Chapter 2: Chapter 2- A Lord of a Distant Town

With the sun rising, it mercilessly pushed its light through gaps in the curtains onto the face of the occupant of a somewhat spectacular bedroom. With a groan, she turned her head to be face down on her pillow. This respite was however, soon interrupted by a knocking on her door.

 

"Lady Haywood." A familiar voice called out.

"I'm up." She said, raising her head ever so slightly.

"The bath is warmed and ready." The voice said.

 

As footsteps sounded out and grew fainter, the lady felt conscious enough to call herself awake. Sighing, she turned to face the nightstand closest to her. With her surroundings a blur with light and shadow, she fumbled to find her glasses. After almost knocking them to the floor, she unfolded the arms and looked through the crystal clear lenses. Things, though less blurry, were not as clear as one would hope. Opening the box on her night stand, she tested various other pairs in hopes of finding one which offered her a clearer view. As usual, she would not be so lucky. Sighing, she placed down the glasses and got out of bed.

Through the lights and shadow, the lord, Lady Torie Haywood conducted her daily routine. Throwing on a robe, and wearing a pair of fluffy slippers, she exited her room and moved down the familiar hall. The hall was mostly empty with only a few pictures on the wall, what they were of, she cared little for. Passing three doors, she entered the fourth on the left and was greeted by a familiar steam and scent of fragrant soap. Upon entering, she noticed several figures in black and white, by the bath.

These of course were some of the several maids employed in this manner. Frowning slightly, she knew that she was running late. Removing her robe and slippers, she surrendered herself to her maids. Though she would rather bathe herself, she knew that the maids would help her keep her busy schedule. As expected, they did their job marvelously. With a fresh robe, she was escorted back to her room by a set of different maids who were both drying her hair and briefing her on what she could expect today.

Once at her room, the maids quickly dispersed and threw open her closet. Picking what Torie believed to be a dark green dress, the maids attempted to dress her, but Torie did not allow it. This was one of the few things she insisted on doing herself. Knowing of this, the maids let their master do as she pleased. Putting on the dress was no hassle, especially since the dress used buttons instead of the more common lace type. Though she personally enjoyed her laced dresses, the wooden buttons were far easier to fasten. Likely this was a choice by the maids, who knew their master well.

With a ribbon around her collar, Torie tied and straightened it, but was forced to rely on her maids to ensure that it was properly in place. Fully dressed, she was prepared to head to her office, however was presented with a pair of glasses by one of her maids. Reluctantly accepting, she smiled at the maid, though she was unsure if the maid smiled back. Exiting her room, she already felt the start of a headache. Arriving in her office, she heard the familiar greeting of her personal maid turned secretary, Zen.

 

"Lady Haywood." She stood from her desk and bowed.

"Sorry for the delay." Torie said, removing her glasses. "Let's get started right away."

"I understand." She said, taking her seat.

 

Finding her way to her own desk, Torie took a seat herself and glanced at the decently sized stack of papers that awaited her. Picking up a magnifying glass, she inspected the first of many reports. Though she had just begun her work, she heard a familiar, yet, hard to describe noise of displeasure from Zen.

 

"Lady Haywood…" Zen started. "A better solution might be just you using your glasses…"

"They give me a headache, and it's not like they work anyway." Torie said dismissively.

"Surely one of them must work, we did have them sent in from the usual doctor in the capital." Zen said.

"Yes, well he wasn't exactly hopeful with the last ones." She said.

"…" Not quite sure what to say, Zen remained silent.

 

This silence continued as both of them began to work in earnest. For Torie, time passed slowly as she read each document carefully. There was nothing out of place, and everything was how it usually was, though there was a slight decrease in the local crop yield. This too, however, was nothing new and within previous estimates. Though that being said, there was an alarming trend in recent years with the decrease in crops. Something would need to be done to reverse this trend.

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As time passed the stack of reports grew smaller, and the sun traveled in the sky. Just before their scheduled lunch break, Torie found a curious letter with her reports. Clearly addressed to her, the shiny blue wax caught her eye, as did the raven emblem in it. This was the emblem of the rangers, and one that she had not seen in quite some time. Though she had seen this emblem in the capital, she was not sure how many years it had been since this town had seen a ranger. Had the cautious king finally decided to send one?

 

"Zen." Torie said.

"Yes?" Zen replied.

"Read this." Torie said, handing the letter over.

 

Taking it, Zen looked it over and let out a quiet, but surprised gasp.

 

"The rangers?" Zen asked. "What business do they have with you?"

"I would like to know the same thing." She said.

 

Breaking the seal, Zen gave the letter a quick read over. Though Torie was observing her, she was unable to gather any information from whatever Zen's reaction was. Sighing slightly, she closed her eyes and leaned back in her chair, listening to the quiet sounds of her estate. After a moment, Zen's voice spoke out.

 

"It would seem that we are to have a ranger assigned to the region. One named Etrius Washington." Zen said.

"Etrius…" Torie said, opening her eyes.

"Yes, do you know him?" Zen asked.

"…" Torie did not answer.

 

Instead she was lost in thought, her eyes seemed focused on something, but she was not looking at anything in the room. After a moment, she nodded and smiled.

"Etrius Washington…" She said. "Etrius…"

"Lady Haywood?" Zen called out.

"My…" She smiled. "Zen, let's call it for today. Make room in my schedule for a meeting with Ranger Washington."

"Yes Lady Haywood." Zen nodded.

 

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