Albarech

[Kura Wolfsdotter]

Timestamp: 3rd of Vhalar, 721
Location: Almund

Kura hummed slightly to herself as she walked through Almund. The current Albarech was dressed simply, in most of the outfit she had worn to Saoire's Feast. Rather than her usual totally black ensemble, she was wearing a dark red great coat, a white shirt, a black vest and black gloves, with a black skirt and boots. The coat in particular had become a favorite of hers since the feast, especially for business or formal matters. Granted, today wasn't a business or formal issue, but Kura had a great deal of respect for her predecessor and felt that he deserved at least some proper attire.

For once, she was also alone, or at least as alone as she got. Cally was getting some supplies the ghost had decided they needed for the next few days worth of meals, and her bodyguard, butler, and secretary were back at the council hall finishing up their plans for the trip back to Scalvoris town, none of which had needed her input. So it was that, accompanied only by her usual six familiars, she had decided to and pay a long overdue visit to a friend. Granted, it had taken her some work to find out where he actually lived, which had caused a slightly shocking realization that she hadn't actually visited anyone at their own home in far, far too long. Clearly, she needed to get out more.

That and a genuine desire to talk Brandel about Scalvoris had led Kura to his doorstep and she took a breath before she knocked on the door. She didn't know if Brandel had anyone at home, come to that she wasn't even sure if the was married or if he had any kids. She hoped he did, honestly, because Brandel deserved that kind of warmth and companionship. For now, though, she just waited until someone came to the door, rocking back and forth on her feet slightly, as she'd never been very good at sitting still.

[Pegasus]

3rd Vhalar 721

The house which Kura visited that trial was made, as many of the houses in Almund were, from the hollowed out remains of a boat. Some of the houses in this higgledy-piggledy street were full-on renovated boat, while others only gave a nod to the process or showed no evidence at all. However, the particular house which belonged to Brandel was - as each house here was - unique. It was a blend of Almund-specific refurbished boat and traditional house; what was impressive was how seamless that blend was. Brandel's home was a carefully balanced mixture of the two types of architecture and, as Kura knocked the door she could smell the undeniable scent of something baking.

Brandel opened the door and smiled as he saw Kura there. "Madam Albarech! It's good to see you," he said with a genuine expression of happy to see her her. Opening the door wider, he gestured. "Please, come on in. I'm just making some cookies." Assuming Kura entered, Brandel's house was neat and kept carefully clean. However, more than anything else, it was comfortable. Large cushions, comfortable chairs, low tables next to seats and heavy drapes all emphasised comfort. The floor beneath their feet was warm - a welcome thing in the current season.

Gesturing to the stove top, Brandel asked, "Would you like a cup of tea? Or a coffee?" With a smile to her as he offered to take her coat, he added. "Or, I have something stronger, if you'd prefer?" Whatever she wanted, he would wait until they were seated together - on the porch or in the living area, that was up to her - before asking with a curious smile. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of a visit?"

In his natural environment, Brandel was more relaxed than Kura had ever seen him but he was still, undoubtedly, himself and that meant curious.

[Kura Wolfsdotter]

The housing style of Almund had always slightly bemused Kura. She didn't really like boats all that much, and the remnants of boats seemed like they'd really limit your architectural options. Yet the Almundians very clearly didn't agree, and their creativity with their boat carcasses was as impressive as it was slightly baffling. She could smell cookies though, and when Brandel opened the door, she smiled warmly at him. "It's good to see you too, Brandel." she said, following him at his invitation. "Coffee, please." she said, her tone thoughtful as she looked at the floor beneath them. "How do you keep your floors so warm? It's really quite nice." she said, her tone cheerful as she took a seat in the living area

When he asked what had brought her to his house, she gave him a slight smile. "Well, it's always nice to spend time with a friend." she said, her tone genuine, before her expression turned more introspective. "There is another thing, admittedly, not exactly a work thing, but it can sit a bit." she said, before her expression brightened again. "You're looking well. Retirement seems to be suitin' you well." she said, a clear note of genuine happiness in her voice. Brandel had done a lot for Scalvoris, and she had no doubt that the island would have fallen apart even before she'd arrived if less skilled hands than his had been at the reins. He had earned his retirement and his happiness.

"I've seen you sittin' in on the council meetings since you passed the seat to me, by the way." she said, before giving her predecessor an amused, teasing grin. "So are they more or less entertainin' when you don't have to try and manage them anymore?" she asked, a mixture of curiosity and slight teasing. Then she shook her head slightly. "Though frankly, I'll take tryin' to keep people on track over runnin' around trying to keep the island from sinking into the sea any day." she said, a slight note of weariness in her voice. "However, that shouldn't be a problem for a while at least, now that the Induks are settled." she said, her tone more cheerful at the end.