Fantasy Farewell to Kings: Elide’s Tale

[A Play On Words]

"Thank you very much." She smiled, dipping into a bow, gently kissing her on a hand before walking towards the door.

 

[Jodyguru]

Bart bowed because he was copying Eli, and followed her out the door. They followed the boys downstairs who held the door open.

Once the Lady’s room was silent, a closet door creaked open slightly.
“Did you hear her?” Lady Jane asked.
“Every word. We have a rat in the belfry.” A deep mysterious voice spoke from the shadows.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t get more. She was quite guarded.”
“She gave me enough to work with. Want me to move in now?”
“No. We do not know enough quite yet. We need to know what she needs this power for.”
“Understood, ma’am.”

The boys waved bye, and said a bunch of things over each other. The door closed and Eli was in the yard with Bart.

 

[A Play On Words]

(Oh I thought she did)

Elide smiled with a shrug as she looked up at Bart. "Well that was fun," She laughed

 

[Jodyguru]

Bart smirked and looked up at the house. “I’d like to own a house like this some day.”
He looked down at Eli’s happy face and gave her a kiss.
“What were we doing? Oh right, the pigeons.” Bart started walking down the alley to emerge on a new street which would lead them to the roost.

 

[A Play On Words]

She smiled and walked with him, hearing the distant coo of the pigeons.

 

[Jodyguru]

The Roost was covered in white globs of pigeon shit, as was the man wearing a long brimmed hat seated there at his tiny office. He asked for a number, and upon giving it to him, he looked through the boxes and pulled out a small scroll container, handing it to Eli. Inside was a piece of paper.

“Dear Tess,
Progress has slowed. Will continue research. In case you’re wondering, Father’s Day is coming.
Best, Leona.”

Bart read the note over her shoulder, a bit confused by what Leona meant. The day to honor fathers was called “Sire’s Faire”, not Father’s Day. Also, it had passed months ago.

 

[A Play On Words]

"What's with the note at the end?" She frowned. "I don't want to honor my father. Most certainly not give him any gifts."

 

[Jodyguru]

Bart thought a bit. “How much does she know? Did you tell her the plan?”

 

[A Play On Words]

She shook her head. "I don't recall I did"

 

[Jodyguru]

They walked down the street together while they talked.
“Well, I’d say you do have a gift to give him, but he would doubtfully accept it.” Bart smirked. “Something something through his twisted heart’ was how you put it.”

 

[A Play On Words]

She laughed, shoving him gently. "Well can you blame me?"

 

[Jodyguru]

Bart laughed. “I’m serious! That could be a clue. She wrote it that way for a reason. Want me to ask Fon?”

 

[A Play On Words]

She shook her head quickly. "Don't tell 'im shit."

 

[Jodyguru]

Bart shrugged. He didn’t want to argue. “Welp, I guess we’ll just stay baffled by her strange words.”

“darkness surrounds you, but you are a good person. I am baffled, quite honestly” The memory of Leona appeared in Eli’s head. She remembered the book, the orb, and how she revealed herself to Leona to gain her trust. Eli remembered the horrible stories they shared. She even remembered that she gave the maiden her true name. It was all there, and it didn’t come to mind until they made it home.

 

[A Play On Words]

Elide frowned and sat down on one of the kitchen chairs, glancing at the book Leona had gifted her, which had barely moved.

 

[Jodyguru]

Bart exhaled and started putting on leather armor. He was on guard duty again tonight for Fon’s underground business ventures.
“That Lady Jane was interesting to say the least. What did you think about the cards she read? I thought they were spooky, but the whole affair creeped me out. I felt like someone was watching me.”

 

[A Play On Words]

"I've never seen a gypsy use tarot cards before. We mainly use speaker stones... And I agree it didn't feel right being there..." She sighed

 

[Jodyguru]

Bart looked over and shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. Maybe fortune telling in the city is just different? She said it was free, so perhaps folks pay her for card readings?” Bart had no answers.

There was a single knock on the door. Bart got up to see. There was nobody there, but there was a briefcase on the ground. Bart brought it in and opened it.

Inside was a beautiful flowing red dress made of fine materials and embroidered with small stones. It looked pretty expensive.

“I’m going to assume this isn’t for me.” Bart said.

 

[A Play On Words]

"No, that's definitely for you." She laughed brightly. "You'll look absolutely stunning." She winked

 

[Jodyguru]

Bart smirked and tossed the dress onto the bed. “I gotta go. Good luck tonight, don’t forget the poison.” Bart leaned in for a kiss and headed out. Eli would have a bit of time before she had to get ready.

 

[A Play On Words]

She smiled and kissed him back. She then proceeded to start changing. She slid into the bright red dress with a smile. Elide didn't wear dresses very often and this one was magnificent. Elide giggled and spun in a circle, the dress flowing around her. She then proceeded to tie up her hair before slipping the poison into the bodice of her dress.

 

[Jodyguru]

Once she was out of the house she’d walk down the street. A plain looking man wearing a tan suit approached and asked if she was Tess Holiday.
“I’m supposed to make sure you get to the party safely. Call me T.J.”

 

[A Play On Words]

She gave him a polite nod and walked with him.

 

[Jodyguru]

He led her towards the middle of the city, which was known for its large stone houses that formed the walls leading towards the castle. During a siege they could be covered and fortified.

He stopped at a building that was glowing with warm lights and the distant chatter of guests.

For some reason, Elide wasn’t able to use the aether to scan the rooms Inside. She could summon her powers in the streets, but there was some kind of dampening keeping her out of Felix’s hideout.

 

[A Play On Words]

She gave her escort a small bow of thanks before she entered the building. She didn't like the feeling of not having the aether with her. Elide was so used to it that the feeling discomforted her.