Comedy of Errors (Eldora & Lacey)

[Eldora]

CoMeDy Of ErRoRs

I was informed that this rp need a rating. Therefore, I will rate it PG-13, since there might be some mild violence and language at some point.

STORY

What happens when you take the plot of a Shakespearean play, shake it up a bit, and throw it into a world of swords and sorcery? Well, that's exactly what we intend to find out. Two sets of twin sisters, seperated after a shipwreck, have grown up in two very different houses in two warring kingdoms - Ephesia and Syracia. To make things even more confusing each was given the same name as their twin. When against the laws of both kingdoms, the set from Syracia go off in search of their long lost sisters, things begin to get very strange indeed.

CHARACTERS

Username: Eldora

Solinus - Duke of Ephesia
Amelia - Abbess of Ephesia
Paula of Ephesia
Dora of Ephesia - Paula of Ephesia's servant
Adrian - Paula of Ephesia's husband
Angelo - Tailor of Ephesia

Username: Lacey

Egeon - Merchant of Syracia, Paulas' father
Paula of Syracia
Dora of Syracia - Paula of Syracia's servant
Lucien - Adrian's brother
Neil - Dora of Ephesia's husband
Pinch - Alchemist/Magician of Ephesia

[Eldora]

As the Duke of Ephesia, Solinus had his work cut out for him. It wasn't as easy a life as most would believe. If he received from the king the wages of ten men, it was only because he did the work of twenty. Chief among the duke's many duties was one that he disliked most, the enforcement and execution of the king's laws. And said execution more oft than not led to the execution of it's breakers as well.

He sighed, shaking his head as the third defendant that day was dragged kicking and screaming to the prison where he would await execution for failure to pay his debts. I need a drink, Solinus thought. Gazing down at the parchment in front of him, he located the next name on the list. "Bring forward the next defendant - Egeon of..." He paused, cocking an eyebrow as he read and reread the parchment to make sure that his eyes were not deceiving him. "Egeon of Syracia!"

A gasp went up from the crowd, but that soon turned to low and intense mutterings amongst them. What was a foreigner from Syracia - the nation with which Ephesia was at war - doing here? He must be a spy, they said. And not a very good one either, for he had been caught. How dare a dog from Syracia step foot on their soil? It was an outrage!

As the defendant was carried in, the crowd stood on their feet, erupting in a chorus of hissing and catcalls. The noise crescendoed to an almost deafening roar in a matter of moments. "Silence!" The duke shouted at the top of his lungs, and just as suddenly as the noise had started, it ended. The silence was every bit as deafening as the jeering had been a moment ago. As much as they hated this foreigner's very existance, they feared the wrath of the duke far more.

"Egeon of Syracia," Duke Solinus began, "you are accused of breaking the laws of both our kingdom and your own by crossing the borders into Ephesia. The penalty for this is a fine of one thousand gold coins, or failing that, death. Judging by your haggard appearance, I would guess that you have not the needed coin. But before I make my ruling, I am obliged to allow you to speak on your own behalf." Both he and the crowd sat silently awaiting Egeon's response. At the very least it would make for some very interesting gossip.


____________________

Adrian paced back and forth in the lavish carpeted hall of his and Paula of Ephesia's home. "What could Paula be thinking, wandering the streets at this hour? It is nearly dinner time, and heaven only knows the sort that like to keep to the streets at night."

Dora was also worried. She knew that lady Paula was planning a surprise for her husband, and she had sworn to keep it a secret, but she should have been back home by now. "Don't worry, Master Adrian, I will go and bring her home at once!"

"No, I'll have none of it. I don't like the idea of risking a lady to find another. I would go myself, but I have work to do. I'll send Neil to go and fetch my wife." Walking over to a bell-pull in the corner of the great room he rang it. "Neil!" He called.

Something doesn't seem right about this, Dora fretted. "I... I suppose I will just go and get supper started then." She said.


____________________

Paula of Ephesia, one of the wealthiest ladies of the land, was still perusing the wares of Angelo the Tailor.

"Madam," Angelo said, trying to get her attention, "I'm aftraid that it's time for me to close."

"Oh, won't you stay open a while longer?"

"Madam, I have other orders to fill besides your own, and I can't very well work with you here fretting over the perfect cloth." Angelo said, his voice stern but not overly so.

"Ah, very well, Angelo. I'll make my choices. That one for the jacket, that for the shirt, and that for the..."

Angelo sighed. "Yes, madam, yes. It will all be done, just like you said. Now you must leave. I'm sure your husband has gotten suspicious by now."

Paula laughed. "I'm sure he's wondering whose dinner it is I'm cooking instead of his. Alright, I'm going. Goodnight, Mr. Tailor."

"Goodnight Mrs. Mercer."

Paula knew how sore Adrian would likely be at her for coming home late, but it would be well worth it once he got the suit she had ordered for him as an aniversary present. As long as she was out though, she might as well detour towards the port. She always did love seeing the sunset.

[Lacey]

Egeon wished he could scowl without making this worse, but resisted the urge. No one in the room cared what happened, even wished he would die. They wouldn’t listen, obviously, and he didn’t have the coin to save his life; not with him, at least. By obliged, he means ‘I really, really don’t want to, but have to anyway, he thought bitterly.

“I’m afraid that I didn’t cross the border of my own free will.” Egeon stared in the face of the Duke, unafraid, “I was attacked while taking some wares to a customer, near the border. In an attempt to save my life, I fled, finding myself in Ephesia without my own knowledge, as I was in a blind panic.” He looked around him, not masking his scorn for the ones watching his ‘trial,’ if it can be called such a thing.

Egeon’s thought’s turned to his daughter and he clenched his fists; he had to get home. How would his family manage without him? Would they even know that these Ephesian dogs had executed him?

“Now, if you please, make your unenlightened decision.”

(I'm sorry that this is all I have time for, I'll add more later. I have a concert tonight so I have to get ready for it. Again, I'm REALLY sorry.)

[Eldora]

(No problem. I'll go ahead and reply to that part.)

Duke Solinus thought on Egeon's story, ignoring the man's final comment. It sounded plausible. He looked like a merchant, and it certainly did seem as if he had been attacked. Normally merchants caried much money with them, but if he had been robbed...

He dared not favor this foreigner. His own reputation rode upon his verdicts, and if word got to the king that he had released a potential spy, his own neck would be on the line, and that was to say nothing of what his own people would do to him. But war or no war, this man deserved justice.

Finally he thought of a compromise. It might not do anything for the merchant but delay the inevitable, but at least it would buy him some time. "Let all here heed and obey my judgement in this matter." He began, looking over all the crowd.

There was surprise on some of the faces. Why was he addressing them and not the accused?

He turned his gaze back to Egeon. "You have three days, Egeon of Syracia, to beg or borrow your ransom. At noon, three days hence, you must come forward with the thousand coins, or else you will be executed. You will be under close guard to ensure that you do not leave the city."

Then he turned back toward the crowd. "For these three days, for anyone who harms this man, the same will be done to him as if he had done so to a citizen of Ephesia. The laws of this kingdom will be upheld."

A wave of protest rippled through the crowd. Had the duke gone mad? A stay of execution for one of the kingdom's enemies was bad enough, but were they also meant to treat him as one of their own?

"Let all here heed and obey my judgement in this matter." The duke said again firmly. His ruling was made. The matter had been decided. He dared any to speak a word against him.

Looking over at the guards standing on either side of Egeon, he said. "You will not let him out of your sights, nor are you to allow any harm to come to him. Do I make myself clear?"

The guards simply nodded. Turning, they escorted Egeon out of room, listening to the continued protests that echoed in their ears. The noise only subsided after they had left the City Hall altogether.

(The guards are yours to control. You can give them names if you want to. They're just NPCs that will follow Egeon wherever he goes.)

[Lacey]

Neil yawned, stretching his arms for a moment before grasping the ax to cut the wood. It wasn’t a particularly exciting job, but it had to be done. Taking a deep breath, he put the ax on the log, picked up a hammer and struck it. It was many times easier than the chopping action everyone seemed to enjoy making.

“Just a few more and I’m done with this…” he said, putting the hammer on the log to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Picking it up once more, he split the log. Neil brought the two pieces to the pile he’d been making, then grabbed another log and then another. Sooner than he’d thought, he was done and he went inside. He quickly washed the wood chips and such from his arms and changed into more acceptable clothing.

Just as he’d finished, he heard Adrian call him and he blinked, wondering what his master could possibly want. He made his way to him, bowing slightly, “What do you need, Master Adrian?”


______


Egeon stood straight, keeping his emotions well hidden as Duke Solinus made his decision. It seemed to take just about forever, as the faces stared at him with obvious scorn. If I wasn’t going to be sentenced to death, this might make for a slightly amusing period; arguing with these people would certainly offer some entertainment.

When the duke finally spoke again, he surprised the merchant and the emotion broke through the careful mask he wore. So the man wasn’t like the rest of them; he honored justice, if any truly existed. Even if it would cause him grief, which it certainly would with the state of their two countries.

“Thank you, sir,” he said, bowing slightly to show his newfound respect of the man. Even if he did die, he’d been given a chance. If not a chance to live, than one to say goodbye to his family.

The guards escorted him out and Egeon eyed the protestors. Disgust was written on their features, in their thoughtless words. One has to wonder how it really came to all of this.

When they were safely outside the City Hall, Egeon relaxed a bit, looking at the guards that had been assigned to him.

“Am I to know your names or am I to name you?” He asked, eyebrow raised and a crooked smile on his face to show that he meant no harm. Both the guards looked at him, then each other. The smaller of the two soon gave a forced smile.

“I’m Trey and this is Herald.” Egeon nodded.

“I know you don’t like this situation, so don’t try to feign it. I’m a Syracian dog, a likely spy no matter how many time I deny it, and that causes instant dislike.”

Herald cracked a grin, “Got us pinned down, eh?”

“Shut up, Herald,” Trey said, though the twitches on the corners of his mouth betrayed his own feelings on the merchant’s words.

Egeon smiled, pushing away the part of his mind that told him that he was most certainly not going to be alive in four days.

[Eldora]

"What took you so long?" Adrian asked, but didn't wait for an answer. "Neil, it's getting late and I've had no word of my wife. I need you to go find Paula and escort her home."

He walked over to a desk drawer and unlocked it with a key, then reached inside and grabbed a pouch that rattled as he handled it. He counted out a handful of coins and handed them to Niel. "Just in case you might need them. Always best to travel with money." Then he turned and locked the remaining coins back in the desk and returned the key to his pocket. Niel had proved himself trustworthy over the years, and besides the merchant could spare the few gold coins. "Don't dawdle though, come back as soon as you find her."


____________________

Paula of Ephesia had second thoughts about going to the port. Adrian was probably worried sick about her by now, and it was safer to travel by the main roads in the evenings. She was already half-way home, when she stopped suddenly. Now there is a curious sight, she thought. A man being escorted by guards. He has an odd look about him too.

As she observed him, their eyes met. There is definately something familiar about that man.

[Lacey]

Neil pocketed the money and nodded his head at Adrian, “I’ll bring her home as quickly as I can, sir.” He headed out the door, breathing in the wonderful air. His hand remained in his pocket, wary of any pickpockets or other unsavory characters. As Neil walked along, he scrutinized the area, so he would not miss sight of Mistress Paula. Dora had said something[I] about what she was doing, but had been vauge as she’d been sworn to secrecy on the matter.

[I]Where could she be? he wondered, then tried to imagine where he’d be if he were a woman. Nothing came to mind. That was a failed experience, he thought with a small smile. He started to wander where he knew she’d been often, hoping she wouldn’t have wandered off the main road. Then he saw her and went quietly up to her.

“Mistress Paula, Master Adrian is very worried about you,” he said, making the girl jump. She whirled around, staring at him in confusion.

“Pardon?” It was, in fact, Paula of Syracia, and not his Mistress. She stared at Neil in both fear and wonder; already she’d been found out. That couldn’t bode well for her future, as it was forbidden for Syracians to be in Ephesia.

“We are all quite worried about you,” Neil said with a smile, “Master Adrian especially. I’ve been told to fetch you straight away.”

Paula examined the man. He seemed genuine; as if he really had been looking for her for her own safety, but she couldn’t trust him. She couldn’t trust anyone here until she found her father.

“I’m afraid you’ve mistaken me for someone else, sir,” she said, taking a slight step backwards and preparing for flight.

Neil gave her a bewildered glance, “Please, Ms. Paula, it’s dangerous out here at night.”

“I can get by well enough on my own,” Paula said, a glint of fire in her eyes.

________


Lucien knocked on the door of his brothers’ house. He’d just come from the City Hall what he’d heard startled him a bit. [I]A Syracian in Ephesia…how both frightening and strange. Forgetting himself, he opened the door, abandoning common courtesy.

“Adrian, I have to tell you what went on today!” He was startled to see his brother in a half panic, pacing in the hall, “What is it, Adrian?”

________

Egeon froze, looking her over. Then with slightly uneven steps, he walked up to her, not ever breaking eye contact. Cleaing his throat, he bowed his head and stared at the sky. He could feel the looks Trey and Harold were giving him but paid them no heed.

“Wonderful evening, wouldn’t you say?”

With his eyes, he plead with Paula, his adoration for his daughter and worry practically screaming from them.

[Eldora]

"Oh Lucien, it's you! I had hoped it was Paula... She's gone missing and I sent Niel out to find her, but he hasn't returned yet. Oh brother, what if something has happened to them?" He stopped pacing and looked at his brother. "What news do you bring, though? It might possibly have something to do with this. Come, sit and tell me." He motioned toward the carved maple table and chairs of the dining room, and went to sit there himself.

In the kitchen, Dora kept to herself as she fixed a hearty dinner of roast and potatoes, but she listened intently to the conversation in the other room, worrying about her mistress and her husband.


____________________

Paula studied the man carefully. That look in his eyes... Did he know her? Was she supposed to know him? She couldn't think straight right now. "Yes," she said slowly, as if unsure of the word. "Yes, the stars will be bright tonight they say. Pardon me, sir, but might I ask where you are going? Perhaps I might tell you the best route there." She wondered about this strange man. He seemed dirty and shabby looking, but his eyes were bright. She also wondered about the guards. Perhaps he was the sort of rich eccentric that chose to appear poorly in order to fit in with the lower class. In any case, the thought persisted that she should know this man. Maybe she could invite him to dinner and learn his story. But then again, Adrian would be unhappy enough already without her bringing home a strange man.

[Lacey]

Lucien held back a gasp of surprise; Paula was missing? That would explain why Adrian was wearing a trench in the floor. “Nothing has happened to them, Adrian. Paula is smart, as is Neil. They’ll be home safely before you know it. Or, more likely, the same moment you know it.” He smiled and sat down.

“I was at the City Hall and watching the Duke do his job. Then this chap, in some of the dirtiest clothes I’ve ever seen, and Solinus says he’s…oh…what’s his name…starts with an e, I believe. Anyway, we find he’s from Syracia! As you can imagine, that went over quite badly.

“When Solinus reads that he’ll pay a fine or die, this man tells us he was chased by someone into Ephisia.”

He paused for a moment, recollecting the moment, “Then Duke Solinus gives this fellow three days to come up with the coin and no one is to touch him; he was even given guards to protect him.” Lucien shook his head.

“I really don’t know what to make of it. I know half of what they say about those Syracians is propaganda but still…”

_______


Egeon blinked, the best route there? My Paula wouldn’t know such a thing… “Truthfully, I don’t know where I’m going. I’m rather stranded here.” The two guards chuckled a bit over that and Egeon resisted the urge to shoot them a look.

“It’s rather dangerous out at night, is it not? Would you like an escort to wherever you are headed to?”

_______

Neil sighed, then started to plead, “Please, Mistress Paula, Master Adrian is in a panic. You must come at once!”

“I don’t know who you or this Adrian person is, but I really am not the one you’re looking for.” Paula started to turn but the glance of a small man watching their conversation. He grinned and started towards them. Her eyes started to glance around; like a trapped animal. Neil seemed relieved.

“Looks like she’s either not Miss Paula or she’s the wrong gel, Neil. Or she’s runnin’ away, which I doubt.” He turned to Paula, “Which is it, missy?”

“Missy?” she said, nearly laughing, “As I’ve said before, I’m not who he thinks I am! I was waiting for my servant to finish with some business of ours when he came and said I needed to come with him right away!”

“See, there, Neil. Besides, do you really think your mistress would go out dressed like that?”

“Excuse me?” Paula said, but the man ignored her.

Neil seemed to consider this, then sighed. “I suppose. Thank you, Master Pinch. If you see Paula, escort her home, please? For the sanity of Master Adrian’s sake?”

“Will do, Neil!” Pinch said, waving him off, he grinned at Paula, “You do realize that you look just like his Mistress, don’t you gel?”

“How would I know?” Paula looked around for Dora, “Thank you for helping me though.”

“As you’ve probably figured out, my name is Pinch.”

“Pleasure to meet you, sir.” She gave him smile when Dora started to walk up.

“Flirting already, Ma’am?” she asked with a grin. Paula gave her a firey look but said nothing.

“This is Dora, my servant. Dora, this is Pinch. Did you have any luck?” Dora shook her head and Paula sighed. Pinch cocked his head in curiosity.

“Do you have anywhere to stay, gels?”

“No, actually.” Dora said before Paula could get out a word. The latter sighed and Dora grinned.

“Then I invite you to my humble abode.”

The girls looked at each other.



(I have this instinct that I screwed something up royally. If/whatever I did, please tell me and I’ll fix it)

[Eldora]

(Not what I was expecting, but it works.)

He seems such a nice man, Paula thought, and he has nowhere to go. It would be wrong not to invite him to dinner. I'm sure Adrian will understand. "Thank you for the offer, sir. I would appreciate an escort. I'm afraid that I lost track of the time while I was out. I was just on my way back home. Dear me, everyone must be worried sick by now, especially poor Dora. She always fusses over me far too much." She laughed and whispered to Egeon. "I'm sure you know how servants can be sometimes."

"But where are my manners tonight? I haven't even introduced myself. I'm Paula Mercer, the wife of Adrian Mercer. And you would be...?"

As they rounded the street corner, Paula caught sight of Niel. "Oh, there's Niel now. I suppose he's come to fetch me. Niel! Niel, I'm over here!"


____________________

Adrian nodded. "You're right, Lucien. I'm sure thay will be home soon."

"Hmm." Adrian said, mulling over this news. "It is unlike the Duke to be so lenient. But then again Lucien, a few months ago I would have laughed at a thing like this. Syracia has never been our ally, but the war began only recently. So quickly everyone has forgotten the friends they once had there. That a man should be put to death for being born in the wrong place - it makes you wonder about the state of the world."

Just then Dora came into the dining room. "Supper is ready, sirs. I hope mistress and Niel get home before it gets cold."

[Lacey]

Egeon nearly sighed in his disappointment; this could not be his Paula. She was much too polite, for one thing. No matter what he or his wife did, they could not get the girl to wander out of her own stubbornness and act in a civilized manner.

At her words, his mood brightened a bit. Dora? That’s a strange coincidence. He laughed a bit, “Yes, they do know how to worry.”

When she’d introduced herself, he nearly passed out. Face white, he swallowed in an attempt to speak again. “Paula, did you say?” The words were virtually croaked out and he cleared his throat a few times. “I…uh…I’m called Egeon.” Trey cleared his throat and this time, Egeon did shoot a look to the grinning guard. Just then, this Neil person started towards them.

Neil had walked away completely full of confusion. She had the exact likeness of his Mistress, but obviously wasn’t. For one thing, Pinch had been right, she’d never wear what she’d been wearing and she was much more polite than the girl he’d just spoken to. He scratched his head with a great sigh. It was over now, though he had to find Paula all over again.

Suddenly, he heard his name and relief filled him as he saw his mistress waving. There was a man with two guards and that relief was immediately squashed. Is she hurt? Adrian will nearly die if she’s been harmed!

As he came closer, he examined her and was, for the moment, satisfied that she was okay.

“Mistress Paula!” He cried, “We’re all terribly worried! When you didn’t come home, we feared the worst. By now, Dora must have the supper ready. We must hurry so we can eat it while it’s still hot and while your husband still has some sanity left.”

Egeon smiled and some of the shock leaving him as he pushed away any hopeful thoughts. This was just a misunderstanding, it couldn’t be what he thought it was. That was an impossibility.

[Eldora]

Paula was surprised by Egeon's reaction, but before she could ask if he was alright, Niel had come up to greet them, taking her mind off of it. "As you can see I'm perfectly alright, and I'm terribly sorry. I just lost track of the time. These kind gentlemen were just escorting me home."

Turning back to Egeon and the guards she said, "Oh, you simply must come to dinner. It won't be so easy in a strange city to find a meal. I insist."

To Niel, she whispered, "I know Adrian won't be happy about it, but I can't leave them out in the cold like this with no place to go."

[Lacey]

Egeon and Neil both started at Paula’s request. After a moment, Egeon relaxed but Neil remained tense, examining Egeon with a careful eye. Who is he, Neil wondered, I don’t recognize him from anywhere. Does Mistress Paula know him?,

Neil leaned in to hear Paula’s word, his voice low so the other men could not hear him, “Pardon my forwardness, Mistress Paula, but you cannot bring home that has no place to go. Unfortunately, the house would be quite full.”

Egeon didn’t hear the comments but looked at the two guards. They seemed confused that this woman would ask him to her house. “Does she do this often?” he murmured. Shrugging, he felt like groaning, “You fellows are an excellent source of help.”

Harold grinned, “Of course we could always leave and let everyone have at you.”

“I’m perfectly fine, thank you very much,” Egeon growled, turning back to Paula.

“I wouldn’t want to impose, my dear lady, for I am a stranger. I doubt I would be welcome in your home. In fact, it would probably bring ridicule.”

_____________

“Would you like some more soup, Paula?” Pinch asked, a twinkle in his eye.

“Only if you’d like me to burst,” she said, suppressing a groan at the thought of more food. It was as if he was trying to stuff them before he cooked them. He would be able to consume them; that was sure. The man was a bottomless pit. His small stature gave an incredibly false impression.

“I’ll take some more, not that you asked,” Dora said. Paula sighed, if she wasn’t so fond of the servant, she would teach her some manners.

“Here ya go, miss,” Pinch said, grinning at Dora. The servant nodded her thank you and started eating the soup, careful to not slurp it.

"What exactly do you do, Pinch?" Paula asked, looking around the room. Vials, jars, and things written in what seemed like a foriegn language, but after closly scrutinized were actual words in the language Paula knew, were on ever surface except for the table they sat on now.

"I'm alchemist and such," Pinch shrugged and Paula looked at Dora, raising her eyebrows. That was unexpected, though he seemed to fit the bill.

"Interesting..." Paula said, trailing off as she watched as Dora grinned and took another spoonful of soup.

"And what of you gels?" he asked. Paula stiffened, unable to come up with something. Dora saved her.

"Miss Paula is the daughter of a merchant and we lost him." She said it with a shrug and Paula sighed in relief.

[Eldora]

Paula would have pressed the issue, but both men were right, and it would be unladylike to insist on a sort of thing like this. Still, she didn't feel right about just leaving the man empty-handed. "Very well then. It is late and I need to be getting home. But if you are looking for a decent place to stay, then go up the road a piece. Take the second road, and you will come to an inn with a grey roof. If they give you any trouble, mention my name. The owner there owes my husband a favor, and I'm sure he'll be happy to accomodate you gentlemen." With that, she took her leave and walked with Niel toward the house.


____________________

Adrian nearly jumped out of his chair when he heard a knock on the door. His worried expression instantly changed to one of relief when he saw his wife standing there. Then it changed again to anger as he scolded her. "Where in the world have you been all this time? You had us worried sick, you know."

Paula gave Adrian a hug. "I know dear, and I'm terribly sorry, but I had business in the city and I lost track of the time."

"Business? What sort of business?"

"Oh, nothing really," she smiled. "I just went to see the tailor about some new clothes." It was the truth, but she didn't have to say who they were for.

Adrian sighed. "Is that all? Couldn't it have waited?"

Paula smiled. "What would the people say about me if they saw me two days in a row wearing the same dress, hmm?" She kissed her husband on the cheek. "I'm sorry I made you worry, dear. it won't happen again."

"I swear, woman," Adrian laughed, shaking his head, "it seems as though you can spend money as quick as I can earn it. Now come and let's eat before the food gets cold."

[Lacey]

Lucien smiled, shaking his head at their conversation. It must be a gift of Paula’s to make Adrian’s moods change so rapidly. From desperate worry to deep relief to hot anger to the calmness that allowed one to laugh over simple things like dresses.

Neil also smiled but hurried to find Dora, forcing thoughts of the man from his head. He went to the kitchen and touched her shoulder gently. “Do you need help with anything, my dear?”

_______________________

Egeon thanked Paula and watched as she left with the man. Only when she turned the corner did he finally direct his gaze in a different direction. Confusion racked his head and he rubbed the back of his neck in some naive attempt to understand the encounter.

“That was…interesting,” Trey said, his voice filled with the same confusion. Egeon glanced back just in time to see Harold nodding in agreement. Rubbing his temples, Egeon sighed and gathered his scattered senses. She was Paula, but she wasn’t—

“But that’s…impossible…” he muttered as the thought came into his head. Both guards looked at him as if he were mad. She died…didn’t she?

“Eh?” Harold put eloquently. Trey laughed and Egeon ignored them both.

“Gentlemen, please. Do you know of which inn the lady was speaking of?”

Harold shrugged but Trey spoke up, “I do,”

“Please take me there.”

[Eldora]

Dora smiled pleasantly at her husband. She had heard them enter and was greatly relieved that they were both safely home. "No, I was just tidying up in here. Perhaps you should start a fire in the hearth, though. It's getting a bit chilly." Walking into the dining room, she served everyone's plates, and then sat down at her own place. She and Niel were lucky to be treated so well. Most servants, even those of higher class nobility, were not allowed to eat the same food as thier master, much less at the same table. It helped that she had been Paula's servant since they were children, but Master Adrian was notably generous.

"So what is the gossip about town today?" Adrian asked, making conversation. "Lucien told me about of man from Syracia who is condemned to die in three days. The duke allowed him that time to give him a chance to pay his debt and free himself. Can you believe that?"

"From Syracia, you say?" Paula asked. "What is he doing here in Ephesia? I find it hard to believe that the duke would just let such a man do as he pleases. He is likely to try and flee the country, or else go into hiding. There is no telling what a man like that is capable of."

"Well, from what I hear, he has two guards to keep an eye on him. He won't be able to sneeze without them knowing of it."

Paula stopped dead, her fork halfway to her mouth. Two guards... It couldn't be the man she had met earlier on the road, could it? "What was the man's name, do you recall?"

Adrian hadn't looked up from his food, so he didn't see her alarmed expression. "It was an odd name, foreign, but I can't quite remember. Lucien was the one who was there at the trial. Lucien, what was that man's name again?"

[Lacey]

Neil smiled, “As you say, my dear.” He left her side and went quickly to find wood. Gathering it in his arms, he brought it to the hearth. Placing the wood carefully, he put some especially dry wood where it could allow the other logs to catch easily. It took him several times, but he finally got what would make out into a roaring fire, given the time. Sitting at his place, he listened to the conversation.

Lucien thought back, trying to remember the name. Even the man’s features were distant in Lucien’s mind, though he was sure to recognize him if he saw the man on the street. Shaking his head, he sighed, “I apologize, I can’t quite recall the name. I do know it started with ‘Eg’ but beyond that, I’m in the dark.”

At the words, Neil froze. He’d had his suspicions at the mention of two guards, but this was really too much. Underneath the table, he clenched his fists to keep panic from his face.

------

Paula laughed once again at Pinch’s joke. As she’d relaxed, she’d found she enjoyed the company of the man. He had a quick wit and a sharp tongue, which made him a match for Dora. They hardly noticed Paula as they dueled. It kept her mind off of her father and for that, she was glad.

Soon, though, their insults faded and they started a discussion on his occupation. It took almost no time for Dora to start begging for a demonstration. With a grin, Pinch set to work. He started putting seemingly random ingredients together.

“What are you doing?” Dora asked.

“That’s a very good question, my dear. I was hoping you’d know.”

As Dora’s eyes widened, Paula sighed and rubbed her temples. It really was going to be a long night.

[Eldora]

Dora looked at Niel, then at Paula. Something was going on here. Had something happened while they were out? They both looked as if they had seen a ghost. Could it have something to do with that man from Syracia? It must, since they had seemed perfectly calm before he was mentioned. There was a long and somewhat uncomfortable pause. Whatever was going on, apparently neither of them wanted to speak of it to Master Adrian. So Dora decided to change the subject. "Lady Paula, next time you are out, I would very much like to go with you, if that is alright. We are getting a bit low on bread and vegetables."

Paula seemed to snap out of her daze. "Y-yes... That is, of course you may! You needn't ask. One can always use a second oppinion when out shopping. You save money that way."

To that, Adrian made a noise that sounded like "Hmph". He didn't buy it. If anything, when those girls got together, they wound up spending more money. Still, it was best if Paula wasn't out on her own, especially with some man from Syracia hanging about the port. "Alright, if you insist. But I expect you both to be on time for supper tomorrow. I don't particularly savor the taste of cold meat."

[Lacey]

Egeon sat on the cot, looking down at the floor as if it held the answers to all of his questions. He wondered if anyone knew the answers and was purposely holding them back from him as one sick joke. Stranger things had happened. Maybe. Or not.

“Well, Trey, you take first watch. I’m gonna get myself some shut eye.”

“Nothing can stop that, Harold, as you’ve proven before.” Trey said dryly, his friend grunting in return. Egeon wanted to smile, amused, but the expression would have felt alien. What exactly had happened here?

“Now, you,” Trey gestured at the merchant, “don’t get to thinkin’ about escape.”

Egeon held up his hands in mock surrender, “You don’t have to worry much about that. Even if I considered it, there’s no way I would leave the country alive.” Of course, I’m hoping to solve this mystery before I get executed.

-----

Neil blinked, recovering quickly at the sound of his wife’s voice. Then a pang of fear as she mentioned going out with that man on the loose. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from speaking. If Paula had wanted them to know that they’d probably met with the man, she would have. Not to mention that Adrian would probably not let his wife out with the news so his Mistress would not appreciate him in telling them.

Lucien smiled at Adrian’s words, taking another bite. The shock that had been in both Neil and Paula seemed to have disappeared so he wasn’t worried. Their reaction had spiked his curiosity, though, and he planned to ask around and get some information on this Syracian fellow.

“This meal is delicious, I must say. I have no doubt that it would still taste just as good, so you mustn’t worry my dear sister-in-law.” He gave Adrian a sly look.

[Eldora]

The meal over, Dora had taken up the dishes and had gone to the kitchen to wash them. Paula was certainly acting strangely. Whatever was going on though, she would get to the bottom of it tomorrow. Or at the very least, get the grocery shopping done.

"I'm a bit tired," Paula said as she pushed back from the table. "I believe I'll turn in early. Good-night all. And thank you for joining us, Lucien. It was a pleasure having you over."

"It's been a busy day for all of us," Adrian said, nodding. "Good-night dear."

Paula turned and headed up the stairs to her room. Once there she sat at her dresser and stared in the mirror as she brushed through her hair with an old heirloom brush made of silver and horse hair. "What a strange man..." She muttered to herself. He had been so mannerly though, not at all what she would have expected of a Syracian. And if he really was the same man, he was sentenced to die in three... no, two days now. What a world to live in! She was inclined to believe that he was in the right. Then again, what did she know? He was a stranger, and out begging for money at that. Yet the while they had been talking, he did not once mention the coins. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe he wasn't the man she had met today. But then, who was he?

Adrian walked with Lucien to the door. "It's all the better that the women will be out of the house tomorrow," he said to his brother so that only he could hear. "I have a favor to ask. If you're not busy tomorrow, I would like your help picking out a present for my wife for our aniversary. I just know she is planning something. I don't want to be outdone, but you know me brother, I am no good at this sort of thing." He laughed a bit. "What shall I get for the woman who has everything, as well as my heart and my wallet?"