"It's not like I spend my hours in a dark, dingy room full of vials and alembics. My laboratory is quite well lit and ventilated, and I do have a greenhouse. Mother's just anxious that I spend more time in my study than going out and attending balls. You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to strike up a casual conversation when hardly any of the men or women there share a single common interest with me. And I can't exactly go on about the alchemical reactions between use of albedo, rubedo, and nigredo in experiments. The only thing that would likely draw some interest is if I mentioned being able to ferment and distill alcohol…But even then that isn't for drinking purposes." Liselotte sighed as she added, "Oh and a word or warning: both of my brothers happen to be very skilled hunters. I wouldn't want one of them to bring out the hounds, so to speak." She said the latter portion with a mix of seriousness and sarcasm, as she knew what her elder brothers would think as soon as they saw a boy they didn't know come through the door.

As the smell of food told her that their order was ready, she heard a deafening crash as the ceiling caved in from above. Had a meteor fallen into the city? Looking around she saw a pile of bones moving from the rubble while she waved her hand fanning away the dust. She stared with a deadpan expression as she watched an animated skeleton come out from beneath the splintered wooden beams and crack a few jokes even Mr. Fiddle wouldn't have pulled, before attempting to drink her acquaintance's tea. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath as she put a hand to her forehead and let out a deep sigh. "Oh dear… Now sir, we expect you to explain yourself–and without a single bit omitted. I certainly hope you have a good one, or I'm afraid you'll soon become well acquainted with the good earth." As exasperating this turn of events was, Liselotte had the idea of experimenting on the living dead in the back of her mind. She had always wanted to see what kind of reaction she could make if she used bone powder from an animated skeleton…

The skeleton was silent as Douken held the fan out, plenty of people looking over at the scene, as he commotion had even drawn outside commotion. After all, the being fell though the roof and into the small shop, alerting the city guards into action as if they were under attack. "Hold!" cried out from the door, causing the public and Douken to turn their gazes to the doorway, seeing two guardsmen barge their way in, one with his sword drawn as the other had his hand on the hilt, as if ready to aid backup. "By order of the Queen, everyone here will be detained and be held for questioning! Anyone who dares resist will speak to my blade!"

However, the knight in the back could not help but look at his action-ready combatant before sighing. "Really? I know this is your first response, but you don't need to call for blood like that," he told him before looking over to the rest of the crowd. "Look, all we want to do is question those here to get a quick gist of the situation to find out the perpetrator of the incident. Judging by the mess," his eyes darted over to the skeleton who had a weapon to this throat by a seated customer, "I can assume it will not take long. Just be warned that escaping will have us treat you like a criminal escaping the scene, and trust me, none of us want to deal with that." Especially when it came to more paperwork than necessary.

Moments passed as the guards went to their duties,talking to the guests and staff to understand what occurred before arresting the skeleton for destruction of private property and disruption of peace. However, it also caused the small shop to close early to begin cleaning and repairs. "Seemed that lucky day turned quite sour," Douken muttered, scratching the back of his head as he stood with Liselotte, watching the harpy move wood panels to cover the hole before any permanent repairs were to undergo. "And it smelled so good, too. Just my luck…" As his stomach grumbled, he held his hand out, muttering a few words before he began to draw in a green energy from the shop, collecting it into his hand before letting it solidify into an apple, taking a quick bite out of it. It never sated his hunger, but it at least made his mind think he was eating something, even if it was to stop his stomach from grumbling more.

"So, what now?"

((Gorzak has been taken out of the thread for lack of posting for 2 weeks))

Liselotte sighed, disappointed. Sure it had been unexpected but she would miss having one of her favorite restaurants closed for repairs. Looking at the time on a sundial mounted in the street she hadn't realized how much time had passed for the guards to clear up the mess and finish questioning. Rubbing one of her temples with her fingers, it was obvious she wasn't in the best of spirits. "I do apologize, truly. Perhaps if we had gone to a different establishment things might not have ended so. If you like, I'd be willing to compensate you for the money you spent before that happened. Seeing that most of the places she frequented would be closing shop soon, she was left with a harrowing decision. There was that option, but should she risk the gamble?

"Hm… I know this is a bit sudden after the turn of events that occurred today, but would you mind stopping by my laboratory? I'll take a small sample of that key of yours there, then run tests on it. That way, if you don't plan on staying in Adeluna after tomorrow I can give you the results of my analysis the next time we meet. It's a bit of a risk, seeing that there is a 75% chance that my brothers are home…" As her voice trailed off it was easy to understand what she was implying through not continuing that sentence. "But rest assured, if I'm right next to you they won't dare to shoot. They wouldn't risk the possibility of injuring their dear younger sister."

Edgar and Galvin. They were her elder brothers, and fine young men. Edgar was an excellent swordsman, having served a brief period of military service in the city guard in Adeluna, while Galvin was an accomplished marksman. Perhaps it was due to their elven ancestry that Galvin was a natural when it came to sharpshooting, as even as a boy he was the best at hitting walnuts out of trees with a sling. Although they were only a year apart, they couldn't be more different. Edgar was very stoic and reserved. A soft-spoken person, he was not very talkative and was fairly straightforward. He wasn't particularly fussy as a child, but his serious face did cause a few misunderstandings. He and Galvin both learned how to ride on horseback in primary school and loved to care for the animals. Although his face didn't show much of how he was feeling, she knew he worried a great deal about his younger siblings and was a mindful man like their father.

Galvin, was the polar opposite. He was the child who had too much energy to spare, always getting himself in trouble. Chatty, glib, and with a streak of confidence a mile wide–he was the one their mother reprimanded the most often. Mrs. Ellebore had always worried that he would become a ruffian or ne'er do well, and thanks to her ever vigilant efforts he did not. That cheeky personality of his never really went away, and he was smart in ways Edgar wasn't. Out of all of their family's children, Galvin was the most like their mother, which was why she knew his tendencies so well. That lively attitude and witty charm was undeniably from her. In all of his playfulness, he became a skilled hunter having a pack of trained hounds to boot. It was rather humorous that his own playful personality helped him bond with them so well, to where Liselotte often teased him of being distantly related to them. 

But the greatest challenge of all was her mother. Mrs. Ellebore was a rather particular woman, who held traditional values. Liselotte had been denying her attempts at matchmaking for a while now, and should she bring an unknown stranger of the opposite sex back home, it would start a storm brewing. The most she could do was explain to her mother as best as she could that Douken was not her fiancé or her lover, but an acquaintance whom she planned to run some alchemical tests for. Luckily she knew she had her father on her side, and he would give her support. They both knew that if she had a lover, he would be the first to know. Should Douken agree to come, she had plenty of verbal ammunition ready to defend his honor–and possibly his dignity should the situation arise.

"I wouldn't worry too much about it," Douken replied to her. "I mean, its not like you expect hunks of reanimated dead to fall through the roof of any place, now do you? Sometimes, you just accept the bad luck that passed and continue forth. Not only that, but I am used to working on small coin anyways." Still, it did suck to lose out on that good smelling meal, as well as that tea. Most places he asked for it from often gave him confused looks before cautiously making it. He was glad they made it no question… just sucked that pile of bones ruined it.

Still, it did seem Liselotte did not forget about his offer about performing the study herself on the item, even if its more of the basic level on checking the metal type. Then again, considering the book she bought, she would need to study before being able to test for any alchemic enchantments done to it. Still, her voice was as full of caution as ever, coming from her family issues, mainly her brothers. With a light chuckle, he told her, "Well, why not just tell them the truth? I am here so you can do some tests for me, and in return, I can seek out a resource you may be running low on. Consider it payment for the work," ending it off with a quick wink."As long as they don't get any funny ideas… or do you think we should make a detour to the inn for my spear… just in case?"

"I doubt that you'd need your spear in this case. I believe your current armament would likely be much better suited should my brothers prove themselves trigger-happy." She joked to Douken lightly. "I'll be frank with them all when the time comes, rest assured. Though just for today, I insist that I walk in first. They'll pepper you with questions without letting you get a word in edgewise." she said with a wink. They soon were in view of a modest, pastoral estate. A comfortable, moderately sized country house with a well-kept lane of maples and walnut trees with annual flowers and trimmed shrubbery framed the front entrance. The artful use of fitted stonework leading to brick was warm and welcoming, as lanterns hung from the porch styled after those in Endapano. 

Liselotte strode confidently up the steps and knocked on the door, and from the inside the sound of footsteps approaching the door was heard. "I'm home!" she spoke loudly. The door opened with a teenage girl with light brown curls and a light pink dress behind it, bearing strong resemblance to the alchemist. The girl caught sight of Douken behind Liselotte and gasped, holding a hand to her mouth. Her eyes lit up as she exclaimed, "Wait until mother sees this!" As the girl scurried away, Liselotte took and deep breath. Unable to stop her sister from spreading the news, she took the initiative and called out loudly so anyone could hear: "Mother, I've brought a visitor! They'll only be staying for a moment, so there's no need to bring out the tea. He's an acquaintance I've met at Fiddle's bookstore!"

Glancing back at Douken, she gave a wry smile as she said, "There, I've said it–so prepare to brace yourself for the incoming storm." She straightened her clothes and put her hair behind her shoulders as the sound of someone hurrying and nearly running was quickly closing in. 

"I would think it strange if any stranger came into my home unannounced, even if with family," Douken replied, following her through the streets and alleys before arriving at her family's residence. "Still, I must say, your living space does look quite comfortable and inviting," he complimented as he observed the detail of the landscape and brickwork. "If your family was not as you said, I bet it would be nice to invite more friends or colleagues over."

Waiting behind Liselotte, he heard footeps coming towards the door after her declaration. Did her family have a butler coming to greet them? He honestly didn't get why… then again, he hardly understood the mindset of many nobles out there. It was a world he was never raised in, after all. However, instead of an old, sophisticated man in a penguin suit, they were greeted by… a smaller Liselotte. One brimming with energy as she took off nearly immediately. "Your sister, I presume?" he inquired before she declared his presence herself.

"Please forgive the sudden intrusion," Douken added alongside, feeling that was how it should be in a more formal household. Still, unlike his alchemist friend, Douken did not do too much to ready for the upcoming steps. After all, his leather armor looked the way it typically would, and there were little adjustments to be done, not did he mind his hair being a bit disheveled. If anything, he simply let his left hand hang down near the grip of his steel fan while resting his other into his pocket.

Approaching them was an elven woman with honey-brown hair and hazel eyes. Surprisingly, she looked much younger than one would expect. Mrs. Ellebore was dressed in a conservative sleeved dress in shades of green and matching emerald jewelry. Not far behind was the young girl who had greeted them, right on the heels of her mother. "Hello mother, I'm sorry to bring along a guest on such short notice." Liselotte gave an apologetic smile in an attempt to appease her mother. "Lise's brought a new beau back home, right mother?" The girl piped up, making her older sister frown. "Calandra Thalia Ellebore, how many times have I told you not to go jumping to conclusions? He is just an acquaintance and we've known each other for less than a day. Believe me mother, Mr. Sota's reasons for coming are strictly professional. I offered to run an analysis on a metal artifact he has, nothing more."

"Alright, alright. I'll take you for your word Liselotte. But this had better not be another excuse to get out of matchmaking. Back when I was your age, I was already happily married to your father. It's every mother's wish to see their daughters married to a suitable spouse." Mrs. Ellebore threw a distrusting glance at Douken before allowing them inside. "Yes, I know mother. By the way, who else is home?" Liselotte asked as she cleaned her boots off on the welcome mat before stepping in. "Your brothers went out riding with their friends an hour ago. I told them not to come back too late in the evening. The damp air after dark makes one more susceptible to illness. Margaret is currently at her friend Alissa's and will be staying there for the night." Mrs. Ellebore remarked, before quickly ducking into the kitchen to retrieve a dry towel. She then called out as she returned drying her hands, "Would you like something to drink, Mr. Sota?"

Liselotte was trying to figure out what her mother was up to, if she was up to anything at all. She still couldn't shake the feeling that her dear mother was not convinced that Douken wasn't her lover and hoped it was just her imagination. If her hunch was correct, regardless of his answer she would attempt to convince him to stay for dinner. None of her siblings were married yet and she was already practicing her routine as a future mother-in-law.

Liselotte's mother certrainly shined with the youth and beauty elves were known for, decorated with a dress and gems to add into the royalty rank. Douken stood quietly as the three spoke with each other. The little girl Liselotte called Calandra seemed to be one of those girls who excited for rumors and scandals, especially with how she took off the moment he was spotted. As for Mrs Ellabore herself, it seemd she was trying to shine her class by her words alone, dropping hits of matchmaking as if being apart of semi-arranged marriages, and reflecting the "when I was your age," card he normally hear the old use when talking about silver. The stern look he got from her was the last bit of detail he took in before she took off, feeling her not trusting the stranger. Well, at least he could not blame her there.

Still, if talking about "as old as she was," Liselotte was either older than she looked (no surprise, given elven aging compared to humans) or Mrs. Ellabore got married at an "extremely young" age…

With her mother heading towards the kitchen, Douken moved into the home after the alchemist cleaned off her boots, going the same as talk about the rest of the family was going on. It was not until he was offered anything did he speak up.

"Thank you for the offer," he called out in return, "but we had something before coming here talking about the job in question." Still, he was not going to mention how said something was in a place that got ransacked by a skeleton meteor. "Now then, shall we get going?" he addressed Liselotte, reaching to the back of his neck to undo the t-latch that held the key around his neck.

With Douken swiftly sidestepping the question, Liselotte followed up in agreement. "Yes, my laboratory is behind the house through the back door." As she led him to the door opening to the side of the house and into the estate's backyard garden, she assured her mother: "It will only take a minute, mother." Once they were out of the house, she walked him through the stepping stone paths surrounding well-manicured topiaries and rose gardens. A few fountains and statues were artfully placed to create a charming atmosphere perfect for summer evenings under the stars or walks in the shade. At the very back and a good distance away from the landscaping was what resembled a combination between a glass greenhouse and what might have originally been an abode for guests. Taking out the key to the door, Liselotte turned it thrice in the lock which opened with a loud click. Pushing it open, she stepped inside and struck a match to light a lamp beside the entry, then went over to open the blinds. 

Tugging on the cord, the shutters on the windows snapped open, flooding the place with daylight. "Oh! Heavens that's bright–" She closed her eyes as they had to adjust to the sudden brightness, and turned them to a more reasonable slant. The light revealed the entire place to be a single room, with counters along every wall save for the door leading to the hothouse outside. Cabinets, rolling carts, all sorts of apparatuses in glass and metal filled up the space as she opened a drawer looking for the right tool to take a small piece of Douken's heirloom key off. "No. Not this one. This won't work either. What was this thing for again? So that's where my third stirring rod went… Another pair of clamps, forceps, metal shavings… Ah here it is." Pulling out what appeared to be a larger version of a scalpel, she scraped it along the surface of a palm-sized whetstone and began lighting a burner to heat it up. Setting up a rack, she laid the blade directly above the flame and waited for the metal to glow red-hot. Not to waste time, she retrieved a pair of thick armored gloves specially designed to handle hot objects and put them on. 

"Once it's heated enough I'll need to have you put your key on the table there where I'll slice through it as if it were butter. With luck, it will take only a few seconds. If it doesn't go through it might have something to do with the metal's composition and I'll opt for some shavings instead."

It was a shame on how much her mother harassed her on trying to wed, especially considering how beautiful and inviting her home was. It would be a grand time to relax and spend time with others here, if not for the harassment from the mother of the household. Even with that brief moment did he feel like Liselotte's mother did not want him here unless he was looking to wed his daughter… and they had only met on that day. Talking about marriage would have been way to fast for him, and maybe Liselotte as well.

Stepping into her lab, it was clear how much clutter there was when the window opened up. There was hardly any space that was not being used up for something, whether it be holding lab equipment, littered with vials and containers, or holstering many other ingredients and chemicals from her lab work. And still, it was not really worth checking out as the alchemist got into her zone, preparing a section to run her analysis before heating a small bade up.

Giving a quick nod, he adjusted the key on the ring to expose the back portion that would have normally been hidden away by the clasp.. That way, she can get her sample from the area and still have the "damage" be unnoticeable. Setting the key on the table, Douken lightly rested on one of the shelves, asking, "So, what do you plan on doing with the sample, anyways? I mean, I can only guess you will try to see if it matches another metal here or something?"