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“Of course.” Wisely, the older woman asked no question, just took the flowers and left Maelin to make her way upstairs.

She did so, Cyrus uppermost in her mind. Thinking of him pushed the ugly scene with her aunt aside. But there was work to do—the Hallion name had to be researched, and every clue followed wherever it led.

“Nice flowers, if I say so myself,” said Inky as Maelin walked in right behind Darady.

“Very nice,” Maelin smiled. “Lord Drake has exquisite taste.”

“He’s after you, isn’t he? That shows good taste right there,” Inky folded stockings.

Laughing, Maelin nodded. “He didn’t have to work very hard to attract my attention, you know.” She sat on the bed next to her tickerkin. “He’s very intelligent, quiet, and may seem withdrawn, but he doesn’t miss a thing. He’s determined, a great deal more involved in things than you might think, and...and...well...I’m in love with him, if you must know.”

Darady and Inky shot each other a glance. “Old news, dearie” said Inky. “We could see that happening from several leagues away. You lit up like a magic lantern when you talked about him.”

“As long as he’s a good man and worthy of our girl...” said Darady, with a sigh. “It had to happen sometime, so I just hope he’ll take care of you. You might not think you need looking after, but you do”

“And I’ll take care of him too,” added Mae. “It works both ways.” Then she paused. “Not to really change the subject, but when it comes to working both ways...Darady, why the Hellforge did my uncle marry that woman?”

“That’s a good question,” the woman answered, frowning. “Honestly? None of us were really sure what happened. Your uncle just appeared one morning, told us he was getting married and to prepare the Lady’s suite, and two days later? There she was.”

“Lording it over us all five minutes after she got here,” muttered Inky.

“Should it be ‘Ladying’, do you think?” asked Darady.

Maelin chuckled. “I do adore you both. And I make you this promise. Wherever I go, you’re coming with me. Yes?”

Darady sighed, an enigmatic smile on her face that didn’t quite reach her eyes..

Inky waved six of her eight tentacles in delight.

*~~*~~*

Not too far away, Cyrus was staring at his bookshelves. He’d amassed a nice library here in his town house, but nothing like the Drake’s Nest, which was nearly ballroom-sized and filled to the brim. He couldn’t remember the last time those books were counted, and it was something on his list of things to do when he had time.

However, he had to be at Drake’s Nest first, and for the moment, Caelemar was where he had to be. However, Mae’s mention of the Hallion name had interested him, and books were obviously the place to start.

He had several reference volumes, equipped with access plates. But he wasn’t looking for updates from Caelemar’s Civic Archive Grid. He was looking for very old information. With luck, these volumes would simply search for what he requested, not take it upon themselves to present useless information. He could get that anywhere.

These books were created with researchers in mind, so he sat and focussed, starting by requesting anything on the word “Hallion”.

It was pretty certain that Mae would have better luck with her Uncle’s books, but there was no reason he couldn’t add his mite.

The page blurred as the book updated itself.

And then the writing began to appear.

“Arnold Hallion. Descendant of Geoffrey Hallion, noted architect, listed among the creators of Caelemar in the Old Works Dictionary.”

“Well well,” mused Cyrus. “Quite a history there.” He read on.

“Awarded a title as a result of his annexation of the lower regions, and compartmentalisation of the above ground areas of the city as it was constructed. First to utilise a formal city-planning layout.”

That was a shock. Hallion had actually created the Gloamtide by focussing on the land above, the glorious little peninsula that was the present day Caelemar, and simply leaving the lower regions alone.

The associated diagrams showed how Hallion had layered Caelemar, not unlike a cake, rising well above ground level. The higher the land, the smaller the area—and the more expensive the dwellings. And eventually? A magnificent city that did indeed resemble a crown.

Clever man, thought Cyrus. But could he have foreseen the social gap he’d created? Probably not.

There was a lot more about Hallion, but mostly all to do with his work on Caelemar. He was mentioned as having four sons, whether he had any daughters or not...well, they were obviously less important and didn’t rate a mention. By this biographer, anyway.