Shimmers in the Shade

The tall, lithe woman watched the pair intently. Hastily did her gaze flicker to and fro, looking from one to the other. Seeing them in person before her and watching their mannerisms together reminded her fondly of her previous lover. Alas, it was not true love in the end. Not to her, at least.

It was not jealousy that lay hidden in her gaze. Something else more possessive was burrowed beneath. A desire that gave such a predatory eeriness to her gaze when first looked upon. It was not proper to want for selfish needs, but that was her own secret. On the outside, she was doing the service of her Lady. But on the inside...

A smile once again graced Jea'nneaste's lips as she proceeded to respond to Kendra. "Illusioons and elements, my friend. I tasted the spells of ice and gend a liking for them... I took up practices in defense and the ability to protect myself from many forms of harm. It is easier to grasp when one has a natural talent with the weave."

Jhyn's words urged her forward, and she stepped out of the light to approach the pair again. "I do have many things to speak of... but I am certain you both could use some time to rest..." her attention shifted towards Jhyn, just barely an inch or two below eye level with him. The look was almost knowing; a gentle glance that spoke volumes but in a language that could not be understood. Seconds after it returned to Kendra, ever more softened as she reached out to take hold of the woman's hands, fire to ice. They bobbed slowly with each sentence.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the manor. The pond out back possesses a bit of flora fauna, if you enjoy wildlife. Steal nibbles from cakes from the kitchen, they are there for you. I wood like to make your time here as delightful as possible." After a time she released Kendra's hands, rubbing her own together to re-disperse cold across her fingers and palms. The feelings of overwhelming heat was something she had grown accustomed to after taking up her new life's path. While the ice helped her from becoming too warm, there was also a sensitivity that could not be erased. It was surprisingly thrilling to her to know that it could be such a weakness, and it was perhaps ironic that her oldest and dearest friend was the embodiment of fire itself.

Jea'nneaste stepped back, moving to the door and resting a hand on the knob. "A bell on your end table will bring Modrick up to assist you. Let us dine together this evening." Her eyes fixated on Kendra. "Old friend... welcome back."

Kendra hadn't seemed to notice the gaze Jeanne had, as her attention was back on the food tray. ...is that a wildberry muffin?

Once Jeanne began to respond to Kendra's question, she looked back at her almost as if a child caught in the act of something bad. She smiled a bit sheepishly and listened once more. The thought of ice spells always made Kendra shiver- and not because of the cold. She simply despised them. Even when she'd had to cast cold spells from scrolls, she couldn't help but feel dreadful afterwords. It was like her own fire was being threatened to put out. A horrible feeling that she'd felt before in many ways, and one she tried to avoid as much as possible.

Now Jeanne's skin began to make a bit more sense to her. In her studies, she'd heard of a few people who worked towards the cold becoming a part of them, much like how Kendra was with fire. She couldn't help but smile at the irony of the two of them being so different in that aspect.

With her best friend's hand taking hers, she gave a light squeeze and looked up at her. The look in Kendra's eyes was one of amazement and fondness. Even when they were young, she had looked up to Jeanne and her quick mind. It was much like how she looked up to Ahri. Sisters through and through. Kendra's heart would always be missing a piece where Ahri had made her mark, but now that Jeanne was back- no, now that Kendra had come back to her, she felt a bit better.

The feeling of Jeanne's hands in hers was surreal; a confirmation that this was indeed happening and wasn't just a lovely dream that she had wished for so often. Even though the cold was something Kendra couldn't stand, she actually enjoyed it right now. As Jeanne pulled away, Kendra looked at her hands in what was almost amazement, then back up to Jeanne and nodded.

"Thank you, Jeanne. I'll try not to get into the cakes until after our meal tonight. Wouldn't want to ruin it, you know." She gave a grin and nudged Jhyn back. "Jhyn and I will find something to get into, I'm sure. Sounds like the pond is really nice. Maybe we'll stop there after making a stop in our room. Should probably double check our things to make sure we weren't pick pocketed on the way." She said, motioning to their packs. Her eyes fixated back on Jeanne and rather than answer, she just smiled. That in itself was likely rather telling about how being 'back'. Kendra couldn't set Jeanne up any more for heartache when she would have to tell her she was returning to the Dales soon.

She was returning, right?

Kendra listened to his words, not interrupting just yet. She could honestly offer no argument about much of his conclusions, and that in itself frightened her. This was her best friend for many years. What had happened to her? Or had anything happened? Were Kendra and Jhyn just being paranoid? Westgate in itself always had a suspicious atmosphere to it. Maybe it was getting to them.

She followed him to the balcony, ruffling a hand through her hair and turning her face up to the sun with her eyes closed. After letting her skin soak up some of the heat from the bright orb in the sky, she stepped beside Jhyn and leaned against the railing of the balcony. Her eyes moved to the pond. It was a beautiful sight- a few ducks and their ducklings were floating around in the water and the flowers planted in the surrounding area were perfectly matched to the season. It was one of those painting-perfect sort of scenes. Almost too perfect, in a way.

Her attention was now on Jhyn, looking at him as he surveyed the area. Ever vigilant, Kendra made sure to listen for any sort of steps or noises that would alert her to anyone's presence around them. She reached out to brush her hand across his cheek and smile reassuringly at him.

"As always, you have no reason to apologize, love. The last time I saw her was when we were but twelve years old. Much has changed of her, as I'm sure much has changed with myself in her eyes. I..." She paused for a moment before looking back down to the pond, her brow furrowed.

"I am afraid as well. Of the unknown. Where she has been all this time, what she's been doing, how she managed to survive. It sort of reminds me of Dacius, if I'm being honest. But I want with all my heart to give her the benefit of the doubt. This city itself is harsh, so the reason for her words and general feel could just be due to growing up in it. Think of how Cruven is. He's not the kindest of people, you know. But he's still a wonderful person."

Her brows were still furrowed as she sighed a bit, her fingers now picking at the fabric of her sleeves. "She doesn't want me to leave. And the way she said it..." She trailed off, a look of guilt washing across her face. "It hurt. But I can't stay here," she quickly added. "There are too many things at stake back home with the Undead. Not to mention my duty."

It did not take long for the day to pass, whether it was spent outdoors or indoors, the sun eventually began to set, and stars flickered on in the night sky beside a luminous moon. Jea'nneaste sneered at the sight as she peered out an open window. Behind her and down the hall, the kitchen had begun to stir with a bit more activity than usual, tripling their usual amount of food to cook for the evening guests. The cook was quick, and the servants quicker. Being productive after long bouts of the same old routine always spurred the workers happily into getting the job done in a timely manner.

While her guests kept to themselves, so did the half-elf for most of the rest of the day. She spirited away into a small office, scribbling out letters to important individuals, and stamping others. To any onlookers, her work seemed quite typical for a diplomat or businesswoman. Adjacent to that room was another small one, lined with ceiling-high shelves stocked with tomes and books of various sizes. It was there that she had collected many artifacts, knowledge given freely, one way or another. To say Jea'nneaste earned her place in the world was true, but she did not strive for it. There was no place for desire, progress or hope. But conveniently, most others were willing to sacrifice much to keep their secrets under wraps.

At the end of the day, Jea'nneaste moved to the open window, calling forth a lithe, tortoise-shell cat. It leaned against the sill, purring up at the woman. A smile followed as a folded, sealed letter was revealed. "My dear, take this please, and do not delay. I will need to see you aggen tonight."

The cat was wordless in that moment, obediently snatching up the letter in his furry maw before turning to disappear like a shadow into the night. It was then, as stated, that Jea'nneaste cast a glance up to the moon to sneer before promptly departing to the dining room, finding her seat at the front of the long table. Covered plates sat on her left and right, separate from one another to allow Jea'nneaste to sit at the head between them. It was there that she waited, allowing the servants to finish pouring drinks and setting the final bowls and plates down for the guests.

A delicious aroma drifted through the manor, the scent of spices and herbs mixing and dancing, enticing those with empty bellies to follow.

Chapter Three: And So It Begins

After discussing a few things with her lover, Kendra had insisted the two of them go to one of the clothing shops down the street. Kendra had remembered seeing the most beautiful dresses there when she was younger. Luckily, the shop had still been open- though likely under a new manager, of course.

With poor Jhyn dragged along, she tried her best not to spend too much time trying on the clothing. It actually embarassed her a bit to know how silly she may appear with her fascination of fine silks. There was just something about a good silk dress though that she couldn't ignore. It took a while, but she finally settled on a rather regal looking outfit with flowing straps of dark red silks and gold trim. Finding how perfectly it fit her small frame, she couldn't help but squeal with excitement. This was definitely going to be her outfit of choice at dinner.

And so dinner time came around. Kendra had gone at lengths to fix herself up. Considering the state of the house and how Jeanne seemed to act at times, she figured it was best to go all out with formality. It didn't fit her, really, but she'd do anything to make Jeanne happy.

Once arriving down at the dining hall, the aroma filled Kendra's nose and she let out a happy sigh. "By the Gods..." Her stomach gave a growl and she looked to Jhyn, grinning sheepishly. "You'd think I hadn't ate in a day or so."

Jea'nneaste stood at the far end of the table, smiling warmly towards the pair as they entered. While having been dressed rather well upon their first meeting in the harbor, the half-elf was even more garnished and decorated now. Her ears, neck and wrists were adorned with jewelry, each color accenting her pale skin and purple silken dress. Like Kendra's it was trimmed with gold. Her hair was pulled back in a braided fishtail, trailing up then falling back down along one shoulder. The air of nobility practically radiated from her, even if she was not noble by blood.

"Ah, yes," she nodded to Jhyn. "Good evening. I do hope you enjoyed your day in the city." She gave a sweeping gesture to the seats as they moved to sit. "You are right on time, the meal is about to be served."

After the pair settled into their seats, the woman gave a light clap to alert the servants to bring out each plate before she herself sat down. Among the servants to enter was Modrick, who gave the guests a polite nod of greeting before offering to pour wine in the second of two glasses set out for each individual.

Fish of various species, vegetables and hors d'oeuvres lined the table, cooked and styled appropriately for the location of Westgate. The diet was rich in sea foods and light farmgrown meals, with a few hints at traded goods shipped from other distant lands that only the most well-off of families could afford in such a place.

The plates continued to arrive, filling the gap between the trio until there was only enough room for elbows and silverware. The options were small in portion, but vast in variety... a reasonable balance to allow most of the food to have a chance to be consumed and not be left to waste.

Jea'nneaste looked between Jhyn and Kendra, the smile still plastered on her face before yet again she gestured. "Please, enjoy. I offer only the finest for guests and friends."

Upon seeing Jhyn, Kendra could help but get the biggest smile. He looked so fantastic, but it didn't fit him. Granted, neither did her outfit. It was like they were both playing the parts and putting on an act for this simple meal. She gave him a bit of a nudge and leaned over to kiss his cheek before sitting in the chair he pulled out for her. "Why, thank you, love."

Her eyes widened as she saw the beauty that was the banquet table. Kendra loved food. And this was just the right amount of different kinds as well as portions. Her stomach growled again in anticipation and she took up the napkin on the table, murmuring to Jhyn. "Is this how it's done? Or is it a toast first? How do we do this?" Not only did she not know the proper order of such things, but it was also an effort to get him to smile and not feel as uncomfortable. She knew he probably wasn't feeling to great in such a fancy atmosphere- she certainly wasn't. It was too much.

She seemed to wait for the next move, afraid she'd screw something up. Instead, she tried small talk, hoping things would just go smoothly without Jeanne noticing Kendra's failure at this kind of game. "Thank you so much for this, Jeanne. Really, it's wonderful. Was all the fish fresh caught?"

Having noticed their hesitation, Jea'nneaste couldn't help but smirk. The pair did not dine and live like the aristocrat she chose to be, but she still wanted to offer nothing but the best when catering to others. It was the least she could do, all things considered.

She nodded at the human's question. "They are selected by the best fishermen in Westget. These ones were all caught just this morning." With a graceful sweep, she sat down, indicating to Modrick to pour her wine as she extended a hand for a small plate in front of her, already assembled with an assortment of sliced fruit, to set it atop her larger plate. Despite moving the plate she did not yet make any effort to eat, her focus more on the wine soon to be in her glass.

"I hope this is not overly intimidating, Kendra... I have learned to live like this for many years. After a while in this lifestyle, one cannot exist without something glittering dangling from their body." At that last part she managed a small giggle, bemused by the thought of just how much jewelry she actually possessed. After a few seconds she settled again and her gaze shifted back to Kendra, peering earnestly. "I want to share this with you... I don't want you to think I expect anything in return. You are my friend... you knoh this. You look very beautiful in your dress... and Jhyn... you cood not be any more dapper."

Gods...look at how perfect it's all cooked. And the wine...I bet it's vintage, she thought to herself. She felt...fake. As if she was wearing a mask now more than ever. The food looked amazing and the set up was beautiful. But she preferred small meals that were made within the small kitchen at the Dancing Moon. Or pie that she and Laura had made together. More personal meals were her favorite.

This? It seemed like a show. Kendra was used to shows and acting in many ways. But to have to do so with someone she perceived as her best friend...it hit her hard. Who was Jeanne anymore? Was this how she was for certain? Or was she wearing a mask as well? She looked to Jeanne and listened to her speak with a small smile.

"Share this meal with us? I couldn't be happier about that. I haven't seen a meal so extraordinary in many years." She said, looking to Jhyn and nodding in agreement with him. "Aye, it must have taken them ages."

"Good. I am glad," she answered them both before raising her wineglass. "To good friends? Old and new, lost then found?" Her gaze moved between them, offering up her toast before taking a small sip. After which she set it back down and turned her attention briefly to her plate. She had selected a smaller dish decorated with greens and a small portion of fish seared to perfection. Judging from her slim physique, the half-elf was not one for a hearty diet, and this portion would probably be one of the only plates she would touch this evening.

Silence followed for a time as the servants finished putting down dishes. When this was done they made their way into the kitchen for their own meals to allow the trio to dine privately.

Jea'nneaste spoke up again shortly through the meal, dark eyes moving towards Kendra. Her tone took on a curious, delighted air. "Soh! Wood you like to explore more of the city tomorrow? Many things have changed but there are many places that have remained untouched. I will not be busy, and shood very much like to share the day with you. There is a bakery to the north that makes delicious sugary sweets."

Kendra lifted her glass in a toast and smiled. "I could certainly toast to that." She took a small sip of the wine as well and then placed the glass back onto the table. She watched as Jeanne took up a small plate and her head tilted. As small as Jeanne was, it made sense that she wouldn't eat as much as other people. But at the same time, Kendra was about the same size and she could probably eat everything at the table if she really put herself to it. Well, maybe at least half.

She watched as the servants left and then her attention was gained by Jeanne's question.

"Hm? Actually, I don't think we can stay long. There's a lot of things going on in the lands we call home. A plague of Undead that has taken many, many lives. Some of those lives ones that we cherished deeply." Her eyes looked down to her plate before she took a few pieces of food onto it.

"There's a lot of things we need to try to do to stop it. Everyone needs to work together. Some don't see that, but I believe the only way to stop this is for that to happen. Leaving the lands was difficult, but I wanted to find you. To see if it was true." Kendra looks up and smiles to Jeanne. "And I'm so happy to have found you. You...you could come with us back home, you know. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want to leave what you have here, though. I mean look at all of this. Fit for a queen." She smiled to Jeanne.

The words left Jea'nneaste stunned, surprisingly enough. In all her planning and preparation, she had not considered that there was so little time to convince her friend to stay. It took so much to find her, let alone get her to see Westgate again... how could she compete with this "home" of Kendra's? She knew that with the right amount of time, it would not be hard. But there was still so much left to do.

Her eyes darted to Jhyn as he too seemed stunned, but his eyes were focused on his plate. They shifted quickly back to Kendra before her hand drifted to her lips, thumb resting atop them. The half elf assumed a look of contemplation, pale eyebrows drawn together with only the faintest hint of a crease between them. She stayed in that pose for what felt like an eternity as she thoroughly considered the options set out before her.

She had associates in the Dales. But it was not her base of operations, as it were. Jea'nneaste would be starting at the bottom, with only her words to offer. The idea was difficult to swallow, but like with any trial in the past she had stepped over them by leaps and bounds, emerging above even her predecessors. She also was not familiar with the layout of the land.

But she clearly had very little choice in the matter. She would have to think quickly to compensate. Such was not difficult for the brilliant woman, at least according to herself.

"The... elven kingdom," she finally muttered behind her thumb, "I have always wanted to see it... you cood show me." Her eyes moved to Kendra again, the dark irises distant in their stare. "Maybe... just maybe it wood be a good thing that I come with you. Yes. Yes, I agree. I wood like to do this! I lost you once, I'm not going to lose you aggen just because I have a pretty house by a pretty lake. The servants will care for it while I'm away."

Just like that, her mood switched and her motivation was reinvigorated. She called out to one of the maids in the hall beyond. A middle aged female with flowers and a small vase in her hand entered quickly, interrupted in the middle of her replenishing of the water. To each she gave a dip of her head before her attention fixed upon Jeanne. "You, deer," her mistress ordered with a snap of her fingers as the thumb left her lip. "Send for my associate Junis. I need to speek with them. I will be leaving on the morrow with my friends heer... there are things to organize. Off you goh!"

The servant bowed again and departed, shuffling into the hallway. Jea'nneaste looked back to her guests with a wide, beautiful smile. "Eesy enough! Now, let us get back to our delicioous dinner."