Rain and Luck

Redava hadn’t counted on the rain. Annoyingly, the weather remained one element out of her control. Today that meant she tromped down muddy streets with Lord Thain, Lady Linnae, and one other. Redava, eyes their atypical fourth member, Lord Duval, with excitement. The prize was nearly hers.

“See? Aren’t you glad that you came with us?” Thain voice rang with boisterous drunkenness as he swung his arm over the man’s shoulder. Duval grabbed ahold of Thane in return, not out of camaraderie. No, she could see he attempted to keep Thain from pulling them both to the ground.

Glancing ahead, Redava spotted Thewyn approaching. Not her circle gear. No, this evening required the alternative, fitted attire of a woman enjoying her evening. If a bit less polished than Redava and her noble companions.

Her appearance made Duval’s gaze dart from Thain to Thewyn with surprised interest. Perfect.

Quick steps carried Redava forward. Sher threw her arm around Duval’s other shoulder. “Well, I am delighted you’re heREe!” The last squeaked out as she slipped on mud. She crashed to the ground, dragging Duval with her and right into Thewyn.

The lord’s blushed, bumbling his words as he pried his fingers from Thorin’s clothing covered the woman’s movements.

“You’re a mess.” Lord Thane said. He helped Redava up. Though if he’d spoken to her or Duval, she couldn’t say.

She glanced down at her mud-covered clothing and gazed back to Thewyn with widened eyes. “Well, this isn’t good.”

Thewyn muttered apologies, as if she’d been in the wrong. Her instant chagrin made her invisible to Redava’s companions.

Running her hands over her mud-smeared clothing, Redava knew she looked a fool. A quick glance at Thewyn and her tight nod made it worth it. Sometimes one has to make a complete ass of themselves to get their goal. And Thewyn had gained the prize, the key to opening the Duval estate. Perhaps the storm had worked in her favor.