Summons

A young woman with long pointed ears in white and gold robes steps out of the guild of light. She has a few books tucked under one arm and a big smile on her face. She smooths out the favor on her hip and then sets off from the guild porch, heading towards the city's gates chasing after rumors of a vardo parked outside. 

As the familiar colorful vardo comes into view, the elf's smile grows wider and she picks up her pace. 

Once she reaches the door, she knocks gently and waits patiently.

A few seconds pass and the door opens, the elf steps inside.


~A short while later~


The heavy doors of the Foresetidale Embassy swing open. Five knights in gleaming, plate armor and wearing favors of blue and gold exit the Foresetidale Embassy. They walk in perfect formation, one at point while the other four flank them with practiced ease. They march through town with clear purpose and citizens quickly scramble out of the way as they pass. 

As they reach the gates at the edge of town, they march up to a colorful vardo parked right outside. 

As they reach the door, they frame it, blocking it entirely. 

Then metal sings as they all draw their swords in unison.

The leader steps up to the door and gives it a hard knock with their heavy gauntlet.

A moment passes before the door opens and Vesta stands on the other side.

“Good morning. I am Captain Sir Garrick Ironborn.” The leader of the knights states. “I am here on orders from Baroness Charlotte Greyshield-”

“What is this about?” Tristan asks over Vesta’s shoulder, setting a hand on her shoulder as he looks out at them.

Sir Garrick turns his attention to Tristan.

“Lord Tristan Greyshield, you are hereby commanded to return to the capital by order of Baroness Charlotte Greyshield.” Sir Garrick locks eyes with him. “Please, come with us.”

There is a moment of hesitation as Tristan stares at the knights gathered before the door. In the end, he leans down and presses a gentle kiss to Vesta’s cheek.

“It’ll be okay, darling. I’m sure my sister is just upset that I was gone for so long. I’ll be back soon.” And steps around her and out the door. 

As soon as he is on the ground, the knights converge around him. With Tristan at their center, the knights turn in unison and begin heading back into town with their swords drawn. Tristan looks over his shoulder at Vesta and gives her a wide, confident smile then waves to her and blows her a kiss before turning forward.

E'ni'cala rushes to Vesta's side, glancing from her friend to the knights as they walk away. "What in the planes just happened?! Vesta, are you okay?"
 

Vesta stands frozen in the doorway, arms crossed tight against her chest. Her eyes follow Tristan as the knights surround him and march him down the road. She doesn’t wave back. She just watches until he disappears from sight.

Only then does she breathe out.

“I don’t know.” She finally says quietly. “But whatever is going on, I don’t think it’s good.”

She rubs at her temples, tension settling in.

“Well,” she adds after a moment, voice edged with forced composure. “He could’ve at least been gentler with my door. I’ll have to touch up the paint now.”

She doesn’t even glance at it.

Instead, she turns and walks back inside, lowering herself into her seat. Her hands rest on the table as she stares down at it, deep in thought.

E'ni'cala watches them walk away as well but then turns and follows Vesta back inside, shutting the door behind her. She takes a seat across from Vesta and stretches her hand across the table, an offering.

"Vesta..." She clears her throat. "Would you like to be alone? Or do you want company?"

She gives Vesta a hesitant, but friendly smile. "I'd be happy to be a distraction if that's what you need."

Vesta returns the smile, but it’s thinner now, carefully placed and not quite reaching her eyes. She leans forward and takes E’ni’cala’s hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“You’re more than welcome to stay,” she says softly. “But if you’d rather go, I understand.” A heavy sigh slips from her.

“If I don’t keep myself distracted, I’m going to start overthinking. Or try to look in on it.” Her gaze drifts to the cabinet where she keeps her scrying materials. “I probably shouldn’t. It isn’t my place to intrude on matters that don’t concern me.”

Her fingers tighten slightly around E’ni’cala’s before she lets go.

“I’m sure whatever it is, Charlotte and Tristan will resolve it,” she says, aiming for confidence.

But the worry lingers in her expression, and her eyes keep flicking towards the door, as though she half expects him to walk back in at any moment.

E'ni'cala smiles. "I would be happy to stay. We still have a book to discuss."

She squeezes Vesta's hand in return. "I think you're right. I think they will work things out. He's probably right, honestly. You two were gone for so long... I imagine his sister is just worried and wants to check in. And you know nobility... They always have to make a scene." 

She smiles but it doesn't quite reach her eyes, like she isn't convinced of her own words.

"Anyways, tell me more about your book. I'd love to hear more." She sets her other hand over their joined hands and squeezes reassuringly.

The two of them talk for a while, until E’ni’cala leaves for the night.