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Lonnie And Victoria [Red-Scarlet and YourPrinceAzura]

Red-Scarlet

Red-Scarlet

Supernova
Joined
Jun 21, 2015
Victoria had gone off the beaten path. The road that led to Agemon took a very wide berth around the nameless forest. While she knew that going through the deepest part would be foolish, she had been confident that the outer edges would be safe. She was wrong.

The woman found herself staring down an owlbear from her perch in a tree. The beast was at the base, howling and cawing up at her, slamming its bulk against the tree to shake her down. This could very well be where she would die.

As she clung to the branches for dear life, she heard another sound. A sweet and simple melody, a cheerful tune from someone else in the forest. The owlbear paused its assault, and its head turned a full hundred and eighty degrees to find the source. Victoria's eyes followed along too, and saw a short woman on the approach. Her hair cascaded down nearly to her waist, and her eyes were a shining gold. The owlbear, despite its earlier ferocity, seemed at ease from the music.

The stranger came closer, as her singing grew quieter. "Hey there ma'am!" she addressed the owlbear as it turned its entire body to face her. "You okay?"

The owlbear cooed a response.

"Ah, I see, I see... Miss! You up there, were you going to attack this lady's eggs? She found your footprints and scent on the edge of her nest, and she's pretty protective of her kids!" she called up.
 
Victoria stared down in disbelief as the stranger was apparently able to communicate with the ferocious beast. It almost seemed placid now, as if its intelligence was greater than that of a primitive wild animal. But she did not relinquish her grip around the tree trunk, not while the owlbear still bared its claws.

"I know nothing of the sort!" she yelled to the woman, trying to control the shakiness of her breath. "I am simply on my way to Agemon, young girl! I assure you, I am not here to harm her children. Tell the creature this, please!"

Her foot slipped, the raised heel of her boot not suited for traveling off the beaten path, let alone standing in trees. She caught a thicker branch before she fell and managed to hoist herself back up, sitting on the sturdier part where the thick trunk split in two. Looking back down, she stared with pleading eyes at the ivory-haired woman, praying to the gods that she could actually save her from sure death.
 
"Okay!" she called up, then addressed the animal. "You're fine, miss. She's just unobservant."

The owlbear growled something back.

She nodded. "I can make sure she gets out of the forest. She won't trouble you again," she said and patted the owlbear's shoulder, easily a foot above her own head.

It cooed something, and started to amble away. The short woman watched its retreating form, then turned to face Victoria. "Hi there! I'm Lonnie-I can guide you out of the forest and make sure you stay safe, okay?" Lonnie stood underneath the tree, ready to help Victoria down to firm ground. When the half-elf had managed to deposit herself on the ground, Lonnie took the opportunity to ask "What's Agemon?"
 
Victoria eyed the creature as it left, still unsure about trusting this stranger's word. But as the owlbear disappeared behind some trees, she let the tension leave her shoulders and began her slow descent back to the overgrown earth of the dense forest. Brushing off her cloak, she gave a short bow to her savior. "Greetings, Lonnie. You have my thanks. I was a fool to come this way unprepared. I would surely have become that beast's meal had you not come along."

At Lonnie's question, Victoria raised a brow. She'd never met somebody who hadn't heard of Agemon. Her curiosity seemed genuine though, so Victoria explained, a grin forming on her lips as she did.

"It is a city of wonders, said to be built of solid gold atop a shimmering cliff of quartz overlooking the Eastern Sea." She paused for a moment, then with all the melodramatic flair of a bard retelling a grand tale, she continued. "When the sun rises, it's light shines through the cliff and bathes the city in a brilliant glow, as if the heavens bless Agemon's people each and every day." She chuckled. "I am on my way to see for myself if these rumors hold true."
 
"It's nothing to worry about," she told the half-elf when thanked. "You didn't mean harm, and no harm came to pass."

Lonnie hung on Victoria's every word as she talked of Agemon, her eyes wide and impressed. "Wow... That sounds amazing! I thought cities were all supposed to be cramped and smelly," she said. "When I lead you out of here, is it okay if I keep going with you to find this city? I've never been to any, and if it's really that majestic... That'd be an amazing first experience! Will I need new clothes?" she asked, and gestured to her garment. It was a simple dress that extended to her knees, with a slightly mottled pattern. "Ooh, or my hair?" she added before closing her eyes. A cascade of color crossed her hair, and when it was done, her formerly white hair was a deep gold to match her eyes.
 
"Well, perhaps we could find--"

Victoria stopped, mouth slightly agape as Lonnie's hair shimmered into a completely different color. She blinked, wondering if it was just the light catching strangely, but the strands still held that rich golden hue.

"You are a changeling, are you not?" Victoria took a step forward, bending down so that she didn't tower over the other woman. "I had heard of your kind, but I had never met one before. Or at least, one that demonstrated their shapeshifting abilities in front of me. There are at least two men of the court back home I've been suspicious of..." She trailed off as she tilted her head, gazing at the brilliant shine of Lonnie's hair, lost in thought. It took her a moment to resurface, remembering the girl's request. "O-Of course, you can join me! It is the least I can do for the woman who saved my skin. As for your attire, there is a small city on the way, about a day and a half from here. There is a wonderful tailor there by the name of Madame Jeanette. Lovely-- and delightfully saucy--that one. Yes, we will have you dressed lavishly before long! But first, we must get out of this forest, my dear." Victoria gestured ahead, surprisingly remembering which way was east.
 
Lonnie tagged along, a bounce in her step. "Yup! Velguardr-that's my parent-says I'm lucky to have that ability. They had to work for a long time to get to the level I have naturally. I'm still not so strong on animal forms, though. They can turn into a bird no problem, whereas me... I'm not skilled enough for flight. Not yet. Err, when you say 'small' city, how many people are there? A couple dozen? A hundred?"

As the two walked, Lonnie found herself needing to slow her pace. She walked with a practiced ease through the woods, her feet naturally avoiding any roots that she might trip over, and her dress, despite being less finely tailored, never caught on any branches or bushes. But she didn't mind-she was happy to stay near Victoria, and all her knowledge of cities!
 
Victoria trudged through the brush slowly, lifting up the skirts of her dress to keep it from snagging on wayward branches. "Fascinating. Simply fascinating! You have a gift, Lonnie, and I'm sure this... Velguardr is very proud." She awkwardly climbed over a fallen log--moreso rolling over it--then straightened out her dress before continuing. "Do they know you're out here? And are they going to be fine with you leaving on a journey with a stranger you've just met?"

She did not know for sure, but it seemed it wouldn't be long before they found the edge of the forest. The trees were becoming more sparse, letting more light filter in between the leafy canopy. A gentle wind picked up, blowing eastward, like the one that typically rolled over the hills where the road continued east past the forest. She hiked up her dress past her knees to feel the cool breeze on her heated skin, sighing. A life of luxury had not prepared her for a march through a forest, let alone in fashionable boots. She hoped they reached the city before she needed to stop and rest.

"As for the city--Elend's Bridge, it's called--if I had to guess, I'd say around a couple thousand. I haven't been this way in quite some time, though. For all I know, it could be tenfold that, now. Regardless, you mustn't wander off once we are there, understand? It is easy to get lost in a city like that, especially for somebody who has never been to a city before."
 
"Of course. Velguardr has been here for much longer than they'd usually stay in an area, to raise me and make sure I know what I can do," she replied. "And I can defend myself, if need be-but that won't be needed, I'm sure! You seem super nice," she added, her face completely innocent.

When the population of the city was mentioned, Lonnie stopped for a few moments, before quickly catching up. "Thousands? That's... That's a lot of people. That's so many people!" she said, her voice a mixture of shock, awe, and excitement. "Do they all know each other? How do you remember that many people? But, um, yes! I can stay near, I promise!"

As they walked and Lonnie observed Victoria's lack of skill at navigating the forest, she decided to take point, and lead her new friend to easier paths. Game trails made by deer or other animals, mostly, where there was much less in the way of obstacles. That little change helped make travel easier, and the forest gradually thinned out. Soon it gave way to the hills that encapsulated the road, with Elend's Bridge visible faintly in the distance.
 
She chuckled at Lonnie's slew of questions, thankful for the company. It had been far too quiet out in the forest by herself, and talking about things that didn't involve city politics or foreign affairs was a welcome change to life back home.

"No, in a city like Elend's Bridge, people only know their neighbors and the shop owners, usually. The innkeeper too, for those that like to have a drink in the evening; which is to say, all of them. It would be impossible to remember every face you pass on the street. You'll see."

Victoria hummed in thought, then her brow knitted for a second before relaxing. "There are many dangers in the world outside this forest, girl. Many that we will not be able to talk ourselves out of, like with that owlbear mother. I doubt we'll run into any of the sort, sticking to the safe main roads, but there is always a chance. I do not wish to discourage you, or sully your excitement, but it is the truth."

As they exited the forest, Victoria gazed upon the vast field of hills, taking in a deep breath. It smelled sweet, like ripe berries, and earthy. She bent down to untie her boots and slipped them off, finding relief as she felt the soft grass on the soles of her feet, even through her stockings. With gleaming green eyes she flashed a wide smile to her newfound traveling companion, her eagerness apparent.

"Let us make haste, my dear! Oh, I can nearly taste the hearty stew, smell the crackling wood in the hearth! Hear the tales of travelers from afar! Come, come!" With a vigor that made her legs ache in protest, she set off briskly towards the road--dress flapping in the wind--as if her fatigue had washed away as easily as sand from stone.
 
She nodded along to the various bits of information. "You'll help keep me safe, right?" Lonnie asked.

With the road in their sight and a lack of plantlife to interfere with motion, Victoria no longer had any trouble keeping pace with Lonnie. In fact, Lonnie found herself in a hurry to keep at the same speed as Victoria. Her own dress was riding up a bit, and occasionally gave a small flash of her creamy thighs. The road itself wasn't populated with anyone, as Elend's Bridge was still several hours away.

The sun was at its zenith in the sky when the pair reached the road. It had wound down to a sunny angle two hours later, where the road joined from another. The other path was much busier, belonging to a trade route that Elend was part of, and there were various horse-drawn caravans, some full of ores, some of lumber, some of fabric, and some with even more exotic goods. The city itself was merely an hour away at this point, but even this far out, Lonnie was shocked at the number of people. "Wow..." she muttered. "They're so busy."
 
"Of course, though I am not sure what help I can offer aside from my affinity for negotiation," Victoria said between breaths as she ran along the hills. She could not remember the last time she'd done this; a noble's life kept her busy with politicking and signing documents. Even as much as she traveled, she rarely had time to enjoy a stroll outside city walls. She was simply not fit for gallivanting through the countryside anymore, but it did not stop her from frolicking anyway. By the time they'd reached the fork in the road with the bustle of tradesmen, she had to find a nice spot in the grass and take a moment to catch her breath.

She laid down on her back, not caring how undignified it was to flop down in the dirt. She closed her eyes and took a moment before speaking, breath still heavy. "Leisure is not a luxury many can afford. I am fortunate enough to have a privileged life full of frivolous courtly affairs and bounteous feasts--" Victoria gestured to herself, pointedly at her curves, and smiled sardonically "--which I do not take for granted, if you could not tell."

Peeking an eye open, she watched Lonnie as the woman admired the tradesmen going about their duties. Victoria couldn't help but think that--in a proper gown and some pins to tame that hair--the girl could easily pass for a noblewoman. Her fair skin and golden hair--or even the white she'd had it as earlier--could blend right in with the courts in the northern kingdoms, where snow blanketed the land all year long and the sun hardly shined behind thick clouds. She's a shapeshifter, she could pass as anybody, Victoria thought amusingly. Quietly she hummed, listening to the roll of carriages and the clacking of horse hooves on the hard dirt.
 
"You definitely have the figure of someone who eats well," Lonnie commented as she sat next to Victoria. She leaned over and hugged the half-elf. "It's a good look. You're very pretty, Victoria."

Before long, Lonnie was back on her feet. "I'm going to talk to one of those metal people on the horses!" she announced, and approached one of the knights patrolling the road. "Excuse me! Excuse me, hello!"

The knight, with helmet fully on, looked down at Lonnie from the perch on the horse. "Can I help you?" came a man's deep baritone voice.

"Yes! Are you flesh and blood under there? Or are you just a golem?" she asked.

It took a few moments for the knight to respond, clearly unprepared for the question. "I'm... I'm a man. What?"

Lonnie nodded. "Okay. I saw that the horse had metal plates too, but those are just strapped on. I didn't see any skin underneath all your metal. Thank you, sir!" she said, and pranced back to Victoria. Victoria could tell that he was probably trying to figure out if he should be offended by the question.
 
Victoria tensed, but only a moment, when Lonnie hugged her. The girl was certainly friendly! “Well thank you, my dear, and as are you!”

She tried to reach out and grab the girl’s arm before she ran off towards the knight, but she was too slow, and watched as the man stopped to entertain Lonnie’s question.

Victoria stood, ready to come over and usher the girl away, but the man’s confusion made her smirk. She knew how short a temper some knights could have, barking orders at the slightest disturbance. That would not have been the best first impression to the local authority.

Regardless, as Lonnie trotted back, Victoria crossed her arms raised a brow. “I seem to remember telling you to not run off on your own.” Then, softening her expression, held out her hand. “Come, it’s time to head into the city.”

Carriages filled the road once they reached the city’s outskirts. A tall wooden wall lined the perimeter, separated only by the main gate and the river, where the magnificent bridge of the city’s namesake could be seen. Made of stone sourced from a local quarry, it climbed proudly out of the water, holding strong against the river’s relentless flow, even hundreds of years since its construction.

The gate loomed overhead, guards patrolling between watchtowers. Victoria stopped to let Lonnie take it all in. “Well, here we are! Does it look how you imagined it would?”
 
Lonnie did not answer at first. She was too busy staring at the bridge and the city beyond. "It's so... Big. So lively. So... Wow. I don't know what I imagined, but this is beyond that! What are all the buildings for? How did they make all of them? Where do they get all the food they'd need from?"

She reached out to hold Victoria's hand again, and stayed near the more worldly woman. "I'm sorry for running off earlier. It's just... It's all so new and exciting! You said you wanted to get food, right? And water? Do they have juice here?" Lonnie continued. "Where do we eat? And, um... Money, right? That's a thing Velguardr mentioned. They gave me some gems that I could use for trade, but its normally done with little metal pieces?"

While she peppered Victoria with question after question, the flow of people did not cease. With the time of day and season, there weren't as many people as Elend saw at peak time, but there were a few travelers coming in, some leaving, and a family playing on the bridge. The father had a fishing rod and other gear at his side, clearly waiting for a chance to head to the banks of the river and catch some food. He and the mother watched their children, three kids, playing with a ball.
 
Victoria led Lonnie further into the city, passing many shops and market stalls along the way displaying all matter of goods. Bakeries and butchers, an odds and ends dealer, a library flanked by a money lender and apothecary. Doors flung open, people entering and exiting in a hurry, then rushing off to their next destination.

She waited until she was sure Lonnie’s questioning was finished before clearing her throat and answering. “The buildings are for whatever purpose the owners see fit, whether to sleep, or trade, or entertain. Most of them are made with stone and wood, though the wealthiest folk can afford nice clay tiles for the roofs.” Victoria guided Lonnie off to the side next to one of the stalls so they didn’t block the road. One man grunted as he brushed past, carrying a sack of fruit in brawny arms.

“They get their food from local farms or traders, and possibly from foraging the nearby forests. Yes I am quite thirsty and famished, and I’m sure they do. We’ll eat at the Tipping Canoe, an inn not too far from here. And please, don’t you worry about money, my dear. I have that covered.” Victoria smirked, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Now, anymore questions?”
 
"If you're hungry, Miss Victoria, let's go get food! Is the Canoe on the river? Is it just a boat?" Lonnie asked. She tried to restrain herself from adding too much to her questions, so that they could get a meal, but those two questions just bubbled out without a chance to hold them back. She rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. "Sorry, I should be quiet. It's just so much stuff! Although, I guess we've talked so much about the city and not as much about each other. You know about my parent, but what about yours? Do you have both of them?"

With her smile never waning, she continued. "Do you have any siblings? Are they as pretty as you are? Did you get along, with your family in general?"
 
"It is a building, just like these ones, where people like to drink and laugh and sit by the fire on cold nights."

At Lonnie's apology, Victoria waved it off casually. "I understand. I know this must be overwhelming, and exciting. How about I answer your questions once we've had some food and drink?" Her tone made it more of a statement than question, and she didn't wait for an answer. She stepped away from the stall and merged with the bustle of people, still gripping Lonnie's hand tight, then made her way down the road without missing a beat.

It wasn't a long walk, all things considered, but trying to squeeze through clumps of people on the way made it feel like it took forever. When they finally reached the Tipping Canoe, Victoria pushed open the door without ceremony, figuring Lonnie could admire the exterior later, if she wanted. Right now, she needed to fill her stomach. As they stepped inside, the jovial commotion was immediately apparent. Laughter and singing rolled through the common room like a wave, followed quickly by the smell of warm bread and a savory, meaty stew. A few of the revelers turned their heads to assess the newcomers, giving little more than a quick glance, but some gazes seemed to linger. Whether from remembering Victoria's face from her frequent visits, or the curious young woman in her company, she could not be sure.

"Not exactly fit for seafaring, as the name might suggest," Victoria chuckled, then suddenly dropped her voice low, leaning over to Lonnie. "Before we continue, I must urge you to keep your wits about you, and not waggle your tongue to anybody who would give you an ear. There are folk who spend much time in places such as this, gathering information from those happy to divulge. Most are gossips looking for rumors, while others have more... nefarious reasons." She crouched down so that she could whisper in the woman's ear. "Like those gems you mentioned earlier. It would be best if those stayed a secret. Understood?"

Victoria wished she could let Lonnie run loose, explore all the great things to be found out here in the civilized world, but she knew all to well the kind of people that would take advantage of her naivety. The girl had saved her life; the least she could do was keep her from running into trouble.
 
Lonnie nodded. "Yes ma'am," she said quietly, her expression serious. She kept eye contact with Victoria for a few moments before she looked to where a small stage was. It only had a single musician there at the moment, who was strumming a lute in a gentle background melody.

The innkeeper, a friendly giant of a man named Jonathan, waved to Victoria. "Been a while, milady!" he called over. "And I see you brought a friend. What's your name, little one?"

"I'm Lonnie!" she introduced herself as she took a seat at the bar's counter. "I saved Miss Victoria's life, so she's showing me around!"

He cocked his eyebrow. "Really now? I've never known her to get herself in danger like that. Was it bandits?" Jonathan asked as he grabbed two bowls and two glasses for the women.

"An owlbear. She disturbed her nest, and so the momma bear got really mad. I talked the owlbear out of eating her, though," she replied.

"Quite a situation. Usual drink for you, Victoria? And for you, Miss Lonnie?" he asked. While he let them think, he ladled a hearty helping of stew into each bowl, and set them in front of the two women.
 
"It was not my best moment, I will admit," Victoria groaned, settling onto the stool. She knuckled the small of her back and stretched her legs out, then crossed her arms on the counter. "How about a glass of that rare sweetberry wine from Brittlespire that I know you have tucked away in the back of the cellar?"

Jonathan gave her a sidelong look, then said quietly, "I know nothing about that, milady." He peered at her, then to Lonnie suspiciously, wiping a mug with a rag.

Victoria smirked and raised a brow. "Oh, stop with the charade, or the girl will think you're genuine!"

The barkeep couldn't keep his composure for even a second and broke into a big toothy grin. "Ah, but Lady Victoria, you know how much I love scaring the newcomers! I still remember years ago, when you were as fresh-faced as Miss Lonnie here, asking for directions to Duke Frelod's manor. The look on your face when I said that you 'ought not stick your nose where it don't belong' still makes me laugh to this day!"

Victoria rolled her eyes. "And you can do as you wish with anybody else! But if I hear about you trying to spook Lonnie with your theatrics, I'll have you paraded around the city in nothing but your unmentionables, Mr. Cennerly. And don't think I haven't the power to do so."

"Bah!" he said, wide-eyed, but still grinning. "Cruel, cruel woman!" He shook his head and chuckled. "Fine. Fine! I'll get the damn wine. And for the girl? Ale? Or will she be having the fancy stuff, as well?"

"Do you have juice, perhaps?" Victoria asked, remembering what Lonnie's question from earlier.

Jonathan blinked, looking briefly at Lonnie, then nodded. "Well, I'm sure I can find something. Give me a moment, ladies." He walked through the door behind the bar and into the kitchen, yelling out something to one of the workers.

Victoria tilted her head to Lonnie. "Actually, I wonder... well, I don't want to assume, but you are of drinking age, yes? Certainly old enough to leave home on your own, at the very least. In any case, I won't stop you if you'd like to try something stronger than juice."
 
Note that Lonnie is in her early 20s, so she's certainly ABLE to drink. Just tended to avoid imbibing poisons when in Velguardr's care.

"When you say 'stronger', what do you mean?" Lonnie asked, puzzled. "Like more bitter? Such as coffee? I'm not a fan of that taste." She took a spoonful of the stew with a big meaty chunk. "But this is something I like! Mm... Duck? Not just duck, though... And there's some good spices too!"

Jonathan returned in short order, with a carefully sealed bottle of strawberry wine, and a less carefully sealed jug. He set the jug in front of Lonnie, and told her "Help yourself, young lady. Apple juice from a local orchard. And for you... I wouldn't be doing this for just anyone. But you've been a loyal patron for long enough," he said to Victoria, and popped the cork. A faint waft of the drink came out, with a much stronger scent as he poured it.

Lonnie, who had just finished pouring herself a glass of apple juice, stopped. "Mr. Jonathan, sir!" she said with a hint pf panic. "I think that's gone bad-I don't think you should have it!"

He took a sniff and looked confused. "It smells fine to me."

"No, it's fermented! That's poisonous-it's not going to kill you, but it'll make you feel really bad and make stupid decisions," she told him.
 
Gotcha, that makes sense haha

Jonathan let out a hearty chuckle. "Well, you're not wrong about that, I suppose, but if you drink just enough..." The barkeep gestured to a group that had formed in the middle of the room, dancing in a circle and cheering. A pair of them clanked mugs together, sloshing their ale on each other's shirts, then just laughed and continued dancing. Jonathan grabbed another glass to pour one for each of the women. "You don't have to, of course, but just in case."

Victoria took her glass, swirled the dark red liquid around and to appreciate the sweet aroma. She took a sip, and then another, letting the second one linger before she swallowed. Sweet and tart and just a hint of bitterness, it was every bit delicious as she'd envisioned. "This is divine, Jonathan! You have my hundred thanks for cracking open the jug for me."

Jonathan snorted. "My pleasure. So, I take it your journey doesn't end in Emond's Bridge? Where are you two headed?"

"Agemon," Victoria said. "I've never been, and neither has Lonnie. I hope it is as wonderful as people make it out to be."
 
Lonnie eyed the bottle with suspicion. "I'll pass on that," she said, and took a hearty sip of her juice.

Jonathan nodded when Victoria mentioned their destination. "I'm surprised you've never struck out for there before. It seems right up your alley. Guess you wanted to wait until you had your own bodyguard, heh? But that makes sense... If the legends area true, it's not the kind of place just anyone can make it to."

"Is it dangerous?" she asked. "Victoria said that this place can be dangerous too. Is Agemon worse?"

"Oh, the city itself is supposed to be as safe and peaceful as your own mother's bosom! It's the guardians that stop ne'er-do-wells from getting there that can be dangerous," he replied.

Lonnie nodded and then finished her cup. "Well, I promise to keep you safe just as you've kept me safe, Victoria!"
 
"Thank you, Lonnie," Victoria said, smiling. "You have a heart of gold, truly. It is a shame how rare that quality is."

Quietly, she regarded Jonathan's statement. "I have my reasons for not taking this journey until now, most of which I cannot explain with so many open ears. Let's just say there had been... tension, regarding the comings and goings of political officials between Agemon and Rosemere Keep. On top of having to deal with Agemon's Guardians, it was a risk few of us were willing to take. Only recently has the matter been resolved, but even then I doubt our arrival will be honored with a grand procession." She took a generous gulp of her wine. "I hate not knowing more about what is in store for us, but I have waited far too long for this to just give up now."

Jonathan nodded in understanding, knowing better than to ask further questions. Politics were not his strong suit, and getting involved in that world wasn't good practice for a man trying to run a humble business. "Well, I'll let you ladies relax. As always, your usual room is available. When you're ready, I can send one of the girls to run your baths." With that, he headed to the opposite end of the bar, tending to other customers.

Victoria considered what Jonathan had said, seeing the cracks in her plan. She'd thought that showing up by herself would actually help appease the Guardians, who would be looking for any hint of danger to turn her away. Then again, what foolish woman would be traveling this far unguarded, and without a carriage? Let alone two. To any competent gatekeeper, it would seem incredibly odd, at the very least. You should have listened to the others. No noble with any sense would have done as you have... She took the untouched glass and sipped slowly, seemingly lost in thought.
 
As the two talked politics, Lonnie's mind quickly faced an overload of new information. She was silent for perhaps the longest stretch Victoria had heard, as she tried piecing together all the knowledge that she had barely any context for.

"Are you from Rosemere Keep?" she finally asked. "It sounds like a nice place. It has a flower in the name after all! And what about these guardians?"

When Jonathan focused elsewhere, she also decided now was a good time to ask "Is he a lover of yours? You seem really close, and he's handsome!"
 
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