[quote][b][color=yellow]The Essential Ithean Atlas[/color][/b][color=red] has been updated![/color] [/quote]
As Lucilia found her place in the bar a young errand boy approaches. His leathers are a deep brown, much like his hair and nervous eyes. His large pupils study the noble woman timidly, and the young man tugs on the teal and maroon shawl draped about his neck and upper chest. He looks to Lucilia before pausing frantically. The boy had clearly forgotten his formalities. Quickly seeking to remedy this he bowed in obedience. 

“[color=0054a6][b]M’lady, Viceroy Bayim Cadby has r-requested audience with y-you,[/b][/color]” he managed to stutter out. He studied the noble. Everything about her seemed fearsome and deliberate. Her armor alone was enough to make the boy quiver. Did she actually do battle? In some nervous attempt to re-focus himself his eyes traveled anywhere but on Lucilia, and certainly not to her own eyes. 

There was an awkward pause for a moment; the boy stifled a pathetic smile and laugh to fill the void. He was never quite good at reading people. Especially not the ones who could order his execution or personally carry it out. 

"[color=lightgray][b]So Ser Cadby has finally decided to send for me? Shame he didn’t decide to meet me at the gates in person, but what can you expect from such a busy, busy man,[/b][/color]" Lucilia hummed, not bothered by how the boy acted for it was only natural when it came to dealing with someone as powerful as a Wolfram. She let out a huff and rose from her seat, "[color=lightgray][b]Where might Ser Cadby be at the present time?[/b][/color]"

The Wolf supposed she could make time for someone who had decided not to escort her through the city that he managed. Though it did annoy her, knowing that Cadby had done nothing other than send a meager boy who seemed ready to wet himself. 

The messenger nearly choked on his own spit. A question? [color=fff79a][i]Cristo[/i][/color], she wasn’t supposed to ask a question. “[color=0072bc][b]Uhm, yes...he...at the Viceroy’s estate! He’s at the Viceroy’s Estate. If you’ll look outside you’ll see him from the balcony...m’lady.[/b][/color]” The boy almost managed to faint from all of the excitement. He mustered another bow before extending an arm to escort the noble woman as was common custom. 

The noble looked upon the boy, her eyes still holding their cold look but hiding something on the inside. She did not want to take his arm out of her own fear of being touched, a flaw that was hard to come to terms with. Lucilia let out a sigh as she composed herself, though she had looked composed the entire time regardless, a took the boy’s arm and accepting that she would have to be unnerved for a bit. A shiver ran up her spine as she felt the boy through her armor, she hated being touched, despised, no, feared it. While she could take a punch, that was only for a instantaneous period of time and not prolonged. His touch felt dirty, and every shutter or tick of the nervous boy’s body felt like a transgression. His weak grip was strong enough to feel as unnerving as leeches squirming and sucking on the skin. Before they started moving, the noble looked over to the bartender and called, "[color=lightgray][b]Send somebody to take my belongs to my quarters, the wine included![/b][/color]" 

Then she went back to internally screaming.

“[color=0072bc][b]My apologies...m’lady. I-I've forgotten my formalities; as I usually do...[/b][/color]” His accent was one common among the slums of Astoria. He was a human, but his small stature was that of an elf. The only part of him that stood out as human was the small pot belly that protruded from his clothing. “[color=0072bc][b]I am [color=00aeef]Edwin Myer[/color], m’lady[/b].[/color]” The two made their way through the crowds of belligerent people. Merchants clinging to their wares were soon trying to shove their items at the noble as she passed by. It wasn’t everyday that an Earl’s daughter made her way through throngs of commonfolk, and a Wolfram at that. 

“[color=0072bc][b]Lord Cadby is so glad to have you in the city, Lady Wolfram. He’s been quite busy setting up preparations for own city’s inspection with [color=7ea7d8]Earl von Gudeuir’s[/color] son [color=662d91]Caldwin[/color].[/b][/color]” The two made their way through the back of the estate. The two hastily made their way through the courtyard. As they did, Lucilia’s silver armor reflected the uniquely colored [color=f9ad81][b]embers[/b][/color] of the mage fire decorating the vibrant garden. Vines hung from the architecture; curtains, no doubt, spun by the Gods themselves. There was a distant sound of harp-playing and the laughter of nobleman young and old. 

Walking through the palace Lucilia was met with the smell of incense. The scent of [color=a0410d][b]hickory [/b][/color]and [color=9e005d][b]wine[/b][/color] permeated the air as the two made their way up a series of stairs. The walls felt archaic, but the fire that lit their halls showed that the design was contemporary. The brick was almost orange in its coloring, and was smooth. The design was rather extravagant especially given [color=00746b][b]Cadby’s[/b][/color] reputation. 

Finally arriving outside the door to the Viceroy’s office the two could heard the boisterous and jovial sounds of Cadby’s unending laughter. More subtle to your ears was the sound of a crackling fire place, and the sounds of the festival from outside the walls. Edwin opened the door carefully. 
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[center][hider=Cadby's Office][img]https://i.pinimg.com/originals/63/fe/0e/63fe0eeafddf16943d8875347de27a6b.jpg[/img][/hider][/center]
[center][hider=][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdd9b47x67M][/youtube][/hider][/center]

“[color=0072bc][b]M’lord, Lady Lucilia of house Wolfram. As you requested.[/b][/color]” The boy bowed his head, and soon felt the weight of the large man approaching him. 

Cadby was truly a giant in human form. His weight and height made him tower over most Astorians. The nasty rumors of the court alleging Orcish ancestry didn’t help. He wore various scars upon his face, and his face was twisted by deep wrinkles along the nose and forehead. These were accompanied by eyebrows thick as marron grass, and a pulled back mess of brown hair reaching to his neck a single braid crowning the back of his head. 

"[color=00746b][b]Very good boy, here’s your copper. I’ll send for you in an hour’s time.[/b][/color]" 

His glazed light blue eyes studied the messenger before him. "[color=00746b][b]You can see yourself out now,[/b][/color]" the Viceroy spoke abruptly to Edwin, Cadby’s cheerful demeanor quickly morphing into one of annoyance. Edwin quickly found himself ready to comply before being stopped by Cadby. The larger man motioned back towards his chalice before looking at the noble. Instinctively the messenger retreated to the glass before handing it over to Cadby; all the while never making eye contact. He, of course, closed the door behind him. 

As if the interaction hadn't happened the Viceroy motioned towards Lucilia. 

“[color=00746b][b]Ah! It’s Lion’s girl![/b][/color]” Cadby’s warm welcome implied a familiarity that wasn’t really there. At least, not between he and Lucilia. Cadby’s accent was clearly Astorian, but not fitting of a noble. He sounded like a dock-worker or soldier more than the ruler of a city. His large body extended over Lucilia in a cheerful embrace. “[color=00746b][b][i]Cristo’s tits[/i], it’s been ages, girl!The last time I saw ye, you’d been only about yea high.[/b][/color]” Cadby’s hand lazily extended down towards his right thigh. 

“[color=00746b][b]I trust you’ve met Lord Caldwin,[/b][/color]” he said before moving slightly to his left side. 

It was then Lucilia noticed the presence of another. [color=92278f][b]Lord Caldwin von Gudeiur[/b][/color], the son of [color=fff79a][b]Earl Claudius von Gudeiur[/b][/color]. The von Gudeiur house held claims to [color=9e0039][b]Ardent’s Fall[/b][/color], and as such held incredible political power in Astoria. Half the kingdom knew of Caldwin’s role as the errand boy for his father, but in some ways this made him all the more prominent as a relevant noble.

His dirty blonde hair was mostly shaved save for the tufts of shaggy hair that sat at the top of the head. His blue eyes studied Lucilia as he took a sip of his wine before rising himself. 

No longer being touched was a great relief to Lucilia, she let out a deep breath, having to have had to concentrate very hard on not losing her sanity. She disliked the common custom, yet knowing that as a noble she had to follow else she be judged by even the common folk. Her eyes gazed up at the towering man and with an inhale of the incense, the look of a Wolfram came back to her. A form a sadistic smile ran across her immaculate face, then she spoke. "[color=lightgray][b]Good day, Lord Cadby. I had expected you at the gate, but unfortunately I did not meet that kindness. Though I understand that you are busy, which is why I am… unbothered towards the notion.[/b][/color]"

“[color=00746b][b]Bah![/b][/color]” Cadby waved the noble off. While he was deeply entrenched in the political meandering that seemed to occupy most nobles he was quite disillusioned with it. “[color=00746b][b]I’d only just heard of your arrival, girlie! It’s not everyday a Wolfram steps through these gates![/b][/color]” Cadby’s exuberance seemed genuine. He wasn’t as crafty or devious in playing the game of politics, but he was well equipped nonetheless. Typically though he used his size and bluntness to get the upper hand. 

“[color=00746b][b]I know our festival is quite the attraction, and our whores some of the [i]finest[/i] in all of Astoria, but I doubt tits nor the drink have brought you to [i]my[/i] wonderful city.[/b][/color]” Cadby guided Lucilia to a seat beside Caldwin as he himself pivoted back towards the chair at his desk. 

"[color=lightgray][b]You’d be correct to assume that. I am here because I was sent for by Talon Company, specifically a [color=0054a6]Mikael ibn Da'ud[/color],[/b][/color]" Lucilia stated, deciding it would be best if she were honest with Cadby rather than skirt around the facts. She reclined in her chair, her hands folded in her lap. [color=lightgray]”As much as we Wolframs pride ourselves on being the most knowledgeable family, I have rarely heard of this ‘[color=9e0039][b]Talon Company[/b][/color]’ nor the person who sent for me. You wouldn’t mind on filling me in on some of the essential details, would you?”[/color]

“[color=00746b][b]Mikael, that little shit! How I’d love to have him [i]flogged and paraded[/i] about the plaza. Be you in trouble girlie you come to me. I’ll handle the [i]bloody[/i] Talon Company the same way my fathers before me handled those damned elves. Swords to chests![/b][/color]” Cadby's hand crashed thunderously against the wood of his desk. Never a man of cowardice Cadby hated those who clung to the shadows. 

“[color=bc8dbf][b]With due respect Viceroy that may be ill-advised.[/b][/color]” Caldwin finally spoke up. His accent wasn’t nearly as thick as Cadby’s. In some of his words there was a distinct Vicellian pronunciation. “[color=bc8dbf][b]I do not mean to imply your safety isn’t of importance, m’lady. It’s just...you must understand that the Talon Company has contributed quite generously to [i]this very office.[/i][/b][/color]” Caldwin looked to Cadby as if to subtly chide him.

“[color=bc8dbf][b]All of that is irrelevant, of course, the Talon Company is an upstanding organization. They’ve been instrumental in this city’s continued success. If they’ve contacted a member of the Wolfram family it’s because they wish to better the realm.[/b][/color]” Caldwin didn’t seem to be as forthright as Cadby; instead every word was chosen carefully. His eyes continuously shifted between Cadby and Lucilia; he wasn’t afraid to hold the gaze for as long as necessary. 

Cadby muttered to himself in protest. 

"[color=lightgray][b]Anyone who contacts a [i]Wolfram[/i] better have a good reason for holding our time, and while your words help, Caldwin, I’m afraid that does not answer my original inquiry.[/b][/color]" She studied the noble that sat next to her. He seemed to be indifferent, but she would have to expect that from someone who was [i]supposedly[/i] equal in her status. With a sigh, Lucilia looked back over to Cadby before continuing. [color=lightgray][b]But I have gathered that Talon Company is run by elves, yes? And that the one who summoned me is also an elf. Though I must ask, what exactly does Talon Company do?[/b][/color]"

Caldwin was nearly brave enough to sneer at the woman. Her arrogance was typical of nobles he had dealt with before, but she seemed to be as stubborn as Cadby on top of that. 

“[color=00746b][b]They’re as damn bloody close as any man [i]can be[/i] to an [i]elf[/i]. Most of their lot, including Mikael ibn whatever, hail from Vigo in the Union across the ocean. Humans, but I’ve seen their kind a thousand times over. They think that in my old age and love for good wine that I don’t know exactly what they’re up to. Skulking about like gossiping housewives. Bah![/b][/color]”

“[color=bc8dbf][b]As we’ve discussed Bayim, they’re a vital and necessary component of our economy.[/b][/color]” Caldwin scolded the older man, but soon turned his gaze to Lady Wolfram. “[color=bc8dbf][b]They’re a collection of guilds, from performers to blacksmiths. Cadby’s paranoia is noted, but through their efforts we’ve allied with [color=f26522]Caracas[/color] [i]and[/i] [color=00a651]Vigo[/color]. They’ve done quite well in representing the people of Ardent’s Fall. They aren’t creatures of the night like our good Viceroy suggests.[/b][/color]” 

Caldwin stood up from his chair before walking towards Lucilia. He extended an arm towards her. “[b][color=bc8dbf]Unfortunately, m’lady we must adjourn this meeting for the evening. Lord Cadby and I have much to discuss regarding the city’s finances. We needn’t bore you with such minutiae especially during such a lovely festival.[/color][/b]” 

"[color=lightgray][b]Very well, I suppose we will get to talk again some other time.[/b][/color]" As she rose to meet Caldwin she eyed the nobleman. They approached the door, but not before she pressed herself uncomfortably close to him. She started with a whipser. "[color=lightgray][b]Though, Caldwin, do remember which family holds the most power power in the kingdom. And before you say your own, beware the Wolf Pack, for they are always one step ahead,[/b][/color]" before the noble could get in another word the Wolfram was gone to return to her quarters at the inn.