As the afternoon sun cast its warm glow over the sprawling estate, Lady Ravenna Valthoren awaited her son in the enchanting garden of his mansion. The air was infused with the delicate fragrance of blossoms as Elysar, Elara, and his two maids finally walked through the arched entrance, their footsteps light on the smooth, marble pathway. The garden unfolded before them like a living work of art. Elysar and Elara just went to wash up and change their previous training attires into more official ones in order to meet his mother in the proper way.
Elysar's new attire featured a silver doublet adorned with intricate embroidery that traced delicate patterns along the edges. The fabric shimmered as if touched by starlight, catching the eye with its ethereal beauty. The doublet was paired with fitted trousers of a deep azure shade, accentuating his noble bearing.
Around his neck, Elysar wore a cascading silver cravat, its fabric draping gracefully against his chest. The cravat was adorned with delicate sapphire gemstones that sparkled like stars, adding a touch of sophistication to his ensemble. His footwear, made of supple blue leather, featured ornate silver buckles that glinted under the soft glow of the garden.
The garden was a harmonious symphony of natural beauty and Baroque opulence, designed with meticulous attention to detail. Intricately carved stone columns lined the perimeter, supporting a series of trellises adorned with climbing vines, their leaves dappled with vibrant hues of green and splashes of blossoming flowers. The interplay of light and shadow created a whimsical atmosphere, as if stepping into a secret oasis hidden from the world.
A central pathway meandered through the heart of the garden where the sitting space was located, flanked by meticulously manicured hedges shaped into fantastical creatures and whimsical shapes. The air was alive with the soft hum of buzzing bees and the delicate fluttering of butterflies, drawn to the abundant nectar of the blossoms.
The sitting area within the garden exuded an aura of tranquility and refinement. Nestled amidst a carefully manicured landscape, it offered a serene oasis for conversation and contemplation. A winding path, adorned with delicate white pebbles, led to the seating arrangement, drawing the gaze of visitors toward the focal point of the area.
A circular platform, crafted from polished white marble, served as the foundation for the seating area. The marble gleamed in the sunlight, its pristine surface reflecting the vibrant colors of the surrounding flowers and foliage. Intricate engravings adorned the edges of the platform, depicting intertwining vines and blooming floral patterns, paying homage to the natural beauty that enveloped the space.
Arranged around the perimeter of the circular platform were ornate silver chairs, their craftsmanship a testament to the skill of master artisans. Each chair featured elegantly curved armrests and a high, cushioned back, providing both comfort and support. The seats were upholstered in luxurious blue velvet, the same shade as Elysar's attire, creating a harmonious visual connection with their surroundings.
The chairs were positioned at regular intervals, allowing for intimate conversation while still maintaining a sense of personal space. In the center of the platform, a low marble table stood, adorned with a delicate silver tray holding an assortment of refreshments. Crystal glasses glistened, waiting to be filled with cool, refreshing beverages, while a small plate held an array of delectable treats, appealing to both the eye and the palate.
A canopy of climbing vines, entwined with blossoming flowers, stretched above the seating area, providing a natural shade and lending a touch of whimsy to the space. The vibrant blooms emitted a subtle, sweet fragrance that mingled with the gentle breeze, creating an atmosphere of enchantment.
The two maids quickly glided across the marble platform, presenting a silver tray with porcelain cups and a steaming teapot. With precision, they poured the fragrant tea, their attire reflecting the garden's opulence. After a graceful bow, they quietly departed, leaving Elara, Elysar, and his mother Lady Ravenna in a secluded enclave of tranquility. And with a warm smile gracing her lips, Lady Ravenna quickly embraced her son, her elegant black gown cascading around them like a waterfall of silk.
Elara observed the heartfelt reunion from a short distance, after watching the two maids exit the premises as well, her gaze filled with a mix of curiosity. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness at the thought of meeting Lady Ravenna. However, Elysar's reassuring words alleviated her unease, assuring her that his mother wished to meet her.
Elara's vibrant purple hair cascaded in loose waves, framing her delicate features and adding a touch of uniqueness to her appearance. The dress she wore, a departure from her usual assassin attire, was a dark blue noble-like ensemble that accentuated her curves while maintaining an air of elegance. As Elara stood beside Elysar, her discomfort was subtly evident in her posture. The restrictive nature of the dress felt unfamiliar against her skin, causing her to fidget ever so slightly. She was accustomed to donning practical and agile garments, tailored for the art of assassination. However, Elysar picked these clothes for her and said that her old attire wasn't suitable for her to wear while meeting his mother now.
"Oh, Elysar, is this your new subordinate, Elara?", Lady Ravenna's voice carried a blend of warmth and curiosity. She extended a gracious smile as she surprisingly reached her hand towards Elara for a handshake, first thing after finishing her previous warm greeting with Elysar, "Nice to meet you, dear. I'm Elysar's mother. My son can be quite challenging at times, but I hope the two of you will get along in the future. It's really interesting to see my son taking on a subordinate himself as you are the first one, especially one as intriguing as you..."
Elara stood there, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected reception. Her captivating purple hair cascaded over her shoulder as her eyes widened ever so slightly, processing the situation before her. However, she swiftly regained her composure, the subtle unease dissipating from her features. With a poised and graceful demeanor, she extended her hand in response to Lady Ravenna's gesture.
"Lady Valthoren, I'm grateful for your kind words...", Elara spoke with a voice that exuded confidence and self-assurance. Though dressed in a dark blue, noble-like dress, she radiated a presence that was anything but submissive. Her background had forged within her an indomitable spirit, one that refused to feel inferior in the presence of others, no matter who they were. But, inwardly she was still a bit perplexed by the handshake she received just now. After all, for high nobles like them, no, for a strongest high noblewoman like Lady Valthoren, it was almost earth-shattering to offer a handshake to a commoner like her on their first meeting. No, she was not even a commoner, she was worse than that, a vampire.
Elysar, too, felt a flicker of surprise at his mother's gesture and choice of words. His mind, already finely attuned to deciphering hidden meanings, scrutinized every word, expression, and behavior his mother displayed, every time they met. Each detail held the potential to reveal her concealed secrets in his mind. That was the reason he even promised to bring Elara to meet her after their previous meeting as soon as he get back from the Outer Ring.