Director of The Twilight Pavilion

Those who walk in shadow survive on information.

[proprietor-eryndor]

Oh? Another desirer of secrets, I presume. Well, I assure you that you’ve come to the right place. After all, we from The Solitaries do indeed pride ourselves on fairness. 

But first, courtesy calls for a proper introduction. I am Eryndor, proprietor of the Twilight Pavilion. Since you are here, I believe you are already acquainted with our custom: Secrets are exchanged, not given freely.

Before we exchange information, I am afraid there are some rules to look into first. The information I am willing to give, of course– depends entirely on the weight of what you are willing to share.

Now then, shall we trade?

[proprietor-eryndor]

*Plays the Twilight theme in the background.*

U da real Vampire.

Heh... so you have noticed. You certainly possess sharp insight.

...Have you perhaps met others of my kind before?

[proprietor-eryndor]

If the Empire came in tomorrow to flatten this place (closing it's doors)... what would you do instead? Got any other qualifications?

...Oh? And what reason would compel the Empire to make such a decision?

...Heh, worry not. Even if it comes to that, the Solitaries have networks all over Esperia. The Pavilion is simply one of many we operate in.

[proprietor-eryndor]

*Magister Merlin approaches you, silently handing you a bouquet of flowers, before pressing a quick kiss upon the back of your hand.*

How will you respond...? 👀

I... appreciate the flowers, Merlin.

That said... have you always been this open with showing affection to strangers, hm?

[proprietor-eryndor]

*blow a kiss at you*

...!?

...I must admit, that was... certainly unexpected.

[proprietor-eryndor]

Sir, I'm deathly afraid of butterflies, that's a secret I'll pay you for the question I'm about to ask.

Now.

Would you die if exposed to the sun, sir? 👀

...Oh? And what made you think that? Was it perhaps due to my... deathly pale complexion?

There is an old saying I have heard: "Not all those who walk in shadow choose to do so because they fear the light."

[proprietor-eryndor]

I seek information about a particular merchant from the Mithril Consortium... :)

@prince-kuro

A... merchant from the Mithril Consortium...? Hmm...

My apologies, but I must ask for clarification. You see, the Mithril Consortium certainly has quite a number of notable merchants.

Who is it you wish to know more about?

[prince-kuro]

I am referring to Rowan Gilder, sir. I've taken a... particular liking to him.

In turn I'll tell more about myself, things that nobody outside my kingdom knows. I'll start with something simple: I am a vampire not from this world and thus not bound to Esperia and the Tree of Life.

[proprietor-eryndor]

...An otherworldly vampire? Heh, how interesting.

It seems that the young master Rowan of the Gilder house never has a short supply of admirers. ...I suppose you already know that he is betrothed to Princess Peggy.

But I digress... you see, there are rumours... that the betrothal was simply a strategic move on the part of Reginald, as he had done with his first son Angelo.

[prince-kuro]

Indeed, I do know that Rowan is in one way or another taken. But I wouldn't mind a three way relationship as long as they both agree...

Using marriage as a strategic move is common knowledge to me. I'm just fortunate enough to be able to do as I please without consequence. So I myself am still... free, if it weren't for my liking to the merchant.

...

My kingdom's name is Avari, most likely stems from Avarice. I've never asked my father about it, though it seems the most plausible. I also hold the title of Sloth. How befitting, a vampire being the embodiment of the Sin of Sloth... However, those are the only instances of sins being applied to things as of now.

Although seldom, I do use fire magic. But more so do I prefer cosmic related magic. Black Holes are my favourite.

[proprietor-eryndor]

I see... how fascinating indeed.

Should you have any further secrets you wish to trade... the doors of the Twilight Pavilion will always remain open to you, your highness.

[proprietor-eryndor]

 « Your position is quite advantageous I must say. Seeing a myriads of secrets without having to share your own I presume. » @thearcanist

Hm... yes, I suppose you can certainly say that.

But when a customer does indeed come to me regarding a secret of my own... a good businessman must abide by the rules as well, no?

[proprietor-eryndor]

I seek information about a particular merchant from the Mithril Consortium... :)

@prince-kuro

A... merchant from the Mithril Consortium...? Hmm...

My apologies, but I must ask for clarification. You see, the Mithril Consortium certainly has quite a number of notable merchants.

Who is it you wish to know more about?

[prince-kuro]

I am referring to Rowan Gilder, sir. I've taken a... particular liking to him.

In turn I'll tell more about myself, things that nobody outside my kingdom knows. I'll start with something simple: I am a vampire not from this world and thus not bound to Esperia and the Tree of Life.

[proprietor-eryndor]

...An otherworldly vampire? Heh, how interesting.

It seems that the young master Rowan of the Gilder house never has a short supply of admirers. ...I suppose you already know that he is betrothed to Princess Peggy.

But I digress... you see, there are rumours... that the betrothal was simply a strategic move on the part of Reginald, as he had done with his first son Angelo.

[proprietor-eryndor]

I seek information about a particular merchant from the Mithril Consortium... :)

@prince-kuro

A... merchant from the Mithril Consortium...? Hmm...

My apologies, but I must ask for clarification. You see, the Mithril Consortium certainly has quite a number of notable merchants.

Who is it you wish to know more about?

[proprietor-eryndor]

thoughts on a loser who is really really into you

Heh... another secret admirer?

But I'm afraid I fail to grasp why you refer to yourself as a... 'loser'. Surely even someone like you would have secrets held close to heart.

...That in itself, already proves that you are of some value, no?

[proprietor-eryndor]

thots on the pope?

....Hm? I am afraid that is a name I am... unfamiliar with. Perhaps someone known only to you?

[proprietor-eryndor]

*Magister Merlin appears out of nowhere and discreetly hands you a plate of food.*

Will you accept? 🤔🍝

...Heh, how intriguing. It seems that many surprises have been appearing out of the blue as of late...

Although I have no need for such delectable nourishment myself... I suppose my dear customers would very much appreciate your little gift.

[proprietor-eryndor]

So…what secrets are you in the market for right now?

...Right now? Heh, I suppose that depends on what you have to offer.

...Most of our customers usually come to us seeking secrets tied to personal gain. A rival's weakness... or perhaps even the location of a lost family heirloom.

And the information I receive in return... I simply collect them all. After all, a secret shared by a customer becomes another of mine as well.

[proprietor-eryndor]

Lavinia grabs the hilt of her sword nervously, as she stands in the chamber in front of Eryndor. Her luck that Merlin had already gone through the difficulty of claiming an audience with the Solitary, so her visit was simple. The task, however, was not.

She takes a deep breath and clears her throat. The gentleman is waiting after all.

"I am Lavinia, colleague and ... girlfriend of Valen. I need not explain who he is, do I? I simply wish to inquire if there is anything I should know before he and I-- before we tie the knot."

(@windmaedchen-lavinia)

Valen... that name certainly does ring a bell.

Ah, I remember now. The young man whom I had banned from the Pavilion five years ago for disrupting the balance of the games. His card skills were certainly... memorable.

Unfortunately, that meant many dissatisfied customers complaining of their chances being stripped away in his presence.

As an organisation who prioritises fairness above all else, I am sure you understand that something simply had to be done.

...But even so, I see that fortune has continued to smile upon that young man. I must admit, I had not expected him to get engaged so soon.

But regardless... allow me to convey my sincerest wishes for your happiness with him.

[windmaedchen-lavinia]

Lavinia's grip on her sword loosens as her shoulders drop in surprise.

"He was ... he was that good?"

She knows that Valen's card skills are good. After all he just recently had entered a local casino and successfully concluded the related case. But she frankly had just attributed that to luck. If this is his background, though, then no wonder does he know so well.

"And that is all?", she continues carefully. "You have offered this information so willingly, I can't help but wonder..."

[proprietor-eryndor]

...Yes, I can assure you that is all.

As for this information on his card skills... heh, it's hardly a secret. Feel free to ask any of the regular customers, or even my dearest receptionist Mei... and they will tell you the same.

[proprietor-eryndor]

Hello Proprieter!

I've been relatively new to the Pavillion, and I really am fascinated just how many secrets Im learning here compared to tea parties and gossip at dances. But I have a question..

Why cards? Why this little gambling hall compared to direct secret to secret?

@alexivan77

Ah, young lady... you enquire about the role of gambling in our business.

You see... guests only ever visit the Twilight Pavilion for one of two reasons. The first... for information, of course. Secrets. As for the second reason... some people simply want some time away from the busy demands of life in the Lightbearer Capital.

This establishment simply allows our guests to strike deals for secrets, all while playing to their hearts' content. A rather enticing offer for many, don't you think...?

[proprietor-eryndor]

"Dear Enchanting proprietar of the Twilight Pavilion Eryndor:

I hope this letter finds you well. And please forgive this admirer's brazen tongue for the question about to come, I pray you don't find it too absurd! But if you were to have slots for the people you would allow to court you romantically, would Magister Merlin perhaps be a possible candidate among them...?

Well, I won't trouble you further, but do find the time to respond when you can, it would be much appreciated.

Sincerely, a normal, be it ordinary secret admirer."

Were the words etched upon a mysterious letter that somehow found you even through your almost impeccable presence concealing magic. How odd... It's not often you come across a case such as this, so you can quite clearly deduce that the sender was no ordinary mage.

And it doesn't take much to know who this person could be. What with how traceless the letter was, and how familiar the hint of magic felt. One would dare say it was no less than transparent that this letter may be from that legendary yet unintentionally careless (or better yet, memoryless) Magister most of the lands on Esperia know dearly...

...A secret admirer? What an...unexpected development. I must admit, I am certainly intrigued.

Since you appear to be so eager to know my answer... I suppose it won't hurt to come by in person and exchange a secret for it, hm?