The walk over to the townhouse was just what I needed to calm the nerves I 'd worked up while I got ready to go. It wasn't far, but my path took me away from the Academy and out into the streets of Daosbor. People bustled through the streets, bundled in their coats and winter finery. Some carried carefully wrapped dishes of food, others held carefully wrapped gifts for their loved ones. Some had their summoned companions walking with them, various skeletal creatures that necromancers often cast permanent enchantments on. The Dead City certainly felt alive today, and I thought perhaps I'd be happy to stay here always.
I hadn't thought too much about what my life might look like after my time at the Academy. I loved using my magic, but I didn't really want to go back into service defendingour borders. If I could have any dream come true for myself, I'd stay here to teach battle magic at the Academy or take up a post training mages at the palace here in the Dead City. I had a few years to sort myself out, but thoughts of the future came unbidden as I walked, falling more in love with this city with each step. I'd been here before, of course, but only for short times to visit the Academy or attend some function or other at the palace. I thought, perhaps, it could start to feel like home.
The professor's town house was on a quieter street. It sat on the corner of the long row of similar houses, all gray stone and graceful architecture. His house had a wreath of red berries on the dark blue front door, and a small willow tree in the front yard. There weren't many plants that thrived here in the valley, but for whatever reason willow trees were happy enough.
I stepped forward and rapped my knuckles against the door, and my nerves flared to life again. I had no idea what to expect.
After just a moment, the door opened, and Benedict stood before me, just a hint of his lich features peeking through on his face. He was looking at me like he was a bit surprised I'd turned up.
"Hello there, thank you for the invitation," I said, looking up to catch his gaze. He smiled at me, warm and open, and I did not think there was artifice in his expression. I thought, perhaps, this invitation meant as much to him as I hoped it did.
"Iris, I'm so glad you've accepted; it is wonderful to have you here." He stepped aside and gestured me in. The entryway of his townhome was spacious and grand, but still felt homey. The light gray stone that made up most of Daosbor's architecture was found here on the interior walls, but three great candelabras stood at the edges of the space, all lit and casting warm pools oflight around them. A long rug, bright red with an elaborate gold pattern, covered the floor leading to a grand staircase. It was of a similar style to ones at the Academy, but obviously on a smaller scale to suit the size of the townhouse.
Benedict noted me taking in the space and tracked my gaze to the balcony of the second floor above us; it had elaborate stone carvings, and I wondered if he had commissioned the artists who made them.
"This place is stunning, Professor," I said, turning to look at him.
"I am rather fond of it; I have been adding and adjusting things since I moved in when I started teaching at the Academy. It has, perhaps, been my favorite project during my time in the Dead City." I could tell he spoke truth by the way he surveyed the room with such admiration.
"I did not know you were interested in art," I said with a teasing smile.
"I am interested in many things, my dear. Come though, let me get you settled and Iwill give you the full tour a bit later." He turned to lead me further into the home. We passed through a wood-paneled hallway and into a spacious area that appeared to serve as both the living room and dining room. A long table of dark wood stood on one side with twelve elaborate chairs around it, while the other end of the space featured a massive sculptural hearth and a number of deep, plush couches and chairs artfully arranged to allow for easy conversation.
"Would you care for something to drink? Tea perhaps, or a glass of wine?" He moved toward the far end of the room as he spoke, I assumed toward the door to the kitchen.
"A glass of wine sounds wonderful, thank you," I said. Perhaps it would be enough to calm my nerves. It seemed obvious now that this was a private solstice celebration, not some party he'd invited me to. The possibilities for the night flashed through my mind in a collage with my memories of the library. He must have noticed the shift in my expression,because he smirked at me before he nodded and walked away.
I took a deep breath and made my way over to one of the wonderfully comfortable-looking sofas. I sat down on the edge, not wanting to plop down too far and get lost in the cushions while I was wearing a corset. That would just be a recipe for looking the opposite of graceful.
"I hope red is alright," Benedict said as he approached the couch from behind, extending a crystal wine glass to me as he rounded the sofa and took a seat on the end opposite me.
"Of course it is! I love a good red, especially if it's got a bit of spice to it."
"What luck then; this is one of the drier vintages from a vineyard near my home out west," he said, looking genuinely pleased.
"Is your family still there?"
"Oh yes, my parents and siblings have all gone through the rites and become full liches. As I'm sure you know, there aren't many ofus, and I'd estimate about half of us prefer to keep to ourselves. I'm the only one of my family that has pursued a career as a member of Daosan society." I wanted to know everything there was to know about his past—I could listen to him talk all day.
"So you are not a full lich, then? Forgive me if it's impertinent to ask."
"Please ask me anything you wish, Iris, I am more than happy to satisfy your curiosity, among other things," he said with a touch of heat in his gaze. "I am not a full lich. We typically live the equivalent of a full human lifespan before we decide if we want to go through with the rite, which renders us immortal. We take the burden and responsibility of being fully undead quite seriously, and every lich has a choice to pursue it or to live their natural lifespan instead. I've just turned fifty this year, so my time to choose will be in about fifteen years."
"How fascinating. These are the sorts of details I've not read in any textbook. Thatis certainly an interesting and overwhelming choice to make."
"It is, indeed. One I don't take lightly," Benedict answered, sipping his wine.
"What do you think you will decide?" I asked, holding his gaze. He blinked, and thought for a long moment before answering.
"I am not sure, but I will know when the time is right." He smiled softly. "And what of your family, Iris? You do not see them for solstice, it seems?"
I gave a sad laugh and answered, "Yes, I…have some rather significant ideological differences with my family that make spending lots of time together difficult. They did not approve of my career path as a battle mage–they thought it to be inappropriate for a lady–and they tend to think our treatment of the Arunas we take prisoner at the borders to be…too gentle, let's say. They are vocal about their beliefs, and it simply makes me sad that we so differently value life. So, I think it'sbest to spend my time alone." As I said the words, I realized how sad they truly made me. I wished I wanted to spend time with my family. I wanted to have pleasant solstices with them, but that just…wasn't the reality with them.
"I am sorry to hear that, Iris, but your decision to prioritize your peace is a noble one. Though, I am sorry it has meant that you've spent your holidays alone if that is not what you wish." His voice was so genuine, it made my throat a bit tight with emotion.
"Thank you; it's difficult sometimes, but I know it's what's right for me."
"I am glad, at least, I could offer some company this year. Speaking of which, dinner is ready and warming in the oven whenever you'd like to eat," he said.
