Under the dim, flickering lanterns of the slums, two figures walked side by side, their faces half-hidden in shadows. One tall, and the other one short by comparison, walked through the streets toward the area reserved for the nobility of the city. The air was heavy with the scent of dampness and decay, as expected in these tight and dirty alleyways. Their steps echoed softly against paved cobblestone as they made their way toward the designated meeting place - one of the leader's homes.
Einar's hand gripped the hilt of a hidden dagger beneath his tattered coat, the cool metal, a reassuring presence against his palm.
"Worried?" The shorter cloaked figure asked, grasping the man's arm.
Grunting, he shook his head. "I am not worried dear... just. Is it right?" Looking at his wife, Hedda, Einar waited for her response.
"Why shouldn't it be?" She answered with a question of her own.
"This isn't like stealing candy from a shop owner, Hedda. We're talking about stealing someone's livelihood." The tall man retorted, his tone heavier than usual.
His wife didn't seem bothered about her husband's fiery temper. "She has enough money as it is. She'll live." Hedda simply answered, not particularly caring about the business owner.
As they turned a corner, facing the brightly lit exterior of a large mansion, the distant murmur of voices grew louder, accompanied by the faint clinking of coins and metal. The meeting was about to begin.
Entering the beautiful courtyard, Einar and Hedda took off their cloaks, revealing exquisite banquet attires. Einar's outfit was simple, in black and white, but small, golden ornamental embroidery covered his suit.
His wife's dress was similar, though the color palette was swapped. Cut from expensive fabrics, Hedda's dress was a bright yellow to gold, with dark and bright embroidery, shaped like a two-headed panther.
They approached the main doors, hand in hand, and looked at the two doormen/porters and handed a sealed Bleu marine envelope.
One of the two porters took the envelope and sent a sliver of mana into his monocle. Checking the envelope and the two guests, the man bowed. "Welcome, Sir Einar, Madam Hedda, to Master Krauss' humble home. We wish you a pleasant stay."
With that, the porters opened the doors and offered to carry whatever luggage the guest might have.
Einar and Hedda entered the mansion, placing some money into one of the men's hand.
The first thing that greeted them was a vast open chamber, with arched stairways leading up to the second floor. It was a common layout for a mansion like this.
"Welcome, Sir Einar, Madam Hedda. Please allow me to lead you to the meeting room." A maid, previously standing near the door, approached the guests and bowed.
"Of course."
With Einar's nod of approval, the maid bowed and led the married couple further into the mansion.
The doors leading into the meeting chamber were opened, and a hush fell over the assembled figures as Einar and Hedda entered.
Inside, the room was brightly lit by three chandeliers, casting dancing lights over the faces of gathered Fencers.
The rest of the Leaders and their attendees looked over, pausing their conversations.
"Einar, Hedda. A pleasure to see you after so long." A large, rotund man stood and approached the newcomers. He clasped Einar's shoulders and kissed Hedda's outstretched hand.
"Still as beautiful as ever, Miss Hedda." Lord Krauss laughed.
The host was speaking the truth. If Alex was here, he would've had to close his gaping mouth and rub his eyes in shock. The woman here and the Hedda he met, looked like two different persons.
Supple, and pretty, Hedda looked in her late twenties. The only thing that remained the same was her height.
She smiled and accepted the man's praise.
Krauss continued straight after, pointing at the long table, which was covered with delicacies. "Please, don't just stand there. Come, come. I've prepared the finest meals for my friends."
Two others stood up and greeted the newcomers.
Einar and his wife nodded in their direction, starting small talks as they took their seats.
Attendees rushed over, offering tea or other appetizers, trying to make the two as comfortable as possible.
The mansion owner allowed his guests to eat, drink, and converse to their heart's content, joining them as well.
Time slowly passes, and evening slowly took over the landscape, washing everything in warm, golden rays.
*Clink!* *Clink!*
The sharp sound of metal hitting glass hushed whatever conversations were still taking place.
"We ate, we drank, and we enjoyed each other's company." Lord Krauss said and clapped once.
Servants quickly flooded the chamber and emptied the table.
The round man continued. "No matter how pleasant these meetings are, we gathered here with a purpose."
The lively atmosphere calmed down and turned somber. The attendees and servants left the chamber, leaving only five people in the room around the table.
Einar, his wife Hedda, the host, a tall dark-skinned man, and a tall woman looked at each other, nodding.
"We shall start our meeting, yes? We all know of the thorn in our side," Krauss said, his gaze sweeping across the room.
"The ones that swooped in and robbed left and right, the Moonmares. Many families starved, and lots of our friends and comrades left the city." He continued in a dramatic tone. Most of what Krauss said was true, though there were a few exaggerations.
Murmurs of agreement echoed through the chamber, but no one added anything. No one from the city really liked the new Lords, much less the existing officials and merchants.
"Now, the Moonmares intrude in our business." Lord Krauss finished, and Hedda continued.
"I certainly didn't expect nobles like them to dabble on the black market."
The other woman answered, leaning into her chair. "Why would they not? The black market is a cash cow. Why would they pass this money?"
Hedda nodded, agreeing with the other Fence.
"And so we turn to the Grey Market," Krauss said, leaning forward on his fists.
"Do we really have to do this?" Einar finally spoke up, making his intentions clear.
"There's little else we can do, Einar." The dark-skinned man spoke up, flipping a knife through his fingers.
"You certainly are well-off, my friend." Krauss sighed. "But a lot of us don't have any side jobs. We are forced to do this, lest we need to move like our former comrades. And you know fully well how hard it is to set roots in another city."
"We have two options," The tall woman said, her tone even but filled with glee. "We can either eliminate her swiftly and silently, ridding ourselves of ensuing problems. Or we can kidnap her and sell her for a profit. We can use the money to silence the ensuing issues."
Licking her lips, the woman finished. "I would recommend the latter option."
"Ha, you just want to play with Violet, Olga. Why not say so from the beginning?" The man laughed, catching his knife with its sheathe.
"Nevertheless, it's something we have to do. Eidar and I already have a successful inn, but we'll help you out with Night's Sky." Hedda said, getting up from her seat, followed by her husband.
Eidar sighed and spoke up. "You just send us the details of whatever plan you decide upon, and we'll do everything in our power to help. Krauss, thank you for the food and hospitality. It was wonderful."
"Of course, of course." The host laughed. "You're always welcome in my home, my friend. Travel safely, Eidar." He said, before shouting to the servants beyond the entrance.
"Lead Sir Einar and Madam Hedda outside."
"Farewell, Lord Krauss."
"Farewell to you too, my friend."