A Regrettable Confession

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

Her lack of presence at the feast would go not only unnoticed but largely unremarked. Few people knew who she was, or cared enough to realize that Vivianne Trevelyan was not in attendance at the feast hosted by her liege lord, though she wondered if Daven himself would take notice. Rupert had been urged to go, however, and enjoy himself. She had other business to attend to, and truth be told, Vivianne doubted she'd be able to properly enjoy the feast's vast array of delicacies. It seemed a shame to waste such exquisitely prepared victuals, but until she had this matter laid before Lord St. Claire and a plan of action formed, she wouldn't be enjoying much of anything.

Consequently, Vivianne took advantage of the keep being largely unoccupied. True, there were the accustomed, cursory guards on patrol, but avoiding them was hardly a challenge for one small young woman adept in the arts of stealth. Making her way through the keep, she knew the layout fairly well, thanks to a study of a map she'd made during one of her few visits to the place in company with her father. That sort of information was extremely valuable; Vivianne never knew when she'd need it, and never was that more true than now. Finding the Lord's study, she admitted herself and allowed herself to explore it quietly, always with one ear towards the hall. 

As the witching hour drew closer, she wondered if the feast would ever end. Certainly, those in attendance ate, drank and made merry with a will as if tomorrow brought their last days indeed. Despite that, she remained seated in the silence, patiently waiting like a spider in a web for the choice fly to come along. This was far too regrettable a confession to be capricious about it; she feared the disaster that her life was likely to become, but there was no help for it. A confession had to be made, and help begged, though her pride already felt the deeply-scored wounds. It could not be helped. 

If the Dragon was to roar, then she would stand it. There was far too much at stake.



Lord Daven St. Claire

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

The feast had gone mostly as plan. There was no real flaw in Marisa's preparation and execution, though the behavior of some guests left something to be desired. Damned humans always made a mess of things they shouldn't. They could really make Daven grumbly, and yet... he never got too grumbly. Yes, the Lintenese man may have made at eyes at his eldest daughter and some of the men may have been too flirtatious for his own liking. However, Marisa did wonders by keeping him soothed and calm with either drink, food, words or a mere look. Eventually, subtle looks of promise came about during the dessert course...

Yet before Daven retired to her chambers for the night, the dragon needed to attend to some business in the study. Throughout the day, he kept reminding himself to send off a certain letter but then would soon forget to do so. It was on his mind now to get it prepared, and he seriously doubted he would want to get out of bed very much the following morning. The promise the dessert to come was enough to prompt a small smile pleasure on his lips. It had been far too long since he had felt this way about anyone ... or anything, for that matter.

Yet, imagine both his surprise and subsequent irritation when he entered his study to realize the presence of one Vivianne Trevelyan. "You," the large man bit out, his expression darkening to show his displeasure. "What are you doing in here, Trevelyan?" It was only then that he realized she had not been present for the feast. And just how in the hell did she get into his study?!


Lady Vivianne Trevelyan