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The room swirled and spun with the colors Baldur’s Gate’s nobility. Cressida looked around the room, trying to ignore the fuzzy bustling of the thoughts around her. Though, every second felt more and more like she made a mistake in coming to this ball. A knot of tension bloomed behind her eyes.
She tried to seem occupied with smoothing the dark purple fabric of her dress as she attempted to scan the room.
“My lady, might I have this dance?” chimed a voice accompanied by a man several decades her senior approaching her.
She raised a brow, “I was hoping to remain at the refreshments table, if it is all the same to you, saer.”
She will end up old, withered and alone if she remains like that. Surely she will be desperate enough for company within an hour or so. the man’s thoughts echoed in her head with how close he was, standing out from the blur of other thoughts, Not to mention the fortune she is leaving to waste if she remains by herself.
“Surely you wish to engage in more of the festivities. I would be happy to partake with the likes of yourself,” he said.
Cressida’s expression soured to a glare, “I would be far happier if you saw yourself to the other side of the room.”
The man gasped, “Why, I never… you have some nerve speaking to me that way.”
“Not really, no. What would really take some nerve is approaching someone young enough to be your granddaughter and thinking she should fall at your feet to be within your presence,” she replied, her steely gaze meeting his, “Your boldness truly is admirable, saer.”
His face grew redder with each word. With nothing to say, he stalked away.
Gods, she did not miss this in the slightest. Particularly as he was the third old man hoping to win her affections. Most of the men near her age were fawning over the new beauties entering society for the first time. It was borderline sickening. And the men near her age who might have approached her were turned away by her reputation of being on the disagreeable side.
If she were concerned with finding a husband, she might have cared. Having no parents left did have its share of benefits. No male relative in near relation to her also did, but a part of her knew that Cadmus would have taken amusement in her angering old men to the point he would have let her be single for the rest of her life if it made her happy. Which, considering how everyone who approached her primarily cared about her wealth, she was fairly certain that this was the closest to happiness she would ever get. It was better now that she had her health, if nothing else.
While the headaches persisted when in public, they were not nearly as debilitating as they had been in recent memory. Cressida could get out of bed nearly every day. By the time she started to truly feel like herself, she learned of Lorroakan’s recent death. She learned of the mystery behind it just as quickly. Not to mention that the most eligible bachelor of the season was supposedly the new master of the tower.
Someone else being in charge of the tower made Cressida apprehensive. Not because she thought Lorroakan was a person to be missed, but because there was a chance this new master was worse. That she would need to do something about him. The only way to find out, of course, was through meeting him. Orchestrating a formal one on one meeting wouldn’t have worked. It would have given him a chance to cater to her. Cressida hoped to meet him and figure out what sort of person he was organically.
As she skirted the ballroom and tried to feel that her updo was staying in place, she already heard plenty about him. Not that it told her anything important or anything she didn’t already know. Most of the talk was over the fact the new master was a tiefling of presumed low birth. There was apprehension among the oldest families. Cressida was technically part of such a family, but she was an exception to the rule.
If only she could find him and be done with it.
Unfortunately, he was in high demand and always with someone. Be it dancing with a lady or speaking with some patriars. She had yet to properly see him beyond a few flashes here and there. And the tension in her head was slowly growing into a gnawing ache. If she stayed in such a crowded place for much longer, she wouldn’t be in a state to speak to anyone.
While leaving the ballroom for some air meant that she risked missing him entirely, it was a necessary risk. She had to pace herself. Else she would have to attempt attending another one of these. Something which would give everyone the incorrect impression that she was searching for a spouse.
Cressida made her way out to the garden, the dark purple silk of her dress swishing in her wake.
This was going, for better or for worse, about how Rolan suspected it would go. It was his first public appearance since taking over the tower. Everyone was curious for one reason or another. Namely, he was stuck speaking to a variety of nobility which included a fair number of young ladies mixed with older patriars. The ones who were willing to approach him, at any rate. There were plenty of people in attendance who just about refused to look in his direction. Between his lineage and the circumstances of his rise to power, there were many who were suspicious of him.
Those who chose to approach him were not much better. Even the ones who clearly were not intending to be rude.
“It truly is impressive that you have amassed such fortunes, saer,” said the young woman as they circled each other in their dance, “It is rare for one of your kind to gain such wealth.”
He forced a smile, “Luck, truly. Little more than that.”
If he could have afforded to, he would have walked out right then and there. However, he had a reputation to build. Rolan finished the dance with the lady and she rushed over to someone he assumed was her mother, beaming. As though there were a chance in the hells that he would willingly speak to her again. He busied himself by taking a glass of wine and sipping on it as a nearby group of men spoke.
“No way she truly said such a thing to you!” exclaimed one.
The other man nodded, “I’m telling you, she called me old enough to be her grandfather! The nerve of that petulant girl. She needs someone to wrangle her in, but she’s more likely to rot alone in that blasted manor of hers.”
“Considering the years Lady Lanthir spent alone, it’s quite possible she’s forgotten all sense of decorum. Or her mind has withered away,” the man pat the other one on the back, “You dodged a mistake with that one. Besides, there are plenty of other suitable women to be your next wife.”
It wasn’t the first time he heard of this mysterious Lady Lanthir. Arguably she was more spoken about than he was. Apparently it was her first social appearance in nearly a decade. The sole heiress to a massive fortune, she was able to act as she pleased. It was hard to tell if she was deliberately unpleasant or if the men were exaggerating her behavior. He admired her alleged bluntness, if nothing else. It was amusing to hear about throughout the night. Even if he doubted he wanted to run into her. Someone like that would likely rip him to shreds from the sound of it.
For the first time since his arrival, there wasn’t someone fighting to get his attention, so he took the moment to quietly exit the room for a bit of air. A few moments to himself. Then, he would brave the upper class of the city once more until this whole ordeal was over. He was sure Cal and Lia would find some amusement in his plight afterwards.
As he approached the garden, he saw a woman admiring some of the roses. Her head turned in his direction, likely having heard him coming.
“Apologies, I was hoping to get some air,” he said, giving her a small wave of acknowledgment, “I didn’t mean to startle you.”
The woman gave a polite curtsy, “You didn’t.”
“Nevertheless, you likely didn’t come out here to speak with the likes of me, so apologies are in order regardless.”
She gave a small smile in return. At a closer look, Rolan couldn’t help taking in her appearance. While the deep purple of her dress suited her well, there was a clear discomfort in her posture. Her dark hair was fighting against the pinned updo she kept it in as well. There was a curiosity in her gray eyes that left him assuming she wanted to talk. However short-lived the conversation would be.
“You’re the new Master of Ramazith’s Tower, no?” she asked, tiling her head to the side.
Rolan smiled, “It’s that obvious?”
“Well, you are the only tiefling in attendance,” she pointed out before pausing, “I meant no offense. Only that, it is that obvious.”
“At least you admit it,” he sighed, “Most are keen to not state it so outright.”
“Most are fools,” she replied, returning her gaze to the flowers, “I can only hope you’re having a more pleasant night than myself.”
Rolan hesitated, “Seeing as this is my first night of these sorts of festivities, I don’t think it would be proper to compare our evenings. It has been a bit overwhelming, to say the least.”
“Oh, of course. Certainly everyone is lining up to meet the new archmage,” she paused, “You must be sick of talking about it by now.”
He chuckled, “Some are lining up. Lots of questions to answer, many connections to make either way.”
“Primarily related to politicking, I’d presume?” she inquired, “Not so much about the tower itself?”
“You’d be right. I hadn’t realized how little most would want to know about the tower,” he agreed, taking a sip of wine, “I realize the amount of power I have come into, of course. But my apprenticeship did little to prepare me for the societal aspect of everything.”
Her head perked up and turned back to him, “Were you an apprentice for long? I don’t mean to pry, but I figure you’d prefer to speak on the arcane or something to that affect?”
“I was Master Lorroakan’s apprentice for a few months. Though, I did plenty of independent study beforehand. Personally, I always favored the school of evocation, but I appreciate the other forms of magic as well,” he explained.
A different line of questioning, to be sure. Most wanted to know about what deals of Lorroakan’s he intended to maintain. Or there were the hushed rumors centered on how he came into being the new master. Rolan knew that he had to be careful about such a line of conversation. From what he saw of the city’s society, they wouldn’t have understood the issue with Lorroakan’s position. He garnered such support that Rolan was certain the man’s reputation would remain as spotless as it had in his lifetime. Not much Rolan could have done about that.
Lorroakan’s treatment of him… it was hardly appropriate for a conversation such as this. Not with someone he just met. Assuming she would even believe him. There was his master’s treatment of those he considered beneath him as well. His need to use the people around him… much contributed to what Rolan had done to the man. Things he hoped no one would learn of.
“And what do you intend to do with the tower now that you have its knowledge?” she asked, gray eyes staring at him intently.
Another unique question.
“I mean to study it, of course. Then, I wish to catalogue it and do what I can to share the tower’s knowledge with as many as I can,” he replied.
The woman nodded, “Right, I’m sure the patriars would take great enjoyment in such access.”
“I don’t doubt it, but I intend to share it with more than the city’s upper echelons,” he added, “I wish to share it with everyone. Regardless of social standing.”
He could have sworn a smile twitched at her face, “Most of the nobility would be displeased, you know. You could lose the support of many families through that. Old, important ones.”
“If they believe gatekeeping essential knowledge from the broad public is so important, then they aren’t particularly worthwhile allies,” he shrugged.
Perhaps that was a stupid thing to say to someone who was either a part of or connected to those old, important families. That wasn’t a principle he was willing to cave on, though. Not when he grew up knowing how difficult it was to learn about anything related to the arcane without formal training. Which had its benefits, but if Lorroakan was to be an example of what formal training looked like in a wizard, then it clearly did not end up amounting to much.
The woman smirked, “I couldn’t agree more, Master… I don’t believe I caught your name.”
“Rolan,” he nodded to her, “And you are?”
“Cressida,” she paused, “Lady Cressida Lanthir, if we’re being formal, but I’ve never cared much for titles or formalities.”
He froze at her words, his tail twitching nervously behind him. So this was the mysterious, disagreeable Lady Lanthir he heard those men speaking about. In some ways, Rolan was kicking himself for not putting it together before now. What other woman would be able to wander around a ball unaccompanied? Not to mention how she told him she was here for the first time after years out of the public eye. It was easy to piece together that what he considered unique, almost refreshing questions would have come across as a lack of social graces to others.
His pause was noticed as Cressida’s gaze went to the ground, “I suppose my reputation precedes me.”
“You’ve certainly garnered a great deal of attention tonight… I almost think it could rival my own,” he replied, “I was under the impression you would be more…”
“Of a bitch?”
Rolan nearly spat out his wine, “Well… I wouldn’t- that’s not…”
“If that isn’t what they’re saying, it’s certainly what they’re thinking,” she shrugged, “I don’t mind. Though, I am glad we met in this way. It would’ve probably been boring to talk to you if you thought I was going to bite your head off the whole time.”
There was no exaggerating her bluntness, that was certain. He had yet to see any of the blatant rudeness she supposedly had.
“Can I ask why you’re not? Biting my head off, that is.”
“You’ve been nothing but polite to me. The fact that you’re not acting like you’re entitled to me helps,” Cressida smiled, “Not to mention, I would never live down scaring off the new Master of the Tower from high society. Though, if you’d prefer I bit your head off, that could also be arranged.”
Rolan couldn’t help the laugh that left him at that, “I think I’d prefer to keep my head, if it’s all the same to you.”
“Of course, can’t have the city’s newest, most eligible bachelor wandering around headless,” she said with a sage nod, “I suppose I should leave you to it, then.”
He shrugged, “The reprieve has been nice, honestly.”
“Not terribly eager to peruse your romantic prospects?” she asked, a teasing lilt in her voice.
“I don’t mind, but I have plenty to worry about without finding a suitor. Even if plenty are lining up,” he nodded at her, “Aren’t you? Perusing, I mean?”
She scoffed, “If you count those old men as prospects, you’re more of a fool than I feared.”
“Can I ask what brings you here, then?”
Cressida paused at the question. The truth was she was there to meet him. But not in the same way that everyone else was. They wanted a chance to meet the new Master of the Tower for business dealings. She wanted to see if she had to prepare for a means to dispose of him. To see if the man who placed Lorroakan was somehow more vile and cruel.
Thus far, much to her relief, she found the opposite. While a few minutes was not nearly enough time to know someone and their intentions deeply, his thoughts and words indicated someone who was rather kind. Someone who was principled, at least. And, for better or worse, she found herself longing to know more. But she couldn’t afford to let her full motivations slip. Not so soon.
“I wanted to see what I was missing,” she answered, “After years of… well, poor health, I’ve finally felt more like myself as of late. I figured if there was ever a chance of me partaking in society again, this would be the time.”
Rolan nodded in understanding, “In that case, I’m glad you’ve been feeling better lately. I presume that means you’re not searching for a husband, then?”
“And have to answer to someone else after years of being able to manage myself?” Cressida shook her head, “I have no want for marriage. It would likely stifle me.”
No wonder those men couldn’t stand her… I can’t blame her for being short with them… Rolan’s thoughts circled her head. A relief, hearing that he wasn’t upset at her insistence against finding someone. Not that it would have been his place to have an opinion one way or the other.
“Well, while your position is quite clear, I do feel it would be improper to talk your ear off this long without at least offering you a dance,” he said.
She couldn’t stop the smile that crossed her face, “I haven’t minded in the slightest. And while I would love to accept your request, I fear I must warn you that I haven’t danced in years.”
How could she have if she were sick? It’s curious that she started feeling better recently… his thoughts begged a fair point. One that she herself wondered about too. Though, in a different way. Her frequent pain and nightmares seemed to disappear entirely. It left her worried about when such things would return to her. The pain was likely inevitable.
“Well, if it helps, I have been rushing to learn so as to not make a fool of myself tonight,” he replied, “I think I could do well enough for both of us.”
“Then perhaps it would be worthwhile to see what you can do. And I wouldn’t mind seeing some of those old patriars fuming once they realize I am willing to give someone the time of day.”
Rolan offered her his arm, which she took as he led her back into the bustle of the party. While the thoughts buzzing and swirling around the room were not ideal, the break was better than nothing. Not to mention, convenient for piecing together Rolan’s thoughts. Doing so in this space would have been difficult, and she was certain she would have given him the cold impression everyone else seemed to have of her. Not that she ever did much to prove everyone else wrong.
The ongoing song finished, allowing time for the pair to step out onto the dance floor. While it was difficult to make out exact thoughts, Cressida could feel the eyes on her. Likely on Rolan as well. She was certain it made for an interesting sight. The old men approaching her must have been wondering what sort of sweet nothings Rolan whispered to get a dance from her.
It was difficult to ignore it as they waited for the music to start. She found her eyes scanning the room, everyone’s thoughts feeling like they were louder. Like everyone was watching for her to make some kind of mistake. While she wanted to steel herself to it, she found herself unable to concentrate.
One of Rolan’s hands found hers, “Follow my lead, alright?”
“Right, you’re still sure about this?” she asked.
His other hand found her waist and his golden eyes found hers, “It’s a bit late to back out now, no? Just trust me.”
“I… I hope you know what you’re doing,” she murmured, her free hand reaching his shoulder.
Music began to fill the hall once again and Cressida followed in step with Rolan. Which, considering she didn’t have the same well-trained steps as most of the ladies present, was going smoothly. She hadn’t completely forgotten how to do this sort of thing.
“I thought you didn’t care what they all thought,” he said.
She scoffed, “I never said that. You’d be a fool not to care.”
“And why is that?”
“So many of the people here influence the city, its goings on…” she found herself unable to come up with anything to say but her genuine thoughts, “They’re all waiting to see me make some sort of mistake. After being gone so long… I’m positive everyone here would love to pick me apart.”
He spun her, “I think you’ll have to get in line. Need I remind you I’m the only tiefling in attendance?”
“You have a point,” she allowed herself to relax into his hold, “You would be wise to pay attention to what they say, though.”
He arched a brow, “Is that so?”
“Yes,” she looked at him, “Surely you’ve heard what they’ve started saying about you… your rise to power?”
His brow furrowed, “What exactly are you getting at?”
If his thoughts served to be correct, which she had no reason to think otherwise, the suspicions were right. Rolan killed Lorroakan. Likely due to poor treatment. Cressida could hardly blame him, of course. And she wasn’t about to accuse him of something. Even if it was true, this was hardly the time or place to confront him head-on.
“I mean to say that… if certain rumors are to be believed,” she thought over her next words carefully, “Some will try to get in your way. Particularly when they learn that you mean to share the tower’s knowledge. If you find yourself in need of a powerful ally, I may be inclined to be just that.”
A confused look crossed his face. Looking at him, she could hear swirls of thoughts wondering how powerful she could truly be. Considering she admitted herself that she had been ill for years and was the sole head of her house.
“I will… keep that in mind,” he replied.
The music came to an end once more, “I know I may not seem like much, but I do come from one of those old, powerful families we were talking about. And I have the occasional trick up my sleeve.”
“I never intended to doubt you, Lady Lanthir,” he said.
She shrugged, “I wouldn’t blame you. Just… keep me in mind, yes?”
“Don’t worry, I will, my lady.”
“Cressida is fine, really,” she said with a bashful smile.
He took the hand that was holding hers and kissed it, “Very well, Cressida. I hope to see you around.”
“Same to you, Master Rolan.”
“Just Rolan will suffice.”
Several months had passed since their first meeting, and Rolan found that he enjoyed Cressida’s company. They became fast acquaintances. Rolan was aware that he needed to take advantage of anyone he met within the city’s nobility who so willingly offered to be in his corner. But the political side of things was what he found himself caring about the least.
That was a line of thought he and Cressida shared. As being acquainted with each other caused some more desirable prospects to approach her. However, she had little interest in any of them while not being nearly as scathing as she had been at the ball they met at. While he knew it was because marriage was a considerable risk for her, he was selfishly glad no one caught her interest.
Cressida was blunt and occasionally said things that made him wonder if she had managed to swap places with the real noblewoman who was supposed to exist. But more than that, she was funny and thoughtful and Rolan found himself frequently inviting her to the tower. It helped that Cal and Lia liked her as well. Perhaps too much as they teased him about his supposed crush. Which he denied at first, but now…
He took a sip of the tea sat between them to steady himself. To prepare himself for what he needed to tell her.
“Is everything alright? You’ve barely looked at your book,” she pointed out, marking her own page.
Sometimes it felt like she knew he had something to say. Which he would ordinarily brush off as insightful, but it could be uncanny at times. Still, there was no time like the present.
“Cressida, I know we’ve both been very clear about not being interested in marriage or looking for partners, but there’s something I must tell you. Over these months, I’ve found myself wanting to call upon you far more often than what would be appropriate,” he started, setting the book to the side, “I enjoy your company more than any of the other nobles I’ve met by a long shot. And at first I thought I was just glad to have a friend, but I’ve started to realize my feelings may be more than that. And, if you would let me, I would like to court you.”
“Rolan, I-”
“Hold on, let me finish, please,” he told her, “I know that a decision like this holds more weight for you than it does for me. And while I can sit here and tell you that I like you and would like to court you because of your independence and your stubbornness and I would never do anything to impede that, I know that my words may not be enough. So, feel free to just say the word and I’ll drop the matter. I just… I only thought it was fair that you knew my feelings for you.”
“There is something that I need to tell you,” Cressida said, a grim look on her face.
Rolan frowned, “What is it? Is… is everything alright?”
“Well, yes… but also not at all,” she sighed, “I’ve been keeping a great deal from you. And at first it didn’t really matter because I didn’t intend to be all that involved with you… but now… now you’re saying all of these sweet things and… and I don’t deserve them in the slightest, Rolan.”
“If this is about your family or the things in your past, Cressida, I assure you that won’t sway me if that is your only hesitation,” he insisted, “We can also take this as slowly as you would like. It’s up to you.”
Cressida gave him a pained smile, “Oh, Rolan… what I have to tell you is going to destroy everything. You’ll want something stronger than tea.”
“Very well,” he waved an unseen servant to bring some wine.
Was it her strange illness? Had it started to return? Did she learn that she was dying or something of the like and think that would influence his opinion of her? Gods, he hoped not. It wouldn’t have changed his mind, but he hated to think of her having to suffer like that.
She grimaced, “I- I’m afraid I lied to you when we first met. I told you I was there to see what I was missing over the years, to determine if I wanted to take a more prominent role in society while I was starting to feel better, but that wasn’t true. Rolan, I was only there to meet you.”
Rolan let out a sigh of relief, “Is that all? Surely you didn’t think that would matter to me so much? Most people were there to meet me-”
“Not like I was,” she cut him off, her voice sounding more severe, “You see, I knew Lorroakan. Rather well.”
He nodded at her to continue.
“We, um… we were intimate at one point. Which is a scandal in and of itself, but isn’t the thing I’m referencing,” she took a deep breath, “When I learned that he was dead and that his apprentice was his successor, I was not optimistic about what sort of person took his place. I worried that the only sort of person who could have done so was worse than him. So I went to that ball, figuring I would need to plot the new master’s downfall before my inaction caused more harm.”
“Right… I assume you’ve decided on not killing me, yes?” he asked, “Otherwise, you’ve been doing an abysmal job.”
Cressida nodded.
“Alright, so clearly I’m doing something right in your eyes,” he turned to her, “How did you come to a decision?”
“That is the part that’s going to ruin this… Rolan, I hear what everyone thinks,” she started, “I’m a psionic, I can’t help hearing people’s thoughts, but I did in this instance read your mind to figure out your intentions on purpose. Meeting you in the garden was lucky for me, and I determined that while you did kill Lorroakan, you weren’t the threat I was afraid you would be.”
He was quiet.
“My psionic powers are a secret. I haven’t told anyone in a long time, and I beg that you keep it a secret if only for my peace of mind,” she started messing with her earring, “I didn’t count on liking you as much as I do. And I know I should have told you sooner, but… but things are always so much simpler when people don’t know. I was scared, which feels like a stupid thing to say now. I- I’m sorry. I understand if you want me to leave.”
All of the pieces finally clicked. Cressida’s health, her seeming awareness of the tower, the unique questions… it all made sense now.
“You wrote the diary.”
She blinked in confusion, “What?”
“When I was still an apprentice, I came across a diary from years ago. A psionic who had close ties to Lorroakan…” he let out a small laugh, “All this time, it was yours.”
Her face indicated understanding, “I… I’d forgotten about that. I suppose, yes, you found my diary… what of it?”
“You are the reason I killed Lorroakan,” he said, “In reading your entries, I noticed a pattern of your pain worsening after you fought with him. At one point, the bastard told me that he was using a spell of Ramazith’s to subdue you with nightmares. Well, he said a former flame he hoped to rekindle, I didn’t know who it was. I just knew there was someone out there in an unimaginable amount of pain who was probably dying considering how frequently he used the spell. It was enough for me to be willing to take matters into my own hands.”
She raised a brow, “Why? You didn’t know me.”
“Because I figured killing him was the only way to make sure it stopped. I had my own issues with Lorroakan, it’s true, but I felt like I could push through it. You, on the other hand, had no idea. It wasn’t right to allow that to continue.”
“That’s… so you’re saying this sudden recovery I had… it’s going to last? I don’t have to worry about suddenly slipping back into the worst of it?”
“I can’t say for certain, but I think it would be safe to say that you’re going to continue feeling better,” he shook his head, “I should’ve put it all together sooner.”
A relieved look crossed her face, “So… you’re not upset? About the lying and the mind reading and all of that?”
“You said it yourself, you don’t plan to hurt me. It might’ve been nice to know about the psionic side of things sooner, but considering what happened the last time you let someone in and they knew about everything… I can’t blame you for hiding it.”
Cressida smiled, turning towards him, “Then, if the offer’s still there, I’d like to see where this goes.”
“Of course it is,” he chuckled, “As long as I haven’t made too much of an ass of myself with all of my thoughts.”
She leaned over to kiss his cheek, “You haven’t. And considering you saved my life, I say you can think whatever you’d like.”
Rolan laughed at that and pulled her into a tight embrace, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.