RP:Andurla's Secret Home

Summary: Kelovath and Josleen buy a house that was once owned by Andurla. Hmmm….

Fort Freedom

It’s been a few days since Kelovath and Josleen arrived. Fort living doesn’t suit the dame, and she frequently explores the city, sometimes with Kelovath, but sometimes with Marcel when Kelovath is busy with council business. She never asks Marcel to accompany her; the boy volunteers. Despite the troubles that plague the city, it’s still a relatively peaceful few days. Hearty food, expensive lotions, fine silk dresses, all contribute to the rejuvenation of Josleen. Kelovath did not realize it, but she was a wilted flower the entire time he knew her. Now, bathed in luxury once more, her skin smooths and grows more supple, her hair becomes shinier and fuller, eyes brighter with health and happiness. Marcel has certainly noticed, and given what he saw at the camp, what he thinks happened in the carriage, and the form-fitting bodices of Josleen’s lovely dresses, it’s no wonder he insists on helping her get around the city (whenever Kelovath doesn’t need him). What Josleen hasn’t done yet is shop. She’s broke. Instead she’s looked for work at the tavern as a performer. No word yet on that. Although she hasn’t told Kelovath she is broke, she has told him she wants to perform again, and with each passing day grows more disappointed at not having received her ‘yes, you may perform, and get paid for it.’ Today just before lunch she waits in Kelovath’s room for him to return from whatever business he had to tend to. She flips through a small floral-print notebook, an address book, really, where she jots down things she needs to remember. Lately she’s been taking note of apartments and houses for rent or sale. She and Kelovath haven’t discussed moving out of the fort yet, but she’s itching to do so. The door to the room is open. Josleen sits at a desk. Marcel leans over her ostensibly to read her notes in the book and describes the various neighborhoods for her benefit. Be in truth, as good a lad as Marcel may be, he is still a pubescent boy and he cannot resist the occasional glance down Josleen’s dress. The bard is, surprisingly, oblivious. Her mind is elsewhere, dreaming of a home of her own. “What about the northern quadrant? Near the forest? Is it safe?”

Kelovath had enjoyed the time in Larket since returning. The amount of time spent with the council was surprising, but things needed to be done. And this was what he wanted. It was a step up from his previous life as the parson for the chapel and Larket’s people. Being on the council introduced a wide variety of issues and responsibilities that needed addressed. His experience of dealing with the needy came as a great value to his work now. At least, that’s how he saw it. The other council members seemed to be more worried about gold and how to always come out on top. Kelovath couldn’t be that selfish and always sought to help rather than take. When he wasn’t in an endless, yet civil, arguments with the council, his time was spent with Josleen. He did in fact notice her increased happiness and health. The paladin wouldn’t call living in Larket luxury, exactly, but it was definitely a step-up from the war camp. And seeing the change in Josleen showed how big of a step it really was. The man had fallen for war-time-Josleen and now she was luxury-peacetime-Josleen. How he managed to get so lucky, he’ll never know. With the most recent council meeting finished, Kelo returned to his room just as the word safe escaped passed Josleen’s lips. He waited a bit, wanting to hear Marcel’s reply. “Safer than before, yeah. The forest has calmed down, since the decrease in fermin activity. Although, from the last bit of information we’ve gathered, there have been more lycan spottings.” The young guard took another glance down Josleen’s dress. Kelovath wouldn’t have been able to see it, but he did speak shortly after Marcel took the risk. “Hey, Jos. Marcel.” The boy turned quickly and gave a rushed salute to Kelovath. It was returned, but his attention focused on Josleen. It truly was amazing the change in appearance that a few days could do. She looked lovely. “What are you two discussing?” Kelo looked a bit worn down, but his spirits were high.

Josleen smiles as soon as she hears Kelovath’s voice. She makes the most of her day when he is preoccupied, but she still craves the moments with him. New love, puppyish, he is everything. She rises to greet him with a quick peck on the lips, since Marcel is here. Were he not, the kiss would linger. “Different neighborhoods in the city. Are you free this afternoon? I was hoping we could look at places to live. I made a list.” She shows him the two-page list in her notebook. Each entry has short, descriptive information such as apartment, house, garden, sun room, parlor, etc. “Though we haven’t discussed… what type of place we want? House or apartment? Price range…” She eyes him carefully here. How is this being paid for? “Rent or…?” She can’t bring herself to say ‘buy’. It’s intense, rushed, too soon, but she’s at an age where she wants to nest. A home of her own. A dream.

Kelovath kissed her back and nodded after her first question. “I should be free. The majority of the other members have some personal matters to deal with.” The notebook is looked through with interest. A few of these places he recognizes and when Josleen mentioned price range, it was when he saw something that brought out a ‘hm’ from him. “This one is…” He’d seen it before, but it wasn’t a house he passed by frequently. It was familiar though. Looking up and to Marcel now, “Thank you for keeping her company, Marcel. Could you do me a favor? Check out Lucy’s Crossing and the bridge.” There was little need for any more detail. The council needed to see if the groups were growing. Marcel gave a more professional salute to Kelovath, a bow to Josleen, and left. “Food first?” He asked, eyes shifting back to the notebook and continuing to look it over. A few more places stood out, but the familiar one kept coming to the front of his mind. It bothered him, being unable to remember. If Jos needed to get ready, he’d use that time to change into something more comfortable for their walk around town. It was nice out. Why not walk?

Josleen waves goodbye to Marcel. Once the boy is gone she comments, “He’s a sweet boy. Food sounds nice. Where to?” All she has to do is slip on her shoes, reapply lipstick, and she’s ready to go. For the most part, the minority of people that suspect Kelovath of being a criminal is so low that no one bothers them. There is still some peace to be had here, so long as they avoid the crossing and bridge. En route to wherever Kelovath takes them, she says, “Darling, we haven’t really discussed the finances of all of this. It’s a bit uncomfortable to discuss. But... I was wondering if you had any ideas?”

Kelovath does at least change his shirt with the small amount time given. They leave their shared room and begin their way through the fort. It’s a large place, but easy enough to navigate. Once reaching the outside area, courtyard really, he shrugged at her question. “I have gold.” He motioned back toward the main part of the fort. “I had gold before becoming a council member. Not…A lot, I guess, but now…We’re good.” He’d never thought about what was considered a lot of gold before. His armor was made of the stuff, but over the years, he’d been given gold because of his healing ability. And then more when becoming a parson for Larket. Jacklin, in a way, was like him when it came to giving rather than taking. She paid well, but he didn’t work for the gold. He wanted to help. And he did, when able. But the money couldn’t be all given away, from what he was told once. Would upset some balance within the city. The complete understanding of that was lost shortly after being explained. The conversation now, about finding a place to live and how to handle the finances didn’t appear to be all that important to the paladin. It was covered, basically. “Oh! I know a place!” He became rather excited about whatever came to his mind just then. He’d lead Josleen further out of the fort, then head south. “There’s a nice bakery nearby.” From finances to food.

Nameless Street

Josleen pulls a face like his answer isn’t enough. He has gold? Yea, ok, enough for what? To rent? To buy? What’s the budget? Or is he saying he is secretly loaded? But because talking about money is uncomfortable, she doesn’t push the subject. Her expression should be enough to let him know his response isn’t enough. “Baked goods are a dream. All we had in the camp was the same old bread. Sometimes the couriers brought up cakelog from Xalious to boost morale, but it was always from The Destrier, which,” she smirks judgmentally. A true Xalious local, any cakelog that is store-bought is crap. Homemade is better. No exceptions.

Kelovath wanted to further explain, but he also wanted food. Thankfully, the bakery was closer than expected. Right around the corner, in fact. A mental note was made to familiarize himself with Larket and where everything was located. If the smell from the bakery wasn’t so strong, he probably wouldn’t have missed the place. Since they were so close, he elaborated some on the important topic. “They have some of the best sandwiches here. Their bread…You’ll see.” Before they reached the door to the bakery, he stopped to adjust his boot. He had to lean against the wall of the bakery for a moment. Legs were still weak. “Do you want to buy?” He fixed whatever the problem was and started to reach for the door, then laughed some. “A house, that is. I’ve got the food.” He waited for her response before opening the door, his free hand lifting and softly scratching at his head.

Kyla's Eatery

Josleen sniffs the sweet aroma of croissants in the air and smiles. Gods, it feels nice to return to normalcy. She leans over and kisses his arm wherever her lips land impulsively. Inside the bakery her eyes eat first, eating up all the choices and sweets. When he asks if she wants to buy a house, she looks up at him hesitantly. “Is that not too much? Too fast?” She shrugs, “I mean, I do, but I worry it’s… sudden?” She chooses a small table near the window with a view of the street. The waitress arrives promptly to take their drink order and she asks for sugary iced tea and water. Her attention quickly shifts back to Kelovath, waiting on his response with bated breath. Too much, too soon?

Kelovath followed Josleen to their table and ordered a water. It was obvious the man was thinking something over. Food or about the house. “It’s not too much, Jos.” It was a simple reply and maybe not enough. “I think we both need to return to…Normalcy. The fort isn’t…” The waitress arrived with their drinks and asked if they wanted anything to start off. The paladin would motion to Josleen, allowing her to order whatever she was craving. He’d share with her, so that would be good for now. With the order taken, Kelo continued. “We need a place for us. That’ll grow increasingly rare if we stay at the fort.” He thought about looking through the menu, but sated his hunger until Josleen gives her input.

Josleen opts for slightly spicy cheese balls in a flakey crust, baked and dressed in oil and herbs. Not the daintiest choice, but she’s still coming out of a war. She craves everything fatty and rich. When Kelovath says it is not too much to buy a house together, she flushes bright red and is overtaken by an emotion she cannot name, but it feels akin to anxiety, a happier version, a nervous thrill. Is this wise? “Darling, are you sure? It should be in your name them, just in case, should…” She can’t finish the sentence. The exit strategy is clear, but who wants to think of that now? It turns out the cheese balls are more like cheese wheels. The portions are generous. Josleen waits a little before serving herself to not seem too eager, but the way she eyes the dish betrays her gluttony. It’s a temporary thing, this post-war gluttony. It normally isn’t one of her sins.

Kelovath found himself excited by Josleen’s food order. He’d never had it before, so something new sounded amazing right now. And delicious, based on the description. The question of whether this was all happening too fast came to his mind, but he was sure of his decision. It’s what he wanted. The conversation started to turn sour, so he was thankful the food was brought out. A small plate was set beside the cheese wheels and Kelovath grabbed one. The food looked and smelled wonderful. If Josleen also grabbed the smaller plate, the paladin would do his best to get a not so overwhelming portion of the fried food and offer it to the woman. Manners were important. She would be served first. Then it was his turn. The portion started off larger than hers, but his utensil would not cooperate with the food. Half of it fell back onto the original plate and the other half barely managed to get onto his. He laughed, but would attempt to get the other half later. To answer her question in a round-about way, he asked, “Where would you like to start looking?” Then bit into his cheese wheel. It was hot. Not spicy. Just hot. He chewed carefully, which made it even more obvious that he should have waited longer for it to cool. It was delicious though.

Josleen also eats too quickly and does that hide-your-mouth-with-your-hand-and-blow-out-a-lot-to-cool-the-food thing. She chases the delicious spicy cheese with sugar tea. Such a change from rabbit stew and water. “There’s a few open houses this afternoon.” So the timing of her bringing this up isn’t coincidental, she’s been planning for it. “There’s a few apartments in a tenement building in the west, but…” She pulls a nose-wrinkling face, like a child smelling wine for the first time. Josleen wants a house. His certainty about this move helps ease her anxiety, but only a little. Is he sure of her, or is he simply refusing to think these things through? Failing to see the potential pitfalls? Once the cheeseballs are eaten and waitress asks if they’d like anything else, Josleen opts for a fancy, olive-heavy sandwich on a bread covered in seeds. Kelovath orders, or doesn’t, and she continues the conversation. “There’s a house near a tattoo parlor. It’s… eccentric… but charming. Small. And another house in the north near the forest. It has a lovely garden and a porch that wraps around two side of the house. Rather pricey though…” She tries to bring up budget again in a round-about way. She pulls out her notebook and reads out the asking price of both houses then reads his reaction.

Kelovath smiled when she mentioned the open houses. She planned ahead. He liked that. His head shook at the mention of the apartments. Crowded. Too many stairs. Still a lack of privacy. A sandwich is ordered as well, but it’s rather plain. A single meat, a veggie, light sauce, but the bread that was requested would probably be the most filling part. Toasted cibatta, buttered inside and out. The waitress is thanked, as always, and he listens to the selections Josleen was now talking about. The prices were mentioned and a shrug was given. “Not that pricey.” He again said this simply, with little emotion. The budget didn’t seem to be a problem, based on his reaction. “The one in the north…” He leaned forward some, looking at her notebook as best he could. “That one sounded familiar. I think we should start with that one. Kinda bugging me that I can’t recall it.” The food didn’t take long to arrive. They were set down in front of who ordered what. Kelovath shook his head when the waitress asked if anything else was needed. Jos would send her away, if that was all. “What do you think? North one first?” Excitement in his voice now. The sandwich was lifted and a bite was taken. Small, for now, in case a quick response would be needed.

Andurla's Second Home

Stop the tape. Did Josleen accidentally luck into not only a handsome, caring, selfless, strong man, but also a rich one? He doesn’t even bat an eye at the large house’s asking price. How is this real? Did she die in the war? Is this gorgeous house her heaven? She pinches herself under the table. Feels alive. She smiles too wide, shaking her head slightly in disbelief. He’s going on about something being familiar about the house, but she’s busy in her head pricing out the cost of a gazebo for the garden. He suggests the north one first and she laughs in disbelief. “You’re too much, babe.” She blows him a kiss across the table then digs into her sandwich. During lunch she talks about the house, all the things that make a house feel like a home. As they leave she buys icecream for the road. Hopefully this phase of eating everything in sight passes before she gets fat. (Let’s be real, she’s too vain to ever get fat.) The house is as Josleen described: breathtaking, traditional in the Larketian style, rough but handsome marble, and shuttered windows in stained orange wood. Two-stories, with a porch wrapping around the north and west of the house, forest-view. The south and east facing windows on the second story have balconies with wrought-iron railings, with city views. Josleen is beside herself, practically dancing in place as they tour the house arm in arm. One sitting room, a dining room, a kitchen, and a guest room on the first floor. Three bedrooms, closets, and an office on the second. In one of the spare bedrooms on the second floor there are two walls covered in fine, deep blue velvet from floor to ceiling, the floor is carpeted as well. It is the only carpeted room in the house. Josleen rushes to the velvety wall and looks over her shoulder at Kelovath with a huge grin like he’s supposed to understand the significance of this.

Kelovath wasn’t sure what she meant by being too much, but now that she was eating, he would take the opportunity to eat as well. His hunger got the best of him and his food was finished way before Josleen finished hers. There was a slight embarrassment in this, but surely there have been more embarrassing situations than eating too fast. He happily listened to her and what she was wanting to have in her home. Each idea was something he would enjoy, but his tastes were much simpler than hers. The details of certain things regarding a home were surprising to him, but it seemed like Josleen already had that covered. She was definitely a planner. Something he was growing to learn and love about her. He shared her ice cream like they were a couple of kids aimlessly walking where ever they wanted without a care in the world. When coming upon the house, it finally made sense why this home sounded so familiar. Before speaking about it, a tour happened and they were walking the house. One side of the paladin wanted to dislike this house and hoped Josleen would feel the same. Unfortunately, they both seemed to love every aspect about it. The grin from Josleen was mirrored by Kelovath, but his came because of her. Not the wall. She was happy here and obviously enjoyed whatever it was about that wall. “What?” He asked, laughing as his eyes locked onto Josleen. He approached the wall and ran his hand along it slowly. Interesting feel to it. “Feels nice.”

Josleen practically squeals as she explains, “It’s for music!” A little more calmly now: “It improves the acoustics of the room for perfecting one’s tone. It helps train the ear with a cleaner sound.” The irony that only a highly-trained ear would hear the difference in tone when music is played in a velvet room, or not. “Someone here played an instrument.” The sole window in the room overlooks the garden and has a view of where the city meets the forest. Someone catch Josleen for she looks ready to swoon. “Oh darling, it’s so lovely here.” The real estate agent notices Josleen’s fawning over the property and gets excited as he smells the fat profit he’ll make off of her--or more likely, whatever poor schmuck has to appease the little miss (poor Kelovath). The agent starts explaining how the marble was found in a vein of superior marble that these days is extinct, and the mason who did the artistic carvings in dining room ceiling was once commissioned by Queen Jacklin, and the carpet runner on the stairs (which comes with the house for free!) was woven in Rynvale by high elves. A real bargain! He then hurriedly leaves them to answer another couple’s questions, his rushed manner fabricated to give Josleen a sense of urgency. Buy now or the house could be gone tomorrow! She turns to Kelovath with a wide, excited, totally sold smile. The agent’s reading of Josleen isn’t wrong. “I don’t think I need to look at another house. Oh! Did you remember what it is about this house that was so familiar? Perhaps you saw it in a dream.”

Kelovath continued to paw at the velvet wall as the reasoning was explained. Not musically talented, but knowing that Josleen was, it’s almost like this house was built for them. The view was amazing, of course, and when the agent began listing off the ever growing custom makes for the house, the paladin knew why so many valuable works were made here. The agent left and his attention realigned on Josleen. The earlier realization about the house needed to be expressed. “Yeah. I remembered before we walked in.” The house was perfect. Exactly what they both wanted and the price wasn’t an issue. In fact, because of his knowledge about the previous owner, the price would more than likely be lowered. There was no public news about who owned this house and what happened to said person. Kelovath knew it all. “This was Andurla’s home. Second home, actually.” And if Josleen didn’t already think Kelo had gold, the fact that Andurla had –two- homes and was a council member pretty much solidified that. They were paid well. “I’ve been here once before. She was having…Marriage problems.” The man shrugged and sighed. “She got passed it, thankfully, but…” Well, they both knew what eventually happened to her. “Very few people knew she had this place. It’s so nice here.” A smile showed now, reinforcing his thoughts about the house. “Maybe…I think this is the house for us.” He was looking out the window now, admiring the garden below.

Josleen frowns when Kelovath mentions this was Andurla’s home. The frown turns to suspicion as he explains the circumstances of his visit. He was here, with Andurla, the second home, away from the husband, during marital strife. “...Were you and Andurla...romantically involved?”

Kelovath was surprised by the question. He turned from the window and brought his gaze back to Josleen. “Oh, no. Never. Back then, I aided the citizens of Larket, however they needed. Her husband knew nothing about the problems she was having. She was questioning. Doubtful. Her husband had been so wrapped up in the politics of Larket that she thought he was cheating. The biggest example of suspicion she had was debunked.” He laughed some, shaking his head. “She thought he was cheating one night, but he wasn’t. He was actually with me. We were visiting a family together, but I had arrived before him. Looked like he had walked into someone’s home by himself.” Again, he couldn’t help but to laugh. “It’s not funny, really, but given the circumstances, it was slightly amusing at the time. Thinking back, that was when Andurla and I became friends.” He smiled at the memory, then started to look around the room. “She sang, mostly. But dabbled with a few other instruments.” His eyes slowly examined the velvet walls, the single window, the floor, and then found their way back to Josleen. The entire time, he was smiling. “This is the one.”

Josleen isn’t fully convinced. Perhaps Kelovath speaks the truth, but something in the way he has mentioned Andurla in the past and now leads her to believe his affection for Andurla was more than just friendship. Perhaps Josleen is wrong, but the length of the explanation, the detail, only strengthens her suspicion. For the most part, she believes him when he says they never behaved in any romantic way. Still, she can’t help the jealousy she feels at this, irrational as it may be. Andurla is dead. Why does she feel this way? Josleen is jealous, it hits hot and sharp like lightning. It shows in the way she forces a smile, nods, in the way she pointedly comments in a sweet voice as if she’s telling him the weather or a recycled joke, “Maybe women who can sing are your type.” Suddenly a music stand in the corner crashes down of its own volition, clattering briefly against a low table before landing on the floor. Josleen jumps and gasp in surprise. There’s no obvious reason why the stand should have fallen over.

Kelovath saw the unease coming from Josleen, but didn’t understand it. Her tone was different as well, when she spoke. Before he’d get a chance to say something, the stand falls. He jumped and quickly shook his head in frustration. Hated being scared. It didn’t take long for the agent to come almost sprinting back into the room to check on the noise. The paladin turned, hearing the heavying breathing, “We’re fine. The music stand fell over.” The agent eyed the pair questioningly, wondering if they had any real interest in this place at all. “I’ll be back soon.” The agent replied, then lingered for a bit too long before leaving. Kelovath sighed and scratched at the scruff on his face. “Strange.” The music stand was given a look, but his attention switched to Josleen. “Um.” He had sorta forgotten what they were talking about. Stepping toward the bard, he spoke again. “Aside from the broken stand, do you think this place is it? Or…?” Looking at the other option today could still happen. There was enough time, but if they both loved this place as much as they claim, why look elsewhere? Still, the decision would be up to Josleen.

Josleen also doesn’t believe Kelovath forgot what they were just discussing, but agrees it’s better to move on. She’s being irrational about Andurla anyway; she knows. Still, whether justified or not, emotions make themselves felt. He asks if this is the place. It certainly feels like it is. Her fingers slips through his as she walks out onto the hallway, leans against the railing, and looks down to the first floor’s courtyard. The future she and Kelovath could have in this place brings her happiness. The dream is powerful enough to exorcise ghosts and the jealousies they inspire. Notably, she doesn’t ask about the pipes, foundation, chimney, the salt and earth questions that make a house shelter. She focuses on the home. “Yes, this is the place,” she says as she turns back to face him. They find the real estate agent in the kitchen. He tries to saddle them with the full price, shaves off a tiny sum, says they’re getting a bargain, sells them the dream. The agent focuses his sales pitch on Josleen, going on about the south facing bay windows, the original tiles in the garden, the stones in the walkway imported from Craughmoyle. He makes Josleen feel like a Queen so that she’ll in turn persuade Kelovath to spend like a king, but Josleen doesn’t say anything about the price yet. She defers to Kelovath.

Joslo's Home

Kelovath watched the bard as she walked by him and to the railing. His hand squeezed hers softly as she moved passed. His eyes lingered on her and a second or two before she spoke, he started to move closer to her. She agreed that this was the house. He grinned, walked up to her, and kissed her slowly. They went down the stairs together and found the agent. The paladin allowed the entire sales pitch to be told before saying anything. He knew the agent was directing it all to Josleen and at that, he could only smile. Kelo had a trump card and the small amount that was taken off of the total wouldn’t be enough. He had the gold, but this is the fun part of house buying. Haggling. And knowing you have the upper hand makes this all the better. When the pitch to Josleen was over, it was now Kelovath’s turn. “The house is wonderful, Jarrod. You know that. We know that. But, what most people do not know, is who previously owned this house.” Jarrod’s expression weakened and he knew something was off. Kelo continued, seeing the diminishing look. “This used to be Andurla’s home. Second home.” He paused a moment, allowing the information to click with the agent. “I’ve lived in Larket long enough to know that when a rumor gets started, it doesn’t take long to spread like wildfire. Rumor or not, do you think it may have been possible that Andurla hid this house from her husband? Or maybe she brought people she wanted to hide from her husband? I suppose it’s also possible she just needed a place to get away from it all.” He shrugged casually, like anything could happen. “Andurla was a great woman and I doubt this was a place of sin. Give us a -good- deal, Jarrod.” Now, the agent didn’t believe that Kelovath would ever spread rumors around Larket. He’d heard of the parson of Larket, but also knew that many people came to the paladin to share secrets. Not for rumors, but because Kelo was a trust worthy person. What Jarrod did believe, was that since Josleen now had this information, it was more likely she could spread the rumors instead. The agent gave her a once over, organized his thoughts, and then gave a number that would get Josleen and Kelovath the house. That number was significantly less than even the previously lowered price. Kelovath accepted the number and shook Jarrod’s hand. “Good man.” He spoke with a sly smile, knowing he’d won the day. Jarrod mentioned meeting up soon and figuring out the paperwork, and then went into a different room of the house, probably to collect anything that was his for the open house. The paladin turned to Josleen, the sly smile turning softer and warmer. “We have a house, Jos.”