The dragon spoke at length, beginning with the moment he and Gizel had last seen each other. Darius listened to his student, trying to add something from time to time. However, he could not bring himself to talk about the dangers Draco had encountered in Enpine and Solvein. The boy also did not pay much attention to them, dismissing them with a mere mention. It seemed that the conversation itself brought him pleasure. Bleist had noticed before that the dragon became very animated when talking to others, especially him and Gizel, telling them about his training, interesting things he had seen, or everyday life in general. Then there was a sparkle and enthusiasm in his eyes, but when Draco happened to stray into topics related to his past in Dagos, he began to speak in a monotonous, emotionless tone, as if he were talking about something he had read in a not very exciting book. This was disturbing to Darius, but he hoped that the dragon would slowly begin to open up more on this issue and then he would be able to help him deal with his past.
'I'm sorry, Gizel, I've been talking about myself the whole time and haven't asked how you're feeling.' Draco only realised this when tea and shortbread biscuits were placed on the table. The dragon made a contrite face, which made the elf giggle.
'Don't worry, listening to you talk was really interesting.' She smiled broadly. 'As you can see, everything is fine with me. Thank you for your concern.' She gracefully took a sip of tea. 'After that, let's call it an unfortunate incident, I had to think about some things. I admit it took me a while, but I've recovered.' Something flashed in the elf's eyes when relief appeared on the dragon's face. 'Unfortunately, before I had a chance to visit you, important matters in my estates and in Asati called me away.'
'I hope nothing serious happened.' Draco almost unconsciously reached for more chocolate biscuits.
'Just a bit of panic and attempts to make a career out of it.' Her pearly laughter was so convincing that even Darius almost believed it.
Bleist knew very well that this was not true. There was much more going on than Gizel was willing to admit. According to recently obtained information, the ongoing negotiations between Tsar Peter and King Tzeren, despite Wolczar's manipulation, were slowly coming to an end. Given the level of interest from other powers, they had to reach an agreement. Marshal Zilven personally mediated, pressing for an end to the conflict, King Razenford wanted to gain time to equip new troops, the warlord of the grey orcs, Dar'vath Iss'qett, sent envoys to both St. Petersburg and Mortis, threatening intervention if foreign troops approached his borders, and Emperor Kangxi made it increasingly clear that his tolerance was coming to an end. Everything pointed to a ceasefire in the east. For most, this was good news. The only ones who saw this as a source of new trouble were the elves.
Asati had already concentrated a large part of its military forces in South America to maintain the conquered territories. The Taluvien army did not wage open warfare, but rather focused on guerrilla attacks, raids on less guarded outposts, and small skirmishes. Since their last major defeat, they had not attempted to engage the elves in open battle. As a result, the army was tied up in scattered locations and unable to conduct a classic offensive. The involvement of soldiers and logistics in these activities meant that the troops in the Old Continent were operating at reduced strength.
Asati's intelligence probably picked up rumours from Rekserbreg and Petersburg about plans to expand their sphere of influence in Europe as soon as the ceasefire with Mortis was signed. This would not be the first time that after one war, they were preparing for another in a slightly different place. For the elves, this would mean having to fight on two continents at the same time, which would not bode well.
Darius assumed that this was the reason for summoning Gizel to the elven capital. The Council of Nobles must have been in session. They had a tough nut to crack. On the one hand, they had to reinforce their already severely depleted contingent in Amazonia, and on the other, they had to move troops to the eastern border, to Central Europe, in preparation for the impending conflict. They lacked both soldiers and equipment.
Bleist had not yet heard anything about the results of the deliberations or the decisions made, but he could predict a few things. First, the elves would probably try to hire a large force of dragon mercenaries and send them to both fronts. Secondly, they would have to come to terms with the prospect of a large-scale recruitment drive, and training and equipping such a large number of soldiers would not be cheap. The next step would be to restore the forts and other fortifications on the border with the vampires and build new ones. However, this all boiled down to one thing: they would need a great deal of gold. The last thing that quickly came to Bleist's mind was to ask their allies for support, but it was difficult to say who, given the current political situation, would decide to send their own troops to the threatened area.
'What about your exams?'
Darius realised that he had become completely lost in his thoughts and had tuned out of the conversation.
'The written and shooting tests were fine.' The dragon seemed reluctant to boast about his results, especially the latter test. 'Yesterday... There was an accident, and the practical magic exam and the second combat exam have been postponed until tomorrow.'
'You already mentioned that something happened, but I can't imagine what could cause such a delay in Solvein.' Gizel glanced at Bleist.
'It's hard to say.' Draco just shrugged. 'There was a fog inside the barrier, some kind of electrical discharge.' He shook his head. 'Then something howled, and after the third time, I lost consciousness. When I came to, the priestess said that whatever happened caused a powerful magical shock to everyone nearby. That's why the rest of the exams were postponed.'
'Are you all right?' The concern in the elf's voice sounded a little strange, because Darius rarely had the opportunity to hear it.
'Yes, everything's fine.' Draco smiled broadly. 'Even Doctor Herpetes said I was unharmed.'
'That's good.' The sidelong glance said more than enough to Bleist. The elf would ask many questions, demanding even more answers. Answers he didn't know. As soon as he heard the news of what had happened, he rushed home without even trying to find out anything. In any case, getting even the slightest bit of information out of Solvein's employees was extremely difficult. Unless he talked to Duke von Konlah, but he hadn't seen him since the ball at the Crystal Palace. He wanted to find out what had happened during the exams himself, so he was planning to visit the rector anyway. 'Do you have any plans for today?' Gizel focused her full attention on the dragon.
'I'll train, and then I'll try to meditate.' Draco finished his tea with relish.
'Aren't you helping your apprentice today, Darius?' The elf finally decided to draw the earl into the conversation.
'I'd like to, but I have to go to the Palace.' He sighed martyrishly. 'At least I'm almost done with everything, and soon I'll have more time.'
'Hmmm... In that case, you'll come shopping with me.' Gizel announced happily, and a shadow of surprise appeared on the dragon's face.
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Draco had no chance to object. The day had been planned whether he liked it or not. Gizel gave him just enough time to get ready, change his clothes and grab a few things from his room. After that, he didn't even know when he ended up in the carriage. What brought him back to reality was the steady clatter of the kelpie's hooves. The journey itself passed incredibly quickly, absorbed in conversation with the elf. The dragon had a lot to say, although he caught himself repeating some of the same things over and over again. Gizel didn't mind at all and listened attentively to everything.
When the carriage stopped unexpectedly and one of the soldiers opened the door, Draco stopped mid-sentence in surprise. They were in front of a gate decorated with a portico, behind which he could see a wide promenade full of dignified-looking strollers. Wherever they had arrived, the dragon had never been here before.
'We are on Telaren Street.' Gizel gestured for him to stop staring at the surroundings and helped her out. 'This is the part of Dorvus that attracts only the richest, most influential and socially savvy members of high society,' she continued, accepting the dragon's arm. 'Or at least, all those who want to be seen as such,' she whispered as she got out.
'Today's shopping... ' Draco glanced around the area once more. Now, standing outside, he could get a better look at his surroundings. The portico separated the ordinary, unremarkable part of the shopping district from the fairytale scenery. Beautiful shop fronts covered with reliefs, frescoes and gilding, their windows displaying all manner of goods. Aristocrats in rich attire strolled by, glancing with interest at the displays, greeting acquaintances or political supporters as they passed. Splendour and wealth spilled out from within. And that was clearly how it was supposed to stay, with the City Guards vigilantly watching over anyone undesirable who came even a little too close to these fairy-tale realms. 'Are you sure this is the place?' The dragon assessed his outfit and had to admit that although he looked impeccable, it did not fit in with what he saw beyond the entrance. It was more suited to military buildings or an official, almost governmental, visit.
'But of course,' the elf smiled broadly when she saw the dragon's expression. 'Apart from Viride, this is the only place worth paying attention to in terms of fashion. Maybe there aren't such great stylists here as in our capital, but you can really find something interesting.' Gizel moved gracefully towards the entrance, and Draco had no choice but to follow, his arm still in the duchess's iron grip. Two soldiers in green uniforms followed close behind them. It seemed to the dragon that since they had left Ed'heer, the soldiers had become very suspicious of their surroundings, and they made no secret of their contempt as they scanned the aristocrats with their eyes. 'I also have a few... let's say, trusted creators here. I'm sure they'll advise me on something.'
'What exactly are you looking for today?' Asking Gizel anything was pointless. Draco had long since concluded that the elf would tell him what she wanted and when she wanted to.
'A new ball gown and some accessories.' They passed the City Guards and entered this corner of the city unknown to the dragon. Everyone around them seemed to move in such a way as not to get too close to each other, only occasionally stopping to exchange a few words with someone. Gizel immediately caught the attention of the crowd. Some stopped briefly to bow to the duchess, but she seemed not to notice them and continued the conversation, talking about the latest fashion trends.
Draco listened attentively to the elf's discourse, but he had no idea about most of the things she was talking about. He decided to rely entirely on Gizel when it came to clothing and nodded at her with a smile from time to time. Just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, the elf stopped in front of a small shop. Compared to the surrounding stores, this one was downright modest. The simple white façade was decorated only with a delicate leaf motif, and the display window featured two mannequins dressed in simple evening gowns.
'We're here.' Gizel looked proud of herself as she stood in front of the entrance. 'I think this is the only place really worth visiting. If the owner here can't find something suitable for you, no one can.'
'It seems you come here often.' Draco tried to find something that would help him understand why this place was so special. Of course, the front of the shop stood out from the others, but a casual passer-by would not pay much attention to it.
'Whenever I'm in Atlantis.' The elf adjusted her hair. 'Let's go in and see what the new season has brought.'
As soon as they opened the door somewhere in the back of the shop, a bell rang softly. The room was not large, barely ten by ten paces. There were no ready-made outfits in sight, but along the walls were tall shelves filled with colourful bales of various fabrics. Opposite the entrance, a counter crossed the room, on which several sheets of fabric were spread out, and further behind it was a passageway leading deeper into the building.
'Customers.' The voice that came from the back room was difficult to describe. It sounded very rough, yet melodious at the same time. 'I'm coming.'
Gizel stopped at the counter, casually looking at the fabrics on display. She looked up when the inner door opened. A short, humanoid creature, reaching perhaps to the dragon's shoulder, entered the shop, dressed in a dress made of a single long strip of heather fabric wrapped around her torso. Her exposed hands and head seemed to be made of charcoal, and instead of hair, she had amber spikes standing upright. The character's eyes, positioned vertically along the slits that served as a nose, had grey whites and honey-coloured irises. Her narrow lips formed a horizontal line and did not move when she spoke. Shehedes scanned Gizel with her gaze.
'Your Royal Highness has honoured my humble abode with your presence.' The woman made a slight bow. She did not seem particularly pleased with the unannounced visitor.
'My dear Siti, you know that I will always find time to visit your shop.' Gizel gave Shehdes a cold smile. 'You are the only one in this city whose abilities I trust.'
'What does Your Royal Highness require?' The seamstress gestured towards the crowded shelves with a slight movement of her hand. Draco had no intention of trying to guess what had happened between the women, but he knew that it was not an ordinary relationship, and certainly not a simple one.
'I need an evening gown for next week.' The elf was engrossed in examining the contents of the shop. 'And some accessories, but nothing flashy. Something tasteful.'
'Anything specific?'
'Hmmm... What do you think, Draco?' The dragon almost jumped, not expecting to be drawn into the conversation. Especially since he really didn't know what to say.
'Maybe a subtle tiara and a small necklace to match?' It was more of a question than a statement, but the dragon couldn't think of anything else to say. 'It depends on the dress itself, of course,' he added quickly.
'Indeed, it's difficult to choose anything without seeing the dress itself.' Gizel thought for a moment before turning back to Shehedes. 'Do you have any suggestions?'
'Let's see...' Siti gave the elf another disapproving look, which also rested on the dragon for a brief moment. 'Maybe something like this.' She began to pull out small dolls dressed in various outfits from behind the counter. From simple dresses fitted to the figure, through cavernous robes of magicians, to frilly ball gowns. Everything was in a uniform grey colour. 'This... No, not this. Maybe... No, not that either...' She muttered under her breath, picking up and putting down the samples. This went on for a good while, until there were only three outfits left on the counter. 'One of these will fit you perfectly. Please choose."
The elf didn't need to be told twice. She immediately began checking, lifting, twirling the models and viewing them from every angle. Draco didn't know what to do, so he began browsing the assortment on display with curiosity.
'I'll take all three,' the duchess finally decided.
'In what colours?' The seamstress must have known Gizel's taste very well, because before she could answer, Shehedes waved her hand and bolts of fabric began to slide out of the shelves and obediently spread out on the counter.
'The one fitted from this fabric.' The elf pointed to a silk in a shade of lush green, embroidered with olive thread in delicate patterns. 'The other one might be more for next season. Maybe this orange one?' Another roll reminded the dragon of a ripe pumpkin, which even had small seeds embroidered with dark brown thread in the shape of stars. 'And this one for next week...' Gizel glanced at the remaining fabrics. 'Please choose something according to your own judgement. I trust your taste completely.'
'As Your Royal Highness wishes.' Shehedes curtsied and began folding the fabrics by hand.
The elf seemed undecided and looked closely at some of the fabrics, examining their texture with her fingers. Draco, more interested in magic than the fabrics themselves, watched the owner of the shop, hoping that the heavy bales would return to their places as they had come. However, something else caught his attention. A folded piece of paper suddenly slipped out from under one of the bales and almost immediately disappeared into Gizel's hand.
'Yes, these will do. Thank you, Siti.' The elf turned to the dragon with a radiant smile. 'Now we can check out other shops and see what's new and popular in Atlantis.'
Draco offered his arm to the duchess, but the elf managed to catch his gaze focused on the hand in which the note had disappeared.
'Some things are easier to hide in the brightest place,' she whispered in the dragon's ear.