Chapter 97: Named Houses

Chapter 97: Named Houses

I thought that was you, Stryg, Clypeus bowed his head.

What are you doing here? He asked.

The woman beside Clypeus raised an eyebrow, We could ask you the same thing.

Rhian cupped her hand over her mouth and leaned towards Stryg, Do you know these people, Master?

Stryg pointed his finger at the vampire, Thats Clypeus Gale, my classmate, hes quite strong. I have yet to beat him outright in a fight.

So, hes like your rival? Rhain asked.

Meh, I guess you could say that, Stryg nodded.

I am honored by such words, Clypeus smiled.

Cly is the strongest in our class, everyone wants to be his rival, the woman crossed her arms and nodded repeatedly.

And who is that? Rhian whispered.

I don't know who that woman is, Stryg shrugged.

The womans jaw went slack, Eh? Were in the same class! You threw a rock straight at my forehead. I had a concussion for weeks! How can you not remember me!?

Clypeus patted his partners back, Why dont we go somewhere a bit more private?

Stryg glanced around at the emptied street, most of the pedestrians were watching them from behind the food stalls.

Oh! I know a great restaurant that just opened up, they even have outdoor seating so the centaur can come too, the woman said excitedly.

Alright, but if you invite someone out you have to pay, Kithina taught me that, Stryg said confidently.

Fair enough, Clypeus smiled wryly.

Please gods, dont let it be spicy food, Rhian mumbled.

The woman led them through the streets of Mellow Bloom and its white-stone houses. After a few minutes they reached their destination. A large one-story restaurant with dozens of tables sprawled right outside its entrance.

A waiter came out and showed them to an empty table that was under some shade for Clypeus vampiric convenience. The waiter then promptly took their orders. He was surprised when Stryg ordered food for Rhian as well, but said nothing, instead he opted to write down the order and left for the kitchen.

Clypeus cleared his throat, Okay, I believe proper introductions are needed. I am Clypeus of House Gale, a Great House residing in Hollow Shade.

I am Stryg, chief of the Ebon Hollow tribe.

And I am Rhiannon, daughter of Ebon Hollow, and showhorse extraordinaire, she stood up on her hindlegs and did a flourishing twirl around the table, without touching the table even once.

Clypeus partner laughed and clapped in delight, Thats incredible! Ive never seen a centaur with such dexterity and grace before.

And you never will again, Rhian smirked.

Who is this human anway? Stryg asked.

Her eye twitched, I am Nora, your classmate. We had four classes together last year, four!

Noraaa? Stryg tested the name. It sounded a tad familiar.

She groaned, Nora of House Azol? Im a chromatic blue. We were teamed against you during professor Lohs final exam.

Oh yeah, I remember, Callum knocked you off the pillar right before you dragged him down with you, Stryg nodded in recognition.

Not how I would remember someone, but yeah, thats me, Nora pointed at her face.

Regarding that day, I am sorry for your fall, Clypeus said solemnly. I heard of how that wretched secretary sabotaged your climbing harness. Had I realized at the time, I would have never continued attacking you. My deepest apologies.

It wasnt your fault, Stryg shook his head.

The fault partly lays with me, but I truly am grateful for your willingness to overlook such a matter, he bowed deeply.

I keep telling you Cly, you cant blame yourself. It was that damn drows fault. Im glad that crazy bitch got what she deserved, Nora clenched her fists.

Everyone was quiet as the waiter put plate after plate of food on the table.

It looks so good and none of it is covered in red sauce, Rhian salivated.

Thatll be all, Nora said quietly. She shook her head and smiled, Where was I? Right, Named Houses. Once a House loses their founder or source of power, they may fall into a Destitute House, an impoverished weak shadow of what they once were and eventually they die off. However, if they can still maintain their power, they do not become a Destitute House and instead continue to live on.

The majority of Houses fall in the latter category, Clypeus added.

Exactly, Nora agreed. Conversely, if a powerful House has many Lords and Ladies at once or if there are many Lords and Ladies throughout the generations then they become known as a Great House, like my family or Clys. The seven most powerful Great Houses are known as the Ruling Families. They each hold a seat on Hollow Shades city council.

Ruling Families? Stryg asked.

You already know at least three, House Veres, House Katag, and House Noir, Clypeus explained.

Callum Veres, professor Tauri...Katag, and Loh Noir, Stryg muttered from memory.

Correct, Nora sipped her wine. The Ruling Families have long famed histories of incredible feats their members have accomplished. Only a few other Great Houses have reputations that can compare, House Gale is one.

Your family must have been pretty great then, huh? Were they warriors? Stryg took a bite of his pie.

My family is the Shield of House Veres, we have always fought beside them, Clypeus placed his hand over his heart.

Actually, this is perfect timing. Theres this famous troupe performing the play The Unfaltering Shield later this afternoon. You should totally come, Nora smiled.

Im not sure, I was supposed to meet up with Loh later today, Stryg said.

Come on, itll be fun. The play is one of the most popular in the entire Realm. I guarantee youll love it. My friend is coming too, so the more the merrier, Nora said.

Stryg did not know what a play or troupe was, but they did sound intriguing. Okay, Rhian and I will go.

Perfect, then its settled.

After they finished eating they made their way to the center of the city, where buildings were packed next to each other. The common folk bowed as Nora walked by. She waved at them from time to time.

Eventually, the group found themselves in front of an amphitheater. The wealthy merchants of the city were already gathered. They proudly wore their best garments and waited for the amphitheater to open its doors.

Nora glanced about the crowd looking for her friend. She caught a small hand waving from among them.

Theres the friend I told you about, Nora pointed.

Where? Stryg asked.

The one with the red cloak. Oh, look, shes coming over, Nora said.

The disguised beauty made her way to them with slow steps, but practically jumped when she reached Nora and gave her a hug.

Nora, its so good to see you. You wouldnt believe how hard it was to lose my maids, she beamed.

Nora giggled, Its great to see you, too! Im sorry we havent been able to hang out much this year, but Im really glad you came to visit. The mage academy is pretty intense, I havent found much free time until now. But, enough of that, let me introduce you to my fianc and friends.

Nora grabbed her lovers hand, This is Clypeus of House Gale, you two have probably met.

We have. Its good to see you Clypeus, she curtsied.

You as well, he bowed.

Nora went on, And these are my friends, Stryg of Ebon Hollow and his remarkable centaur Rhiannon.

A pleasure to make both of your acquaintances, she curtsied.

The pleasure is mine, miss, whose name I have yet to have the grace of knowing, Rhian bent her forelegs in a bow.

Nora chuckled, Sorry, shes in disguise right now, so her names a bit of secret. Stryg, Rhiannon, this is my best friend, you can just call her Jenny.

Jenny, is it? I thought it was Maeve Mora, Stryg smiled, his pupils narrowed to thin slits.

A famous vampire Great House. The founder, Lady Gale, was a legendary vampiress arch mage, whose epic tale remains one of the most popular plays in the Realm.

The family is known as The Shield of House Veres. They are incredibly loyal to the Veres family and have served as their bodyguards and close advisors since their founding. The family is intent on producing the most powerful scions possible, which has led to arranged marriages solely based on physical and magical attributes.

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