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korkrunchcereal · 6 years

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Gilded Viper

They say among the masquerades held in Quel’thalas, few matched the opulent splendor of those hosted by House Indaris. Only those of Silvermoon proper were equal, though such had always been vehemently denied by the lords and ladies of Indaris. Though this particular masquerade was smaller, featuring only the wealthy and elite among the Crescent Hills, it still would be a night to remember. Here, the socialites and nobility could forget the problems and worries of the world.

It was precisely what Aurelian was hoping for.

He had thrown the masquerade in an attempt to distract the nobility from the threat of demons, unrest among civilians and other ‘minute’ problems. So far, as the night had proven, it was working. Here there were new foes to focus on and alliances to forge, where no claws of demon kind could threaten. And if they could not threaten here, were they truly a threat? The world continued as normal for the elite of the elves despite the Legion’s best efforts.

Had it cost the coffers of House Indaris a small fortune? Absolutely. Aurelian had spent the better part of a week arguing with the house treasurer Solidus, who had viewed such displays as ‘frivolous wastes of gold.’ Spirits from across the world were shipped in, including rare rice wines from the breweries of Pandaria while exotic foods ranging from the northern end of the known world to its southern tip were served for the attendees to feast upon. Such was the display of wealth and vanity that Aurelian provided.

Such an aristocratic event of course meant anyone who was anyone was there. Burgeoning merchant lords rubbed shoulder to shoulder with minor nobles of a dozen houses. Sons and daughters of exquisite beauty and of various titles strived to meet, dance and socialize while parents watched with keen interest, hoping to barter some alliance from these arrangements. They were even thrust upon Aurelian and, much to his amusement, his guest.

True to his word, Aurelian had taken the elven woman as his guest of honor. It would have been a scandalous affair had Sare’wen not been one of the most beautiful women of the evening. Even Aurelian was surprised at what he had accomplished in his self-proclaimed makeover of the woman. She was a commoner, but Aurelian had disguised that with highborne beauty and grace. Her dress and jewels had been handpicked by Aurelian himself, though she had removed some of the most ostentatious displays of vanity to his annoyance. Even with her interference, she looked as if starlight descended from the heavens.

They had asked who the woman was, and why Aurelian had taken her as guest. He had left Sare’wen to explain in order to give the first dance of the evening with his betrothed. A hundred eyes had fallen on Aurelian and Calithielwen as they took central stage upon the dance floor, their own reflections visible beneath them among the pristine marble. The lord, in his purple and gold embroidered vest and black furred cloak, moved alongside the cerulean dressed form of his betrothed, becoming a maelstrom of colors. The golden falcon danced with the fox, and the world watched.

She had barely looked at Aurelian as they danced, something he was certain a few among those attendant would notice. For her, the dance was a formality, an importance stressed by Aurelian just several days previous. Nearly a year and there had been little sign of any affection from her, save fleeting fragments of love and of course lust of the flesh. As soon as the music had stopped and the applauds echoed in their wake, the two had bowed to one another before Calithielwen abandoned Aurelian on the dance floor.

That had been an hour ago, and since then Aurelian had meandered among the crowd. Dozens sought to speak with him to bribe, flirt and otherwise gain his attention. He was the undisputed lord of the Crescent Hills, and his position brought popularity. Minor nobles begged for him to dance with their daughters, to pay them some special attention in the hopes he might fancy them. In the past, he had been callous enough to simply switch his attentions on a whim, breaking many a heart. But those days had passed, and so he politely declined. He had even been forced to defuse tension between the Salas and Arrowmere families of Rivervale, the two having been rivals over the town.

Occasionally Aurelian had glanced around, searching for either his betrothed or Sare’wen. At times he glimpsed both, having some small amusement at their disinterest with the men who tried to court their attention. He made a mental note to remember the rats who had tried in vain to sway his betrothed’s attention away from him. As he took another glance, he noted an elderly man moving through the crowd towards him with an awkward gait. Interestingly, the crowd parted for this man Aurelian did not recognize, allowing him to see him fully.

Aurelian assumed the man had once been some soldier, judging from the scars that he could see. Upon his greying features he wore a mask shaped in the hissing jaws of a viper, emerald eyes illuminating the crimson scales. Aurelian realized the man favored heavily his right leg, gripping and leaning upon a bejeweled cane as he walked. Despite the infirm nature of the man marking him as physically weak, Aurelian noted several of the lords seemed to shy away in fear. Interesting.

“Lord Aurelian Indaris.” The man gave a low bow of respect, head dipping low. At this time Aurelian noticed the young woman beside him, azure of hair and dress. Whereas the man was infirm and feeble in appearance, she held a strong confidence, meeting and matching Aurelian’s gaze as if challenging him to speak. Aurelian realized then who the two were, giving a bow in return.

“Lord Scipia. At last I finally have the pleasure of properly meeting you.” Aurelian had heard for months the rising star that was the Scipia family. They were bankers from the Crescent Hills, yet recently profited from a meteoric rise of ascension thanks to its cunning patriarch Rannigan Scipia. Branches of his bank had opened in Silvermoon, opening up dozens of new possibilities. Wealth brought them power and gold a title. Despite this Aurelian had never actually met the Scipia family, or at least that he could recall. He had only heard of the crippled banker, and the alluring beauty of his daughter.

“Indeed! A travesty I say it has taken so long, though I cannot argue against meeting on such an occasion. My thanks for your invitation to this event.” Rannigan pulled himself up with some effort upon his cane, offering a smile that matched the serpentine nature of his mask. “Allow me to introduce my daughter, Andrea Scipia.” The woman gave a curtsy to Aurelian, though did not break her stare. It was enchanting in a way, and Aurelian had to force himself to look away.

“The pleasure is mine, my lady. I hope you both are enjoying yourself tonight?”

“Indeed, Lord Aurelian. My daughter had for years dreamed of dancing amid the golden halls of House Indaris, socializing with its lords and ladies. Ah, the youth.” Andrea shot her father a glare, nearly forcing Aurelian to laugh.

“Unfortunately not all of our halls are golden, though I am pleased to see such dreams come to fruition.”

“Yes, it has been quite enjoyable.” Her voice was as cold as Northrend, both icy and fierce. Aurelian mused in amusement over the suitors she had scared off, undoubtedly holding as cold a temperament as her tone held. A servant moved by them holding a tray of wine, Andrea grabbing a glass which Aurelian matched. He had broken out several barrels of the Illurian Red, receiving plenty of compliments for the delicious wine.

“I hear she is not the only one here however to be living her dreams, of course.”

“Oh?” Aurelian raised a brow, motioning for Rannigan to continue as he sipped from his glass.

“Your guest, of course. She is a commoner, is she not?” Aurelian blinked at that, surprise evident.

“Yes. I was not aware it was so well known.”

“It’s not, I don’t believe. But you know how lords like to gossip, and when they heard that the Lord Indaris was bringing a guest, ah they simply had to know. A good move I say to bring in one of the common folk.”

“Well, I must confess it wasn’t fully by choice. She had beaten me in a sparring match and being victorious she requested to attend an Indaris ball. I, being the humble and generous sort, agreed.”

“A common woman beat you?” Aurelian coughed awkwardly, taking another, longer sip of his wine.

“I was using my bad hand. Overconfidence, I am afraid. Besides, she trained with a master swordsman in her youth.”

“Really? Who?”

“No idea…” Aurelian muttered.

“Ah, I see.” Rannigan’s disbelief was evident on his tone and from the curl of his lip, though he visibly shook it away with a wave of his hand. “Still, it is good to have one of the common folk here, I imagine. Have to keep them placated as well.”

“Indeed. Now, Lord Scipia,” Aurelian began in an effort to change the topic from his embarrassment, “are the rumors of your takeover of the Silverstone bank true? I had heard such but could scarcely believe it.”

“It is true, my lord. I bought them out three weeks ago.”

“Consider me impressed. The Silverstone’s are…err were one of the oldest banks in Quel’thalas.”

“Time comes for even the oldest of institutes, and they could not adapt with the world. Traditions sometimes must give way to the future. I am, however, now the largest banker in the combined Gilded Lands and undoubtedly several holdings beyond.”

“Now I really am impressed. Perhaps I need to pay one of your banks a visit. I have a vast fortune, and I am sure I could deposit some of it away.”

“I would be honored, my lord, to have the Indaris family use one of my banks. Speaking of your family, how fares your siblings? I noticed both are still absent.”

“My brother remains comatose, and my sister remains…unwell.” He didn’t know how to describe what was wrong with his sister. She had been asleep for almost a year now, and despite the death of her enchanter she still had not awoken.

“A shame. I am sure their presence is sorely missed in both your court and among the nobility.”

“I am sure of that. I- “Aurelian paused mid-sentence, eyes having wandered away from the two and spotting a familiar figure leaning upon a nearby wall. Unlike the rest of the attendants he was heavily armored, the guests keeping a wide birth of the hulking figure. What on Azeroth was he doing here. “You must excuse me, Lord Scipia. I am afraid I must find out why a certain guest is here.” Both turned to where Aurelian was looking, spotting the armored man.

“Isn’t he from Silvermoon?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” Aurelian grumbled, giving a bow. “Lord Scipia, Lady Scipia; a pleasure.”

“Perhaps, before the evening is over my lord, you may honor me with a dance?” Andrea asked. Her chilling beauty unnerved Aurelian, but he could not figure out why.

“If the stars so align, I would be honored my lady. But, you both must excuse me.”

“Of course, of course.” Rannigan slowly moved away as Aurelian walked by, picking his way through the crowd towards the armored figure while placing his now empty glass on a servant’s tray as they passed by. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed and pole-axe slung across his back despite there being no weapons allowed. Steel grinded against stone as the figure turned to look at Aurelian, though failing to acknowledge the lord’s arrival.

“To what do I owe the displeasure, Veridan.” Veridan Koss finally pushed himself off the wall, standing eye level with Aurelian.

“Heard you were throwing a ball. Figured I’d show up and see what the fuss was about. Even Silvermoon was talking about it.”

“Really?”

“No. But Magister Craw desired I attend, and so here I am.”

“To spy, I presume?”

“Yep.” Aurelian blinked at how forthcoming Veridan was.

“Well there’s nothing here worth spying over.”

“Everything here is worth spying over, Indaris. Don’t play stupid, we both know in a time like this you have to watch everyone. Our prince was a reminder we have to watch the citizens during a time of crisis. See whose playing power games, who’s trying to kill who.”

“And how Silvermoon can benefit.” Aurelian finished.

“Precisely. See, I told Craw you weren’t that stupid.” Aurelian curled his lip in annoyance.

“Thanks, I suppose. Why the weapon, though. Expecting trouble? I ensured all of my guests were unarmed. You should be too.”

“Oh they tried. They stopped when I explained politely my business, followed by reminding them that as an enforcer of Silvermoon I can crush their skull like a melon and no one would care. They stopped trying then. Anyways, elves cast magic no? I don’t see any inhibitors here. One angry lord and there could be a loose fireball. Speaking of, looks like you got one coming.”

“What?”

“Lord Indaris!” Aurelian blinked, turning around as his name was called. “I must protest your guest.”

“Oh good, not a fireball.”

“What?”

“Nevermind. Now, why are you protesting my guest?” He was younger than Aurelian, hot blooded and undoubtedly easily offended.

“I asked to dance with her, and she refused me. Me! Such disrespect.” For the life of him, Aurelian had no clue who the man was.

“I see. Where is she now?”

“Light knows where. I’ve been looking for you for the last thirty minutes.” Aurelian merely gave the man a deadpanned expression, ears perking as he swore he heard Veridan chuckle.

“Right then. I suppose I shall go talk with her. My apologies if you were offended in any way.” The man gave an undignified huff as Aurelian walked away. Light the man was undoubtedly an ass and realized immediately why Sare’wen would have said no. No humility or sense of recognition of who was important.

Aurelian moved his way through the crowd, asking if anyone had seen Sare’wen. None of them had, though nearly a score of young lords had voiced displeasure over being turned down. She was proving to be very popular amidst the young men, no doubt thinking her some vaunted lady. Of course their fathers would never permit their sons to marry a commoner, but a dance and possibly more with a beautiful woman would never be ignored by the hot blooded.

Realizing she was not on the dance floor, Aurelian moved up the stairs to the exit, turning to his servants. Here he found more success, being pointed in a general direction. As he moved past a statue of his father, he heard the strange sound of paper being turned. He paused, listening for it. A short time later, he heard it again. Slowly he moved to the statue, looking behind it.

Sare’wen sat undignified on the floor, a book in her hands and her back turned away from Aurelian. She had taken off several of the jewelry pieces, the glittering gems and gold lying on the floor neatly beside her as well as the fawn mask she wore. Aurelian blinked in surprise, narrowing his eyes to try and see what she was reading. Behind the statue it was too dark for him to properly see it, so he took a step around. Loudly, he coughed to try and get her attention. Nothing.

“Sare’wen.” No response. “Sare’wen.” He repeated, louder this time. For answer, she flipped another page of her book. Was she ignoring him? “Sare’wen!” She gasped in surprise, closing her book shut.

“What! Oh, yes, hello Lord Indaris.” She awkwardly rose, turning to face Aurelian with a smile. Her blonde hair had been pulled back as was proper, gemstones hiding between the strands. Her smile reached her eyes, the woman holding the book with both hands.

“I called for you three times.”

“Oh!” She placed a hand to her lips in embarrassment. “I am so sorry. I was just so engrossed with this book.”

“I can see that…what are you reading, anyways?”

“Nevermind that.” She quickly placed the book behind her, tilting her head. “Is everything okay?”

“Sort of. Have you had fun?” Aurelian leaned against the statue, arms crossing as he spoke. No doubt his father would have disapproved of his casual nature, and Aurelian could almost feel the glare from the statue’s eyes above him.

“Oh, lots! This place is so beautiful. I had dreamed of seeing the castle since I was a little girl. To finally be in it…it’s breathtaking. I could see my reflection in the marble!” Aurelian laughed at that, nodding.

“Yes, I ensured they be polished to such a standard.”

“And the flowers are gorgeous! I don’t recognize a lot of them.”

“I had some brought in from Suramar, as well as a rare bloom of desert flower found only in Uldum. They say the titan influence of the land also affected the plants.”

“It’s all so beautiful.”

“Beautiful enough to hide away from the ball? I hear you’ve been proving quite the heartbreaker tonight.” She smiled sheepishly at that, shrugging her shoulders innocently.

“They were all so…snobbish and boring. Oh, and full of themselves. They just wanted to dance with me like I’m a prize to be won. Besides, they’re all lords, and I’m just a commoner. It wouldn’t lead anywhere.”

“True, but you’re at least more bearable company then most of them. Ugh, you should have seen this one, well you probably did. He came to me to complain you wouldn’t dance with him.”

“Really? Who?”

“Some blonde-haired little twerp with an atrocious beard. He was wearing this gaudy red outfit.”

“Oh lord Hask’s son.” Aurelian stared at Sare’wen. “What?”

“That was Lord Hask’s son? Poor man. I once had dinner at the Hask estate. Terrible food, but Lord Hask was pleasant enough company. His son was away, I think. That or he was just so uninteresting I completely forgot about him. Huh…” Aurelian tapped his chin with a finger in thought. “Anyways, he was very offended you wouldn’t dance with him.”

“Did it dishonor you that I did not?”

“No. But, I can’t have my guest hiding away reading during a ball. Not for the whole time, anyways. The second dance of the evening needs to happen, and I am in need of a dance partner. Will you join me?” Sare’wen paused, looking as Aurelian stretched out his hand for her to take.

“I…”

“Come on, it’ll be fun.” She remained there for a moment, before bending down to both put down the book, and pick up her jewelry and mask. Amusingly she leaned back down, positioning the book behind the statue and fiddling with it before rising quickly. She took his hand, offering him a smile as she placed back on her mask.

“Very well lord Indaris. Let us dance.”

“So what happened next.”

“This may surprise you magister, but we danced.” Balasar did not seem amused as he stared at Aurelian.

“Amusing, Lord Indaris.” He said unamused.

“Honestly, that’s all that happened. We danced, and everyone watched. I am sure it upset some of the lords that I was able to dance with Sare’wen. I will confess I was surprised at how well she danced, considering she is a commoner and all. When that was done, the masquerade continued as normal. I am sure Veridan here will confirm that.”

“Yes, he has. How many lords do you think were in attendance?”

“Oh at least a hundred lords and ladies. Anyone who was anyone was there. I can procure the guest list for you, if you’re interested.”

“That won’t be necessary. Now, you said you spoke with the Salas and Arrowmere families, as well as the Scipias?”

“Indeed. At the time, I was not aware the three would prove to be so important, but here we are.”

“What was your impressions of lord Scipia and his daughter.”

“Rannigan fit his mask, that’s for sure. I could tell immediately he was a snake. As for his daughter? She was beautiful, but cold. I didn’t dance with her like she had asked but looking back I doubt she expected it. I did however speak on depositing some money in Rannigan’s bank; polite gesture in all. Never hurts to be friends with one of the wealthiest lords of the lands.”

“Mhmm…And was the tension between the Salas and Arrowmere families worse than usual?”

“Not particularly no, though I defused it before it would explode, pardon the ironic word choice.”

“Yes. Tell me of the aftermath, and what happened to the Arrowmeres.”

#World of Warcraft #Skullcrusha writing #Tales of the Gilded Lands #Aurelian Indaris

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