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Sticky air, smell of sweat and herbs, classical music and expensive wine. Those where the ingredients needed for a ball. Another thing associated with summer which Roche didn't like. He was now dressed in a more fancy version of his usual uniform. By fancy, he meant free of stains and tears. Also, no chain mail, knee pads, chaperon and definitely no weapons, well no visible ones at leats. He didn't like it, it made him feel exposed and defenceless. On the bright side, It was always better than a frock.
Gods everything was better than a frock. He wore it once.
Iorveth never let him forget it.
"You look so incredibly stupid" was the answer the elf managed to squeeze out between fits of laughter. Vernon just rolled his eyes. The elf was right of course his frock was too small in the shoulders, red and had some weird decorative strings hemming his arms that made them look like smoked ham. "I don't recall asking for your opinion" he said red in the face.
"You didn't have to, besides it's a fact not an opinion" Iorveth rolled onto his stomach ruffling Vernon's sheets.
"You insisted that I try it on and show you" Vernon's cheeks just keep getting redder.
"Yes, and I saved you from public embarrassment." He looked at his dh'oines annoyed face. "Come on don't get grumpy. We both know you look better without this thing anyway. Come here." He said patting a spot next to him " I'll help you out of it."
Vernon's pleasant thoughts were interrupted by a pat on his shoulder. He turned around and saw an older man accompanied by a young woman.
"Ah good evening Capitan. Enjoying the night?"
Vernon had no idea who the man was but had a scary feeling that he should. He was dressed festively, his gowns made out of fine fabrics. Fingers generously decorated with rings, on of which resembling a symbol of the trading company. A wealthy merchant, perhaps highly positioned in the company.
"We met before, this winter in Aedirn. You won in dice poker with me."
Ah yes, kings Demawents winter ball. They had good wine there. That was probably why he didn't remember the guy.
"Of course, how is business going?" Roche smiled delicately trying to make himself look at least a bit friendly. He should have gone from here a while ago. There was no need for him anyway.
"Ah you know, sometimes better sometimes worse. I didn't bother you to talk about trade, I would like to introduce you to someone." He said pushing the younger woman in front of him. "Here. This is my daughter Cecilia."
Roche looked at the girl, because that was the proper word for here. She had dark brown hair which was put up in a bun and a silky dress.
"Vernon Roche. It's a pleasure to meet you Cecilia."
The girl nodded clearly nervous.
"Cecilia is my only child you see. Her mother passed during labour. And my little angel here just can't wait to start her own family. I'm not so young myself" he said running his fingers thought his grey hair. "And I would love to see her at the altar before I'm gone. Sadly, we just can't seem to find a suitable candidate. Perhaps you know someone appropriate capitan? Oh, and you are not married from what I heard?"
Vernon shook his head. Which clearly made the merchant happy, his daughter not so much.
"Oh splendid! I'm sorry i think someone is calling for me. I leave you two for a moment, excuse me."
Finishing his monologue the merchant disappeared in the crowd leaving Vernon and Cecilia alone. The girl moved forward, resting her shaking hands on the stone balustrade of the balcony. Vernon sighed.
"So, how old are you Cecilia?"
"I'm 17"
Hm so he was about twice her age.
"You want some wine?" He said offering her his goblet. The girl nodded taking the offering and empting it.
"Don't worry. I don't see myself in the role of a 'suitable candidate'. You have to keep looking."
Cecilia relaxed a bit. Losing the grip on the stone. "I don't want to get married." She said.
"I can see that."
"My father is a wealthy man. He wants to secure his fortune before he passes. And its not like he will get a son any time soon. I understand that and I know he loves me. But I don't want to get married to some old nasty man I just.. I can't!" She looked at Roche. "No offence Mr. Capitan"
Roche let out a chuckle "Non taken. But I don't think your father will just drop the topic."
Saddens returned to Cecilia's face. " I'm aware" she looked at the royal garden "I wanted to hang myself, that way I wouldn't have to get married. But I just couldn't bring myself to it."
Vernon fell sorry for the girl.
"You know from my knowledge, young women who don't want to get married but have to divide men into two sections"
Cecilia now fully turned to Roche, clearly less nervous after crossing him out of her list of potential future husbands, tilted her head with interest. "What sections?"
"Old and half dead or young and half stupid."
"I see how the half dead helps, but half stupid?"
"You know" he started "If you get him to like you enough, and since he's stupid it shouldn't be too challenging. You can manipulate him. Tell him all sorts of crap. Let's say he wants to have more than one child, too bad you've gone infertile after the first, because an evil witch cursed you when you were five and if you ever try for another you will die and so will your firstborn."
Cecilia laughed. "I don't think anybody who is approved by my father could be that idiotic. Do you really believe someone would fall for a story of infertile curse?"
Oh, you have no idea thought Vernon "Yes I can think of few people. Of course, he will get a mistress sooner or later, but just make sure that she's not smarter than him. Or befriend her that's also an option." He looked at Cecilia's sad expression. "Come on, I know its not necessarily every woman dream to have competition in her own marriage. But we're not looking for true love now. Are we?"
Cecilia's face became more gloomy. Vernon's eyebrows rose a bit. "Well then I have bad news for you" he glanced around the ballroom, moving his hand demonstratively. "This. Is the matrimonial equivalent of Visimas market. You here to gain, not to love."
"I'm already in love."
"Well that makes the whole intrigue a lot easier. Just keep your lovebird close. Wait till your old ugly husband die, or help him reach the apple island and get married to the love of your life."
"He's in the order."
Vernon sighed. "That complicates matters."
They stood in science for a while. Observing the busy room in front of them.
"Have you ever been in love with someone, you knew you shouldn't be with." Asked Cecilia her eyes dreamy.
Roche thought of slim arms, dark hair, long lashes and green eye. "Yes, I have."
"Why not?"
"Different environments." Yes one could call it that.
"He promised that he will come back for me. I know its foolish but I truly believe that... that it could work out. I really want it to. Screw the fortune and all the old merchants of this world. I have to live this life anyway, i want to do it on my rules!"
This sudden burst of energy surprised Roche, it was probably visible on his face because Cecilia quickly regained her composure.
"Pleas don't tell my father."
"Don't worry it's none of my bussness, but he won't be pleased."
"I'm not doing it to hurt him, but I have no other choice. I want to live this life the way I want to."
"Well good luck, be careful tho' you wouldn't want to be left with nothing just because your lover changed his mind. Or met another lady."
Cecilia inhaled air rapidly. "Would you leave your concubine for some other woman?"
He wouldn't that was true. But if he ever tried his 'concubine' would gut him like a fish and threw his body to the Pontar. He doubted Cecilia possessed skills required for this kind of revenge.
"You're right I don't know him. And you seem to be certain of him." Was all he said.
Silhouette of the old merchant emerged from the crowd. He smiled seeing the two still together.
"My apologies for leaving you. But I'm sure you two had a pleasant conversation without me." Vernon nodded.
"Yes we had a few common topics."
"You did?" The merchant seemed to be surprised. "Well, I'm happy to hear that. Come on Cecilia it's getting late. Thank you for your time Capitan." He turned to his daughter. "I'll wait by the door, say your goodbyes."
After they were left alone again, Cecilia turned to Roche. "Thank your for tonight. I didn't expect it to be something else than torture."
"I'm glad that I made it at least bearable."
"Goodbye Mr. Roche have a nice rest of the night... I'm sure you will overcome the 'environmental differences' with your other half."
Roche didn't think so but just smiled in return. "Goodbye Cecilia, and good luck."
***
Later that month he laid in a so well known cave. His arms wrapped around slim torso which rose and fell in a comforting rhythm. Vernon closed his eyes as a hand stroked his head. He wondered how Cecilia was doing. Did she escape with her lover? The idea was entirely stupid and reckless But also sort of romantic. At lest that was what Iorveth thought after hearing the story.
"I understand her. Concept of arranged marriage never appealed to me. Why would you force such a sacred bond between two people especially if they are already in love with someone else."
"You're not forcing a bond you're making a transaction. Most of the time it's a gain for both sides."
"Then why didn't you agree if you could gain so much? Seems like a waisted opportunity to me." Vernon looked at him. "What? No more dirty work, no more chasing scoia'tael..."
"No thank you" he stretched out to kiss Iorveth's cheek. "I'm perfectly content with my current marital status."