, unpacking and immediately popping down to the front desk to request a couple things.
"Ahem. Pardon me." He would say, as the front deskman perked up and put his book aside. "Apologies for the interruption, but might I trouble you for a couple of things?"
"Erm…" kep'cho, the front desk clerk would reach under his mask and scratch, revealing paperwhite skin and the slightest hint of paint on his cheek. "Yeah sure. I can do that. What d'ya need?"
"Oh, just a guide to the local mountains, perhaps a flora and fauna guide?" He said, smiling wide as he presented a list. "I shall also need some maps, as well as some supplies…"
"Whoa whoa now, fella!" The masked man said, holding up his hands. "I didn't think a fancy pants merfolk like yourself would be interested in goin into those mountains! You'd get eten up by a great beast if you went alone!"
"I don't intend on going very far~ just far enough to make some observations. I am QUITE the enthusiast, you see…"
"Hrm… well, I guess I can't stop ya. Tell ya what." Kep'cho would lean in. "The Mayor's comin in t'night. I'm sure you got the dinner invitation. And he's a real outdoorsman, really loves going up into the mountains to camp. Maybe, if you ask really nicely, he'll take you up there and teach ya some things. I heard he's going up there within the week to do some surveys for the upcoming festival, so you might as well try."
"I see… that is quite helpful, thank you." Jade would file that away for later. "That's Tusya's grandfather, correct? The mayor, I mean."
"Mhm. He'a really more of a lordship, but he never liked that title. So he just goes by Mayor." Kep'cho would reply, taking the list off the table and setting it aside for Verd to approve of later. "They're a big scary fella , but he's as sweet as can be."
"Is that so?" Another crumb of information he would file away. "That should make it so much easier to plead my case then~ But I wonder…" Jade would put a hand to his chin. "I have known Tusya for a handful of months, but they've never really discussed friendships outside of school."
"Ahh, makes sense." Kep would reply with a shrug. "She's always been a wild one, and some of the things we've done in our youth, hoo!" He would shake his head and scratch his chin. "I don't think that that's appropriate for the school lunch table, y'know?"
"Oh, there have been plenty of misadventures at Night Raven College." Jade would chuckle. "Tusya actually met my brother through a physical altercation over lunch. A sandwich, no less."
"Ah yup, that sounds like Tusya. She's always been food driven. We hijacked a whole cart of fancy catered serving trays to eat in the breakroom. I guess she was just upset that the staff wasn't getting fed the same as the guests, so she took matters into her own hands."
"And you don't mind being an accessory?"
"What are you, a cop?" Kep'cho would tilt his head. "And besides. It doesn't matter. Tusya basically runs the place when she's here. Even if she's not fond of the idea of running the place post graduation…"
"Oh my. I can't imagine why, you'd think she would have a career set for life if she were to help keep the hotel afloat." Jade would remark, smile widening. "Such a lavish hotel surely attracts guests of all kinds?"
"Nah, we're mostly keep rooms for people who are from way out of town. We mostly host people like dignitaries and the like, so the Mayor has them all in a place he can keep them safe and happy." Kep'cho would shrug in reply. "Maybe if business picks up, Tusya is gonna be needed back here. But she told ME, she wants to shack up with the Prince of Briar Valley."
Jade gave a soft, mock gasp. "My my. The scandal if that were to get out…"
"It's more like an open secret. She said she wants to go into jestering, since she and Malleus did a lot together as wee lil ones. Way before she met me. S'not a BAD job, but considering how close the two are, you'd think that Malleus' grandma would insist on them getting married."
"Married?" Jade would raise his eyebrows, but keep his cool. "Why, that's quite extreme, is it not? Tusya has claimed they aren't even royalty…"
"Royalty, no. Nobility, maybe. Either way. Tusya's said she didn't wanna. Thinks of Malleus too much as a friend." Kep would just shrug. "You hear a lot from the front desk."
"I can see that~ Why don't we have more of a chat when you aren't on duty? I would hate for you to get into trouble." Jade was intrigued, wanting to hear MORE about the other's information on that menace of a freshman… the idea that they were not only possibly nobility but had been seen as a partner for Malleus…? How scandalous.
"Ehhhh, sure. Buy me some lunch and I'll gladly spill what I got." Kep replied with a nod. "I'll be here otherwise. Oh and come back later, maybe Verd will have gotten you your needed guides and maps."
"Ahh, thank you my friend. I appreciate it." Jade would say, as he looked over upon hearing a soft chime. A large walnut grandfather clock stood against the wall, chiming seven times… the pale face of it seemed to glow and shine in the dim lighting, the numbers glossy and contrasting against the clockface…
"Gettin' to be that time." Kep grunted, grabbing his book. "You best be getting ready for the event. I'll be here, as usual."
"Of course, of course. It was nice to properly speak with you… Kep'cho, as it?"
"Mhm. Kep suits me just fine though."
"I see. Very well, if you will excuse me…"
Jade had to find Floyd. He was sure that his twin had either forgotten that there would be a dinner, or simply was not prepared for it. They had to look their best, as meeting the freshman's grandfather was quite the event…
==
"Frogfishieeeee are you sure we can't sneak out of this one?"
Floyd was sat on Tusya's nest of a bed, with the other getting dressed in front of him. This normally would be a scandal, but frankly, he'd already seem them at their worst. So being practically naked around Floyd was nothing to Tusya.
"Of course not. Floyd, I normally hate these sorts of dinners too, but I haven't seen Dedko in way too long! And I love my grandfather!" They would reply, brushing their damp hair. Tusya had taken a quick shower, and was content to toss on some semiformal looking robes… though…
"Hey, Floyd?" Tusya would turn around, in nothing but underpants as they held up their ceremonial robes and some semiformal robes from their closet. "What do you think? Ceremonial robes or nah."
"Mmm? Why ask me? I don't know nothin' about fashion like that." Floyd said, shrugging and laying back.
"Well, you're my friend and also you're in my room, dumbass. I value what you think."
"Hmmmm…" he would actually put a little thought into his choice. Frogfish was one of the few he could trust to take him seriously on these sorts of things… "I think it'd be neat if you wore your ceremonial ones though. Maybe your grandpa would freak out like all grandparents do, seeing their grandkids in fancy duds." He raised his arms. "Mine were so excited to see me graduate grade school when I was a lil fry, ahah…"
"Aw, that's cute. Do you ever think I'll get to meet your family?" Tusya asked from under their robes, struggling to get themselves through the right holes… with minimal success."Ah shit, I'm stuck. Floyd, help!" They flailed as they managed to get an arm through a sleeve, spinning in circles…
"Hah! Aw, is Frogfishie caught in a net? Hold still." He got up and adjusted their limbs before pulling them smoothly through. "Tada! Like magic!"
"Phew! I owe ya one, man."
"Don't say that." Floyd would frown at their friend, gaze suddenly cold. "You should be careful what you say, people might try and take advantage of that phrasing."
"You think so?"
"I mean I do it all the time." Floyd would only grin wider, already lightening up. "And as for my family… well maybe! I dunno if I wanna share ya with em. They might get the wrong idea."
"What, like we're DAAATING? That we're in WUV?" Tusya snorted and teased, making kissy noises at Floyd.
"Hah! Yeah maybe! They're so weird like that! Knock it off, frogfish, I don't wanna have to change your nickname!" He laughed and shoved a hand in their face as they made kissy faces at him.
"Well, fine!" Tusya stuck their tongue out. "Help me braid my hair then, and I can help you get dressed."
"Ehh? I've never braided hair before." He said, frowning. "Aren't you worried I'll mess it up…?"
"Nah. I'll teach ya! It's super easy."
=
Time ticked onward.
Jade and Azul had gotten ready and were just making their way down the hall to the appointed meeting place… already, Vil was there, done up to the nines in a look that was suspiciously similar to his dorm uniform. Rook as well, wore something similar… Azul and Jade had opted to wear their own dorm uniforms, on account of them being fancy enough for a dinner as it were…
"Has anyone seen Floyd?" Jade would ask. "I have yet to see either him or Tusya since we arrived."
"Ah, Monsieur Mastermind. Non, we have not seen your brother, I'm afraid." Rook would reply, pulling off his hat. "Is he not with Petit Monstre?"
"I THOUGHT he might be, but he wasn't in his suite, nor did Tusya answer their door when I knocked." Jade replied, frowning. "Troublesome…"
A ding cut through the air, and Floyd would barrel out of the elevator. He was wearing his dorm uniform as well, albeit with his usual lack of care. "Ahhh! Sorry! I was getting ready!"
"There you are Floyd. You were almost late. What kind of impression would that have made on the Mayor?" Azul would scold him …
"Geez, so-RRY. I was helping Frogfishie get ready too, don't bite my head off." He grumbled.
"Oh?" Vil's lips quirked into an amused smirk. "I wasn't aware you two were so close. Off campus for less than a day, and you two are already visiting one another?"
"Eh? I don't know what ya mean. They got stuck in their robes and needed my help." Floyd would reply with a smile. "Oh! By the way! Frogfishie might be late. They're making sure Sea slug and his school of friends are ready for the dinner."
"Speaking of," Azul said, adjusting his glasses. "I can't help but notice that we all had the same idea in terms of dress."
"Well, it certainly makes sense. What better way to introduce our host to what Night Raven College has to offer than by showcasing our uniforms?" Rook interjected. "Ah, we had to make do with less than what we normally do. But I think we are looking perfectly radiant, non?"
"Indeed you are."
A deep voice greeted them, and the students turned to see a massive man, bald but with a dark beard… his leathery looking cloak was rimmed by a huge ruff of dark furs, giving him the appearance of some great bird of prey… it was only accentuated by his aquiline nose,furrowed brow, broad shoulders… He would motion for the students to step through the threshold to their dining room, revealing calloused and rough hands covered in scars and rings ...under his cloak was a waistcoat as well as a heavy looking belt with some sheathed daggers and a thick, almost clublike looking implement with a magestone crammed into the base…
None of them had expected to meet a human looking man who was also so… massive.
"Erm…o-oui, monsieur." Rook would say, startled at how SILENTLY the giant of a man had snuck up on them. The five present students would head inside, where a huge table was laid out with places for many… far more than what they had reported. Were they expecting more guests?
"Please." The larger man said, motioning at the seats. "Sit where you wish." He would look down and see the supposed chaperone Verd rush in past his feet, panting and huffing as their clipboard trailed behind them. "Ah. Verd. You've made it. Good, good." He pulled out a seat for the feline, who gratefully hopped up.
"Yes! I'm so terribly sorry, sir, there was a mix up and the good Prince Malleus never got his invitation…!" Verd would pant, ears flattening in concern.
"Ah, worry not." The man would say, as the students seated themselves. "I'm sure Tusya is already on it. They're not here so I can only assume that they're dragging him down from the roof to eat with us. Such a silly tot."
The man would continue on, grunting his greetings to the assembled students. Azul was keeping his poker face up, but deep down… why this MASSIVE giant of a man HAD to be Tusya's grandfather. No one else it could be!
Both Jade and Rook had their eyes locked upon this mountain of a man. While it was obvious that this was their gracious host, there was something about him… he seemed so casual yet guarded somehow? That frowning, stoic face, despite his calm and compassionate words, were intriguing…
Vil kept up his usual decorum, playing the part of the refined and polite socialite. No need to leave a bad first impression on the Mayor of this fine city. And besides, if anything, Tusya may have spoken about them all at length. And if not Tusya, their nosy aunts…
And Floyd… well…
"Wooooow, are you Frogfishie's grandpa? You're huge!"
He had sat near the front, near the head of the table, leaning on it as he craned his neck to get a good look at the approaching giant. Jade and Azul flinched as the stranger paused, head turning to Floyd slowly. While he LOOKED annoyed…
"Hrm hrm… you must be Floyd Leech." He rumbled, approaching and clapping a hand on the other's back, laughing as he sent Floyd faceplanting into the table. "My sweet little grandchild has spoken highly of you! It's wonderful to finally meet you!"
Floyd would let out a startled yelp as he faceplanted, eyes wide with surprise as he pulled himself up. "Whoaaaaa! You hit hard! Hey, hey, can I squeeze ya? I wanna see how tough you can be."
"There will be no squeezing of Pops here."
A familiar head of flaming hair would walk through the door, as Atropha entered. She had made an effort to look nice, with her black dress and tight grey dress pants. But her dress still has the mane of flame that her hoodie had, albeit much lower and subdued in intensity and color. She still wore the same shoes as she had at NRC, heavy dark boots… and she still had the same slouch and frown from when she'd visited.
"Ah! Atropha! Come, sit, sit, you're early!" The man would say.
"Yeah, of course I am, Pops. Can't leave you alone with these degenerates." She would say, settling into a chair next to Rook.
"Oh, now Atropha! They're good lads, you needn't be so suspicious! After all, you and Pirrote can atest to their trustworthiness!" He would laugh. "Anyway! I should introduce myself! I am Mayor Radomir, leader of this fine city and yes, your classmate's grandfather."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." Azul would say with a smile. "But should we not wait for Malleus and his entourage to join us?"
"Bah, he knows who I am. He SHOULD!" He replied. "And besides, I wouldn't want to bore the lad. Regardless, welcome to Mt Barren, one of the largest established cities in the Ink Cap Mountain range. I hope that, with this inagural first meetiing, we can bridge the gap between our two communities, and hopefully reintegrate monsterkind back into the mainstream."
"I thought we were on vacation." Floyd would pipe up, only to get shushed by Azul and Jade.
"Hah! Well, that too. It can't be all pomp and ceremony, you know! I welcome you all to explore the city, and feel free to come by city hall to visit me!"
"Ahem. Pops, are we expecting more people?" Atropha would speak up, motioning to the dozen chairs still empty.
"Oh, yes. Malleus and his friends and ah… well, we shall see." He replied. "For now, my dear boys, please, feel free to partake in some appetizers while we wait for the remaining guests. Knowing Tusya, they shpuld be along shortly."
Several masked servers would come around with trays of various finger foods, trays laden with strange smoked meats and soft crumbling cheeses chock full of fragrant but unidentifiable herbs…slices of a thin crisp bread were laid out alongside these delights. Others would scamper along after them, offering pitchers full of ice water and various juice…A smaller, imp like creature was shuffling along the table, laying out pungent spreads for their food…
"Oh? This smells quite good…" Vil would gladly take some of the bread and lay out some slices of the paler meat upon it. Delicately taking a bite, he took a moment to savor the light flavor, enjoying the tenderness of the sliced meat… "mmm…" he would finish off his bite and comment, "That's surprisingly good for such a plain cut of meat. What sort of beast does this come from?"
"Direboar, actually."
Rook's eyes sparkled at the mention of wild game. "Oh? Do tell. I happen to be quite un chercheur, myself. A hunter, if you will."
"Ahhh, well the game here may or may not be to your taste, good sir." Radomir would reply, taking what appeared to be an exceptionally slimier piece of meat and chomping on it. "To what extent can you hunt?"
Rook would gladly start to describe his conquests and hobbies, only to be interrupted…
"Oh! He helped Jade hunt down Frogfishie, actually." Floyd offered, beaming. "He needed Jade's help since their magic made it so hard to track them!" He did not seem to notice or mind that Radomir had lowered his glass and looked pointedly towards Rook.
"Aha, y-yes. That as well. I have other…targets… under my belt, but most of my hunts involve information on students-"
"And?" Radomir growled, lean forward slightly to look between Rook and Jade. "What exactly have you learned about my precious and currently ONLY grandchild?"
The silence at the table was heavy, with Jade merely smiling at Radomir, while Rook did his best to keep his composure…
"Well…" Jade mused, taking a sip of water. "We have learned that Tusya possesses a remarkable ability to evade detection. The Miasma, as they call it, emanates from them under duress, which could be potentially dangerous on their end should someone find that they want a supply of it. Or it would be if they were not so prone to fits of violence alongside my brother Floyd."
"Oui. I have the bitemarks to prove it." Rook chimed in.
Radomir was quiet… before laughing loudly enough to make the visiting students jump.
"Hah! You like that? That was my gift to them when they were getting ready to leave for the first time. Wasn't sure how the other students would like 'em so I gave them a little edge." He explained. "And I heard they bit a teacher! In self defense of course, but I'm so proud…even if I had to technically punish 'em."
"Ah. That must be why Professor Crewel is not fond of them…" Rook would say, pulling his hat down a bit.
"Aye, I heard about his teaching methods. Well, he should be able to take what he gives out, yeah?"
"Dad!" Atropha snapped, looking up from her salad. "You know we can't be teaching Tusya that they can just bite their way out of their problems." She would look back down, adding in a grumble, "even if that posh son of a bitch deserved every puncture wound…"
"Whaaaaat, it's fiiiiine. They agreed to not bite him again, and he agreed not to threaten 'em in that way. It all got sorted out!"
The Leech twins couldn't help but laugh, surprised that Tusya's grandfather was such a happy go lucky sort of guy. Possibly easy to manipulate… but they could not be sure.
Before either could speak up again, there was a small woosh as someone dressed in ceremonial robes barreled in.
"DEDKOOO!"
Tusya would sprint in, rushing past the guests as they lunged to their grandfather. The larger man would easily catch their sprinting grandchild, grinning as he put them in an affectionate headlock. "Tusya! My sweet little anklebiter! There you are!" He would look up as he saw Malleus and his group enter, beaming. "Malleus! My dear boy! There you are. Come, all of you, have a seat and have some food!"
"Mayor Radomir." Malleus would bow slightly towards the head of the table, making Azul and Vil exchange glances. "My apologies. I did not mean for us to be so late. I understand from Tusya that my invitation got lost in the shuffle of things?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so." Radomir would say as his grandchild would wiggle in his grasp. "But lad, I've told you, you never need an invitation to our table. You and your cohorts are always welcomed here."
Malleus blinked and seemed surprised… but he flushed, smiling warmly as he sat down next to Atropha. "....Thank you. I. Know you say that all the time but it still pleases me to know you regard me in such a way."
"Bah! You know damn well that I could never turn you or your grandmother away! I've seen you as a hatchling! Tusya, darling, thank you for fetching the stragglers."
"Of course, Dedko!" They'd be released from their headlock, kiss his cheek and flounce off to their seat opposite of Malleus.
"Oh? More seats?" Lilia would comment. "I take it that we have more guests coming?"
"We might." Radomir chuckled. "Anyway. Now that we are all here we can start bringing out food properly!" He would clap his hands as many masked chefs would come out of the woodwork.
Some carry overflowing pots of a creamy stew, chock full of chopped meats and bizarre vegetables, the smell of vague, unfamiliar spices wafting from the steaming contents.
Others brought strange whole plates of monstrous looking fish, soft pale flesh seasoned with peppers and bay leaves and what looked like slices of pink ginger. The scaled and heavily jawed faces and tails remained, hinting at what sort of beasts they had been while alive… They trailed heavy clouds of fragrant steam, followed closely by bowls of stir fried vegetables in a vaguely spicy sauce…
More side dishes came out, ranging from smaller platters of meatballs to mashes made of various tubers and roots endemic to the region. One large dish had a tureen full of a creamy mushroom soup, the caps floating like sailboats in a steaming bay. Jade immediately made it a point to take a bowl or two, not only to eat but to examine the contents…
Plates full of heaps of noodles came next, glistening buttered noodles with cabbage, and a large dish full of what looked like creamy beef stroganov. Smaller plates circled these larger bastions of comfort food, crispy potato pancakes, steaming cabbage rolls stuffed full of meats and local grains…
Finally a massive ham hock, glazed in sweet honey until it was golden brown, with an attendant standing by to slice off bits for the students and guests.
Azul blanched at the large assortment of food, eyes darting between them all. There was… a lot of heavy food here. And while he didn't wish to be rude, he knew he had to watch his diet. Even on vacation, he had to be careful. He would help himself to the fish, as well as some of the stroganov, politely asking for water as he gazed around the table.
Jade was still examining the mushrooms found in his soup, as well as in the stroganov. Floyd was currently trying a little bit of everything, eating like it was his last meal. Had Tusya sat next to him, they probably would have fought over the slices of ham served by the otherwise unflappable waiter, who was running between Floyd and the ham hock…
Across the way, Rook was genuinely asking the Mayor about the beast the honeyed ham had come from, as well as the fish… his eyes sparkled as Radomir responded, telling him about the beasts, the direbeasts, the shadow beasts… meanwhile, Vil was having a taste of some wines, alongside his neatly arranged plate. It was a lot heavier than what he normally would spring for, but it was clear he was going to try everything at least once.
Tusya and Atropha were chattering between mouthfuls, shovelling food onto their plates… and Malleus…
There was a small glowing purple speck on his nose.
He had paused in his eating and saw the speck… and IMMEDIATELY stood up.
Lilia, Silver, and Sebek looked to him, and also saw the speck. They would follow his actions as quickly and as politely as they could.
"Hmmm? Malleus, my boy, what-" Radomir begin, until he saw a few purple sparkles drifting lazily in the air, like fireflies… "oho! I thought this might happen!" Radomir stood, much to everyone's surprise. "I figured you would be coming here, my dear!"
The giant of a man stepped from his seat, as Rook stood to get a better look at what was happening. The other end of the room had gone dark, and the open door was ringed with strange, shadowy figures with glowing green eyes. There was whispering as the rest of the guests stood up, and a tall figure stepped from the shadows…
The woman was slightly taller than Malleus, gaunt face peppered with dark scales. Much like Malleus, she had horns, but instead of two, had three: two along the side of her head by her ears, and one curling back from the edge of her browline. Her dark eyes fell upon the assembled diners, with her long, tattered looking cape being held up by the shadowy figures that trailed behind her. Her gown was an odd mixture of silky fabric and what looked like scaled armor, decorated with intricate engravings.
The air was heavy and silent, filled only with the clack of her heeled boots, as she approached Malleus…
"...Grandmother." Malleus would reply, beaming at her.
"Malleus, darling!" She would raise her arms and embrace her grandson in a sweeping hug. "It's been FAR too long, how have you been?"
The gathered students let out a collective breath, as they settled back down. The Fae Queen would sweep over to the Mayor, embracing him and kissing his cheeks. He would, in turn, embrace her tightly and laugh. "Actouria! My dearest friend, I had an inkling you might show up earlier than expected!" He laughed, clapping her on the back. "Please! All of you, take a seat."
"You know me FAR too well, Radomir!"
Azul would look away from the startling scene to see that the shadowy, green eyed figures were actually the Queen's many attendants and guards. They all took a seat at the table, waiting for the queen to settle into a chosen seat. But not before she stopped by Tusya's seat and embraced her as well.
"Hey Grandma, great to see you!" Tusya would squeal, as she was showered in kisses. "I didn't think you were coming until later!"
"Grandma?" Azul could not help but say, covering his mouth when the Fae Queen's eyes turned to him. "Ahem… My apologies, your majesty, I meant no offense. I was merely startled… I had no idea that…"
"Now, young man, it's perfectly fine. I have known Tusya since she was a tot." She chuckled softly, petting Tusya's long hair gently. "As Mayor Rodomir has known my darling grandson since he was a hatchling. Hmmm…" she would narrow her eyes, as if looking through him. "You must be Mister Ashengrotto."
The Leech twins would look to Azul, who was recovering from the shock that the Queen of the fae knew who he was . "Yes, your majesty, Azul Ashengrotto." He would remove his hat, smiling respectfully. "Manager of the Monstro Lounge at Night Raven College. It's my pleasure to meet you."
"Ah, yes." She chuckled, taking her seat. "Malleus has spoken of you, you're the young man who Overblotted recently."
Jade had to cover his mouth with a napkin, as Floyd choked on his mouthful… Azul blinked, face bright red as he sunk into his chair. "I…" ohhhh, the Queen of the Fae knew about his shortcomings.
"Oh don't get me wrong, young man!" She would put a hand to her chest, smiling a thin, narrow eyed smile. "Overblotting is NOTHING to be ashamed about! It happened quite a bit back in my day, it just shows your passion! Isn't that right, Radomir?"
"Indeed, indeed! Here here!" He lifted a glass full of wine, as if toasting…
Azul smiled weakly at her, still flushed and so embarrassed… "Ahem. Still, this is not exactly the way I… expected to be introduced to royalty." He added, keeping his head down. "I was hoping that we would be introduced on better terms…"
"Hah! Are these not the best terms of meeting? Having good food with friends and family?" She would ask. "No need to settle down on my account, children of men! Please, make merry all you'd like!"
=
The Queen was… something.
She and her entourage would drink, laugh, make merry… as the night wore on, the servers would bring out desserts and coffee. Most of the desserts were pastries, fruit pies and tarts… but even all that would be left behind once the guests were full and sleepy.
"Aha… Roi d'Dragons, I was unaware that your grandmother was so… lively!" Rook could not help but comment on the state of the Queen of Briar Valley. After all, he HAD seen her before, in photographs and in history books. But to actually SEE her acting out, being so spirited despite her regal standing… it was a delicious sort of juxtaposition that Rook was a LITTLE obsessed with.
"Indeed. Grandmother has always been a cheerful sort, even among the fae." Malleus said, arms folded as they walked back to the elevators. "She's followed in the footsteps of the Thorn Fairy and simply invited herself to major events that she was interested in. Hmhm… " it was hard not to laugh. "She's thumbed her nose at many fae sentiments, such as needing an invitation… but I do wish I had her audacity. Even now at her advanced age, she is still one of the best leaders Briar Valley has ever had. Ah, but the hour grows late. I don't wish to keep you."
"On the contrary!" Rook's eyes sparkled as he listened to Malleus talk. "Your Grandmother truly was a pioneer in her own way. It's fascinating! Truly merveilleux!"
Malleus blinked and chuckled. "Thank you. I… hope to be able to handle the throne half as well as she has. Tusya has. Helped."
"Ah yes, le petit monstre… I recall reine des épines mentioned how you both have known each other for a very long time?"
"Mmm. We have. I suppose it would not hurt to talk about it. Perhaps, if you have the time, we might speak of it over lunch."
"Ah? Is that an invitation, Roi d'Dragons?" Rook asked, folding his arms and smiling. "I would love to have lunch with you sometime. Please, when is an ideal time for you?"
"I suppose I don't have any pressing matters for the next couple of days. Will tomorrow suffice for you, child of man?"
"Mmm~ of course, of course. That works just fine. I recall that our host mentioned that food was free here, why not have lunch on the rooftops?"
"Hm, you really are as astute as they say. Very well. I shall meet you up there tomorrow. As for now. I shall take my leave. I suggest you do so as well."
=
"Ahem. Mayor Radomir?"
The good mayor would look up from his food to see Jade standing at arm's length from his side. "My apologies, but I wanted to speak with you for a moment before I joined my classmates. If I may?"
"Of course, young man! Please, feel free, speak your mind. What can I do for you?" Radomir was a bit flushed from his drink, but he was still as cheerful as ever…
"Well…" Jade began, "I was made aware of the fact that you were going up into the wilderness for reasons related to the festival that is coming up. I myself am quite the mountain enthusiast, and I was wondering if it would be alright to accompany you?"
"Why of course you may! I'll be leaving in a couple days, and I may very well have to camp up there for a night or so. Are you alright with that? I don't mind sharing my camping equipment as needed, of course."
"That's perfectly alright, sir." He said, bowing slightly. "I have to admit, when I learned where your grandchild was from, I was restless for nearly a week thinking about the implications. If I may, I'd love to document the local flora, fauna and fungi if you will allow it."
"Hmmm. Well, I suppose it can't hurt. But I may be moving quicker in order to cover more ground. Feel free to take notes and pictures if you must, lad, but a more comprehensive natural study will have to wait until after I've done my own survey."
"I see. Well, I'm still more than happy to accompany you." Jade replied with a nod. "If I can be of any assistance on your survey, please, do not hesitate to make use of me."
"Lad, there's no need for that!" Radomir laughed, shaking his head and waving him off. "It'll be fine, Ill be sure to send you a message before I leave. So that you'll be ready!"
"I look forward to it~"