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rainbowfic2022-08-27 02:13 pm
thisbluespirit) wrote in rainbowfic2022-08-27 02:13 pm
Entry tags:
Nacre #8 [Starfall]
Name: Say My Name
Story: Starfall
Colors: Nacre #8 (hide in plain sight)
Supplies and Styles: Graffiti – Lilith Faire Day 4 (Second Stage: Therefore I am – Billie Eilish “Get my pretty name out of your mouth”)
Word Count: 1515
Rating: G
Warnings: None.
Notes: 1337, Starfall Manor; Leaira Modelen, Aimon Merner, Osmer Nivyrn, Marran Delver, Tannis Kellen, Arin Teykal. (This one takes place before the previous piece, because Lilith Faire and CotD between them are ruining my intention to be more chronological, lol.)
Summary: Leaira has another visitor to her library, and this one she doesn’t want at all.
This autumn seemed to be crowded with official visitors at Starfall Manor – the High Governor’s accounts inspector was still there, and now there was an unexpected and unwanted District Governor who’d requested a visit.
“Word of warning from above,” said Arin, poking his head into the library’s backroom. “Governor Delver is insisting on seeing the library – they’re on their way.”
“Now?” Leaira jumped up, leaving the index volume open on the desk. “Why?”
“No, in two weeks, and how should I know?” Arin withdrew his head and vanished.
Leaira closed her eyes, breathing in and out, before she raced into the main library chamber. Who was there – anyone likely to cause trouble or offence? Could she get Aliyna out of the way in time?
Aimon was sitting at the window table, head down over the accounts book, and the only other person in sight was Osmer, sitting in the far corner as usual and taking down notes from a volume of the Katerand. Aliyna was nowhere in sight, which would at least save them an awkward political incident.
Before she could pass Arin’s warning on, the double doors swung open and then a new voice spoke – someone clearly used to addressing the High Council Chambers with perfect diction:
“Well, this must be the library.”
Leaira swung around towards the door and found herself almost knocking into Governor Delver. As she tried to gather her wits, he grasped her hand firmly in a gloved grip, and she could only wait for him to let go, still seeing little more than a brown jacket and the deep blue Governor’s belt.
“The very charming Adeleaira Modelen,” he said, and she started, lifting her head up to meet a coldly amused grey gaze. The ghost of a smile graced his mouth, and he let go. “Imor Kellen has just been singing your praises.”
Leaira backed away more hastily than was flattering and pressed her hand to her side where he couldn’t get at it again. She inclined her head, and murmured, “Governor.”
“I had to see the library before Imor Kellen and I get down to business,” he continued, moving past her and gazing around at the bookshelves. “I have a great interest in our legends, and I know there is no better place to study them than Starfall. I trust I will be spared some time to do so while I’m here.”
Leaira forced a smile. “Of course, Governor. You will be welcome as any other visiting researcher.” She hoped Tannis kept him far too busy to ever come anywhere near her again. She’d told herself not to let her family’s mistrust of him colour her judgement, but something about him – the way he almost seemed to be mocking her – made a nonsense of all her resolutions.
The Governor continued to survey the room, and paused. “Ah. And this must be our visiting book-keeper from Portcallan. You’re a long way from home, Merner.”
Aimon stood. “An occupational hazard, Governor.”
“Yes,” said Delver, losing interest immediately. He gestured towards the bay of shelves behind Osmer. “If I may?”
Leaira would have loved to tell him to get out, but she nodded. To her relief, Osmer abandoned his book, and got up and led the wretched man away.
“Leaira.” Tannis Kellen, Head of Starfall Manor, stopped alongside her. “A word if you will.”
More trouble. Leaira ushered Tannis and the grey-clothed, severe looking woman with her towards the library office, where they could be relatively private.
“Thank you,” said Tannis. “The Governor has already discussed the matter with me, so be assured that everything is in order. Imai Stolley, I shall leave you with our Librarian, Adeleaira Modelen. She is discreet, you have my word.”
Secretary Stolley was carrying a large tin in her arms, which Leaira wasn’t sure could ever be described as discreet, but she said nothing, ushering her on into the study and then followed, shutting the door behind them. The woman put the box down on the desk.
“What is this about?”
The woman opened it, revealing a tied bundle of documents. “You are not permitted to read them, but you may assure yourself, if you wish, that there is nothing untoward hidden inside.”
Leaira picked up the packet of papers, tilting it her hand to detect any loose objects or sheets, more because the secretary seemed to be waiting for her to do so, rather than because she really thought Governor Delver had come to plant some sinister artefact in the library by comically obvious means.
“I shall seal it in your presence,” continued the woman, locking the tin, first with its lock, then a chain, which she sealed after Leaira fetched her a candle, the library being one of the few rooms in Starfall with the privilege of being large lit by lightstone.
That done, she pushed it towards Leaira. “If you could place it somewhere safe – your store, perhaps?”
Leaira nodded, bemused. “Surely, though, the Governor could keep this safer in his own chambers – or Tannis has a vault –?”
The secretary relaxed for a moment, suddenly fully human rather than efficient machine. “That is what I told the Governor, Imai Modelen, but I’m sure he has his reasons.”
“Are we keeping it only until he goes, or does he want it left here permanently?”
Secretary Stolley shook her head. “He has given strict instructions that the box is not to be opened again until he requests it – or if something should happen to him. Beyond that, I’m not sure.”
“This is very irregular,” said Leaira. She caught herself hastily. “Not that it’s a problem.” A mystery box, down in the library store, not to be opened save in dire circumstances, and left on the orders of the man supposed to be the most devious politician in the country. What could be wrong with that?
The woman smiled. “In my experience of the Governor, irregular is quite usual. I shall leave it with you.” She paused, and with further proof of actual humanity, added, “I shouldn’t worry, my dear. Most likely they are more copies of documents elsewhere – something of that kind. He is a man with many enemies and often takes various precautions.”
They walked back out into the main chamber, Leaira behind the secretary, and met Osmer and the Governor crossing back to Tannis and the entrance. Aimon was still standing by the window; his hands behind his back. He watched them with a faint frown.
“Thank you,” Governor Delver said to Leaira, gravely enough, but that amusement was still buried in his face, she was certain. “I must tear myself away from the books for now, but we will meet again, my dear.”
Leaira hid her feelings in another formal bow of the head, while Tannis mercifully swept the Governor and his secretary away to visit some other part of the manor.
“That man!” said Aimon, before Leaira could. He strode over to the desk. “He’s got a hand in everything. What is he even doing here, of all places?”
Leaira stared at the door, still softly swinging on its hinges. She flexed her hand, the one he had held, and wiped it on her jacket. “Oh, he asked permission from the High Governor. Didn’t somebody tell you?”
“No. Everyone is very careful not to tell me anything,” said Aimon. “I’m from the High Governor’s office and I’ve got a report to write back, as well as checking your accounts.”
“Everyone hates Delver at home, too,” said Leaira. She’d thought maybe that would prove to be just Southern District prejudice. She’d been in Starfall long enough to know how unfair that could be sometimes, and Governor Delver was much better thought of in these parts than in places like Lighthaven and Portcallan. “I think I hate him,” she added under her breath.
Osmer gave a snort, and shook his head. “Absurd, the pair of you! I am not interested in your wretched politics, and since I entertained your visitor for you, and took the trouble to send Aliyna out of the building for you, I deserve a reward. How about fetching me the next volume of the Katerand?”
Leaira rolled her eyes. “Give me a moment or two, and I will.”
“They say he’s a murderer,” said Aimon quietly.
“Oh, really! I don’t like him, but that’s ridiculous!”
“Oh, not personally, I’m sure, but –” Aimon shrugged, before heading back towards the window table. “They say there’s more than one member of various High Governor’s departments have never come back from travelling to North Eastern.”
“Didn’t they tell you horror stories about us as well? I know what it’s like in Portcallan.”
“But Starfall is dangerous,” said Aimon as he pulled out the chair. “Isn’t that part of the point? You’re probably right – but there’s no reason to suppose that Delver isn’t dangerous too. Anyway, you clearly didn’t want him in here!”
“Oh, dear,” she said. “I hoped it didn’t show too much.”
“Well, what was that about?”
Leaira laughed. “I didn’t like the way he said my name.”
Story: Starfall
Colors: Nacre #8 (hide in plain sight)
Supplies and Styles: Graffiti – Lilith Faire Day 4 (Second Stage: Therefore I am – Billie Eilish “Get my pretty name out of your mouth”)
Word Count: 1515
Rating: G
Warnings: None.
Notes: 1337, Starfall Manor; Leaira Modelen, Aimon Merner, Osmer Nivyrn, Marran Delver, Tannis Kellen, Arin Teykal. (This one takes place before the previous piece, because Lilith Faire and CotD between them are ruining my intention to be more chronological, lol.)
Summary: Leaira has another visitor to her library, and this one she doesn’t want at all.
This autumn seemed to be crowded with official visitors at Starfall Manor – the High Governor’s accounts inspector was still there, and now there was an unexpected and unwanted District Governor who’d requested a visit.
“Word of warning from above,” said Arin, poking his head into the library’s backroom. “Governor Delver is insisting on seeing the library – they’re on their way.”
“Now?” Leaira jumped up, leaving the index volume open on the desk. “Why?”
“No, in two weeks, and how should I know?” Arin withdrew his head and vanished.
Leaira closed her eyes, breathing in and out, before she raced into the main library chamber. Who was there – anyone likely to cause trouble or offence? Could she get Aliyna out of the way in time?
Aimon was sitting at the window table, head down over the accounts book, and the only other person in sight was Osmer, sitting in the far corner as usual and taking down notes from a volume of the Katerand. Aliyna was nowhere in sight, which would at least save them an awkward political incident.
Before she could pass Arin’s warning on, the double doors swung open and then a new voice spoke – someone clearly used to addressing the High Council Chambers with perfect diction:
“Well, this must be the library.”
Leaira swung around towards the door and found herself almost knocking into Governor Delver. As she tried to gather her wits, he grasped her hand firmly in a gloved grip, and she could only wait for him to let go, still seeing little more than a brown jacket and the deep blue Governor’s belt.
“The very charming Adeleaira Modelen,” he said, and she started, lifting her head up to meet a coldly amused grey gaze. The ghost of a smile graced his mouth, and he let go. “Imor Kellen has just been singing your praises.”
Leaira backed away more hastily than was flattering and pressed her hand to her side where he couldn’t get at it again. She inclined her head, and murmured, “Governor.”
“I had to see the library before Imor Kellen and I get down to business,” he continued, moving past her and gazing around at the bookshelves. “I have a great interest in our legends, and I know there is no better place to study them than Starfall. I trust I will be spared some time to do so while I’m here.”
Leaira forced a smile. “Of course, Governor. You will be welcome as any other visiting researcher.” She hoped Tannis kept him far too busy to ever come anywhere near her again. She’d told herself not to let her family’s mistrust of him colour her judgement, but something about him – the way he almost seemed to be mocking her – made a nonsense of all her resolutions.
The Governor continued to survey the room, and paused. “Ah. And this must be our visiting book-keeper from Portcallan. You’re a long way from home, Merner.”
Aimon stood. “An occupational hazard, Governor.”
“Yes,” said Delver, losing interest immediately. He gestured towards the bay of shelves behind Osmer. “If I may?”
Leaira would have loved to tell him to get out, but she nodded. To her relief, Osmer abandoned his book, and got up and led the wretched man away.
“Leaira.” Tannis Kellen, Head of Starfall Manor, stopped alongside her. “A word if you will.”
More trouble. Leaira ushered Tannis and the grey-clothed, severe looking woman with her towards the library office, where they could be relatively private.
“Thank you,” said Tannis. “The Governor has already discussed the matter with me, so be assured that everything is in order. Imai Stolley, I shall leave you with our Librarian, Adeleaira Modelen. She is discreet, you have my word.”
Secretary Stolley was carrying a large tin in her arms, which Leaira wasn’t sure could ever be described as discreet, but she said nothing, ushering her on into the study and then followed, shutting the door behind them. The woman put the box down on the desk.
“What is this about?”
The woman opened it, revealing a tied bundle of documents. “You are not permitted to read them, but you may assure yourself, if you wish, that there is nothing untoward hidden inside.”
Leaira picked up the packet of papers, tilting it her hand to detect any loose objects or sheets, more because the secretary seemed to be waiting for her to do so, rather than because she really thought Governor Delver had come to plant some sinister artefact in the library by comically obvious means.
“I shall seal it in your presence,” continued the woman, locking the tin, first with its lock, then a chain, which she sealed after Leaira fetched her a candle, the library being one of the few rooms in Starfall with the privilege of being large lit by lightstone.
That done, she pushed it towards Leaira. “If you could place it somewhere safe – your store, perhaps?”
Leaira nodded, bemused. “Surely, though, the Governor could keep this safer in his own chambers – or Tannis has a vault –?”
The secretary relaxed for a moment, suddenly fully human rather than efficient machine. “That is what I told the Governor, Imai Modelen, but I’m sure he has his reasons.”
“Are we keeping it only until he goes, or does he want it left here permanently?”
Secretary Stolley shook her head. “He has given strict instructions that the box is not to be opened again until he requests it – or if something should happen to him. Beyond that, I’m not sure.”
“This is very irregular,” said Leaira. She caught herself hastily. “Not that it’s a problem.” A mystery box, down in the library store, not to be opened save in dire circumstances, and left on the orders of the man supposed to be the most devious politician in the country. What could be wrong with that?
The woman smiled. “In my experience of the Governor, irregular is quite usual. I shall leave it with you.” She paused, and with further proof of actual humanity, added, “I shouldn’t worry, my dear. Most likely they are more copies of documents elsewhere – something of that kind. He is a man with many enemies and often takes various precautions.”
They walked back out into the main chamber, Leaira behind the secretary, and met Osmer and the Governor crossing back to Tannis and the entrance. Aimon was still standing by the window; his hands behind his back. He watched them with a faint frown.
“Thank you,” Governor Delver said to Leaira, gravely enough, but that amusement was still buried in his face, she was certain. “I must tear myself away from the books for now, but we will meet again, my dear.”
Leaira hid her feelings in another formal bow of the head, while Tannis mercifully swept the Governor and his secretary away to visit some other part of the manor.
“That man!” said Aimon, before Leaira could. He strode over to the desk. “He’s got a hand in everything. What is he even doing here, of all places?”
Leaira stared at the door, still softly swinging on its hinges. She flexed her hand, the one he had held, and wiped it on her jacket. “Oh, he asked permission from the High Governor. Didn’t somebody tell you?”
“No. Everyone is very careful not to tell me anything,” said Aimon. “I’m from the High Governor’s office and I’ve got a report to write back, as well as checking your accounts.”
“Everyone hates Delver at home, too,” said Leaira. She’d thought maybe that would prove to be just Southern District prejudice. She’d been in Starfall long enough to know how unfair that could be sometimes, and Governor Delver was much better thought of in these parts than in places like Lighthaven and Portcallan. “I think I hate him,” she added under her breath.
Osmer gave a snort, and shook his head. “Absurd, the pair of you! I am not interested in your wretched politics, and since I entertained your visitor for you, and took the trouble to send Aliyna out of the building for you, I deserve a reward. How about fetching me the next volume of the Katerand?”
Leaira rolled her eyes. “Give me a moment or two, and I will.”
“They say he’s a murderer,” said Aimon quietly.
“Oh, really! I don’t like him, but that’s ridiculous!”
“Oh, not personally, I’m sure, but –” Aimon shrugged, before heading back towards the window table. “They say there’s more than one member of various High Governor’s departments have never come back from travelling to North Eastern.”
“Didn’t they tell you horror stories about us as well? I know what it’s like in Portcallan.”
“But Starfall is dangerous,” said Aimon as he pulled out the chair. “Isn’t that part of the point? You’re probably right – but there’s no reason to suppose that Delver isn’t dangerous too. Anyway, you clearly didn’t want him in here!”
“Oh, dear,” she said. “I hoped it didn’t show too much.”
“Well, what was that about?”
Leaira laughed. “I didn’t like the way he said my name.”
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(<3<3<3)