Act 1. Masks

Lunareth
When the meal concluded, Dannemar was waiting, posture erect, hands folded behind his back.

"Come along. You’ll be working here—it’s best you understand the lay of the land," he said with a slight incline of his head, inviting Luna to walk beside him rather than trailing behind like a subordinate. His tone remained formal, but less rigid, the edges softened.

They stepped from the Service Room into the Main Corridor (G6), the central artery of the estate. Sunlight streamed through tall, mullioned windows set into the whitewashed walls, illuminating the polished hardwood floors and tasteful runner rugs embroidered with the Vaerlen crest—a silver tree beneath a crescent moon.

"First, the basics," Dannemar began. "Guests should hardly know you exist unless they require something."

They turned left, approaching the grand Main Hall (G3). The space was breathtaking, with a soaring ceiling supported by carved marble pillars. The floor was a mosaic of polished stone depicting intertwined branches and stars. Noble family portraits adorned the upper walls, their painted eyes seemingly watching all who entered.

"Guests arrive here, through the main entrance. You, on the other hand, will rarely pass this way unless escorting or when instructed."

Further along, they came to the Study (G4). Its door was heavy oak, reinforced with discreet metalwork.

"Private meetings. House business. You knock, you wait, you never listen at the door, intentionally or not," Dannemar instructed firmly, but not unkindly.

Next came the Library (G5), its towering bookshelves stretching nearly to the vaulted ceiling. Rich, warm wood filled the space with a faint, comforting scent of parchment, ink, and old wisdom. Globes, maps, and delicate artifacts sat in glass cases between the shelves.

"One of the most valuable rooms in the estate. Only enter with permission—family or senior staff only," Dannemar warned, but his eyes glimmered slightly with pride at the impressive collection.

Moving onward, they passed the Guest Quarters (G7). The hallway narrowed slightly, the atmosphere quieter, hushed. The doors were of fine wood, the brass handles polished to a mirror sheen.

"Dignitaries, allies, high-ranking visitors stay here. You walk softly in these halls, understood?"

They turned next into the Dining Room (G8). The long, dark mahogany table gleamed under the flickering light of crystal chandeliers, already partially set with fine silverware and spotless porcelain. The chairs were high-backed, carved with the same tree-and-moon motif found throughout the house.

"Formal meals occur here. You’ll likely assist during the soirée. Timing and grace are essential—meals run like clockwork, or not at all," Dannemar explained, his tone practical.

Next, they paused at the Parlor (G9), a bright, inviting space with velvet lounges, low tables bearing flower arrangements, and walls adorned with tasteful tapestries. The windows looked out over the manicured garden.

"Informal gatherings. Music, conversation, sometimes dancing. You’ll circulate discreetly if assigned here."

They returned briefly to the Service Room (G10), then through to the Servant’s Quarters (G11)—rows of simple bunks and personal chests, but clean, orderly, and well-maintained.

Then, the Kitchen (G12) buzzed with quiet activity. Copper pots hung from racks overhead, herbs dried by the hearth, and a cook in a spotless apron monitored a simmering pot. The air was rich with savory scents.

Finally, they paused by the Food Storage (G13). Shelves held preserved goods, spices, and barrels of ale. A heavy, locked trapdoor revealed stairs descending to the underground wine cellar—its cool depths hinted at expensive vintages stored below.

Dannemar turned, folding his arms, eyes steady but not unkind.

"That concludes the ground floor." He said, before they made their way back and into the Servant’s Quarters (G11). "Temporary hires from the Misty Beard may rest here, though most won’t arrive until late afternoon."

His sharp eyes flicked over Luna's attire, not unkindly but with clear assessment.

"If you require anything—needle and thread, spare linens, perhaps soap or polish for your shoes—speak now. You can also leave and come back later. Otherwise…" Dannemar’s voice softened by a fraction, though still as measured as a clockmaker’s tools, "I suggest you change into the house attire provided. There’s time to prepare before the evening's duties commence."

He tilted his head ever so slightly, inviting Luna’s response.

Elric Dannemar listened attentively, standing with his hands loosely clasped behind his back in an officer’s rest position. As each of Luna’s questions landed, the silver-haired majordomo gave a small nod, filing them away in the order given. When the final one was asked, he answered:

"First: remuneration. Should the soirée proceed flawlessly from the guests’ perspective—without disruption, confusion, or embarrassment—you will be compensated ten gold dragons at dawn’s first light. If issues arise but the event is carried through with competence, the payment will be two."

"Second: the evening’s agenda and menu. Both are being finalized with the mistress at this hour, but I will place copies in the staff staging area by the next bell. Retrieve them there. The order of service and guest list will accompany them."

"Third: the temporary hires from the Misty Beard will arrive late afternoon. You may greet them in the garden and perform any orientation you deem necessary. You’ll be given time beforehand to prepare."

"Fourth: for the duration of your tenure, ‘Master Dannemar’ will suffice. I prefer formality on duty, but you will find I am not unreasonable."

"Fifth: no. You are not to carry arms during the engagement. No employee or guest should be. Only the Vaerlen house guard is authorized to bear weapons during social functions. We are hosts, not sentinels."

"Sixth: payment of temporary staff will be handled by me personally. You are not to concern yourself with coin. Your focus is function and form."

"Seventh: yes. If you leave your garments folded on your bunk with a note, the laundress will see to them by early afternoon. Please ensure all pockets are emptied."