The winter solstice celebration created a sense of urgency in the House of Alarian. Servants rushed to cook, clean and serve their young master, whom still hadnât risen from his bedroom chambers. At the hint of a celebration, Luca knew better than to be seen by any of his servants, or guardsmen. Theyâd inform his mentor, Raul, who would seek his attendance and force his cooperation. It was still late in the afternoon, when Raul sent the guards to search for their missing master. Luca slipped past a group of guards and a handful of servants, his eyes planted on the exit. The wide double oak doors would move with a brief swiftness, but not enough to cause a disturbance. Perhaps the wind had sent the door ajar, but it wasnât enough movement to startle the servants into action. They continued to gossip about his disappearance in the entryway and the servants made their way to the kitchen. Raul rose a brow at the sight of the doors movement, but knew that the master wouldnât be foolish enough to risk such a maneuver. Guards lined the exits and entryways, so it would be almost impossible to escape. With that thought in mind, Raul listened and heard a loud crash at the southern exit. He cursed and moved with a hastened pace. Guardsmen abandoned their post and investigated the scene.
Feminine, petite in stature, Luca had the appearance of a young fragile noblewoman. He created the momentary distraction and watched as the house went into an uproar over the noise. His mentor Raul, would be on the constant hunt for him that afternoon and evening, only to find him in his office later that night. Heâd be furious with him, but this was not the first time he attempted a disappearing trick. His mentor knew that he despised public events, even if he had gained custody after his parents death, that didnât mean they would always see eye-to-eye. More like an uncle, Luca failed to come to terms with his parents death and the strain of his newfound responsibilities. The House of Alarin was known for producing mages, or sorcerers. Since he was the last of his fatherâs legacy, it was up to him to uphold the family reputation. The winter solstice wouldnât be performed without his presence, but he wanted to relax and feel a zest for life before he took on his responsibilities.
After he escaped the prying eyes of the guards and servants, he moved with a fierceness through the Caleria woods. As a frost elf, he could blend in with his scenery and dispel an aura of protection about himself. The forest animals reacted to his presence, which was a curse, rather than a blessing.
At the sound of the chopping wood, he knew he had come to Driftâs quaint hideaway. It amused him to see the man work, especially when he used that strength of his. His eyes drifted over the stature of the man and he realized he was no longer using his glamour to be hidden. Drift was familiar with Luca and his antics, but it wouldnât be long before the guardsmen came looking for him.
The scent of fresh baked cookies drew him closer to the entrance and he peered inside with a look of innocence.
âYou baked for me! How sweet of youâŠâ He commented and laced his words with honey. Luca had a habit of making himself at home, regardless of Driftâs indifferent attitude toward him. His feminine charm usually won people over, but Drift had been harder to reach. âSince Iâm here,you might as well entertain me..â Luca said with an arrogant tone and removed his cape with an articulated motion of his hand. It fell whimsically on the back of his chair and he swiped the dust, or debris off the seat before he sat down.
âDo I need to bring one of my best servants down here? I thought you were going to clean this place upâŠ.â Lucaâs ice-blue eyes narrowed with a critical gesture. Drift attempted to live well, but he didnât understand his desire for the woods. Nature always made everything seem so filthy. âOh, btw. You might want to put a glamour on this quaint home of yours. The guards are trying to drag me to that disgustingly boring celebration.â Luca explained and began to unbutton his dress shirt. The shirt felt like it was confining him, but he knew that Drift wouldnât mind.