Merlinne stepped quietly into her suite of rooms in Lost Virtue manor.Tygger met her at the door, mewling and purring his demands for attention. She picked him up and cradled him on her shoulder, gently nuzzling his fur. She didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with him recently.
She continued to stroke his soft orange fur as she made her way through the night darkened rooms to the sleeping chamber. Hugnir was already stretched out on the great darkwood bed, sleeping fitfully. She bit her lip and tears pricked her eyes as she looked at him. Yet another night she was unable to return to the suite they shared early enough to spend time with him.
Something had to change. Those she loved the most were suffering because she could not get away from her duties as Lady of the Manor or as a Mage of the Tower enough to spend time with them. Balah crawled out from under the bed and stretched before gliding over and wrapping her long feline body around Merlinne’s ankles. She sighed and left the sleeping chamber.
Yes. Something had to change. There were many new faces in the manor. Many new voices. And she had barely had time to meet them much less help them feel at home. Fortunately Nauloera had taken care of them. Shown them around, introduced them to the staff. Helped them to feel at home. The gentle priestess was even the one who had led them here.
She left her suite and made her way purposefully down the corridor to Nauloera’s room. A dim light glowed beneath the heavy wood door telling Merlinne that the Draenei was still awake. Perhaps reading or meditating. She knocked lightly on the door, hoping she wasn’t disturbing her.
Moments later the door opened and Nauloera’s face peeked around. She smiled brightly when she saw Merlinne standing there. “Lady Merlinne,” she said, opening the door further. “Please, be welcome.” She motioned the mage inside and offered her a chair.
Merlinne shook her head. “I shan’t bother you long, Nauloera. I have been doing a great deal of thinking lately. There is too much that weighs upon me. I am neglecting those I love. As the Lady of this Manor and a mage of the Arcane there are many things pulling me away from what should be most important. There are things going on in the Mage Tower that I am not at liberty to discuss with others but they are matters that I must assist with. I have tried to stay dedicated to this house as well and to those I love but there is simply too much for one person to bear.” She sighed and gripped her hands firmly in front of her.
“You have shown that you possess the skill, caring, and compassion necessary to lead this house. You have the heart and intuition towards others that is required to make it more than just a place to live, but to make it a home. A safe haven. For everyone from the lowest servant to the most powerful adventurer. That has always been my dream for this manor and I wish to leave the charge of that responsibility in the hands of someone who can give it the time and care necessary.”
With another sigh, Merlinne met and held Nauloera’s gaze. “I should like to hand over to you the title and responsibility of Lady of Lost Virtue Manor.”
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