The Councilor Comes to Call

[Dulcie]

It was rare that the Councilor made social calls these days, but on this fine morning it was the stairs to the Governor's estate that Stefan Berdini was climbing. He was well aware that the good Governor would be out and busy with his work at this time of the day, but it wasn't Glenn that he was hoping to call upon today with the bottle of wine held carefully in uninjured, gloved hand. He'd reach the door and find himself at a bit of a quandry, faced with one hand full of wine and the other too injured to reach for the door. He'd pause there a moment, contemplating his choices before he tips the bottle beneath his arm and steps closer, rapping on the door softer than he would have liked, though hoping that it could be heard within. Deciding that his voice might be needed as well, he'd call out through the wooden frame.

"Ms. Olwak? It's Councilor Berdini come to call." Ever the gentleman he was.

[Jirai]

The governor's estate is rather a bit of a misnomer. Glenn and Rhaena live simply enough (as far as the house goes, not as far as Rhaena's wardrobe). In fact, today would find Rhaena answering the door herself, as it was her maid's day off. It took a few moments, to be sure - hopefully Stefan was a patient man. The door would open eventually though, revealing Rhaena Olwak in what had become her customary garb these days, gowns better suited to a Razasan ball than a day in Myrken, the kobold-made tiara perched atop artfully dressed bronze tresses, and a bright smile on her face which was bare to the world.

"Councilor Berdini!" She exclaimed. "What a pleasure! Do come in, I'm afraid Glenn is out at the moment." Standing back to allow the man to enter, the woman continued to chatter. "I only just got back from the school myself and, oh, what happened to your arm? I'm so sorry, I hadn't heard that you were hurt!"

[Dulcie]

He was a very patient man, exceptionally patient in fact and he would take his time to readjust the wine bottle back into his hand more efficiently. He'd set about straightening himself as best as he was able and when the door opened he fully expected to see a servant rather than the sweeping beauty that was Rhaena in her ball gown and tiara. His surprise fluidly shifted to an expression of delight, ever the actor and he would emote dotingly.

"Ah. Miss Olwak! You are a vision as always!" He'd bow slightly from his waist. He'd look towards her, so used to kissing a hand in greetings, but finding he had none left to take hers with he would forgo the tradition, offering his excuses. "Forgive my lack of formalities, I find that I am much without the hands to offer proper greetings. But please, accept my humble apologies in it's stead. You see I'm not here to see the Governor."

And she'd be motioning him inside and he would be all smiles and smoothly flowing words. "Ah thank you so much Miss Olwak, I was very much hoping that you would be receptive to visitors today, oh the injury? It's nothing really, a little trouble that was had while I was patronizing the local arts it seems. A wolf attack. Have you heard? One should really be cautious with such a beast on the loose."

They'd be inside then and he would explain his presence. "As I was saying I haven't come for the Governor. You see, I've been thinking lately that behind every great man there is the woman that supports and inspires him. It's my belief that if I am to be working so closely with the Governor that I should come to know something of the woman that lights his heart and spirit aflame should I not? I've even brought wine to ply your good stories from your lips." He said jovially, offering the bottle out to her.

[Jirai]

Rhaena is truly delighted to see the man, but this is hardly a surprise - these days Rhaena is -truly delighted- to see just about anyone, from grubby urchins to Councilors. One might read it as a facade, but one would be completely, utterly wrong.

"Councilor Berdini, no apologies are necessary," Her smile only grew wider. "I shall, of course, forgive the lack and I am -terribly- sorry to hear of your injury. How awful that a wild animal might make its way into town itself." Distressing, isn't it? But there is absolutely no connection made in Rhaena's mind between "wolf" and "werewolf" that she knew Kacela to be. "I am sure the matter will be taken care of and hopefully no such thing will happen again."

She made sure that the door was closed behind the councilor, then ushered him into a nearby room. Brightly lit, it was clearly where Rhaena had been working prior to Stephan's arrival, ledgers and other papers neatly stacked on a small table which Rhaena would remove to a safer location before taking the wine from the councilor. Really, it is quite reminiscent of a similar visit by Zilliah, who could be just as charming as the councilor. "Well, Councilor Berdini, I do have a few moments to spare today, as it happens. Do have a seat, won't you? I'm afraid most of my staff has the day off today." Save, of course, her guard. Rhaena herself would procure glasses for the wine, setting them on the table along with the bottle. "Really though, I am not much of a story teller," she said with a smile.

[Dulcie]

He would follow Rhaena into the room with a face full of smiles and careful nods all given at exactly the right moments. As she turned he'd the opportunity to glance over the briefly lit room, noting the ledgers and other little items strewn about. Primarily however he was looking at her style. The way the room was decorated, how she dressed and moved about this little space. It was indicative of the type of person she was and also the type of person that the Governor was. She'd chatter and he'd add to the conversation with little words of agreement.

"Yes, your husband... ah, forgive me again, I fear I falter a little with every year I age. I had forgotten you were not yet wed." Perhaps looking for more information in that subtle little statement. "The Governor, " he corrected "has assured me that it is being looked into by a Mister Calomel, and he assured me that he is a gentleman of the most keen nature. I've entrusted the matter to his hands completely, but I agree with you good lady, I do hope no such thing happens again."

He would take the offered seat, carefully crossing his legs, the ankle of one resting upon the knee of the other easily, giving him a comfortable appearance as Rhaena. "Ah it is no trouble really. I've been pouring my own wine long since before I was able to afford servants. Please, allow me." He'd reach for the bottle and would attempt to fill a glass of wine for each of them. "And I hardly believe that you aren't a story teller, I've seen those beautiful scales of yours, surely there is a story behind that. A woman of such exotic nature must have travelled a long ways to come to a place like that and have an even better tale for why she stays."

[Jirai]

To assume that Rhaena's sense of style - things being what they were - was indicative of the type of person that the Governor was, was, well, an assumption, at best. An assumption that Stephan was welcome to make if he so wished, though. As for the room, it looked to be well on its way to being garbed as fancily as Rhaena herself. There was a small amount of excess in the decor, but for all that the room did not lack in functionality. The table that now served to hold the wine and glasses could just as easily hold stacks of parchment and ink - as, indeed, it so recently had. Rhaena has an office elsewhere in town, its true, but sometimes she prefers to work here. Among -nice- things.

"Ser Calomel is, indeed, worthy of regard," she replied, smoothly gliding past the Councilor's slip without the slightest falter in her smile. "I would not hesitate to entrust anything to his hands. He cares deeply for Myrken and even more so for his family." And that was not in any way a criticism, not coming from Rhaena Olwak, of all people. "I am sure he will handle the matter appropriately."

"Ah, thank you," she says as he pours the wine. "That is a lovely color. Derry?" she questions before continuing. "I am glad that today's lack has not put you out, ser. I am loathe to take my employees away from their families more than I already do." Save Aris and Seli, of course, one of whom was always with Rhaena these days. Today it is Seli, standing just outside the door. But the two guards are well paid for their efforts.

She reaches for one of the glasses, taking a delicate sip of wine before smiling brightly at the Councilor. "Well, yes, I suppose I have travelled a long ways. I was a -curious- girl, you see, and my brother eventually gave in and brought me along. But why I stay, that is so much easier. I stay for Glenn, of course, and Myrken. But what of you, Councilor? I should think that one such as yourself would be more at home in some place like Razasan, rather than little Myrken Wood. Not, of course, that we regret your presence! Goodness knows Myrken could use more of the arts!"

[Dulcie]

It was a lady's parlour, that was most certain, though the combination of functionality and beauty told tales about the woman who sat across from him. The red liquid swirled into the glass with the motion of an expert hand. How many women had he poured wine for in his lifetime? It was perhaps best that he wasn't counting. She'd inquire about it's origin and he'd smile as he shook his head.

"I'm afraid it isn't, though I've been told that Derry is a local favorite. No, this is from Rub' al kai. It's a desert city, long across the ocean. I can't claim that it was my homeland, but it held my heart for many a years. There is something special about a grape that can be grown amidst the arid nothingness. Vegetation such a rare thing in those lands, needing to be tended to with an ever-careful hand. Not unlike the care and devotion required of a beautiful woman. I appreciate all things lovely and unique you see. Perhaps that's what drew me to Myrken. I am ever fascinated with that which mystifies the mind. But I ramble on too much about myself and my profession I believe. I do hope you enjoy the wine, I have it specially delivered in rather large quantities at a time, such is a requirement to obtain something that comes from such a long distance. But you surely know something of that yes? Your lovely attire certainly couldn't have been aquired in somewhere as simple as Myrkenwood?"

Wine would be poured and he would let her take her glass first before he selected his own, lifting it lightly to honor her before he'd drink from it. The Governor's wife was proving to be quite entertaining, listening to the beginnings of her story he'd smile.

"A curious girl, yes I could see that, it lingers in your eyes I think." There would be another one of those charming smiles and more wine drank. "It required a brother to bring you then? Surely your family must have been disappointed to have two of their children gone away?" The comment about Glenn keeping her, well that would be ignored for the time being as was her question about brought him to Myrken. He had alluded to his reasons not long ago anyhow. "What was your homeland called?" He asked curiously, resting his wine glass against his thigh then, giving Rhaena his complete and utter attention.

[Jirai]

"Rub'al kai." she repeated, both ear and tongue quick to pick up on new words. "I have not heard of such a place." And there is -interest- in her face and in her voice as she listens to him speak of this place. "The wine is fine indeed, quite a rival to Derry's." She has taken another sip, of course, as such words demand. "There is certainly potential in the trading of such goods, as I am sure you must be aware. Has this Rub' al kai more to recommend it?" Here one can see the Trader she was born coming to the fore, skills that have made the most of what money she and Glenn had acquired - and all for the good of Myrken.

"Ah, of course not." She waves a gloved hand lightly at his question. "Myrken has not laid claim to a tailor of such skill since ser Roschen was, er,..deposed from the Judiciary Council. It is most unfortunate. No, I must send out to Razasan for much of this, Councilor Berdini. Though I must say, our new Aurinn has quite some skill when it comes to working jewelry." A smooth indication of her tiara.

His question about her family is met with a light trill of laughter. "Ah, well, I was a -willful- child as well, Councilor. I am afraid I gave them little say in the matter. We are Traders, though, and so some level of travel is to be expected." But the subject of her family is a sore one, as much as any topic can be for Rhaena, and a faint shadow of this can briefly be seen in the woman. It is fleeting, though, as all less-than-pleasant thoughts must be. "Surely your family must miss you as well, ser?" she counters without directly answering his final question.

[Dulcie]

He listened to her compliments on the wine, bowing his head a little in thanks for them. "Ah, there are many beautiful things to trade in Rub' al kai. Fine silks and spices that burn the tongue in the most delectable way. The trouble is that it's a dangerous place. The King is..hmm, how shall I put this.. tempermental to say the least. It's only with my very old and well established connections that I'm able to acquire my wine. I never was quite able to give it up you see." He would drink more wine then as well, taking liberal drinks from his glass as he watches the lady with hers, always considering those subtle little mannerisms that she held about her.

"Yes, the tailor I believe has been the source of some trouble hasn't he? I've heard rumors of such things. Blew up a ball I think I heard? A miserable thing that, I had almost fancied going, though I was out of town at the time. Perhaps it was for the best. But Razasan then? Well I can certainly see why. Perhaps you could help connect me to your contacts? I'm always looking for quality fabrics for my performers. I had myself a wonderful tailor at one point you know. Wonderful lad, though it was a bit more of a hobby for him than anything else. It's such a shame he decided to travel on."

As she described the tiara he'd look at it as if he was noticing it for the first time. He'd set the wine class down, resting his palm on the table as he leaned forward just a bit, a tiny, tiny hint closer than was perhaps proper, though his eyes would ever be upon the jewelry she wore in her hair. "Such fine craftsmanship. Who is this Aurin fellow? I don't believe I've met him." He would lean back then, settling himself at a much more appropriate distance before he took another drink from his glass of wine.

He would catch the hint of sorrow in her tone, the little crease of a line in her forehead at the mention of family. He had found a sore spot so soon. How intriguing. There'd be little visible notice of it on the Councilor's face however and at the mention of family he'd offer her the perfectly practiced bittersweet smile that he saved for such an occassion. "I'm afraid I haven't any. I was an only child, orphaned rather young. I barely remember my parents. But perhaps had my young life started differently I might not have ended up where I am today. I dare say Councilor of the Arts was more than my humble heart ever aspired to."

[Jirai]

"All places are dangerous, but some more than others." She smiled at him over the wineglass from which she sipped much more delicately than he himself did. "I must say, I can see that you would be loathe to give up a vintage of this caliber, regardless of its difficulty to procure." She does not lounge in her chair but sits properly, back straight, illustrating her words with the occasional dance of gloved fingers.

"Yes, the ball, and something about the imported chocolate I do believe." These are dismissed with a flick of her hand as unimportant. "I have heard of a quality tailor in Thessilane, but that would, of course, be inappropriate." How would it look if the Governor's lady sent off to Thessilane for such things? Oh no. "I should be happy to assist your in procuring fabrics for your performers. I'm sure we can work something out."

Delight was back in her eyes as the tiara was discussed, even as he leaned a bit closer to properly study it. "Aurinn is...mmm, kobold, I believe?" The word is pronounced with a bit of hesitation. "He does most excellent work. You should see the stained glass he made for the tavern! ...Of course, such things rarely last long in that place. Most unfortunate." Just as unfortunate as the Councilor's words about his lack of family. "Oh, how awful. I am so dreadfully sorry, Councilor Berdini!" She seemed genuinely distressed to hear of the man's poor start in life. "I suppose you have, indeed, done quite well for yourself. That's why we've started the school, you know, in the hopes that the children of Myrken can do equally well."

[Dulcie]

"So true, so true." He would comment as she spoke about how all places were dangerous. Myrken was becoming more and more dangerous every day after all. He'd come to the end of his glass of wine, moving to refill it before tilting the bottle a bit in her direction to see if she would like more as well.

"I would very much like it if we could arrange some import of fabrics. Perhaps in a week or so I might visit again to discuss it? I'd hate to keep you away from your work with the school for too terribly long. It sounds as if it will truly be a benefit. How fortunate Myrken is to have a lady of your vision in it's township. Surely those poor little one were left to begging for scraps before your school came about. Tell me, what sort of things are the children learning?" He seemed ever so interested after all.

"I can't say that I've ever heard of a Kobold, but I should very much like to meet this gentleman. I am always looking for craftsmen. That and I do have something of a fascination for things that I haven't seen before. I am certain a Kobold is among them." Things, perhaps that had been a slip of the tongue. Stefan had been so very careful to make sure that he was speaking fairly about others after all.

"It is a shame that beautiful things never last in that tavern. I'm amazed that it's allowed to keep it's doors open at time. It seems that half of the violence and despair in this place pours out of that tavern."

[Jirai]

Ah, but there the good Councilor was wrong, wasn't he? Weren't they, every day, working to make Myrken a -safer- place, a -better- place? She lifted her hand in gentle refusal of a refill. It was a good wine, certainly, but she had no wish to drink too much! "I'm certain we can come to sort of agreement, Councilor Berdini. A week would be excellent, I should have time to reach some of my contacts by then."

"Right now we are working on basic reading and arithmatic, of course. Most of the children have had little or no schooling to speak of in, well, any matters really." Do you see how her eyes brighten, the animation that enlivens her gestures as she speaks of the school? But the school is Rhaena's creation, and should it not be so? "Right now I've convinced several of the better educated in Myrken Wood to spend a few hours each week teaching, but I am hoping to hire someone to take over the job completely. I may have to look outside Myrken, but there are benefits to that as well. We shall see!"

If his use of the word had been a slip of the tongue, it would be one that would slip completely past Rhaena Olwak. This ought not be a surprise, given that the woman lived with Glenn Burnie while her brother courted a werewolf, and Rhaena yet managed to hear no negatives regarding any aspect of that juxtoposition. "I have not seen him in some time, to tell the truth, but should I see him again I would be pleased to introduce you." She said with a smile.

"It is indeed a shame, but perhaps it is for the best that all such... things... are gathered in one place that we know about, rather than appearing where we least expect." Things. Violence and despair being rather distasteful words that had no place on Rhaena's lips.

[Dulcie]

He'd note her refusal of more wine and he'd incline his head slightly in understanding of her refusal. He would carefully replace the bottle on the table, letting his hand return to his own glass. Stefan was quite experienced in managing excess, and a second glass of wine certainly wouldn't hurt him any.

He listened carefully to the explanation that she gave of the school, nodding in all the right places. "It must have been quite the challenge to find qualified people to teach at the school. I imagine you have your hands full in that matter alone. But how fortunate those children are to have such devotion to their upbringing. Surely the next generation living in Myrken will have a much greater fortune than those who toil in it's fields now."

Rhaena spoke about containing all things dangerous in one place and Stefan would smile a little. How very close she was to the truth of such things. "You broach a valid point my lady. I certainly hadn't thought of it in that way, but perhaps it is best that all things dangerous be in one place, where they can be watched and contained. The Governor is certainly a lucky man to have such a brilliant woman to guide his hand." He offered her that knowing smile, the one that spoke of how behind every man was a brilliant woman who truly ran his existance.

"I suppose I should be leaving soon however. I have business to attend to and I would surely hate to pull you away from your school for very long. I will certainly come to call again in a week's time. If you'll have me of course."

[Jirai]

"That is the hope, Councilor Berdini." She could go on at length about the school, but restrains herself.

And if Rhaena treads near to the truth, she does so in complete innocence, all unknowing. There is a reason Glenn Burnie brought that particular matter to Stephan Berdini, and perhaps the councilor better understands that reason now. She's not entirely sure that Stephan's rephrasing was exactly accurate to her intent, but politely does not correct him, just nodding and smiling.

"You are always welcome, of course, Councilor Berdini. I shall hopefully have some more information for you about the fabrics and," here her smile grew a bit mischevious, "If you happen to find yourself with a few free hours, I'm sure a man of your learning would be welcome at the school if you cared to try your hand at a bit of education."

[Dulcie]

"Ah, and there I can see it in your eyes. A longing to share I think." He'd say, noticing her passion for the school and yet her silence on the topic. "Perhaps next time I can learn a little more about the work that you've done for Myrken. I'm quite fascinated about it, as I'm sure many are."

He would be preparing to take his leave, turning to try to take one of her little hands lightly in his own, and were he successful he'd move to press a kiss to the back of it. "You honor me too greatly. But yes, I would love to come by the school. Perhaps I could teach your students something of performance? I'm sure the children would love to learn a little coin trick or some such delight. It's part of why I chose my profession after all, seeing the way their little faces light up at the mystery of it all." He'd offer her a warm smile at that then, bowing from the waist before he'd turn for the door.

"Thank you for the company Miss Olwak, I look forward to the next time we meet."