Ryuu regarded her outfit. "Was there a dress code implied in the invitation for this visit?" He asked brows knit together. She shook her head.
"Then I wouldn't worry about it. If it bothers you that much I will make arrangements for a tailor to visit so you will have attire suitable for your station. Though, I don't think you'll be as comfortable." Ryuu offered.
"Maybe a dress or two, just for visits. I hate sticking out." Meryn turned and walked towards the front entrance. Ryuu just nodded and followed behind her. Meryn was agonizing over the thought of fittings when she walked through what felt like a force field. She froze. The October afternoon disappeared, even the sun felt brighter.
"It's okay Denka, it's a containment spell. It's how they are able to live in such open housing year round without worrying about inclement weather." Ryuu explained. Meryn turned and looked back at the carriage. It looked like a typical grey fall afternoon. But now that she was within the bubble the house shone brilliantly in the sun, giving it an almost unearthly appearance. She took a step back and it was grey and cool. She took a step forward and it was bright and warm. Laughing she bounced in and out of the bubble, before straddling it.
"This is so cool!"
"So this is where you've been." Elder Vi'Ailean walked forward with Vivian, both were smiling.
Meryn popped back inside the bubble. "Your force field thing is neat."
"We like it, especially during the winter. I am assuming this is your squire?" Vivian asked. Ryuu gave a half bow.
Meryn nodded. "Yes, this is Ryuu Sei. He is new to Lycaonia too."
"A pleasure to meet you Ryuu." Vivian said.
Elder Vi'Ailean stared. "I didn't think your kind left Japan."
"Normally we do not. My situation is extremely rare and complicated. However, after meeting Meryn, I do believe that I was brought here for the single purpose of being her squire." The fond expression on Ryuu's face was evident.
"What do you mean his kind?" Meryn asked. Elder Vi'Ailean raised a brow to Ryuu who shook his head.
The Elder turned to Meryn. "That will be a mystery you'll have to figure out later. Now, why don't I escort you two lovely ladies to our gardens. You're in for a treat Meryn, the passionflowers bloomed this morning, and the entire place smells divine." Elder Vi'Ailean held out both arms and escorted them to the garden.
When they walked past the entrance Meryn stopped and stared. Garden? The word implied a space set aside for pretty flowers and landscaping. This was no garden. This was a slice of paradise. Stumbling she made her way over to the small table and chairs that had been set up for her visit. She sat down across from Vivian but continued to turn this way and that trying to take everything in. She felt one of her moments coming on. She sat still and waited for her brain to catch up.
Hibiscus rosa-sinesis, Lavandula, Jasminum, Passiflora
She blinked and turned to her hosts. They were watching her carefully.
"Sorry about that, I was taking everything in."
"What do you think about our garden?" Vivian asked looking relieved.
"It's amazing. I couldn't imagine a more perfect place." She paused. "Do you get Wi-Fi out here?"
Elder Vi'Ailean laughed and shook his head.
Meryn sighed. "Okay, almost perfect."
"I would take exception to that, but I know how helpful you and your laptop have been with the ongoing investigation." Elder Vi'Ailean said pouring her a cup of tea. Meryn looked at the cup and remembered the cake.
"Oh! Ryuu, can you put that down here?" Meryn pointed to an empty part of the table. Ryuu sat down the box and stepped back behind her chair. Meryn carefully opened it and lifted out the round, vanilla frosted cake.
"Is that Marius's Lemon Crunch Cake?" Vivian asked, leaning forward.
"Yup, Adelaide said to thank you for last night, she said you made the night pleasant." Meryn set the cake down. Immediately Vivian reached for a knife and cut it into slices. She lifted a piece onto a small plate and handed it to Meryn. Meryn lifted her fork and took a bite. This could easily become one of her favorite desserts. She turned around to Ryuu.
"Did you want some?"
He shook his head. "Denka, you have to pretend as if I wasn't here. A squire does not eat with their charges." Ryuu explained.
"That's rude!" Meryn frowned. Maybe she hadn't thought this whole having a squire thing through.
"She's so young. Makes me feel very old and jaded." Elder Vi'Ailean sat back with his tea.
"I agree. We've had servants for so long, I've never even thought it might be considered rude." Vivian took a bite of her cake. At that point Meryn began to have serious doubts about her being able to fit into Aiden's world. A warm hand on her shoulder had her looking up. Ryuu's expression was kind.