*Lucretia's POV*
After the message was delivered, Phintias offered to show me around 'our' home. He was incredibly comfortable and at ease calling it that. Since we were already here, we started with the basement. There were some areas he didn't show me in the basement, and I was not curious. Mostly, it was a typical boring basement. Upstairs on the main floor was his expansive library, study, kitchen- primarily for the humans in his employ, and a bathroom.
The second floor was where his private rooms, and mine, were. As well as a lounge and a lovely bathing room. There were also a few other rooms, but they seemed to currently just be oddball collections of things. It was definitely not a posh home, as is the case for most vampires, but it was comfortable. Especially since he maintained his joking and light hearted humor even once the others had gone.
In my room, I set my bag down on a chair. It was a spacious enough chair that the two of us could sit there at once, side by side. The colors were all pastels currently. He'd gotten them recommended to him. I didn't mind. His own room was decorated darkly and had been altered to accommodate my companionship, he'd said. There was a window in this room with pale blue curtains.
There were also several seating options. One being a lovely chaise that I could lay on comfortably. A vanity was also set up, though mirrorless. The vanity possessed things for me to put my hair up in different styles with. As well as a hairbrush and a comb. I noted there was make-up available, too.
I thanked him for the thought and consideration he put into this room. Then I'd noticed he's not entered when I did. I asked why, and he replied that this room was a private space for me to do as I please with and not be bothered. He will not come in. I took my toy out of my bag and placed it on the chaise.
Once the tour was over, he asked me what I'd like to do now. I blinked and said, "I know what Brother said to you, but I do not mind being bitten as long as it's not made to hurt. I think I should like to see what else you have in the library."
He seemed unsure of how to respond, but finally settled on, "Alright, let's head to the library, then."
I smiled at him, and took his hand to head back towards the library. "What is your favorite genre?" I asked.
"I always crave new things, so fantasy is my favorite. Lord knows I have lived through a lot of the history people write about." Phintias answered.
"I like fantasy, too. When imagination is the limitation a lot of amazing things happen." I tell him. "Kind of like Brother's town. It's like a child's fantasy coming to life."
"I really must go see this place at some point." Phintias said.
He seemed to be taking me towards the part of the library where fantasy would be located, the books were sorted very well by genre, title and author, as well as volume. It was around after most human's breakfast time, so it was unsurprising that humans were out and about and in the library.
"You really should. The houses all have unique designs carved on them, they're stone, similar to here, but very Dwarven in style." I told him, rounding a corner to find a human sitting comfortably with a book. I didn't think much of the human being there initially, but Phintias's reaction caught my attention.
He'd paused, and did a flamboyant bow, saying, "Welcome to my humble abode, your salty sultan-ness."
"You have been avoiding me again." The Sultan replied.
"Have not. Can't prove a thing. I have been showing my fiancé around." Phintias said.
"You have been avoiding me, but that's quite alright. I solved my problem without your assistance." The Sultan responded.
"Oh? And what did you do?" Phintias asked.
"Well, to put it simply, I issued another chunk of desert to them." The Sultan said.
"So you gave them what they wanted... by giving them nothing." He summed.
"Precisely." He nodded.
"And why can't you do that every time? You obviously don't need my assistance for everything." Phintias sighed.
"Whereas that is true, I do still like to include you in such decisions." The Sultan replied.
"No, you enjoy boring me and watching me squirm in your little meetings." Phintias scoffed.
The Sultan smirked slightly. "You can't prove that either."
Phintias sighed and said, "Allow me to introduce you to my fiancé, this is Lucretia Acheron. Lucretia, this is the Sultan."
"Pleasant to meet you, I apologize for keeping my fiancé so busy as to not attend to his duties." I replied, giving a polite greeting.
"Oh, I thoroughly believe even if you were not there, he would have done everything in his power to avoid it." The Sultan said.
I grinned cheekily and said, "I look forward to being an excellent excuse to avoiding such matters in the future. I demand lots of attention, you see."
"Oh, lord, not another one. I was hoping whoever married this fool would have some kind of work ethic." He groused.
I laughed and said, "I haven't worked before. I am a member of the Sleeping Ox, though."
"At least that means you are willing to take on a job, I suppose." He said.
"Sometimes, as long as it's not violent." I nodded.
"Oh, no. I have other hires for such matters as violence." He replied.
"I feel offended. I have an excellent work ethic. And I'm extremely knowledgeable on how to avoid it." Phintias said.
"I would say eight of ten times, I still get you to do some kind of work." The Sultan commented.
I leaned my head against Phintias's shoulder. I didn't have anything in particular to say to the Sultan, nor did I wish to excuse myself. They could send me away if they chose. I glance up at Phintias.
He smiled at me, then said, "Is there a particular thing you wish of me to do, oh Mr. Sultan?"
"Why yes, as a matter of fact, there is." He replied, "But don't worry, it's something related to the whole library thing you're doing."
"Oh? And what would that be in particular? Did you wish to rent a book?" Phintias asked.
"No, I do not wish to rent a book. Instead," He took a book out of his bag. This book was exceptionally old, like the diary. "I wish for you to restore this book and let me know what it contains."
Phintias took the book and said, "Simple enough, do we know what language we're working with here?"
"I believe it's Undercommon." The Sultan said.
"Oh, yay. One of my favorite languages." Phintias said in an unenthuastic manner.
"You don't like Undercommon?" I asked.
"Oh, it's just a heck of a task to restore it." He said. "But if done with practice and patient, it can be done."
"I think most of the books down there would be Undercommon, wouldn't they?" I asked. "I didn't really look at them."
"That is something we can discover later." Phintias said.
"Alright." I nodded. "I had been joking, by the way. I won't distract you when your busy."
"Oh heavens. You should 'never' distract me while I'm doing the Sultan's bidding." Phintias said in a grave tone. I suspected he was being overly sarcastic.
"Oh. you keep yourself plenty distracted on your own. I don't think you'll be needing any help with that." The Sultan said. "And before you give me a witty retort, I must be on my way."
"Oh, no time for a little joke?" Phintias teased him.
"No, I am afraid not. I really must be moving on." The Sultan said.
"Yes, yes, you must be on your way." Phintias replied. "Dear, say goodbye to the Sultan."
"Have a lovely day, Sultan. Visit again and stay healthy." I said politely, then I looked at Phintias, "Oh, wasn't that lady's name Adelaide? Sarial's mother?"
"Yes! Sultan, bit of news..." Phintias said. "Adelaide's child is still alive."
"Oh? Well, that's wonderful news for her." The Sultan said.
"Yes well, a different bit of news, same subject.. She's been kidnapped." Phintias replied. "I figured I would let you break the news."
"I will not be doing that." The Sultan said firmly, looking unsettled. "I'll let you have the honors. It's not every day you get to talk to the champion."
"Could not her daughter tell her when she is found?" I asked.
"I don't know if it would be worse to not tell her or.. You know, let's go with that. Let's let the daughter tell her." Phintias agreed.
"Fabulous idea. Anything that doesn't involve me getting my arms ripped off." The Sultan said.
I hugged Phintias as the men settled on that course of action. The Sultan went on his way, unimpeded, then. Phintias placed his hand on my back to return the hug.
"Well, it would seem I have work to get to. If you would like to explore your new chambers. There might even be some mysteries in there." Phintias said.
I wondered about his words. But I didn't argue with him, or question him. "Alright. I'll occupy myself." I said, smiling.
"Alright. I will see you in a bit." He said.
I headed upstairs to my room to occupy myself, since that is where he said I should be. I'd look at the books some other time. Instead, I opened the curtains to let the sunshine in and moved the chaise where I could lay on it and look outside and simply feel the sun. I moved a small table next to the chaise, then brought my yard over and piled it nearly on the table.
I repeated the process with my crochet needles, and the knitting needles. I figured out where the closet was and placed all my clothes away, using the hangers available. I wondered if I was supposed to put them away in his room? I wasn't sure. But he'd tell me eventually. I wondered if this was to be my space permanently, or if it was just a polite thing he'd done for me before we were married. My parents, the Zelaria's, shared the same room when they didn't wish to be disturbed. Together or otherwise.
Anyhow, after I finished putting my things where I felt they should go, and changing clothes, I lounged in the chaise and began to crochet while laying in the sun. I'd left my door open, so he wouldn't think I wanted privacy whenever he saw fit to retrieve me. The ache in my throat reminded me that I didn't have my ring anymore, nor had I consumed blood since our run in with those misty creatures. Too much longer, and I'd eat him. Of course, I wouldn't do that... probably. I haven't been without that ring in a hundred and forty-three years.
I started feeling lonely pretty quickly. But I kept up with whatever I was making. I wasn't even sure. I had nothing in mind to make. Mostly, it was like lacey snow flakey kinda flower looking thing currently. I worked on this piece for so long that the sun had began to lower. It was close to seven p.m., now. This is when Phintias came to find me.
He'd stood outside the door watching for a moment. I'd only noticed him due to his scent being close, because I was busily moving my hands while basking in the sunlight, still crocheting. Once I finished the row I was on, I started to turn my work, then looked at him and flashed a smile. I sat up and set my work aside, turning to face him properly.
"Have you stayed in here the entire time?" He asked. "I'm sorry, I should have been more clear. I didn't mean for you to stay in here. This is your home to, you may explore at your whimsy."
I held up what I had been working on. "I've been busy."
"And I applaud your diligence. I'd lose my mind sitting in a room so long." He said.
"It's a spacious room." I said. "If you wanted to torment me and gain very temporary obedience you could lock me up in a closet I can not escape from." I set aside my work again, got up and walked over to him.
"I don't believe I will ever use such a .. trick." He said.
"I will believe you." I said. "Don't worry. I chose to stay in the room."
"Well, would you like to go stretch your legs?" He asked.
"Alright." I said taking his hand. "I was not really joking when I said I enjoy sunlight."
"The sunlight can be beautiful and I do miss a good sunrise." He said, "I haven't seen one in I don't know how long. Maybe we'll go out to see it. It will take a while."
"I do not have the habit of putting another through discomfort for entertainment." I said. "Whereas I understand you are offering, I also recognize your sensitivity to the sun."
"It's quite alright, really, I have these." He said taking a pair of glasses out of his shirt pocket. The lenses were dark, tinted.
"If that is what you want, and those will help, then I will agree to it." I said.
"Good. Because they will." He said.
I straightened his coat and placed my fingers under the edge his vest. "Why do you live in the South where the sun's hours are longer, instead of the North, where it get's dark sooner?"
"I enjoy the people." He said.
"A sentiment I can understand." I replied. "Did you want something?"
"I was just coming in to see if you were hungry." He answered.
"I am." I said. I stretched up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
He smiled and said, "Oh my. Well, then. Let us go and stretch our legs." He kissed my forehead.
He led me downstairs to the kitchen. Where we had a chilled meal in cups. I was glad to see he wasn't a messy sort. With the discomfort gone from my throat I felt more relaxed. With the sun low, we headed outside for a walk. I paid more attention to my surroundings this time, noticed stares aplenty. Of course, he was well known and I was new. The looks didn't bother me because they kept their distance.
I saw some kids playing near the docks at the beach. I used Shape Water to make some watery animals take shape and frolic amongst the children. It was a quite popular trick. The kids clapped their hands and played with the water. I made sure the effect would run out while on the sand, so as to not encourage the children to try to find them in the water. A just in case precaution.
I asked the most random of questions to him about all kinds of things, and he answered them without hesitation. I told him that at some point I'd wonder into the desert for a bit, but I wouldn't be gone long. I preferred to not be. He wanted me to be careful, and of course to return quickly. Honestly, I still wasn't sure if he was putting on an act or not, but he seemed genuine. Just tired, old, and maybe a little lonely.
After our walk through town, we returned home. I had noticed something about Phintias and Plight. Plight acts like he is not a vampire and Phintias seems to have forgotten how to be human, in spite of living so closely with them. Meanwhile, I breathed as normally as any human and behaved in a similar manner as most young women. I really was similar to humans. I just also knew I wasn't. But I didn't act inhumane, like my late family had, or like I am trying to be human. I just was.
My behaviors learned from my nanny and friends. A subconscious mimicking of their behaviors. If I had to point out differences, aside from after sex or a feeding, my body was cooler than a humans. My heartbeat was also slower. If you didn't count my abilities, dietary needs, and heightened senses, I was basically a human. No wonder Colt preferred biting me.
Over the next week and half we spent a lot of time both together and apart. He taught me a lot about the city, I'd had to get more yarn, and he'd told me the rules he has for our dietary needs. While together, we got along swimmingly. I'd discovered I shouldn't go out of the house unattended.
The unnatural allure I possessed posed a serious threat to myself. People were very bold here. I'd not experienced this side effect of the allure before. Where I was grabbed at on the streets. Cornered even. I'd known the alluring charm was strong, it was meant for hunting, but experiencing it because they had no fear of consequence while I was alone was a little terrifying. It wasn't their fault, though. Blaming them would be like blaming a shark for following a blood scent.
Another key thing that happened was I went a ways into the desert, by a couple of hours and tossed that blue mushroom into the sands. I didn't really think much would happen, but the mushroom sank into the ground and a pool of water had bubbled into existence. Six mushrooms then sprouted around. Seconds later, the old lady appeared, rising up from the water.
She'd wiped her forehead and said, "Phew. I'm glad the water came first this time." She kicked the water outwards a bit. The water didn't seep into the sands, but instead, increased the size of the pool. "Thank you for doing as I had asked. I'm sure the Sultan will appreciate it as well. At least, he'd better. Give me a couple of days before you tell anyone, if you would."
Readily, I'd agreed with her. She's commented in a couple of days she could make this place a wondrous thing. Than maybe the Sultan would get off my mushroom stoop. I asked if that meant I should have Phintias bring the Sultan here in a couple of days. She supposed he could, that it wouldn't do any harm. Amused, I'd returned home. When Phintias had asked later what I'd done for the day, I told him an old woman's bidding that the Sultan will apparently want to see in a couple of days.
Interested, we went with the Sultan, prince, and a few guards. Following a compass I'd used to get there, and back, we arrived at a mushroom covered oasis. It was covered in a variety of edible cacti species as well as other edible vegetation that had become scarce over the years. The water of the oasis was crystal clear and untainted. There were even types of beans growing. And of course, the mushrooms. Some had grown as tall as trees of the North.
Phintias was exceptionally curious and checking out literally everything in this oasis. I heard him mumble, 'She never ceases to amaze.' I wasn't sure who he meant. The Sultan was having descriptions and notes written of everything available here. The prince was playing with the water. Being the only child present.
Having spotted an odd sparkle, I used Shape Water on the area, to see what was there. It was the original mushroom I'd tossed into the sands. I commented, 'Oh, the mushroom I'd tossed to the sands.' Then I'd had little watery children play splash with the prince, minding they didn't draw him far into the water.
Phintias asked if I was sure it was the exact same. Then he'd commented about the original materials for magicks being used up in their doing. I told him it felt more like existence then magic to me. It interested him to some degree, but I also didn't truly know if it was the exact one. It certainly looked like it though. He suggested to walk a little ways and throw it again. It'd work or not. I asked, what if it makes the old lady upset? He decided she'd be fine or she wouldn't have left it.
So I asked the prince where he thought the mushroom should be tossed to. He suggested at the palace. I giggled and told the boy the old lady said it had to be sand. He pointed out there's sand at the palace. I asked him, but what if the palace goes poof? This upset him, so I said, so we should try out here again, yes? He reluctantly agreed and picked a sandy dune nearby. I let him throw it.
Noting that nothing much happened, I used Shape Water with Prestidigitation and minor illusion to make water put on a show and change the mushroom colors and make it look like it collapsed into dozens of fireflies. At the same time I had the water bury the mushroom from sight, unnoticed by the prince. Just to entertain the boy. This delighted the boy as much as the oasis watery play did.
I certainly figured the ruse worked to cheer the child up from the dismay of it doing nothing. To my amusement, Phintias seemed to enjoy the show quite a bit as well. The Sultan clapped at the end of it. The guards eyes had lit up, but they remained dutifully stiff and on guard. When it was time to go, the Sultan left a guard and once we'd returned sent more people to the oasis.
That was a few days ago anyways. Today was mostly uneventful, aside from the fact I finished that crochet piece I'd been working on. I had made it into a green and pink backless mid thigh length dress with roses adorning it. In my room, I slipped it on, pairing it with the headband he'd worn and went to find Phintias in the library. He'd finished his book assignment the day before. I snuck up on him and gave him a hug.
"Hoh!" He said, placing a hand on my arms, "You're going to give this old man a heart attack."
"Ha ha. So funny." I said sarcastically. "I finished my piece."
He'd been putting books away and paused what he was doing. He turned to face me and said, "Wow, you did an amazing job. You look beautiful."
"Thank you." I said, cheerfully grinning at him. "It matches the headband, doesn't it?"
"It really does. How you are able to do all this intricate work truly does amaze me." He said.
I gave a slow twirl for him to see every bit of the dress. At the same time, I heard the front door open and shut quickly. The humans don't normally come into the library this late.
"Well, shall we see what guest may have arrived this late?" He asked.
I nodded. "Alright. I'll tease you later."
"Please do." He said, looking at me out of the corner of his eye while we navigated the bookshelf aisles to reach the desk area.
Sure enough our guest was there. Unexpectedly, I recognized him, though not by name. He looked impatient and regal as any lion. He turned to look at us as soon as we were in view, almost like he expected us to come. probably did. "The Underdark, I assume?" I asked. I hoped my hunch was right, that it was to do with his missing human daughter.
"Yes. I had heard that you've found a way.. deep into the Underdark." The Leonin replied.
I squirmed uncomfortably and looked at Phintias, then turned back to the Leonin. "I am sorry to say, Sir, I am not a business person. Do not play a fishing game, please. State plainly what you wish. Phintias, this man is Sarial's father."
"Excuse the late introduction. I am James Hearthry of the Lucky Stone. But currently, I am a father, looking for a way to save his daughter." James said.
Phintias gave a polite nod, and said, "I am Phintias. Welcome to my home. Come, let us sit and discuss what you need." Phintias led us to his study, where we all sat. "Alright. Now, what do you need from us?"
"I am here because I have been informed that you have a direct route to your old home in the Underdark." James said slowly, in a low tone. Not dangerously, just full of need. "I was coming to ask if we can use it as a forward operating base to find my daughter, and Tyra."
I certainly felt better with him speaking directly. I looked at Phintias. It's his home that they'd need to pass through. "Well?"
"How many people are you planning to parade through this library and our home?" Phintias asked.
"Hopefully, myself, just once." James replied. "It would depend on how well the magic holds."
"Well, you're already halfway there. Let's see it to the end, shall we?" Phintias said amiably.
"There is, one other thing." James said. "Once we are in your old home I will need a room with double doors. That will be the way that we will be going in and out."
"The hallway to the offices are set up that way. The offices may hold valuable information about nearby cities down there." I said. "The doors at the top of the stairs are already magicked. Ah. Of course. Doors can be installed to that cemetery like room. What do you think?"
"I don't know what you mean, but we can explore it when we get there." Phintias replied.
With that, we headed to the basement with James. I activated the portal and we all went in. Once clear of the portals magic, I said, "We can move the hallways double doors to this doorway. He can use those."
I went directly to the doors I meant and took one off it's hinges. It's not hard to install doors. James took the other door and followed me back to the portal room where that cemetery area is. I helped him set the doors up in this doorway. He took out a door handle and installed it into the doors, the doors changed.
The left door became golden with gold vines and gold flowers embellishing it with James's face adorning it, and the right became silver with Dirthin's face and a claymore behind him. At the top was the symbol of their business, the Lucky Stone, which was a golden rock within a silver circle. Two bars spanned across the doors, as if banning access to others.
"Do you wish to have access to these doors?" James asked suddenly.
"Are they permanent?" I asked.
"Until I remove them." He said.
"Just in case." Phintias said.
"Then place your hand on my visage." James said. Once Phintias did so, James grabbed the doorknob and said "I grant permission. You now have use of these doors. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to gather my people for this project. Thank you both for your hospitality and understanding. I'll be on my way." He went through the door.
"Well, that was an interesting... little encounter." Phintias said.
"Cats are great." I replied.
He laughed and said, "Indeed they are. Truly interesting things."
"I wasn't interested in business or deal making. Are we returning home?" I asked.
"Unless you wanted to look around here, I suppose we can go home." He said.
"I had promised to tease you..." I reminded him.
"Home it is." He said, "Tally-ho."
I laughed, activating the portal and we went through, back to our home. I've only lightly teased him so far. I was definitely promiscuous. He didn't seem to mind and enjoyed my attention and playfulness. Even if we kept our actions innocent enough. We headed upstairs and my teasing began.