Chương 84: Accommodating accommodations

Vera and Serel both accompanied Elaria as they were guided through the halls of the Ashfast, taking in all the sights it had to offer, beginning with the training facilities and the various amenities it seemed to pride itself on.

Evidently constructed as a fortress first and foremost, it wasn't exactly lavish when it came to furnishings and decor, but the architecture had its own charm—austere as it was—and the sheer novelty of a keep half-built inside a mountain cavern was striking enough that Vera found herself continuously intrigued.

Serel was unabashedly excited throughout it all, even if the girl kept oscillating between openly gawking like a starstruck tourist and drawing closer to Vera whenever they passed servants or guards moving about the estate. Nothing could suppress her anticipation as they were led to the eastern wing, though, where renovations were underway for the sole purpose of housing her and Vera. Vera wasn't quite sure what she'd expected.

She didn't even know when Elaria had first contacted her people and asked them to begin the renovations, but at most, they would have had a week or so to prepare and make adjustments. In that time, Vera had assumed they might manage to swap out some furnishings and bring in new furniture. What she found was that they'd managed more than that. Honestly, they'd managed too much.

The entire eastern wing stretched as a long corridor of near-ebony stone set within its own separate recess carved deep into the mountain, connected to the rest of the Ashfast by a narrow stone walkway lined with emberfires that cast flickering light along the path like something out of a dark fairy tale. In contrast to its more foreboding exterior, the entry hall opened into a spacious chamber bathed in warm light and adorned with half a dozen massive paintings of different dragons.

The moment they stepped inside, the sight had Serel emitting a strange, silent squeal that sounded to Vera like a cross between a baby seal and a kettle on the verge of boiling over. From there, the rest of the wing was much the same. Some sections were clearly unfinished, but whenever they turned a corner or glanced into a room, Vera would spot at least one dragon-themed ornament that practically screamed it had been placed there solely for Serel's sake.

More paintings, carved busts, embroidered tapestries, even dragon-shaped candleholders. Did Elaria even understand the concept of restraint? Had the woman simply told her people to buy every dragon-related trinket in Caer Virell they could find? It was starting to feel like a genuine possibility. As rare as true dragons were in this world, Vera would be surprised if there were any that hadn't been depicted here in some form. It made her wonder whether Elaria was overestimating Serel's fascination with dragons.

The girl was acting awestruck now, drinking in every detail, but there was such a thing as too much of a good thing. What if Serel's enthusiasm dulled after a few days of living here? Would Elaria be disappointed when that happened? Would she just switch things up? That said, it was difficult not to find Serel's initial reactions endearing—the barrage of questions she fired at nearly every dragon they passed, asking its name, its size, whether it was still alive.

At first, she directed them at both Vera and Elaria, though they gradually shifted toward the latter when Vera failed to answer some of them. On the few occasions when even Elaria didn't know, Bernhard—who was guiding them—would step in with a patient explanation.

They were shown a training chamber outfitted with reinforced targets and practice dummies, as well as Serel's room, which was impressively similar to her quarters in Sablewatch Hollow, before they were finally led to the section Bernhard stated had been prepared specifically for Vera. Vera slowed when they turned the corner from Serel's room and the entire atmosphere of the corridor shifted. Gone were the dragon motifs and fortress austerity.

In their place stood ink-black plinths bearing statues of inverted crowns and fallen beasts, pale candles hanging ominously from wrought-iron sconces shaped like still hands, and banners embroidered with the sigil of House Hollow darkening the stone walls. Compared to the rest of the wing—dragon excess aside—it looked markedly more dramatic and grandiose. Not too unlike the chambers Vera had 'curated' herself back in Sablewatch Hollow.

When she was led into what was ostensibly her room, she found it similarly styled, complete with black silk bedding and everything.

"You seriously had all of this prepared just for me?" Vera asked, staring at the bed… and the pile of 'plushies' resting atop it. They weren't the same as the ones she had back home—most resembled handmade dolls and stuffed animals rather than the immaculate creations she'd somehow carried over from the game—but it was still much, much more than she thought would have been recreated.

It was also slightly embarrassing, but her surprise at Elaria going to the trouble of reproducing this within her own home outweighed that. Elaria surveyed the room with an impassive expression.

"Yes. I understand that it does not perfectly replicate your… aesthetic, but I conveyed what I could through Ashmark when I instructed my people to prepare your accommodations."

"I would've been fine with just a normal room," Vera said. Elaria glanced at her, frowning faintly.

"I see."

"Mommy, it's Howlie!" Serel exclaimed, having rushed to the bed and picked up a knitted plush of a silver wolf. Vera turned, feigning a gasp and covering her mouth.

"Wow. He's gotten so small. It'll be hard to ride him if he's only that big now." Serel looked at her like she was being silly.

"It's not actually him." Vera blinked in exaggerated confusion.

"What? That can't be. It looks exactly like him." The girl just shook her head, turning the plush in her hands.

"Howlie's eyes aren't blue. And he's more gray and black," she explained patiently. Vera couldn't help smiling. Serel probably understood that Vera didn't really think it was Howl, yet it seemed completely natural for the girl to correct her like that. It was an interesting quirk in how Serel viewed things that never failed to amuse Vera. Maybe it was simply how most children were.

After being shown the remainder of the completed renovations in the eastern wing, they were led to a spacious dining hall where a full meal had already been prepared and laid out for them. Vera noticed Serel casting several uncertain glances at the servants as they brought in additional dishes, and she couldn't blame her. They were used to having only Caldrin cook and tend to their needs. Having this many strangers moving around felt strange—almost intrusive. They'd adapt eventually, she was sure.

Still, she doubted she would ever prefer this over the quiet simplicity of being on their own. As they ate, Vera made light conversation with Serel about the things she wanted to see and do in Caer Virell, while Elaria spoke with Andrin about matters that had arisen during her absence. The adjutant would return to his own quarters in Flamehold Virell before nightfall. By the time dinner concluded, Serel was still brimming with excitement, but signs of the late hour were showing.

After a brief negotiation—during which Vera assured her they would have plenty of time the next day to explore properly—Serel reluctantly agreed to turn in. Both Vera and Elaria accompanied her to her new room, where the girl spent a little too long rummaging through wardrobes, drawers, and bookshelves in search of hidden surprises before finally climbing into bed. Even with Vera present, it took her longer than usual to fall asleep.

It might have been because of the unfamiliar surroundings, though Vera suspected that the carved figure of a dragon hanging above the bed also played a part. Eventually, though, the girl's eyes drifted shut, and her breathing evened into a steady rhythm as Vera and Elaria slipped quietly out of the room. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Vera lingered in the doorway for several seconds, watching the small shape curled beneath the blankets before gently closing the door and stepping back into the corridor beside Elaria. The woman regarded her with an unreadable expression.

"What?" Vera asked. Elaria folded her arms. She had changed out of her armor and now wore a light tunic that left much of her toned arms exposed, though Vera deliberately kept her gaze level.

"Would you have preferred if I had placed yours and Serel's rooms together?"

"Together?" Vera glanced back at the closed door, then down the corridor toward her own room around the corner. She shook her head.

"No. This is fine. It's good that Serel isn't too dependent when it comes to sleeping alone."

"So it is merely to ensure she doesn't grow reliant on you that you keep the rooms separate?"

"I don't know if I'd say 'merely,' but sure. Why?" Elaria's eyes stayed on her for another few seconds.

"No reason." She turned and began walking down the corridor. Vera followed, and their conversation shifted to the following day's plans.

"By the way," Vera said, "do you think you could watch Serel on your own for a while tomorrow?" Elaria glanced sideways at her.

"I can. What do you intend to do?" Vera hesitated for a few steps.

"You're familiar with Last Hearth, right?" she asked, probing for a reaction. Elaria's brow furrowed slightly.

"That was the name of the… club you and Halstrad formed, was it not?"

"Club…?" Vera scoffed.

"We were a guild. Not a club."

"A guild would imply a formal charter and recognized standing," Elaria replied.

"It always struck me as curious that you styled yourselves as one when your activities more closely resembled those of a mercenary band." Vera opened her mouth, then closed it. She couldn't argue. The way guilds were understood in Ashen Legacy clearly differed from how they were structured here. None of the guilds she had encountered in Marrowfen resembled the player-run organizations she was used to. Those had been structured institutions organized around specific trades or crafts. She cleared her throat.

"Don't blame me. Cin was the one who picked the name."

"Cin? You mean CinderCtrl?"

"…Yes." Vera eyed her.

"You don't think that name's a little strange?" Elaria gave her a flat look.

"It is."

"And?"

"And what?"

"…Never mind." She was curious about what people thought the meaning or origins of that name were, but she'd wait until she had at least visited the guild base to ask anyone about that. They continued discussing the next day's arrangements until Elaria abruptly stopped outside a heavy wooden door reinforced with iron bands. This section of the eastern wing lacked the dragon embellishments entirely, which likely meant it had not yet been renovated. It was clean, but there were signs of wear on the door.

"What is it? Something wrong?" Vera asked. Elaria's gaze lingered on the door a moment longer before she turned back to her.

"Nothing." Vera studied the door, then the carefully neutral expression on Elaria's face.

"Do you mind if I ask something?"

"I do not."

"This place was sealed off before, wasn't it? Why? What was it used for?"

"These were the former quarters of the Caelis Ashwards."

"Oh." Vera fell silent.

"Right. Of course. So these would be the rooms of your…"

"Of the people I personally killed, yes," Elaria said in a tone almost entirely devoid of emotion. She gestured toward the door.

"This was the office of my birth mother." Vera looked at it again.

"…And you're fine with that, then?"

"With what?"

"Repurposing their rooms."

"I am. What prevented me from using them before was not sentiment, but the simple absence of necessity. I had no need of these spaces until now." Vera's lips pressed into a thin line. Elaria watched her closely.

"They are only rooms, Mournvale."

"I didn't say they weren't."

"You looked as though you felt otherwise."

"I didn't. I was just thinking."

"About what?"

"…Just personal family stuff." Vera shrugged.

"Anyway. Changing the subject—you said we'd go over our ground rules once we were in Caer Virell. Well, we're here." She spread her hands lightly.

"So, how about it?" Elaria considered her, then exhaled quietly.

"Come with me." They made their way to a room Bernhard had pointed out earlier—a private study within the renovated wing. Mistbark shelves lined the walls, streaks of gray running through them, already stocked with ledgers and bound volumes. A simple but solid desk stood at the far end, flanked by two high-backed chairs. Elaria moved behind the desk and sat, motioning for Vera to take the seat opposite.

Vera did, glancing around once before focusing on the sheet of parchment Elaria withdrew from a drawer along with a metal dip pen. Without looking up, Elaria began to write. The scratching of metal against parchment filled the room for several long moments. She wrote in measured strokes, each line distinct and clearly its own delineated statement rather than some rambling thought. Vera watched as she finished what appeared to be the final line, paused for several additional seconds, then added one more beneath it.

Elaria set the pen aside and turned the parchment for Vera to read. Vera leaned forward—and blinked. The handwriting was unexpectedly elegant. Clean, fluid, and graceful. She had anticipated something rigid and angular, but this was the opposite of that. In comparison, her own writing barely looked legible. For a fleeting second, she thought Elaria might possess an aptitude for drawing with that kind of steady control, but she pushed the thought aside and focused on the contents of the page.

She presumed these were Elaria's 'ground rules.' There were a whole lot more of them than she had thought up herself, but somehow that didn't surprise her. This was Elaria, after all. Vera read through them carefully, nodding to herself. Many were about what she would have expected. Not exactly unreasonable. Vera was to work to ensure Serel maintained a consistent sleep schedule unless circumstances genuinely prevented it. Public matters concerning Serel's lineage would be addressed jointly.

Neither of them would vanish for extended periods without informing the other. Serel would not be introduced to high-Seal Marks without mutual agreement. She did huff quietly when she reached the clause stipulating that she was to take all reasonable precautions to avoid exposing Serel to undue danger without Elaria's knowledge, but didn't comment. The overall tone of the rules was dry.

Vera didn't necessarily disagree with any of them, even if some felt a bit pointed and overly cautious about how reckless she might be with Serel involved, but she found she didn't mind too much. If anything, the strict structure reassured her. It made her feel like she knew exactly where she stood with Elaria. What the woman valued and what she feared.

That made it easier to believe they might actually manage to make this whole co-parenting thing work—regardless of what shape their own relationship took moving forward. It wasn't until she reached the final line that she stopped. She read it again, eyes tracing the ink carefully to ensure she hadn't misinterpreted it, then looked up to meet Elaria's steady gaze.

"You want me to teach you how to be a good mother?"

"Yes."

"You're serious?"

"I would not have written it otherwise."

"…How exactly am I supposed to do that?"

"I will learn what I can by observing you," Elaria replied, "but I would value it if you could point out where I fall short and advise me on how to improve. I believe it is in Serel's best interest. If you feel such guidance places you at a disadvantage, I can offer compensation."

"No, that's not what I meant." Vera lifted a hand, shaking her head.

"What makes you think I'm the right person to ask?" She tapped the parchment lightly.

"Half of these conditions read like they're written for someone you're bracing to be a terrible parent. The kind who'd leave their child unattended by the roadside while they ran off to buy a pack of smokes."

"I'm not certain what a pack of 'smokes' is," Elaria said, "but regardless, I think you are precisely the person to ask." She held Vera's gaze.

"You can be impulsive and irresponsible in many respects. However, it is evident to anyone who observes you with Serel that you fulfill the role of her mother with ease." Her expression softened just slightly. Her voice followed, losing its usual edge.

"It is something I have always genuinely admired about you, Vera. The way you instinctively read people, understand them, and respond without hesitation. I have never seen that quality more clearly displayed than in your interactions with our daughter. I may lack experience in such matters, but as someone who never received that kind of care, it is obvious to me that you are a good mother." She paused briefly.

"The fact that you appear unaware of this is… surprising. I have mentioned this before." Heat crept across her face before Vera could stop it, and she found herself looking away.

"That's… ah." She scratched the back of her head.

"Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for stating my assessment or opinion."

"No. I do." Vera's voice lowered slightly.

"It actually means a lot that you think that. I thought you…" She stopped herself.

"Never mind." An extended silence settled between them. Eventually, Vera cleared her throat and looked back at the parchment.

"So. These are all of them?"

"They are," Elaria said.

"No hidden addendums? You sure you don't want to add another few dozen? You know, while you're at it?"

"I am satisfied with this number." Vera smiled.

"How restrained of you." The woman gave her a long, even look.

"You may write yours." She took out another piece of parchment. Vera hesitated.

"About that…" She leaned back slightly.

"I think you'll have to give me a little time. I may need to reconsider a few of them." Elaria's brow drew together faintly.

"Reconsider?"

"Yeah." Vera glanced at the final line again before looking back up.

"I'm not going to lie, that last one was a bit of a curveball. It just made me realize that some of my assumptions might have been wrong. I promise I'll get back to you as quickly as possible." Elaria studied her for several seconds, then gave a small nod.

"Very well. Then I will wait with bated breath."