Melodies of a Storm

Rosamund felt his head clearing as he exited the courtroom. The cool air outside was a blessing in disguise, as the reason for the chill swirled above him. The heavy clouds turned the sky nearly black. A wind was blowing from the sea, picking up leaves and little pieces of junk and dust. The storm was right upon them. He could feel the static in the air, but the weather was strangely calm. There was thunder rumbling in the distance, but there was no rain and lightning yet.

How strange.

His trip back home was delayed by Baron and Baroness Mayberry. The pair decided to unapologetically stick to Lilac on his way out of the courtroom, and for once in his life, Lily didn't respond in an overly abrasive manner. Probably because he was aware that the Baroness would return in kind.

Lady Ansatz and Lord Costansin were happy to see him again, and the pair very firmly refused to leave until he promised he will arrange a time for him to visit them. He managed to get away without saying when that will be, thankfully. In either case, he was happy to see them too. A couple of friendly faces was always a welcome sight.

It was getting late, so he packed everyone up into the carriage. He insisted that Ekliptik should join them inside, just to be safe. He didn't want the teenager to catch a cold when it started raining. His worries were unfounded and he realized why when they finally got home. There was a very clear glowing thread reaching from the roof of the manor into the dark skies. Teodolit was postponing the rain for them.

Rosamund couldn't help but stare in awe of it. The amount of power that man wielded was simply stunning. He was holding back a force of nature with a single thread of magic, for gods know how long until they got here. Once everybody was under the roof, he could feel something snap with his whole body. The rain started to fall as if someone decided to pour a bucket of water over the city.

Incredible.

Bluebell and several servants waited for them to take their coats and to hear the news. He let them know he was found not guilty and asked if Alberic was around.
"He decided to return to the Capital. If I may paraphrase, he said he doesn't plan to stick around and get stranded in another storm."
"Did he ask about or meet with Captain Vervain?" Rosamund asked.
"No, my lord."
"I see." He probably intended to first report to the Queen about the trial, and then begin his investigation. "And where is she?"
"She was pacing up and down around the foyer, unnerving the maids. I convinced her to go and wait for you in the library and sent her a cup of tea."
"Perfect, thank you. Nivelir, I believe I saw Teodolit on the roof when we arrived. Please see if he managed to get down safely before the rain."
"What?!"
Rosamund watched him rush off with amusement. Teodolit was an expert at distracting people from work. If the two spend the rest of the day together, that will certainly mean Nivelir won't have time to try to go to his office.

"Lilac, you are..."
"Off to work. Yes. I'll see you at dinner."
"Very good. And Ekliptik, you have the rest of the day free, too. Don't play around as a servant, I'd like you to take a proper break. You did a lot for me and you deserve it."
"Aight."

Satisfied, Rosamund gave Bluebell a nod and marched off to the library, not bothering to suppress a wide smile.

He walked in and closed the door behind him. Adanita was sitting on a couch by the window, reading a book by the light of a small oil lamp. An untouched cup of cold tea was futilely waiting on a coffee table in front of her. She looked up in alarm when he entered, but relaxed to see it was him. She could see he was in a good mood, he wasn't bothering trying to hide it, and yet she still looked worried. There really was no need...

"How did it go?" she asked instead of a greeting.
"I am happy to announce that Vice Admiral has been arrested again. He has been found guilty, and I innocent," he importantly told her. "It's over."

The worried look in her eyes melted away. She smiled brightly as the sun as he approached and took a seat next to her on the couch.
"You did it," she said.
"Of course I did. It's quite a shame you didn't get to see it. I was the cleverest and the sharpest man in the- oh."

She hugged him.

To his absolute shock, she hugged him and pulled him closer. His surprise didn't last long. He quietly laughed, gently hugging her back and closing his eyes. He'll allow it. "I told you there was nothing to worry about," he whispered, resting his head on her shoulder. She was so gentle and warm. Even now, she carried the scent of sea and sunlight...
"I still worried," she said. "I am happy that it went well. That you are safe."
This woman ordered a storm to wait for him to get home safe. He could feel his heart racing in his chest. She was such a comfortable and comforting person. He hated he caused her such distress. "I told you I would handle him, did I not?"
"Aye, you did. Tell me how it went."

She didn't need to let go so soon...

Rosamund needed a moment to collect himself before he could continue. He cleared his throat, focusing back on the conversation. Was he blushing? Gods, he hoped not. Thankfully, the light was dim- focus. "You should have been there," he repeated. "He was such a bumbling fool, I hardly even needed to say anything."
"Is that so? Then, perhaps I shouldn't be impressed by you," she said jokingly.
"Nonsense. Ask anyone who attended. I was brilliant and amazing."
"Hm. I find it hard to believe. I have seen you brilliant and I have seen you amazing, but never both at the time."
"Hah!"

With his ego somewhat taken down a notch, Rosamund started to tell her all that happened in the courtroom. Her eyes widened as he explained how Khamil riled up the crowd, and her shoulders only relaxed when he explained how he calmed them down. Everything was fine.

"Alberic is next, then?" she asked.
"Yes, unfortunately. That young man doesn't like me at all. He will come to investigate what the two of us have been up to- ah, yes, we were now publicly accused of being... involved. Hopefully I cleared out those rumors, but you never know. My invitation for you still stands, mind you, but I'd prefer if you managed to come unnoticed. I usually practice around eight until nine, it shouldn't raise suspicions if I play for you then."
"Would it not be even less suspicious if you simply played for more people?"
"Other people didn't gift me with jewellery. I am a very vain, pragmatic man. If you'd like a concert, you must pay the performers."
"Hah. I suppose I did break into your room once already. I don't see why I shouldn't do it twice."
"Breaking in implies a crime. Good thing I can pardon you whenever you need me to."
"Truly, being friends with a governor comes with many perks. I expect to hear some otherworldly music from you, you know?"
"If that is your request, then that is what I'll play. I have some other business to attend to now, so I will leave you. I hope to see you at dinner."
"Of course."

Hm. Perhaps he glossed over the issue too quickly. "Are you worried about the prince?" he asked her.
"Aye."
"I will keep you safe. I will handle him."
"Aye. I know you will."

He offered her another bright smile and she responded in kind. He noticed he was much more open around her, almost as much as he was around his family.

He didn't mind it at all.

Rosamund left her to her studies and went to work. Somehow he was feeling refreshed. A new wind in his sails, if you would. He still had a few administrative duties he left for today, after which he joined everybody for dinner.

And then finally, a bath. His back was already starting to hurt from spending so much time sitting and working. He should continue training his swordsmanship soon, it was a very efficient way to keep in shape. A nice relaxing bath helped for now, though. It was good. No, it was great. What could be cozier than being in a safe warm house on a cold, dark, stormy night? When he got up, he didn't dress in his nightwear just yet. He had other nice and comfortable clothes. He was warm and happy, and the rain outside was still pouring. It wasn't as loud anymore, the wind died down and the thunder was rumbling away far in the distance. He will be able to play in peace.

He combed his hair and tied it back before he took his violin out and tried out the sound.

"You tune it by the ear?" he heard a voice behind him.
"Yes. I've had it for long enough to be able to. My hearing isn't perfect, but it will be good enough." She was terrifyingly silent when she wanted to be, but he didn't jump when she'd sneak up to him anymore. He turned around, offering her a smile and waving the bow in the direction of a couch.

She smiled back and undid the belt that held her cutlasses. She put it down on the floor by her feet as she sat down. She crossed her arms and legs, looking up at him with mild amusement, waiting.

Rosamund finished tuning, more or less fine with how it sounded. Violin wasn't something he was great at. He was just fine, not much more. He didn't screech, but he was far from a virtuoso. It was just something he liked to do. Since it has been a while thanks to his injuries, he decided to warm up his fingers with a light practice melody from this world. It was simple and sweet and it worked well as a warmup. Adanita listened with a relaxed smile, not impressed yet but enjoying his company.

Well, now that he had warmed up, he had something to impress her with.

Vivaldi's Storm.

Rosamund took a deep breath. As a piece it was far from difficult for professionals, but he wasn't one. This was the hardest piece he could play, and the real problem was a necessity for perfect technique. Any little screech will instantly ruin the whole thing and he wanted it to be his best.

Thankfully he practiced the piece for decades.

Adanita flinched in surprise at the first notes. He grinned widely at her during the second of silence and continued. The melody flowed out of the violin like a violent flood. If only he had an orchestra with him, then she'd really see it for the masterpiece it was. Not that he didn't stun her with this. She was tightly gripping the armrest, staring at his fingers while they flew across the strings. The melody demanded a gentle touch and absolute confidence. He missed some notes, but continued onwards without stopping even for a moment. In music, if you make a mistake, you must keep going as if nothing happened. He reached the highest note of buildup before the beginning of the melody repeated. A lightning struck just outside, a flash illuminating the room and leaving only a silhouette of him as he continued to play. It made her blink, and the thunder accompanied him to the end of the melody. He held the final long note before relaxing and taking the violin off his shoulder.

She was still in awe of him, frozen in place.
"I will be hearing your compliments now," he said, doing a little twirl with the bow.
"Oh." She needed a moment. "Oh, I apologize. You stunned me. It was amazing!"
"People would usually clap, but I'll let it slide since you aren't here," he said jokingly. "Did you like it?"
"Of course! It was marvelous. You took me by surprise, but I really liked it."
"I'd play it for you again, but it is rather difficult with my skill. I don't know if you noticed that I made some mistakes while playing-"
"No, I didn't. It was beautiful. I'd like to hear it again, even if it's not tonight."
"Not tonight," he firmly decided. "But you may come in any time. I almost always practice in the evening. I don't normally want to play for other people. It's just something I like to do for myself. It calms me down."
"I'd like to come by again." It was said in such a quiet, heartfelt way. Rosamund felt warmth in his chest and he could see a bit of a soft blush on her cheeks. Such a sweet woman.

"You are always welcome. I wouldn't be able to play without you, you know."
"I... I see."

Did he say something wrong? "Are you alright?" he asked, taking a seat next to her.
"Aye. I am sorry. It's just that, it feels as if I find a new side to you every day, and each is even deeper and more beautiful than the last. You are overwhelming."

Oh.

What can you say to that? He really didn't know... He sat by her side in silence instead, waiting to see if she wanted to say anything else.

"I didn't sleep well last night," she said. "I must be tired. I apologize."
Oh... "I didn't know, I'm sorry. I don't want to keep you if you aren't feeling well-"
"No, no! I'd like to stay. Please let me listen some more."
"I wasn't going to throw you out, Captain," he assured her with a smile, placing his hand on hers. "If you get too tired, feel free to leave. You are free to come and go as you like."
"Well then. I'd like to be here."
"Of course. I will continue to play for you, then."

He let her go and went back to music, playing some lighter melodies this time. He could see her growing sleepier, so he switched seamlessly to playing her nocturnes, happy to practice any music he knew that would fit this scene. He was happy she would visit him like this. He started to deeply care about her somewhere along the way and wanted to show it in a way she could appreciate it. He was aware he was going to do quite a lot for the sake of her and her people, but that wasn't the only thing on his mind. She deserved something from him personally. She saved his life so many times now and he wanted her to know it meant something to him. Playing some music for her was the least he could do.

However, he couldn't play forever. Even with the gentler melodies, his fingers started to hurt after a while. He had been playing for perhaps an hour before he really couldn't continue anymore. It was too much for an amateur like him. Besides, he noticed it while playing, Adanita had fallen asleep quite some time ago. Her feet were up on the couch and she was leaning her head on the armrest. He thought that if he stopped playing, she would wake up, but she still didn't move.

He didn't want to disturb her. As quietly as he possibly could, he put the violin away in its case and wondered what to do with the sleeping pirate on his couch. Well, dimming the lights was a good start, and he managed to find a nice cozy blanket to cover her with. There was no need for her to catch a cold, sleeping like this.

She stirred in her sleep, getting more comfortable. She didn't wake up. Her breathing was deep and peaceful. He noticed she had dark circles under her eyes. She must've been under so much stress...

It hurt. He didn't want her to worry about things he could handle with such ease. He didn't want her to lose sleep because of him. He needed to find a way to reassure her whenever she fretted. She was under so much stress right now, what with the strange infernal influence on her, the traumatic death she experienced, and heading to an uncertain future. He wondered if he caused her pain. Perhaps there was some other little thing he could do for her. Actions spoke louder than words, right? But that would have to wait for another time. If he was able to provide her with some comfort now, then he would allow her to nap here for however long she needed. It was barely past nine anyway. He'd often stay up until midnight at least. He didn't mind. It wouldn't exactly be appropriate if he just went to bed anyway.

Besides, he had other things to work on. He put on a warm robe over his clothes and sat down on an armchair by the couch, flipping through his documents. He had a whole event to plan, after all.

The pitter-patter of the rain outside continued. He opened one of the windows at one point, letting in the fresh air. It cleared his head and kept him awake while he worked. He threw a glance to Adanita every now and then, to see if she was alright, but she didn't look cold. She slept for quite a while. It was almost a quarter until midnight by the time she opened her eyes.

"Oh, hello. Are you alright? Would you like a drink?" he asked.
"No, no. Oh gods, what time is it?" she asked, rubbing her face.
"Almost midnight."
She let out a sad whine. "I fell asleep. Gods, Rosamund, I am so, so sorry-"
"There is nothing to apologize for, Adanita. If anything, I am flattered. It means I didn't screech while I was playing, does it not?" She felt safe enough to fall asleep by his side. How could he be offended by that? If anything, he was happy. With how many times she protected him so far, making her feel as safe as he did in her presence was the least he could do.
"Hah. I suppose it does," she said.
"Let me get you a glass of water," he said, getting up. He had a few bottles of pure water in his cabinets. She looked like she could use some, groggy from waking up in the middle of the night.

She was already up, folding the blanket up. She put it over the couch and accepted the glass.

"Are you feeling better?"
"Mm... why aren't you sleeping yet?" she asked.
"I had some other work to do."
"Because I kept you up."
"No, because I am the Governor. Are you feeling better?" he asked again.
"Aye. I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for. I am always happy to have you here. Would you like to come by tomorrow, too?"
"Perhaps I could. Please don't go to sleep with a window open, by the by. It's making me anxious."
An assassin? In this weather? Well, he didn't mind. It was sweet of her to worry. "As you wish. Have a good night, Captain."

"Goodnight, Rosamund."