The Dryad 78 The Coun

Leafia returned to our room late that night. We briefly talked about her day, and she seemed to have really enjoyed herself. They had spent the whole day trying to find leads, but everything just pointed back to the magic a.s.sociation. That did not sound like much fun. But she insisted that they had been able to look around and enjoy the festival by playing games or buying food at the stalls as an excuse to talk to the owners. By the end of her story she was starting to nod off and would take long pauses in the middle of a thought. I did not want to wear her out by talking, so I laid her back on the bed. At first she fought a little saying, "There is still so much to tell you."

But when I said, "It can wait till the morning," she lost her resistance and fell asleep. I was not sure how I was going to tell them I was caught walking around naked in the garden and that now Lillian knows that I am a dryad. But that could also wait till the morning. All the events of the day had worn on me. I was not used to so much happening in one day. It would not be odd for me to not even fit this much activity into a century. Wanting something to help slow my heart down, I laid down next to Leafia, then rolled over to hug her as she slept. I let my mind go and enjoyed the stillness of the night.

Leafia started to stir in the morning, causing me to bring back my consciousness. As seemed to have become her custom, she woke up while turning bright red. I was actually starting to really enjoy this sight. I really should figure out what was the cause soon, but once again now was not the time. I somehow felt that it might take a while and I did not like rus.h.i.+ng things.We needed to get downstairs soon for breakfast.

The time set for the Count to come visit was a little after breakfast. Breakfast today was still extravagant but much smaller than yesterday as they were not guessing what we would eat. I was grateful that Jennifer and the other maids were in the room. It meant that I was not able to bring up Lillian walking in on me enjoying the sun.

After breakfast, we retired to the parlor waiting for the Count to arrive. We were still being attended to, so the conversation was mostly trivial stories about the festival. It did not take long for a maid to enter and introduce the Count. He was tall with wide shoulders. We stood up to great him but he quickly said, "Please sit. A lady should never have to stand for a man in my mind." He then turned and said cordially, "Lady Lillian, it is nice to see you again."

"You know, someday you are going to get me in trouble for impersonating a n.o.ble if you always call me Lady. You nearly did once already," she said in a mild tone with a calm smile. "Please have a seat."

"I call you with the respect I feel you deserve, and that is all," he said while sitting.

"Allow me to introduce my guests," Lillian said, "This is Laurel, a travelling sorceress from the Elven Kingdom beyond the Franklin Dukedom. She is staying here with her students and guards while she is treating my daughter."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I sincerely hope that your run-in yesterday did not cause you to have a bad impression of our city. But before we discuss that further," he said turning to Lillian with a serious tone, "how is your daughter doing? It pained me to learn that she was bedridden."
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Lillian's face lit up at this question, "She is doing much better. Miss Laurel's medicine is working wonders. But she is very tired, her body has withered much during her illness and it is taking all of her energy to heal. Please pardon her absence."

"I would never stand on forcing the sick to attend me. You should know this yourself, unless you forgot the last war." There was some playful banter in his voice. It was clear that Lillian and the Count were familiar with each other. "It is wonderful to hear that she is finally getting better." He said with a smile. "Please let me know when she is well enough for guests and I will pay her a visit." He paused for a moment and his smile turned serious. "I feel I should get to the business of why I am here before I delay any longer." He then got out of the chair and knelt before me with his head lowered.

"Please forgive me in my failure to teach my impudent son properly. If there is anything I can do to make up for the harm he caused you, do not hesitate to ask."

"Please raise your head. Though I will admit that your son was unpleasant, no harm came to us. I think it might have done us some good, even, because my guard seemed to enjoy her exercise," I said while patting Leafia on the shoulder.

The Count's eyes widened a little looking at the relatively dainty Leafia. "When I heard that they were defeated by a personal guard, I did not think it would mean you," he said looking to Leafia, "I thought you would be one of her students. Please pardon my misperception."

"I am one of her studentssssss," Leafia said defiantly, but was then trodden on by Emily.

"She is both my student and my guard. She is a rather gifted one even among the elves," I said trying to smooth things over.

"If she wants some more opportunities to stretch her muscles, I am sure some of my men would be happy to spar with her. They are always wanting to learn new fighting styles."

Leafia looked at me for a brief second. I just shrugged to try and show that it was up to her. "If I get the chance to, I would be happy to go for a few rounds. However, we are still trying to fulfill our primary reason for coming here and this comes first."

"Surely taking care of one patient who is already on the mend does not take you all day," the Count said in disbelief.

"Such flattery, thinking that I could summon a sorceress all the way from the elven country on my own! But meeting Miss Laurel was just a lucky find for me. I needed a doctor and they needed a place to stay." Lillian provided. I wish Istan could learn from her. She has not once slipped up about me being a dryad since I asked her to keep it a secret.

"If you are not here to help young Miss Brightmoor, why are you here?" He asked in confusion, "I have not heard of any Elven dignitaries coming for the coronation of the new king and the centennial celebrations. Was I mistaken?"

"We were unaware of the celebrations when we left from our home and did not come to take part in the observance. We actually have urgent business with a magician from this country. Sadly the staff at the magic a.s.sociation refused to help us find him until after the festival," I said with a hint of bitterness obvious in my voice.

"I am sorry to hear that. Some of the younger staff there can be a bit petulant. If you tell me who you are looking for. I will help if I can."

"He calls himself Maximus the Powerful." As I said that, the Count's face noticeably darkened.