The Lomcust House (closed)

[dizzylagoon]

Gabriel closed the lid of his suitcase. Was he ready? He had to be. A job like this, an opportunity like this…only came once in a lifetime.

Besides…he wasn’t leaving anything important behind. He stood, glancing around the shabby interior of his one bedroom shanty. It was all he needed, but he’d be lying if he said it was all he wanted. Gabriel was a man of simple means. He didn’t need a manor, didn’t need to swim in gold, never saw the use in vanity. But he could do without the leaking roof and cold winters.

It didn’t matter anymore. This wasn’t home, anymore. In less than four days, he was expected to live in, all things considered, opulence manifest. A little slice of heaven, owned by individuals so high on the societal totem pole they may as well be deified.

The Lomcust Family. A family comprised of the closest thing this country had to a king and queen. Through all of his time living in this prosperous nation, he never had a reason to care about them. Honestly, he had never heard of them, before that night in the bar.

It was a stormy night, and he had just gotten off of a job. It was easy work, cooking some simple meals for a small party of adventurers before they threw themselves into the next death trap they called a dungeon. But after a long, long detour due to some festival, he desperately needed a pick me up.

And that’s when he heard the rumors. The compound way out, past the countryside. That there was a family with more money than the entire parliament, the entire state, held in liquid assets. A family so wealthy, they puppeteer the government like a cheap marionette. Typically, he wouldn’t care. Just some ramblings from an old drunk. No need to die chasing ghost stories through the endless rural streets and forests. But then, they mentioned something else.

That they weren’t human.

That passerby would see them, once in a blue moon. They seemed regal, ethereal. Like they popped out of a storybook. They said they all had this snowy white hair, sort of like wool. They move so gracefully they nearly glide, and paired with the hair, they looked like if a cloud came to life and adorned themselves with all the gems they could find.

But they said a man had stumbled just a little too close. He was shambling, much too drunk to be in such wealthy company. And he bumped into one of them. And for a fleeting moment, you could see the glimmer of sharp fangs. After that night, nobody had ever seen that man again.

It was just some ghost story. It had to be. But Gabriel was interested, due to his other line of work. It was Gabriel’s job to exterminate inhuman, man-eating monsters. They often hid in plain sight, and…this seemed to fit the bill.

And so, for the next few months, he sought to find a way into the inner circle of the Lomcust house. There was no way his networking skills alone could get him into their good graces. From his social position, finding someone who knew someone who knew someone all the way up would take millennia. But the ultra-wealthy always needed servants. How else would they keep their incredibly expansive properties sparkling?

And so, through ruthless hunting for advertisements, he finally found an opening for a butler’s position. It was, expectedly, very scant on the details…but he had to apply. Situations like these were his duty to handle.

Today was the day. He’d pack up his life, and make the long journey out to coordinates in the mountains to work for monsters.

The first of Gabriel’s issues was the weather. Specifically, the endless rainy monsoon he had to fight his way through. As he was on foot, all he could do was endure. Clutching on to his thick cloak and ducking his head from the torrential downpour, he could only focus on taking one step, then another. That, and dodging snakes before they sunk their fangs into his tender shins.

But after just two days of scarcely dodging venomous reptiles, hellbent on ending his journey early, while trying not to drown in the hurricane-like storms that racked his body, he finally made it…to his final issue. That being the high cliffs that separated himself and the manor. The advertisement said there was a clearing on the other side, and advised to prep his horses for the perilous climb.

Yeah, it’d be a lot easier if he could afford horses. No, Gabriel had just two saving graces that just might allow him to survive. One, the storms had finally subsided…and two, a sturdy looking walking stick.

As Gabriel began his ascent, one thought prevailed in his mind. How stupid was he, to put his life in the hands of a stick? If only he could’ve saved his rope, but he used it to pull himself away from the grip of a powerful river’s current several hours prior. This journey had been hell.

As Gabriel approached the peak, he slowed, just for a moment. The air was thinning. He expected this, he could manage this, but…keeping pace was difficult when the air was shallow. And at the peak, he could see the clearing.

It was gorgeous. The clearing, with a radius that must’ve been several acres, glowed as if it was something out of a fairytale. He could see a myriad of distant lights, coming together to illuminate what felt like a piece of another world.
And the castle was even more jaw dropping. The entire building was painted a brilliant It featured tall spires of ivory, gilded with spiral patterns on their tips. The castle had a multitude of different attached sections, and from what he could tell, an archway that stretched over a huge moat. Gabriel was so transfixed that a powerful stray gust of wind caught him off guard!

He slipped, the stony grey gravel under his feet giving way and sending him tumbling down off of the edge of the cliff! In a moment of quick thinking, he barely managed to catch the stick around a scraggly corner of the cliff, just barely saving himself from being impaled by the spikes below him.

God damn it. Maybe bringing the stick was a good call.

After hoisting himself back up the cliff side and rolling back onto solid ground, he let out a silent prayer. He had never truly been one for death-defying stunts, even through his old stint as an adventurer. He placed his hands behind his head, cupping the back of his head and ruffling his raven black, shoulder length hair. He sat up, staring at his hands. They were rugged, wrought with scars. Maybe all of those fights did it. Probably the farming jobs. Didn’t matter. He’d have to soften up, being in a manor like that. He’d have to fit in.

As he finally worked his way down the cliff side and through the clearing, he finally got a good look at where he was to live for the foreseeable future. Just as lavish, only some details were now apparent. It felt as though, from the archway to the statues infront of the huge oak double doors, everything had at least one engraving. Most likely a symbol of a family, that he’s never seen before. Reaching into his pocket, he snatched out his mini-notebook. It was just a handheld pocket-sized notepad, but it was useful for his line of work. Both puzzles in dungeons and important stealth missions required memory he simply didn’t have. He jotted down the symbol, a circle that held two sharp acute triangles hanging down from the top, like incisors in a maw.

Very direct.

He moved forward, clutching his backpack, as he examined the incredibly tall doors. Gabriel was about average height, maybe 5’11, and he felt dwarfed by these doors that loomed high above him.

He dusted off his coat, stowing his cloak to be just a little more personable, and knocked on the door of the Lomcust family manor.

 

[Poprockz]

There was an uncomfortably long pause, almost so long as to indicate that no one was going to answer the door at all. Before all hope was lost though, it finally opened to an older woman with grey hair in a maid's uniform that was buttoned up to her collar and down to her ankles. Her posture was impeccable and her back was as straight as a board. He was given an appraising look, and by her expression one might imagine that she wasn't particularly impressed. Though perhaps it was the water that dripped from his clothes to puddle around his feet.

Regardless, she kept her tone polite as she addressed him. "This is the Lomcust manor, sir. May I ask what business you have here?"

 

[dizzylagoon]

Gabriel stifled his panting gasps, exhaustion visible on his face.

“I, ah…” he got onto a knee, rifling through his bag. “I had an…invitation, for work as a…here it is.” He withdrew a thankfully (mostly) dry envelope, signed with his permission to begin live-in-employment.

He cringed as he stood back up, as his soaked boots squelched. Those storms really hadn’t been kind to him. And as he looked into the similarly stormy eyes of who he could only assume to be the head maid, he assumed he’d receive similar treatment here.

But of course, it was expected. For all he knew, even she was a vicious, man-eating monster. The stony reception was par for the course. All he knew, was that he had to get through so he could scope out his new life.

 

[Poprockz]

The envelope was taken with skepticism, but she opened it and looked over its contents. Once done, her demeanor changed (albeit not dramatically) and she offered him a tight-lipped smile. At the very least she seemed to view his arrival as a positive thing. "Ah, so you're the new butler they sent for. Excellent! I have been managing the position temporarily and I'll be glad to give the responsibilities back to someone more... qualified for such things."

There was an undertone of condescension, as though the duties of a butler were far too troublesome for a head maid as busy as herself. "Come in - we can't have you catching a cold before you even begin!" She ushered him in, gesturing to a nearby hat stand where he could hang his hat and jacket.

 

[dizzylagoon]

Gabriel restricted himself from rolling his eyes. She seemed…haughty. As if she was above it all, yet very invested in managing it. He was always irritated when he assumed someone thought they were better than him, but in this situation…he had to hold his tongue.

More importantly, he looked around in awe of the manor. She seemed to be wasting no time, as she led him past the foyer, and into the dining room. This entire place seemed like more of a ballroom than a home. As he looked around, he could see a second floor’s atrium, filled with several side passages and doors leading to who knows where. He caught glimpses of figures, moving just as fast, if not faster, than the head maid. Would he be expected to move like them?

 

[Poprockz]

The servants were indeed moving like bees in a hive, making sure that every task was completely quickly and efficiently. Some spared him a curious glance, while others simply ignored them.

"I hope you have a penchant for success, sir, as the Lomcust family does not approve of failure." The head maid spoke matter-of-factly as they continued their journey through the manor. "Their standards are high, and rightfully so. They hold a lot of power, and the way you conduct yourself will reflect well or poorly on them. The last butler who had this position wasn't cut out for the job, so they have high hopes for you. If you don't think you can handle the pressure of such a position, I suggest you find the door before you make a fool of yourself."

 

[dizzylagoon]

Gabriel silently took in everything, taking mental note of the winding halls and endless rooms. These manor was a bonafide labyrinth. He fished for his notepad in his pockets. He’d need to chart out a crude map when he got the chance, so he could navigate when night fell.

At the mention of the previous butler, Gabriel silently bristled. Terminated…or eaten? It was just conjecture, but…a possibility. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was getting acclimated. Besides, there’s no way he was making that trip again!

“Don’t even entertain the thought. I assure you, I’m…” Gabriel glanced towards another one of the maids. He noted her regal looking golden bands…must’ve been expensive. They hire people from all walks of life, it seems. “…very capable.”

As the two of them reached a crossroads between a small lounge, decorated with all manner of white and silver jewels and upholstery, and a winding, gilded double-staircase. It led up, to a second floor so far away Gabriel could barely see it. This manor was even bigger on the inside. So much so, that he questioned if it was magical. Another thing to note.

And walking down the stairs, with a confident step and stony eyes, was a powerful looking man. His face was chiseled and handsome, a small grey beard lining his features. His short grey hair was perfectly tousled, his black top lined with bangles of cotton and gold, as well as a small silvery pendant. A gorgeous white fluff lined his collar and around his wrists. In short, he was a man that commanded respect.

“I see our newest houseguest has arrived. Medrienne, have you briefed him on his duties?” His calm, measured voice conveyed power as he spoke.

 

[Poprockz]

She clasped her hands and bowed her head respectfully, perhaps even reverently. "We were just about to go over them on the way to his lodgings, my lord. I thought it prudent to take him there first thing on account of the torrential rain he traveled through to arrive here. It seems not even a monsoon can keep away those who desire to work for the noble Lomcust family."

"Indeed." Another woman descended the stairs behind the man, dressed in a long brown dress with a matching stole that went over her shoulders and down her chest. She was younger than the man, her own brown hair in short, controlled curls. One might say that her most captivating feature was her large brown eyes though, eyes that were currently fixed on Gabriel.

"He looks dreadfully wet." A small smile curled her lips, as though she was amused at the fact that he looked like he had been taking a dip in the nearest lake.

 

[dizzylagoon]

Gabriel looked off to the side, but stayed silent. He kept his posture down, in a strange half-bow half-stand. He wasn’t sure if he had to bow as well.

He shot a despairing glance towards Medrienne, silently asking if he should bow. Of course now, she found it important to explain just where they were going. But he swore they’ve been speed walking for at least five minutes! He could honestly get lost in this place. It was bigger than his old apartment complex, easily.

But then, Gabriel’s eyes shifted to the two elegant looking figures. Their outfits had to have been crafted out of silks that probably made two trips around the world to be produced. Their sense of style was just as elegantly enigmatic as he expected, being the untouchable super-elite.

He could feel a pang of measured nervousness. He’s heard of monsters and demons being incredibly powerful. Gabriel wondered how powerful they’d have to be.

But he killed the thought. For all he knew, he could be in the wrong place, chasing stories made by drunken strangers. What took his attention the most was the smile of the woman, and the sick kick she seemed to get from how soaked he was. He refrained from letting it show on his face to the best of his ability. He didn’t need to get dismissed on day zero.

“Good. See to it that you complete a vetting process.” The regal-looking man said, glancing off to the side, as if recalling something upsetting. “We’ve had a string of thefts. Strange, how those rats sneak in where we’re situated all the way out here.”

 

[Poprockz]

Medrienne caught his glance and gave him an almost imperceptible nod, indicating that it would be in his best interest to show due deference to the extravagantly dressed man before them.

"Of course, my lord," she nodded, giving an appropriate amount of disapproval in her expression at the mention of rats. "We will vet him most thoroughly. It is only natural that rats jealously covet what the elite possess- though it is only natural for rats to be dealt with most severely, the repulsive-"

"He seems more like a ferret to me," the lady in brown piped up, brazenly interrupting the head maid as though it was simply her whim to do so. Medrienne gave no indication of being offended by this, merely silencing herself without question, though she shot Gabriel a subtle look of warning.

"Smart, dextrous, curious.... What do you think, sir?" the lady in brown tilted her head to the side slightly, her smile growing into a toothy grin on her face. "What sort of animal would you identify with?" Though her demeanor was largely jovial, one got the impression that one would want to answer carefully, or perhaps agree with her if they valued their hide.

 

[dizzylagoon]

Gabriel opened his mouth, and then closed it. He found it hard to speak. HIs mind raced with how he should answer. His first instinct was one of pride, one of indignation. This woman already infuriated him, stoked a fire deep in his chest. He deeply wanted her to stop talking. Something about the way she spoke made him feel mocked, looked down on. Gabriel shifted, his jaw shifting a little. He had to fight not to grit his teeth as he spoke.

Gabriel struggled to find his words. What he wanted to say would've gotten him set back out in the elements and making that journey home, so he buried it. He had wounds to patch up and a shower he desperately needed waiting for him, after all. The gashes along his back from the wildlife and cuts on his hands from the climbing took priority.

"I, uh. Forgive me, I'm...." Gabriel put on his best prim-and-proper voice. His usual tone and mannerisms seemed unfit for a place like this, standing before people who looked as if their only problem in life was tripping over all their gold bars. He managed to pull off an awkward half bow. "...not one for that level of introspection."

The regal-looking man glanced over to the woman in brown. He had yet to get used to her more...enigmatic behaviors.

 

[Poprockz]

"A butler who keeps his head down and doesn't think too hard about useless things... I think you'll fit in well here," she nodded approvingly. "Anyway, while I'd love to stay and chat, I things to do." What those things were, she didn't expand on. She merely turned and went back up the stairs as though her only purpose for going down them in the first place had been pure curiosity and a need to have participated in the conversation.

"Farewell, Lady Dioxys," the head maid bowed a bit lower at her before turning her attention back to the man again. "Do you require anything else my lord?"

 

[dizzylagoon]

The regal-looking man, Atlas, tilted his head slightly, gazing down at Medrienne. His silver eyes flickered, as if he was weighing options in his head.

He took a few measures steps until he reached the staircase's landing, placing a hand on the rail as he spoke.

"Medrienne, stay vigilant for any correspondence from Halive or their house. Our... negotiations are of great urgency." He stepped back, starting up the stairs before looking over his shoulder. "And I trust the soggy footprints you've let him track along the floor will be dealt with as well."

And with that, his well-shined, lightly jeweled shoes clacked along the marble staircase as he made his way back up into the darkness of the second floor.

As he continued down the hallway, he felt a pang of irritation. His fists clenched, his demeanor one of obvious irritation. All of those cretins, those conniving rodents. Burrowing into any crevice they could, ceaselessly gnawing their way through his careful diversions to get their grimy paws on what was his. What he scraped and clawed to amass, they wanted. He wouldn't allow it.

His mouth opened, as he called out towards the fleeing back of Deoxys.

"Just one second," he began, crossing his arms. His fluffy white scarf shifted along his collar as he did so, his steely grey gaze on her. "Just when were you going to find it prudent to inform me of our newest guests? And more importantly, what did you say to Halive's court for them to delay their response for this long?"

 

[Poprockz]

She chuckled, mostly amused but a tad annoyed by his query. "Must you be informed of every little thing that goes on in this manor? If I recall correctly, you delegated the task of replacing the last butler to me, and so I did. I wasn't about to bother you with reports about it because for all I knew, he wasn't going to survive the journey. I saw him from the uppermost tower telescope at some point and he didn't even have a horse. If you wanted a play-by-play on it, perhaps you should have taken on the task yourself."

The woman crossed her arms in a sassy manner. “And for the record, I sent a missive to Halive Court like you asked, completely polite and appropriate. You seem to forget that you’re not the only person in this manor who knows how to conduct themselves in mortal affairs. In fact, I thought that was precisely why you asked me to do it. It’s not as though you thought it was beneath you. If that was the case, I would have to infer that you thought little of my own status, and that would make me more than a little sad.” She eyed him, waiting for his response.

 

[dizzylagoon]

Atlas was silent for a long moment. He mulled through several ideas of what to say, before he chuckled and continued walking past her.

"But of course. I can always rely on you to handle things in my stead, Dioxys. Forgive me." It was not lost on him that he neglected to fully answer any of her questions. As he passed a window, the moonlight reflected off of his studded collar as he strode by her.

"Another thing that I'm sure you've got handled is the matter of Ariel. She's been looking thinner lately, and quite pale. She's been a lot weaker as of late, and dropped the gilded statue in the foyer." He turned to meet her gaze. His voice conveyed a subtle conspiratorial tone, laden with a hint. "You may want to give the poor girl a break, before she shatters something expensive."

 

[Poprockz]

“Ah…” Dioxys knew immediately what he was referring to, and she had to admit that he had a point. One of her favorites had recently “slipped on the stairs and cracked their head open” or so she was told. She wouldn’t put it past any of the other nobles to stage such a thing just to put her in a tough position. It wasn’t as though she could simply latch onto anyone who passed by if she wanted to avoid suspicion, so her attentions had been more concentrated on her favored ones as of late. It only made it more difficult when one factored her own tastes into things as well.

Either she was experiencing some bad luck or someone was trying to put pressure on her.

“Don’t worry, Atlas… I’ll seek a new member of my circle very soon, and in the meantime I’ll fast if necessary.” There was a reluctant sigh. She very much didn’t want to deprive herself of what she desired, but if one of her own damaged something beyond a simple vase or dish ware, then it could be used as ammunition against her. In a twisted way, one might say that Atlas was giving her the opportunity to defend herself by giving her this warning.

 

[dizzylagoon]

"Fasting? You? With your, shall we say...sweet tooth?" He let out a mean-spirited chuckle as he strode off, towards the ornate balcony. It wasn't as if they tasted particularly sweet, but she seemed to savor them like delicacies often. "I don't think you've gone more than three days without feeding. I'm sure you'll find your way out to town and sink your teeth into some serf before you go hungry."

And with that, he slipped through the sliding glass doors out onto the balcony, a sly smirk on his face. And as soon as he stepped out of her sight, his expression soured.

Those ingrates in the Halive Court. Oh, did they dance on every last one of his nerves. They must be spending their time plotting, finding a way to push their influence into his carefully crafted house of cards. He'd need to fortify his circle. Halive was nothing if not cunning. If he were to let just one crack form, it'd be over.

Of course, he needn't worry. Atlas let out a relaxed sigh, leaning his arms against the railing. He had much bigger issues. Like his passion project, the expansion of his own house. Perhaps he should seek involvement with the neighboring states, bolster his sphere of influence. The others could handle those vultures in Halive.