Lights. Not just pyres, but actual streetlights.
Paved roads, footpaths, carriages.
While it was true ordinary people had to live ordinary lives… it was only true if one didn't have enough money. Once you crossed a certain level of wealth, you could just buy certain privileges.
Magic wasn't for the ordinary. But something else was. Magical devices, devices anyone with a finger could use. Some merely lit up the house without burning it, while others created hot hair, or cold air, or even keep things cool for long periods of time. In other words, they made life easy for the masses. That being said, a certain amount of investment was necessary for such luxuries.
"We'll take a stagecoach from here," The soldier said. "Come boy," he said, eyeing Lenora.
Boy? Wait…
He thinks I'm a man… but my voice… and hair and….
No wonder they keep staring at me and Drifus like… oh…
Lenora wore a man's uniform. She lacked in her chest but it wasn't all flat and that should have been obvious. However, unlike the chain mail, this particular uniform was made to fit her, and it fit in a way, her chest wasn't apparent. And it was night. And the way she emphasized on 'forbidden' love… sufficed to say, not many of the soldiers had any doubts about her and the elf's 'forbidden' relationship.
Her face heated and she knew she was blushing. But knowing didn't help. It only made her blush even more.
Calm down, you're not a schoolgirl anymore!
"Young man?" The soldier again said. "Get on?"
"Sorry," she got on. The elf sat just next to her and it only made her feel even more conscious.
The elf in question didn't look remotely bothered. In fact, he was natural and exuded an air of confidence.
Three others got on to the coach with them. Three soldiers. The rest of the soldiers stayed back. They were going to circle around the city and spread the word that soldiers ought to be cautious tonight. They didn't yet know whether Lenora spoke the truth but they couldn't take the risk. They couldn't just spread mass panic either, hence they were doing it in a casual manner, or at least they were instructed to.
The road was flat but even so, some rogue stones made the carriage ride bumpy every now and then. It was annoying at times, and at other times, it was downright rage inducing. Yet Lenora made sure to not let out a single word of complaint. Instead, she had to make sure to not let the others know that the coach was vibrating from time to time and it wasn't good for her bottom or sanity. This is why I hate these damn things!
It took a lot of willpower but she somehow made it to the mansion without letting out a single sound. Her innerwear might have gotten a tad damp but that was of no consequence. It was going to dry from walking around anyway- or so she hoped. Normally she just got annoyed and it was nothing more than uncomfortable. Yet, today for some reason, the vibration oozed into the right spot….
I'm never getting on them again! Yet some part of her wanted to feel it again.
Duality.
"Word of caution," the rugged soldier glared back. "We detect any lies, and you two won't get away with your heads attached, understood?"
"Understood."
"Good. Now follow me. Anyone asks, you tell them you're Robert's guests."
"Okay."
***
Concrete walls.
Marble floor. Wooden stairway, leading up to the wooden second floor. A big chandelier above and lots of paintings.
The viscount's mansion.
Maids were walking about, a rather lit and cozy atmosphere; vastly different from the demon lord's castle, assuming it could be called one.
"Young man, this way."
Lenora had already accepted it but, but she couldn't help but almost cringe every time. Yet, she had to hold it all in.
Just deal with it. Just deal with it.
The man walked past the stairs, straight into the dining room without missing a beat. As he stood there at the very entrance, he stared back at Lenora and the elf as though stating 'get in here already.'
Lenora carefully followed along, as did Drifus and just when they were at the very entrance, she realized, the viscount was busy eating.
The viscount was in there. He wore nothing. Three women attended him. One behind him, pressing herself on his back. Two on each of his lap. They fed him grapes, one at a time.
Kind man, huh? She had the urge to roll her eyes but didn't.
"My lord, we have guests," the soldier said. "I believe you ought to hear them out."
The viscount glanced once at Lenora losing interest almost immediately. He briefly smirked at the elf but then got back to the soldier and motioned him to go on.
The soldier stood back and let Lenora take stage.
Lenora first began by introducing himself and then her partner and finally explained that the elves and Zabruza had joined forces. She emphasized extensively on what would happen if the viscount didn't immediately sent messengers to the nearby states and prepared for war.
The viscount, a middle-aged man with a poking beard and a large grin, snorted once. He grabbed some wine, swirled it, and drank in a single breath. "Throw these idiots out."
This is why you were murdered you little-
"Yes, my lord." The soldier grabbed Lenora's hand and dragged her out of there. Once outside he sighed and let her go. "I'm sorry. I don't believe you, but I will commend you for your courage and sincerity. And that was why I brought you here. But as you heard, you are to leave immediately."
"Is Monsor here?"
"He's resting but-" His eyes opened wide and he put a hand on the hilt of his sword. "How did you-"
"Drifus, you're on," Lenora jumped up, and nearly crashed into the wooden ceiling but somehow avoided it. She maneuvered her body and landed on the second floor with a thud. "Stall them!"
The elf drew in a breath, his eyes and fingers sizzled with a veil of blue. "Understood."