“Thank you. And I believe so? … My seneschal is responsible for the records and my mother rotates pieces out when the mood strikes.” Tiberius was not quite indifferent to the artworks possessed by his family. Some were even rather effective. Even so, the histories behind them did tend toward the morbid or sad. Always along the lines of: ancestor so-and-so shaped a lovely vase out of raw jade – and bled someone else to death to accomplish it. What wasn’t dreadful was stolen.
The gardens were much easier to be proud of, though of course they were deadly too. Under Lyric’s care, many of the flowering plants were still quite vibrant despite it growing late in the year for blooms.
“Must I have an agenda just to remember a lady’s interests?” He shrugged, imagining Malachai’s sour face with a wry smirk. You would think the terrifying master of the Eyes would have a better poker face. “Then I suppose I shouldn’t tell you that I also own several tea plantations? Perhaps, if you are in Minrathous next spring, I could take you to see the harvest.” The autumn harvest would happen soon, of course – but second flush teas were widely known to be watery and inferior.
Tiberius walked her through the gardens, pointing out the occasional favorite and listening to Ophelia. Much of what she had to say about botany went over his head, but that did not worsen the experience. Enthusiasm and expertise in others were to be admired.
“Perhaps you’d like an introduction to my head gardener?” Later, because they were there. The tower where Tiberius did most of his research lay in front of them. He pulled open the doors and gestured Lia inside. A chandelier alight with silver flames illuminated the central space, including the oversized desk crowded with testing implements.
“You healed that little girl at the palace but – forgive me – I wonder if you’ve ever had much opportunity to practice your magic?” He didn’t know how much she really knew about their mutual friend, Malachai. Neither did he want to be the one that gave away any of his friend’s secrets. The only choice was to press ahead and explain only as needed.
“I wonder what else you can do.”
The gardens were much easier to be proud of, though of course they were deadly too. Under Lyric’s care, many of the flowering plants were still quite vibrant despite it growing late in the year for blooms.
“Must I have an agenda just to remember a lady’s interests?” He shrugged, imagining Malachai’s sour face with a wry smirk. You would think the terrifying master of the Eyes would have a better poker face. “Then I suppose I shouldn’t tell you that I also own several tea plantations? Perhaps, if you are in Minrathous next spring, I could take you to see the harvest.” The autumn harvest would happen soon, of course – but second flush teas were widely known to be watery and inferior.
Tiberius walked her through the gardens, pointing out the occasional favorite and listening to Ophelia. Much of what she had to say about botany went over his head, but that did not worsen the experience. Enthusiasm and expertise in others were to be admired.
“Perhaps you’d like an introduction to my head gardener?” Later, because they were there. The tower where Tiberius did most of his research lay in front of them. He pulled open the doors and gestured Lia inside. A chandelier alight with silver flames illuminated the central space, including the oversized desk crowded with testing implements.
“You healed that little girl at the palace but – forgive me – I wonder if you’ve ever had much opportunity to practice your magic?” He didn’t know how much she really knew about their mutual friend, Malachai. Neither did he want to be the one that gave away any of his friend’s secrets. The only choice was to press ahead and explain only as needed.
“I wonder what else you can do.”
07-28-2024, 03:37 PM
