Chapter 211: Noir Ball

Chapter 211: Noir Ball

56 years ago...

The early light of dawn crept on the horizon. Elzri sat on his bed, he hadnt been able to sleep. A servant had informed him of his fathers passing last night. Esletha was already busy preparing the memorial service that would be held later this afternoon.

He was grateful to her, as the family leader the responsibility should have fallen on him. But, he couldnt even muster the energy to get out of bed, let alone arrange a memorial.

Just another reason why I shouldnt be the family leader, he thought.

His father Alastair may have wanted him to inherit the Noir throne, but the last thing Elzri wanted was to be the family leader. He needed to pass on that position to one of his siblings. The problem was, he wasnt sure which one.

His older brother Aiden had proven himself to be a competent leader as general of the Noir armies. Unfortunately, Aidens magical talent was lacking compared to his siblings. Despite being the eldest, he was still only a master mage.

Worse, Aiden was too rigid in his ways, too focused on his honor, and too blind to distinguish the subtle greys of a situation, preferring to see everything in white and black. Such inflexible leadership would prove problematic.

Elzris older sister Esletha, on the other hand, showed great magical promise; a high-master well on her way to the rank of arch-mage. In terms of magic, she would be a suitable leader for House Noir. She was also popular among the aristocrats and a skilled diplomat when she wanted to be. But Esletha could be petty and had a vindictive streak that often caused great harm to others. A family leader couldnt afford to make enemies recklessly.

Then there was the youngest, Una, Elzris only full-blood sibling. But no, he refused to consider her for family leadership. He would never let his sister take on such a heavy life-long burden. He wanted her to live her life freely, away from the confines of this aristocracy.

The door burst open and slammed into the wall.

Elzri looked up in surprise, Ismene?

His lover stood in front of the doorway, breathless. Tears had formed at the edge of her beige eyes.

Ismene ran to him and hugged him tight, I came as soon as I heard! Are you okay? I mean, I know you're not. Im just How are you holding up?

Elzri closed his eyes and enjoyed the comforting warmth of her body pressed to his, A little better now.

She sat next to him in bed and gripped his hand tight, Why didnt you send a messenger to me earlier?

Messenger? Elzri blinked, Sorry, I was just busy processing.

Gods, you dont have to apologize, she winced. I just hope you know Im here for you, you dont have to go through this alone. We tell each other everything, remember? Una is really worried about you.

Una? Elzri thought. So thats who sent the messenger.

Losing your father, Ismene muttered, I cant imagine what that's like.

Neither can I. None of this seems real, he said ruefully.

...How did it happen? she whispered.

Elzri recalled the cover story his siblings and he had put together. If people knew the truth of Lord Alastair Noirs demise, it would make House Noir appear weak, and more vulnerable to attacks than it already was.

Elzri swallowed, My father was sick, he had been for quite some time. The doctors and white mages couldnt find a cure. My father kept his illness quiet and kept serving as the family leader as long as he could. Last night the illness became a lot worse, his body couldnt keep up.

Ismene rested her head on his shoulder, Im so sorry.

He swallowed hard, The funeral is later this afternoon. I know its very last minute, but it would mean a lot if you could be there.

Of course, she gripped his hand tight. I wouldnt miss it for the world.

...Im so tired, he sighed.

Then sleep, Ill watch over you. I promise Ill keep you safe, she smiled.

My hero, he smiled and closed his eyes.

~~~

Is this normal? Ismene whispered. For drow? Or aristocrats?

Do you mean the funeral or the wake? Elzri asked.

I mean is the wake always this fancy?

Not usually, but Esletha seems to be going all out, he whispered.

Elzri, Ismene, and Una stood in a waiting room, behind the Noir mansions ballroom. Alastairs funeral had been a solemn affair, with aristocrats from all over the city attending, including a family representative from each of the other Seven Ruling Houses.

It had been difficult for Elzri, he had barely been able to get through the funeral without breaking down. Every time someone mentioned his father, all he could think of was how he had failed to save him.

Once the funeral had ended, Elzri thought he could finally seclude himself in his rooms. To his bitter surprise, Esletha had organized a large wake in the form of a ball in their home in memory of Alastair.

The last thing Elzri wanted to do was attend, but hed seem like a horrible son if he didnt. So instead he found himself here, next to Ismene, who wore the most beautiful blue dress he had ever seen or perhaps her wearing it made the dress beautiful? He was inclined to believe the latter.

Miss Una Noir, daughter of the Great House of Noir! yelled the master of ceremonies from behind the door.

Thats me. Una glanced back at Elzri and Ismene, she tried to put on a smile, Wish me luck.

Good luck, Elzri and Ismene said.

The double doors swung wide open. Una walked right out to the balcony and waved down at the guests on the ballroom floor. They clapped and cheered for the Noir princess as she made her way down the stairs to join them.

The master of ceremonies stood upright and glanced at his scroll, Sir Elzri Noir, son of the Great House of Noir, and Miss Ismene!

Ive never done this before, Ismene said nervously from behind the doors.

Elzri wrapped his arm around her own, Itll be fine. Just follow my lead.

I trust you, she nodded with a smile.

The double doors swung wide open once more. Elzri walked out with Ismene and stepped up to the balcony. Before they had a chance to wave at the crowd, Esletha pushed the master of ceremonies aside.

Excuse me?! Can I have your attention, Esletha called out.

What is she doing? Elzri frowned.

Im sorry folks, our announcer got it wrong, Esletha said. Allow me to reintroduce to you the lovely Miss Ismene and my brother, Lord Elzri Noir, leader of the Great House of Noir.

Elzri stiffened, no fucking way shes doing this here.

He tilted his head, Just Holly?

Oh, I have many names, but Holly will have to suffice for tonight.

He smiled wryly, A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Holly Veres? Ashe? Gale? Im still trying to decide which House you belong to. Im leaning towards Veres.

Alastair Noir was known as a shrewd man. If he chose you as his heir, I doubt it was based on the spur of the moment.

This again? Elzri thought. Which is exactly why Im clearly not his heir. Im an adept, Im not fit to rule the most prominent mage Great House of Hollow Shade. As I said, a prank by my sister.

Are you sure?

Elzri shook his head, Is that really a question? Now Im beginning to think youre an Ashe.

I suppose youre right, she shrugged. You are only an adept, itd be very strange if you took over the Great House of Noir.

Precisely, he nodded.

The leader of House Noir, such a heavy responsibility, Holly whistled, Daunting at best, impossible at worst. It couldnt be you.

Your belief in my abilities is truly inspiring, Elzri said wryly.

Have you ever heard the story of Melantha the Blue?

Hm? I cant say that I have. Is it long?

That depends.

On what?

How good of a listener you are.

Point taken, he conceded with a smile.

Holly smirked, Melantha was a commoner born in the Jade Realm centuries ago. She was also a mage, a very talented chromatic true-blue at that. But Melantha was shy, she worried what her abilities meant for the lives of her family and herself. One day, a prime arch-mage came to the city where she lived. He was powerful, yes, but more than that he was charming, and the people loved him for his charm. So, Melantha, confident in the arch-mages powers to protect her city and people, left to explore the rest of the kingdom and enjoy her youth.

Holly glanced at the other dancers, War eventually reared its ugly head at the kingdom. The people were scared for their lives. The land became torn by armies and magic. It was no longer safe to travel the countryside for an adventurer, so Melantha decided to go back home to her family.

Holly smiled sadly, But when she got there, she found out that the charming arch-mage had been exploiting the people during the war. When the people had looked to the arch-mage for help the most, he had stolen from them; their lands, their wealth, even their lives.

Melantha had failed her people, she hadn't been able to protect them, not even her own family. Distraught, she decided to take a stand, to defend her people once and for all. Her own people laughed at her, they didnt think a simple, mundane commoner girl could lead them, protect them. But you know what? Melantha ignored their words of ridicule. Because it didn't matter what others said she couldnt do. All that mattered was her own belief in what she could do.

...What happened to Melantha? Elzri asked.

Holly smirked, She walked into the charming arch-mages castle and killed everyone, guards and arch-mage alike. She went on to save not just her city but her entire kingdom. She became Melantha the Blue, Paramount Knight of the Jade Realm.

Why are you telling me this story? he said softly.

Holly stared into his eyes, Melantha ran from her responsibility because she feared what it might cost her. She was right, the cost would indeed be great. As were the thousands of lives lost because she ran away in the first place. People in your position always have to make a choice, a sacrifice even, whether they want to or not.

Elzri frowned, I told you already, Im not the family leader.

Yes, of course not, Holly smiled. If I had to guess, the actual leader of House Noir is your elder sister, Esletha. She fits the role nicely, a powerful mage and a popular aristocrat, Id even say shes quite charming.

The music ended with a last resounding note. Elzris movements had turned stiff long before the song was over.

Holly took a few steps back and curtsied, Thank you for the dance, Lord Noir.

Yes My pleasure, he mumbled.

Riri! Una strolled over. She passed by her brother and grabbed the vampiress arm instead. Una grinned wide, I see youve already met my friend.

You two know each other? Elzri glanced between them.

Yeah, we met last year, Una nodded enthusiastically. Hey, Holly, may I have the next dance?

Id love to, Una, Holly smiled. Lord Noir, if youll excuse us.

Yes, um, goodbye, he bowed stiffly.

Esletha sauntered over, two glasses of wine in hand. Who was that?

A friend of Unas, Elzri muttered.

Ill have to ask Una to find out how that vampire keeps her hair so fabulous, probably some secret red magic potion.

What do you want, sister? he sighed.

Esletha gasped dramatically, Oh, brother, you sound almost as if youre angry with me. And here I was, bringing you a drink.

Elzri snatched the offered glass and glared at her, Its pretty common for someone to be angry when you embarrass them.

Embarrass you? Elz, I was trying to honor you, the chosen heir of our father. I should be the one whos angry, you took my birthright. You on the other hand should be happy, you won everything.

I didnt win anything, Elzri shook his head.

Esletha placed a finger to her grey lips, Then again, I can understand why youre embarrassed. Id be too if I had to walk into the ball with a wretched commoner.

He clenched his jaw, ...What did you say?

I mean shes nice, pretty face too, but at the end of the day, her blood is as common as it comes. Not to mention shes human, most of them are quite stupid, she laughed. I mean, Ismene is so dull that she still thinks I actually like her. Oh, I pity her.

Elzri threw his glass of wine at his sisters face. The dancers all stopped moving and the room suddenly grew quiet.

Dont you ever insult her again, she deserves better than your backhanded remarks, Elzri snarled.

Esletha clenched her eyes shut and opened them with disbelief. She wiped her face and glanced at her ruined dress.

You arrogant son of a bitch! Esletha screamed. You strike at me?! Today of all days!? You dare disrespect our fathers memorial!? I wont let you dishonor our fathers memory! I will see you on the dueling grounds!

Elzri blinked, What?