To Lay a Trail for Shadows

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

Lord Rupert de Vere


Worry hovered over her like a dark cloud, threatening the rain of despair at any moment thanks to the unsettled matter involving her mother. Her uncle's proposal that Veronica be summarily commanded to appear in Triadon before the Duchess of Rosewine was the last thing the de Lac daughter wanted, both for herself and her siblings. They were finally free of her menacing influence and demands - now they faced an unwanted return of misery. Deeming it necessary to distract herself before her thoughts sent her into a cycle of depression, Lisette headed for the marketplace after some items for the townhouse that was once more spotless. 

The place was decidedly spartan, in her opinion, lacking the little touches of color and kitsch that made it a home. Her brothers took little notice, being males of the oblivious variety, but she needed to make the place truly theirs. Flowers, of course. Their bright hues and sweet scent would help bring cheer to the place they called home, but she wanted to see what options awaited her in the market. Deciding to go alone - honestly, who was likely to trouble someone like her? - she carried a basket for any and all purchases, armed with a concealed purse and a desire to walk.

The market, when she reached it, was teeming with people buying, selling, haggling with crisp tones, playful cries of pain and laughter. Just being around such normalcy lifted Lisette's spirits, especially when a little girl ran up to her, offering a lovely peach for sale. Unable to resist the succulent fruit, she gladly paid the child and smiled as she brought the peach to her nose. Its scent was rich and sweet, promising to be a delectable treat for a later time as she continued through the stalls and carts. There was no rhyme or reason to her path, only a general meandering that proved her time was her own, and she was enjoying herself. 

As she paused by a glassblower's shop, examining the figurines on display, Lisette felt a shadow pass across her, literally and figuratively. Turning, she studied the surrounding crowd, seeing nothing and no one to prompt such a reaction in her before she shrugged and resumed her stroll. The feeling did not leave her, however. Something (or was it someone?) was following her... 

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

If Rupert were aware of Daven's manner of handling family affairs, he would most likely not hesitate to remind her that the man could be remarkably heavy-handed with such matters. The Dragon of St. Claire preferred to face things head-on and deal with them appropriately. Needless to say, that was not quite the preferred method of everyone in his life. Indeed, Rupert would probably resort far darker and more permanent solutions. But, that was just him and his manner of viewing the world.

The Shadow managed to spot Lisette a few times since her arrival in Triadon. It was necessary to get a proper feeling for the mindset of the de Lacs. Rupert could still remember all too clearly the fracas that had occurred with de Vere and de Lac were in the same room. Rupert the Younger's name was still cursed silently to this day. He had told his son repeatedly that the match was a good one. The wealth of both families would improve, she would grow into an attractive woman in her own right and she already had the perfect mind for a de Vere. She was crafty, clever, observant and Rupert, frankly, had grown quite attracted to the barbs her tongue had developed.

Unfortunately, that had not been good enough for his son and because of his selfishness, they were in a mess that Rupert was determined to resolve. A little bird told him that Lisette was venturing alone to the marketplace. Rupert decided to follow her, and perhaps, have a pleasant conversation with her. The little girl with the peach had been a nice touch, especially when it made Lisette smile. A note to make for later. The glass shop was next. Yet, Rupert was curious exactly what she was admiring. Thus, he passed by her casually so as to ascertain such. Another mental note was made.

A spice merchant spotted Lisette as she began to stroll by, "My lady, you look a woman that appreciates the finer things in life. There is nothing finer than just the right spice to bring excitement to your senses and palate."

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

The glass shop was passed by, though with a final longing look at a pretty figurine of delicate glass crafted into a dainty bird tinted a soft golden color. Lisette reminded herself she was not there to purchase items for herself, but for the house. As she turned, the spice merchant's call drew her in as surely as any siren's song, bringing her over to his stall. "Well said, master merchant, but what do you consider the right spice?"

As he lured her in with promises of nutmeg, white pepper and an interesting spice he called saffron, she felt that telltale prickle along her nape again. Blue-green eyes lifted from her inspection of the spices to survey the area. Nothing immediately drew her attention to indicate she was being watched or followed, though she made note within her mind to speak of it to her brothers. Returning her attention to the spice merchant, bargaining over a few choices, she told herself she was being foolish.

She was safe from the shadows in Triadon.

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

She would be just as safe within the shadows, as well. Rupert had connections with the various aspects of Triadon's underbelly. While he did not actively participate in their illicit activities, he did keep a finger on them and prevented them from getting too out of control. The criminal element was sometimes necessary to complete less than savory acts in the name of the King and the defense of the Kingdom. Yet, if Rupert put word out that a certain individual was not to be touched, it was more or less obeyed.

Rupert watched the two of them dicker back and forth over quality, taste and price. It was obvious to him that she doing quite well. Once their business had been concluded, no doubt Lisette would move on through the crowd. The Shadow, however, could only bear watching her for so long. Despite what he told his family, Rupert did need proper interact with other people from time to time.

Thus, he decided to arrive at her side as she continued to stroll. As was typical to his style, he was covered in black. He really couldn't imagine any kind of color on himself at this point. "Good afternoon."

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

What more effective color to don as the Master of Shadows than black? Lisette heard and felt the voice, rather than saw the man, her spine immediately tensing. She knew that voice only too well, its smooth and cultured tones grating on her nerves like nails on slate. She gritted her teeth, notched her chin higher - she was a de Lac, after all, and had her pride - before she turned to flicker a cool look over the cursed de Vere lord. "Good day," she replied coolly, her chin dipping in an equally chilly nod. Turning back to the merchant, she handed over the coins in payment for the spices obtained, determined to quit the stall as soon as possible.

All too aware that they were a markedly divergent pair, he in his black while she was a rather sunny contrast in her gold, she sidled away from him, wanting the comfort of distance. Lisette had not seen or spoken to anyone of the de Vere family since her father banished them from the de Lac lands and declared feud between them. And she very much doubted Ari had rescinded that directive since becoming the Earl. That being the case, it behooved her to take her leave as soon as possible. Thanking the merchant, she barely acknowledged Rupert's presence again as she shifted to depart.

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

Night and day, even, though she was not exactly renown for her sunny personality. That was entirely left on her brother, and thank goodness for that! Rupert was not altogether certain he could handle a woman who was incessantly cheerful. Fortunately, that didn't mean Lisette de Lac was without a sense of humor. "If you'll allow me, Lady Lisette, it is most agreeable to see you again. You look very well."

Surely, she was intelligent enough to realize that she was not going to get away quite so easily as that. It was fortunate that he had her without the interfering presence of her brothers. Men could be so stubborn and vitriolic, after all. Rupert knew this from personal experience! "I'm pleased to see that." He added on, but refrained from asking her as to the well being of her family. Lisette's father was gone, tragically so, and her mother was no doubt unbearable.

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

If he'd wanted sunshine and roses, he did not want a de Lac woman. They were not renowned for being rays of sun and beacons of light, but rather staunchly practical, sensible and efficient ladies. Thankfully, her specific apple fell very far from her mother's tree in that regard, for the good of all who resided within Pescadin Keep. Trying not to be rude - it would just encourage a de Vere - she resolutely set her shoulders and pivoted smartly to flicker a cool look over Lord Rupert. "Do I? I am sure you are far too kind in saying so." Lisette did not bother to conceal the sarcasm and disdain in her tone as she remained where she stood.

They were likely drawing a crowd, but the feud between the de Lac and the de Vere was a little too well known by now not to garner unwelcome attention. Chances were good that her Uncle Daven would hear about this as well; the Dragon had ears and eyes everywhere, curse his scaly hide. Drawing in a breath, Lisette reminded herself that she was a lady, the sister of an Earl and a proud woman in her own right. Refusing to let him see that he upset her, she merely raised a brow at his expression of pleasure at her well being.

She doubted he meant a single word of it, the snake. Like son, like father.

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

If he were privy to her thoughts, she would have realized just exactly which ones managed to anger him. To be compared to his son was the greatest insult one could utter in his direction. Rupert the Younger was a failure of a man, an embarrassment to the nobility and a waste of precious air. Rupert had even said as much to his son. Fortunately, he only had some vague notion of what was going through Lisette's mind.

"Oh, on the contrary," he responded politely, "I am not being kind enough, especially given the circumstances of our last meeting." A glance was given toward the curious onlookers and he merely offered them a cold smile. They knew who he was. The spectacle of a feud or not, they did not want to be on Rupert's downside. "It's good to see you in Triadon once again. Will I have the privilege of interacting with your Lady mother?" Now that was a lie; to meet Veronica de Lac was not a privilege but a punishment.

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

Wasn't that how feuds worked? Pithy insults traded back and forth, looks full of loathing and disgust flying to and fro until the blood was raised and confrontation was best avoided. Precisely what Lisette had wanted - to avoid Rupert de Vere. The humiliation she'd experienced at the hands of his son left scars that scored deeply in her; as far as she was concerned, those of the de Vere family were beyond persona non grata. She did not want to see, let alone speak with the father of the boy who'd all but ruined her life.

Only years of training in courtesy and manners prevented her from delivering the cut direct to the man, though it was clear there was no inviting warmth in her tone as she flickered another icy look over him. "Given the circumstances of our last meeting," Lisette retorted coldly, "I wonder at your courage in approaching me. But since you have, rest assured you will be spared the pleasure of my lady's company. Now, will you excuse me, please? I have other matters of greater interest to attend."

If he failed to grasp her less than subtle meaning, he would assuredly do so when she turned and walked off without another word!

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

"I am not my son," Rupert found himself saying and he almost regretted the words. Then, after a moment, he realized that he did not. He almost added that that she was not her mother, but he had a feeling that would be going too far. To comment poorly on another's family was in bad taste, and he was not going to do it in public. Rupert's jaw tightened at the thought of his son and being compared to him. He also detested having to answer for his stupidity. It was such a bizarre turn of events. Normally, one had the suffer from the sins of the father. Here, Rupert was suffering from the sins of his son!

"If propriety had allowed me to do so, I would have flayed his tongue from his mouth then and there." The words came out with a hard and cold edge, the warmth with which he had greeted her was diminishing. It seemed that Rupert the Younger did a find job of bringing out the worst in people.

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

Lisette froze and turned with excruciating slowly to rake him with a look that would have shriveled any other man. His cold tone only fueled the fire threatening to rage out of control, the same rage that drove her to violence against his son. It took every ounce of control she possessed not to plunge a blade into his chest too. Instead, she settled for three quick steps to bring her to stand just before him and deliver a slap to his cheek. "No," she hissed, "you are the one who made him who he is. And if you think propriety excuses your lack of action in my eyes, where I was forced to act in your stead?" She stepped back with a look of disgust. "It's your name and your House he shamed. It speaks volumes that you failed to act appropriately, propriety be damned."

Aware that she was trembling from head to toe, she added in a deadly tone, "Keep away from me. If I never see another de Vere again, it will be too soon. We have nothing to say to each other, and your mere presence fouls the air I breathe. Good day." She hadn't meant to give the entire marketplace a show, but there was something about the man that set her teeth on edge and evoked the worst in her. Deciding it was time to go before violence was inflicted, Lisette picked up her skirts and attempted to flee, dropping her basket heedlessly in the process. She needed Laurent, needed her brothers in the worst way right now.

It seemed hell followed her, no matter where she went.

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

It was easy to tell just what had gone wrong here. Rupert would accept his share of responsibility for it going sourly, but he refused to take all of it. The comment she had made regarding his family had been unwarranted and it angered him. To be painted with the same brush as his son? Never. He would never allow such a thing to go unanswered. Then Lisette truly hit below the belt: it was his own fault that his son was a failure? What had she expected him to do? Physically abuse him in the middle of the court? Stab him like she did? The anger within him grew, but he did not raise his hand and he did not resort to violence.

All Rupert did was gaze after her coldly. Damn his son. Damn him for letting this happen in the first place. "Was that anger for me? Or for my son?" He muttered after the woman. A glare was shot toward the gawping passersby as he bent over to pick up her basket. It would have be delivered back to her. The action was followed by a sigh and grimace. Carissa and Marisa were no doubt going to hear of this, and no doubt give him an earful. Turning sharply, he started his way back toward the castle.

What in the hells did they expect him to do? If the feud was going to be resolved, they would have to talk. But most importantly, they would have to purge all of their anger before allowing discourse to take place. This had been first round. Lisette's anger was not yet spent. She had not yet allowed the wounds from that day to heal.

For that matter, neither had he.