Dinner Celebration...(Private)

[Aerin Vaettir]

(Reserved for Namari)


Aerin heaved a sigh as he ground the dried roots into a fine dust with his mortar and pestle, trying to calm down. Just keep working. That was all he needed to do. Work, focus on that. Not the fact that he and Vlad had just had their second nearly explosive argument within the hour, or that Atropos would not leave him the hell alone, or that there were still many hours ahead of him to deal with his uncle, or that Elle was with the man currently, cooking in the kitchen, or that Namari was coming.

No, none of that.

Aerin was currently in his office, towards the front of the building. The building was large, since it contained a living area too. Upstairs was an entirely open second floor, containing his bedroom and living area. Downstairs, where Aerin mostly lived, the front half of the bottom floor was the shop. It was an open space with shelves that were packed with bottles and vials of potions. There were also pouches and dried herbs for sale as well, for those who liked to brew their own potions. There was a long counter where Aerin held his transactions. And behind it was the door to his office, which was pretty big, considering it was where he worked and made his potions and studied. Beside the office was an open hallway, which lead to the kitchen and dining area, where Vlad sat, fuming, while Elle cooked.

After a moment Aerin began to softly sing to himself, a soft tune, slow and calm. It was his mother’s song, the lullaby she sang to her twins as they drifted to sleep, and later what she sang to ease Aerin into sleep when he sat up crying at night in pain after the accident.

“Hush now, my baby, be still now, don’t cry. Sleep as you’re rocked by the stream…”

Lenore was nestled into her large nest, which was built on a high shelf that nearly touched the ceiling of the office. Her nest glittered in the light with shiny trinkets and odds and ends. Most of which were probably stolen, and were probably valuable. She fluttered her wings, keeping her gaze locked on Atropos, who was leaning against the counter outside of the office, peering in and watching Aerin work with his unsettling grin on his face. Aerin was unaware of the man servant, but even if he was he’d pay the man no mind.

“Sleep and remember Mother’s lullaby, and I’ll be with you as you dream.”

Aerin set the grinding instrument down and gently, carefully tapped the powder into a glass beaker that was boiling lightly. He turned, flicking his wrist and from a few shelves a couple of ingredients lifted magically and floated to him, where he took hold of them and began cutting them up. When standing by his desk, cane sitting on the corner, and working, it was easy to forget he was blind. Everything in his office was placed specifically and memorized, so he didn’t need to search for a thing. He could move about easily, knowing exactly what was where. Now if only he could relax a bit more…

[Namari Lovelle]

It was a rather peaceful day, Namari felt, as her and her two escorts made their way down the streets of Avaleur. Some would smile wide and wave, and Namari would wave back with an even bigger smile. Truly she enjoyed her city; and it was such good weather, she could not resist walking rather than taking a carriage, as her escorts insisted.

They stood on either side, just slightly behind the Queen, eying their surroundings. The taller one, Walter, stood as stiff as a wall. Not because he was weary, but because of the wound just recently patched up on his shoulder. Occasionally he would make a face of frustration. He was dressed in simple clothing, but he seemed a bit bulky; he wore chainmail under his shirt, of course, as a precaution, and a sword at his belt.

The other, Simon, was a scrawnier boy who already had stubble upon his face (which never grew out more than that). His chest was puffed out, his face was red, and he look terrified. Imagine being a squire, tasked with escorting the queen with only one other person. Simon was dressed simple, of course, with a jacket overtop him. He had a dagger hidden in the jacket, along with a simple bow and quiver on his back. Namari was unable to convince either of them to take less obvious weapons.

Simon was only there for two reasons; one, to learn his duties as an escort for the Queen, and etiquette at a dinner. Seeing as how this was not a life changing dinner, Walter thought it best that Simon practice this way.
The other, seeing as how Walter was not in his fittest shape, was to protect the Queen if Walter could not. Otherwise, Walter would probably have asked the Queen not to bring his squire along.

They walked in pure silence, and Namari spotted the house that Aerin lived. She grinned in excitement; she had never seen Aerin's shop, or home! Perhaps, despite any awkward things and/or yelling, this might be a very entertaining night.

Soon they stopped outside of the shop doors; Simon rudely peered inside through the window, and Walter smacked him upside the head.

"I swear to the gods if you two start that now," she murmured her warning, and the two instantly stood up straight, red in the face. After staring at them for a moment, Namari relaxed.

Walter stepped forward to knock on the door, banging on it rather harshly.

"Oh for gods sake Walter you could do that a little more politely!" Namari spoke, exasperated. Walter lifted up one eyebrow as he moved to stand back next to the Queen, Simon doing the same.

"What? I just knocked on the door."
"Rather loudly!"
"I did not!"
"I have to agree with the Queen," Simon said smugly. Walter shot him the dirtiest look he could, and the squire went red, eyes shooting forward.

"Best behaviour, you two," she muttered as they waited to be greeted.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Elle looked up as she heard the loud banging, having just finished cooking the deer meat and setting it onto a decorative platter. It was awfully loud for Namari, but she was glad none the less. The kitchen was so far back after all. She stepped out of the kitchen, glancing at Vlad, who was glaring down at the table, which was moderate in size.

“Try to behave,” she said softly, scratching at the bandage that covered her forearm.

“Tell that to your overly stubborn, childish brother,” Vlad said sharply. Elle gave Vlad a stern look before turning and hurrying out to the shop front. She paused, seeing Atropos staring at her brother, before she shook her head and went to the door. Strange man. She opened the door, seeing Namari, Walter, and some other knight she didn’t know. A look of relief spread on Elle’s face, she looking tired already.

“Thank the divines you’re here. I swear they’re ready to kill each other and the food isn’t even served yet,” she said, stepping back to allow the three to enter. Namari could help ease Aerin. The tension was thick and Elle was afraid the two men would just explode. She had been sure to keep sharp objects away from Aerin. They didn’t need another incident from when they were eight years old.

Elle beamed at Namari, then smiled favorably at Walter, glad that he was one of the knights Namari decided to bring. She smiled at the new one, he looking a bit young, but Elle figured he must be skilled enough since he was here. She shut the door after them, before sighing and looking around.

“Here’s the shop front. Aerin is in his office,” she said, pointing. “He’s working right now, trying to calm down. Back there is the kitchen, dining room and stairs to the second floor. If you want to see the second floor you can, but I don’t anticipate that we’ll be going up there.”

Atropos turned and waved at Namari, straightening.

“Ah, pretty queen!” he said in a bit of a whisper. “So glad to see you pretty queen! Care to watch the boy work his magic? I like to watch him work. He stands so tall and proud, like his father, you know.” He grinned unsettlingly at Walter and his squire before looking back to the office, watching Aerin as he mixed his potion.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari could not help but beam back at the elven woman, her excitement getting the best of her as they all hurried inside. Walter gave a polite nod, but could not help but smile, either. He was glad that she seemed better after their small predicament not so long ago. Simon, wishing to be as knightly as possible, only bowed ever so slightly before stepping in.

Although Namari had warned the two that both Aerin and Vlad were not very happy with each other, both Simon and Walter had not expected them wanting to kill each other. Were they there to protect Namari, or prevent two family members from killing each other?

It reminded Simon of his own family gatherings.

They walked slightly forward before Atropos alerted the Queen of Aerin's work. Walter tensed up as the man smiled at them, nearly ready to grip his sword. Simon backed up as if he were about to step behind Namari to save himself.

Walter saw this, and pushed him slightly forward so that he stood just a bit before Namari. Simon went red, unsettled by the man.

"You two can go sit in the living room if you'd like," Namari stated at her escorts before moving forward.
Walter stared at her for a moment, an eyebrow raised, before half-muttering to himself, "You really don't know what the term escort means do you."

Namari was more curious in Aerin's work than in Atropos' odd demeanor, or Walter's words, as she stepped forward and peered through the crack in the door, much like Atropos was doing.
And she had to admit, it was a sight to behold. For a moment she truly did forget about Aerin's disability. The way he moved with such determination, the way the ingredients seemed to bend to his will.

Truly, Namari knew that Aerin was not a man to feel pity for; no, if any bad emotion, it would be jealousy.
A small smile touched her face, not really wanting to disturb the man as he worked so well.

Simon just stood, not knowing exactly what to do, turning to Walter to see what he was doing. That seemed to be no help, as the older knight turned to Elle.
"How's your arm doing?" he asked, eyebrow raised as he folded his arms together comfortably.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin, still unaware that he was being watched by two sets of eyes now, continued to hum softly to himself, actually making himself relax more. He cut up a mushroom, put it into the beaker and swirled it a bit before setting it back on its stand above the thick candle that burned, keeping the liquid heated. He paused a moment before he took a breath, lifting a hand to poise over an empty spot on his desk, and with a few whispered words a bright flash of light flickered a moment before, there coiled on his desk that was once empty, sat a rattle snake. It sat up suddenly, surprised and angry at its sudden summoning. It hissed, rattle shaking, and before it could even strike Aerin snatched it behind the head and poised its glistening fangs over the beaker. Aerin tilted his head a moment, pausing in his humming to listen. After a moment or two of the snake injecting its venom into the beaker, Aerin straightened and, with the same flash of light, banished the snake back to where it came from.

Lenore, who had temporarily focused on the snake, turned her gaze back to Atropos, then spotted Namari. She blinked, watching the two watch her master.

“Almost like he isn’t broken,” Atropos said, before tittering his weird laugh softly. “Yes, stands proud he does. Such a straight back, head high. You ever wonder what his body looks like beneath those layers of clothing?” Atropos asked, looking at Namari, grinning. “What scars he sports? Being run over by a carriage surely must leave a mark. I wonder what marks he has. I also wonder how much flesh he has that isn’t scarred. It makes me excited to think of flesh like that, a blank canvas, so to speak.” He paused a moment before reaching out to gently touch Namari’s shoulder, where her missing arm once resided.

“How much blank flesh do you have pretty queen?” he asked, eying her body a moment. The door to the office suddenly opened up wide, and Aerin, who was currently pouring the liquid through a filter, spoke.

“Atropos, try to keep your hands to yourself.” Atropos giggled, pulling his hand away.

“How you know me! I enjoy touching flesh. A luxury you only wish you had,” he said. He tittered again and turned, walking off to the back to find his master. Aerin, blushing slightly at the remark, finished filtering the potion and he waved a hand, a bottle lifting and floating to him. He took it, felt the rune beneath it to make sure it was the correct bottle, and the poured the potion into it. He finished it by corking it and setting it down on a shelf packed full of finished potions waiting to be sorted later.

“Hello Namari,” Aerin greeted, turning to face the queen, smiling. He reached out to take hold of his cane before limping up to the woman. “Glad you are joining us.”

Elle smiled at Walter and lifted her bandaged arm. “Good. It itches, but it’s healing nicely. How about your shoulder?” she asked, before looking at Simon. “And who is this strapping young lad?” she asked, smiling at the boy.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari smiled as the snake appeared; surely that was a dangerous thing to do! Way Aerin so skilled that he thought nothing of that sort of thing anymore? She was impressed, to say the least.

But her thoughts drifted away from that once Atropos began speaking once again, and the thoughts she had thought she banished yesterday came back with the mention of clothing. Or lack thereof.

She knew that was not what he was getting at; at least, from the forefront. But she couldn't help but be reminded of Aerin's feelings.

No; she would not let that take control of her thoughts. Not tonight.

Namari was relieved when Aerin ordered him not to touch, however; sure, she tried not to judge the odd man. But she didn't want to be touched either.
With one last remark about 'the luxury of touching', Namari went red as well as Atropos walked away.

She shook the thoughts away, smiling as Aerin approached.
"Thank you for inviting me. I do not hope you mind that Walter and his squire will be joining us today."

Walter nodded at Elle, a smile on his face from the good news.
"My shoulder's fine. A bit stiff, but that's why he's here," Walter motioned to Simon. "He's my squire."
Simon, a blush on his cheeks from being called 'strapping', smiled and bowed.
"Simon Danvers, at your service miss."

Walter rolled his eyes, and let out a quiet groan of what seemed to be either annoyance or embarrassment. Probably both.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin waved the idea of being bothered by Walter or his squire away. He had expected nothing less honestly. He’d have been very surprised if Namari showed up alone. In fact, they all expected it so much that Elle even went out of her way to make extra food for the knights. Aerin sighed a bit, turning to shut the door to his office, after Lenore flew out of course.

“I’m not ready for tonight,” he said softly, running a hand through his golden hair. He felt utterly stressed, and he was torn between being glad Namari was here, and afraid that she’d most certainly see an ugly side to him tonight. “I’d run upstairs and hide if I could. That seems cowardly, but it is the truth.”

“Well we certainly can’t fault you for wanting to run from your problems,” Vlad said, having stepped into the shop portion of the house. “It takes a man to face them after all.”

“I recall my going through my coming of age ceremony five years ago well enough,” Aerin said sharply, looking about half as annoyed as he truly felt. Vlad smirked.

“Oh yes, and you managed to make a display of that as well. I heard that you used your magic to throw tables and people about,” he said.

“Vlad…” Elle said, shooting the man a warning glance. Vlad looked at Elle a moment before taking a breath and looking to Walter. He eyed the knight and his squire a moment before turning and walking back to the dining table.

Namari had her work cut out for her.

Elle looked back to Simon, favoring him with a smile before turning. “I made extra for you both, so you may join us if you’d like,” she offered, turning to walk back towards the kitchens. “If you want to sit and relax there’s the dining room. Otherwise the living room is upstairs.”

Aerin waited a moment as Elle walked back before sighing. “I honestly think I should just kill the man and get it all over with,” he said, smirking a bit. It sounded like he was joking, and Aerin wasn’t entirely sure if he was anymore.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari smiled sympathetically at her friend. He really did not deserve such stress. And although she did not know why his relationship with his uncle was like this... she did understand that both of them seemed to snap at each other a fair amount. Had she not known what Aerin was like most of the time, she would assume it was both of their faults.

Besides, it really seemed like Vlad was trying to get under his skin.

"Please try not murdering anyone," she said, a smirk on her face as she chuckled. "I'd rather not have to arrest you tonight."
Though the likelihood of her arresting him was slim to none at this point; perhaps she would even stow him away if such a thing ever happened. But, because he was joking, and herself as well, she did not take the idea seriously at all.

"I'm going to see if Elle needs help with anything," the Queen finally decided, despite being told several times previously she did not even need to bring anything, let alone help with dinner.

She touched Aerin on the shoulder, her signature sign that she was walking away, before moving quickly to catch up with Elle.

Walter's stature went straight once more, nudging Simon.
"I must speak with the Queen's friend, you stick by her side alright?" he muttered, pushing the boy forward. With pursed lips, the squire moved forward, unimpressed that he would not hear anything interesting.

After all what could Walter have to say? He wasn't much for idle chatter. If he didn't want Simon involved, Simon was interested.

He looked behind as he watched Walter make his was over to the male elf.
"Aerin, might I have a quick word?"
Despite his usual tone, Walter did not seem as stern as usual. He actually looked a bit curious, if anything. Not like Aerin could see it.

"Elle!" Namari soon was beside the female elf, a smile on her face.
"Anything you need help with? Setting the table, food that still needs to be prepped?"
Simon was soon close behind, looking around at the rather nice house with interest, barely paying attention to the two women's chatter at all.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin couldn’t help but laugh at the idea of being arrested. That would mean he was a threat if he needed to be arrested. The idea was rather laughable. He gave a nod as Namari excused herself, touching his shoulder before he listened to her steps as she walked off after his sister. He stood a moment, wondering truly what the night would bring, before Lenore gave a harsh call to him, and he heard her tap her beak against the shutters of his windows. Lenore wanted to go out, which he supposed she would, since she had remained cooped up inside ever since Vlad arrived. She must have felt more comfortable in leaving with Namari and Walter here now.

Aerin limped over to the window, pausing as he heard Walter dismiss his squire, before walking over to him.

“Certainly,” Aerin replied, wondering what it was Walter wanted to speak about. If he hadn’t heard of his softer side from Elle when they had their little problem in the woods, he’d be worried he did something wrong. Actually, considering the tone Walter used he was still sort of worried. Leave it to Walter to make Aerin feel like he was ten again. Aerin opened the window to let Lenore fly out, listening to her flap her wings as she flew high into the darkening sky. “What can I do for you?”

Elle turned as Namari caught up, offering her help.

“I actually have Atropos setting the table. You can help me bring the food to the table though,” Elle said, walking past the table where Atropos seemed more amused with spinning the plates on one fingers than actually setting them on the table. Vlad took hold of the plate and set it down, giving Atropos an impatient look. Atropos simply grinned and picked up another to spin.

Elle entered the kitchen, which was a bit small if more than one person wanted to function in it. It was perfect for one person though. On the little bit of counter space was a large platter of cooked deer meat, a bowl of fresh bread drizzled in white honey, some steamed vegetables, and a kettle of potato soup. Elle picked up the bread and handed it off to Namari, then picked up the vegetables and meat platter before looking to Simon.

“Simon, would you grab the soup for us?” she asked, giving him a little smile.

[Namari Lovelle]

Walter paused, thinking of how he should ask without offending. After all, he was still a guest; an escort, yes, but still a guest. He leaned a bit forward.
"I see you're not so friendly with your uncle there..." he murmured, as if he did not want others to hear.
"Namari told me that you two did not exactly get along. All I know is that I trust Luella, and I'm pretty sure I can trust you."

He paused, pursing his lips and sighing.
"I'm not going to pry into your business. All I need to know is if Namari's safe around him, and if I need to keep a close eye out."

As was the duty of a Knight; of course he was supposed to watch everyone carefully. Walter asked so that he knew if he needed to keep an even closer eye on Vlad.
Even so, his tone spoke of worry, and not of duty. Even Walter felt odd around Vlad.

Simon watched as Atropos spun the plate, an unpleasant look upon his face. Truly these people were weird.
Only a squire, he had not been told about any details about these people. Only that Aerin and Vlad did not get along, and Namari was invited to Dinner at the house. So to see such a... well, to Simon he was terrifying. A terrifying man, so amused by a simple thing... it nearly sent shivers down his spine.

He was a bit relieved when he followed the Queen and her friend into the kitchen, admiring the look of it. It was nicer than the one he had back in Hollow!

Namari's mouth began to water as the smell of fresh food filled her nose. She took the bread, trying desperately not to sneak a bite. It was not exactly royalty-like, but she smiled. Here, she did not feel like royalty; Aerin and Elle were good friends that treated her like normal. The house was homey, the aura was not too strict. The only thing that reminded her of her title was her escorts; and even then, Walter was a friend, and Simon was just a teenager. It did not feel like the castle at all.

Namari loved it.

Simon picked up the soup carefully, attempting not to burn his hands. He too could not resist the scents; both Dawn and Walter were harsh teachers who did not believe in the luxuries of food when training. After all, in the countryside and in battle, there was no such thing.

Better get used to it know! he remembered Dawn saying, right before both him and Walter laughed. Simon did not find it funny.

"Did you cook all of this?" Namari asked, turning to look at the woman as they headed back into the dining room.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin remained silent as Walter spoke, making his point and asking his question. Aerin remained silent even after Walter asked, thinking, feeling the breeze blow past him. Was Namari safe around Vlad? That was a good question. One that Walter needed an honest answer to. Aerin reflected on what Vlad had said yesterday. Elle and Namari…

“Namari is safer than Elle,” Aerin said softly. “But I’d watch him anyways. Him and Atropos too. I know a dark side of Vlad that no one else knows, and frankly, I don’t know how dark that side is.” He turned from the window, leaving it open for Lenore to come back through when she was done doing whatever it was that she did outside.

Aerin began working his way back towards the dining room, then paused a moment.

“Be careful of Atropos, Walter. He’s been in my uncle’s service for years, and he is actually a very powerful mage. Don’t let his strange laugh or fake stupidity fool you. He can be dangerous. He could rip this whole city apart on a whim if he thought it’d give him a good laugh.” Aerin sighed and worked his way towards the dining area, the scent of food wafting to him.

Elle set the platter down on the table, before she reached out to pluck the plate from Atropos, setting it down.

“I did. I can actually be quite the great cook if I want. You’re holding my mother’s white honey bread recipe actually. Hers taste much better than any other I’ve ever had,” she said, smiling, taking the bowl from Namari and setting it down. Then she took the soup from Simon and set it on the table as well.

“Yes, your mother is the best cook I’ve ever known,” Vlad said, smiling at Elle. “You take after her so much Elle. She was a wild spirit like you. You seem to have inherited everything about her, even her temper.”

Elle laughed.

“You think I’m bad? Aerin has a temper too,” she said.

“I do not,” Aerin said, entering the dining area. Elle giggled before looking to Namari.

“Don’t let that sweet face fool you. He has a temper. He just hides it better than me.”

“And when he shows it, it explodes! So I hear.” Atropos said, stepping up to Aerin and toying with a lock of the elf’s golden hair. “But subtle you can be. I heard you became a priest of all three of your religion’s orders simply to make the council back home angry.”

Aerin batted the man servant’s hand away. “Maybe.”

[Namari Lovelle]

(( goodness now I'm getting hungry lol ))

Walter tensed up, lips going stern. So it was worse than he had thought; Not only did Vlad have a dark side, but Atropos was a mage, He cursed silently to himself for ignoring the man because of his simple appearance.

Be careful of Atropos...got it...

Oddly enough, the other thing that bugged him was that other sentence; Namari is safer than Elle. Meaning Namari was not exactly safe... and neither was Elle.
The thought of either women getting hurt frustrated Walter. After all, he was starting to enjoy Elle's company. Getting past her outward personailty, and Walter leaving behind his own first impression, she seemed like a nice women.

He could protect Namari. He was always by her side. But it bugged him about Elle, because he could not do the same for her.
At the very least, Aerin was there.

He followed the elf, catching the scent of food. Not as mesmerized by the smell, he was still looking forward to the meal. He did not believe he would be dinning tonight until they got back to the castle, after all.

Simon was sad to see the wonderful bowl of soup go; but, he ignored it as much as he could. His face however had a certain longing in it.

"Oh Aerin you really are quite passive aggressive aren't you!" Namari laughed, very amused at Atropos' small tale of Aerin and becoming a priest.
Walter walked up from behind Aerin, passing Namari. But his fingertips gently touched part of her dress; she did not notice.

A small spell; very weak, but Walter assumed it would be better than nothing. All it would do was reflect a small bit of magic.
From what Aerin said, however, that small protection spell wouldn't help much against Atropos.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin shrugged as he sat down at the table, setting his cane aside. “I had simply wanted to show that I could do it. I took all three tests, lasting about three days, and came out a priest for the Order of The Fertile, Order of The Protector, and Order of The Scholar. I was the youngest priest ever to receive the cloth actually. I wish I could have seen their faces.” Aerin smirked. He could certainly hear the annoyance in the council head’s voices, with his clipped words and tight tones as he gave the seventeen year old Aerin the cloth of each order before the council.

Aerin supposed he insulted the council further by not actually pursuing a career in the priesthood after gaining the title. But he had done it to make a point. And his father seemed relieved at the idea that Aerin wouldn’t go into the priesthood, surprisingly.

“I can tell you that it was priceless,” Elle said, setting plates out before gesturing for Namari to sit between herself and Aerin, before she stood. “Ah! I almost forgot the wine!” she said, turning to go back into the kitchen to fetch the couple of bottles.

Vlad eyed Aerin a moment before turning to Namari.

“And how are you this evening Your Highness? You look lovely,” he said, leaning just a bit on the word ‘look’, as if taking a stab at Aerin’s blindness. Of course that could also just be in Aerin’s head. Aerin could believe either, considering he was used to Vlad taking stabs at him when he wanted to be subtle. Otherwise it’d be another shouting war.

Atropos stepped away from the table, sliding in silently next to Simon, before grinning down at the boy. “And you, boy knight! You are very green, very blank. Do you sport any scars?” he asked, reached out to ever so gently touch the squire’s cheek, mirth dancing in his gaze.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari smiled as Elle ran back to collect the wine; now Namari was wishing she had brought some of her own. Even if they had said not to bring anything, it would have been nice. She took her seat next to Aerin, and Walter took the opportunity to sit beside where Elle would be sitting.

Less safe than Elle. Best to stay near them both, he thought to himself.

"I am well thank you. I assume that your stay in Avaleur so far has been nice?" she replied. Despite being weary around the man, she did not want to make anything else more awkward.

Simon had just slipped into his own seat when he noticed Atropos coming up beside him. The boy went a bit red, not wanting to be anywhere near the odd man, when he began talking.
Curious as to what the odd man meant, Simon turned around just in time for Atropos to poke him in the cheek.

He nearly yelled out as he fell back, falling off his chair and onto the ground with a thud. Sitting up he could see Namari trying to hold in a smile, and Walter with a scowl on his face.

Quickly Simon sat back into his chair, "I-I have a few."

Walter shook his head, and quietly muttered under his breath, "Squire my ass."

[Aerin Vaettir]

“Oh yes, I enjoy your kingdom quite a lot,” Vlad said, sitting back in his chair. “And Atropos is nearly exploding in glee, which is rare. I’ve never seen his so dazzled by a place or its people.” He looked at Atropos in time to see his servant poke Simon and the boy give a start before tumbling out of his chair. The fall caused Aerin to jump a bit, having not expected a sharp noise from nowhere like that. Atropos simply looked at the squire as he climbed back into his seat. “Atropos, if you’d please leave the boy alone,” Vlad said, raising an eyebrow. Atropos tittered his laugh and slinked back into the corner of the room, opting out of sitting it seemed.

Elle returned a moment later, setting two bottles of wine onto the table before she smiled at everyone. She looked happy to see everyone gathered, and she quickly began to dish out food onto plates, starting with Aerin.

“Elle, why hadn’t you invited Meryl?” Aerin asked. Elle sighed.

“He wouldn’t be interested in such affairs. I plan to meet up with him tomorrow and have dinner,” she lied. In all honestly, Meryl would probably make matters worse. He’d have good intentions but she didn’t see his humor breaking the tension between her twin and uncle.

“Meryl?” Vlad asked, tilting his head.

“Yes, I have a new boyfriend!” Elle said cheerfully, placing some meat on Vlad’s plate. Vlad’s face darkened a moment.

“Boyfriend? Not occasional lover?” He asked. Elle was quiet a moment, a tad stung by the remark.

“No, boyfriend. He’s really nice. A mage, and handsome. He’s starting a guild in Avaleur actually. Aerin is going to be part of it. Meryl likes to cause trouble sometimes but he’s a good man.”

[Namari Lovelle]

At first Namari grinned wide at the idea of Elle having a boyfriend; how wonderful! And it seemed that Aerin approved, if the man was welcome to join.
But suddenly Namari's mouth went a little wide at Vlad's comment.

Even as a family member, Namari thought it incredibly rude to say such a thing; especially since Elle's face showed signs of unpleasant feelings. Quite frankly Namari felt her old instincts coming back, ready to slap Vlad across the face.
But that would be rude, inappropriate and would start quite the commotion. She just looked at Walter, whose eyebrows were furrowed as if he would say something too.

Namari was relieved when he did not.

Simon was the only person who seemed unfazed, attempting not to gather in anyone elses business. Besides, he was now disappointed that the lovely lady had a boyfriend. He was much too distracted with that, and the fact that he was relieved Atropos was now not near him.

"I believe I know the man you speak of," Namari noted, turning back to face Aerin and Elle.
"Yes... yes, I remember now. He came to ask about creating that mages guild. Quite the interesting fellow."

Walter too seemed to remember the man from when he asked about creating the guild; very eccentric. But he did not say anything. Perhaps he would joke about him not being Elle's type in a different situation, but she already looked hurt about what her uncle had said.

So, he stayed silent.

"What will you be doing at the guild Aerin?" Namari asked, flashing Elle a smile before looking at Aerin.

[Aerin Vaettir]

“Meryl mentioned talking to you, actually, Namari. He was quite excited about it,” Elle said, smiling at the queen and bouncing back from the hurtful remark, though Vlad still had a dark look on his face. Aerin absently spooned at his soup, hearing Namari ask her question. He found it funny that Elle dished out all the food and yet no sounds of eating had begun yet.

“Potions Master. At least that will be my title. I’ll be teaching others my craft, since Elle has so much confidence in my teaching ability,” he said, smirking.

“Well, hopefully you aren’t as harsh as your tutor,” Elle said, picking up a knife to cut into her meat. “Besides, I doubt I’m the only one who thinks you’d do fine. Meryl thinks you would be a good teacher.”

“Merlin also thinks it fun to have an epic battle in my bedroom against a creature summoned from the netherworld,” Aerin said, jokingly. Elle smirked.

“A creature you yourself summoned and almost got yourself killed doing in the process,” she retorted. Aerin held up hands in surrender, knowing he didn’t want to cross that line with Elle. She joked, but he knew she was worried for him, and also greatly angry that he dabbled in summoning such dangerous things. “Perhaps Namari would like to hear about your stupid adventures in summoning things from Hell?”

“Elle…” Aerin said, wincing slightly. He really didn’t want another woman on his back about it. But he supposed it was too late now. Perhaps he wouldn’t have to hide it so much now.

[Namari Lovelle]

It seemed as if the moment had passed finally; so Walter began eating, taking a small bite out of everything before looking to Namari. She began eating as well after this.
No, Walter did not think Elle would poison the food. But you never knew, especially with a mage around.

Simon himself dived right into the soup.

Namari thought over Aerin's decision to teach potions at the guild; she smiled at the thought. Seeing him work earlier was quite the pleasure. Surly he would be a great teacher at it as well.

It would give him another thing to do, at the very least. A new hobby.

Namari began eating some of the bread, pleased at how good it tasted, when Elle mentioned summoning. Namari finished her bite, an eyebrow raised as she looked at Aerin. Of course he could not see, but she did not look too impressed.

"Wonder if you've summoned any of my buddies!" Walter smirked, letting out a chuckle. Really he was only half joking. But Namari shot him a piercing look, as if she was yelling at Walter not to encourage him. The Knight went red, and stared down at his food, continuing to eat.

Simon, the poor boy, wondered why everyone in that room seemed crazy. A demon, a blind man summoning things from hell, a creepy manservant.
What next, the bird can turn into a human? he thought to himself.

"So then, Aerin," Namari said, turning back to him, again an eyebrow raised. She felt as if she were a big sister, scolding her brother for painting on the walls.
"Care to tell about these... adventures, you've been having?"

Despite Walter's worry about the protection and well-being of the queen, he could not help but smirk.
You're in trouble now, man, he thought.

[Aerin Vaettir]

Aerin lifted his fork and began eating, sort of hoping the summoning topic would blow over, though judging from the moment of uncomfortable silence he didn’t think that was the case. Namari spoke, asking for more details about his “adventures” and he went a bit red, suddenly feeling like he was a child again and his mother was standing before him, waiting for him to explain himself.

“It isn’t nearly as bad as Elle makes it out to be…” he said softly, setting down his fork.

“Not as bad? Aerin when I came over with Meryl I found you in your office bleeding from a gash in your arm and side!” Elle replied, taking a bite of a steam carrot.

“You…caught me on one of my bad days,” Aerin said, knowing this wasn’t going to end well for him.

“Bad days? What the hell does that mean? How often do you get hurt in these little experiments?” Elle demanded. Aerin remained silent, not wanting to answer the question, mostly because no one except for Vlad would be happy with the answer. “Aerin?”

“I don’t keep count,” Aerin replied shortly, sighing. Elle stared at him a moment before shaking her head.

“Honestly, your lust for knowledge is going to get you killed!”

“I think we can all agree on that,” Vlad spoke up suddenly. “Aerin is far too curious for his own good.” Aerin twitched in annoyance, pushing his plate back.

[Namari Lovelle]

Namari did want to beat it into him that he should not do that; especially if he's the only one around! But truly Aerin was a stubborn man. Plus, it seemed that everyone was now gaining up on him.

Even with his best interest- or at least health- at heart, Namari felt a little bad now.

Vlad's words however made Namari think; was Vlad speaking about Aerin's summonings? Or something else?
Namari rid herself of the thought. No, she was reading too into things now. Too desperate to find out what happened.

"At any rate, I'm glad you weren't hurt that bad," the Queen finally said, giving out a small sigh. "Just...be careful, alright Aerin?"
It was clear that she was worried. But of course she did not want anything to spiral out of control.

Though she secretly hoped that he would not do it again unless necessary.

"What sorts of things were you making that you needed creatures from the underworlds for?" Walter asked, lifting his head. Perhaps if he were someone angry at Aerin for doing these experiments he would have sounded mad. Walter just sounded curious; and he was.

After all, not all things made with hell's creatures turn out evil or bad.
He took another bite of the deer meat as he listened.