(2023-06-04) A Faire Day's Meeting

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	Devon Tennerow and Lester Amerith meet at the Darkmoon Faire to discuss theater, mysteries, and possibly romance.
Rating:	T for Teen

Arc: Ringside Seats

It's the first day of the Darkmoon Faire in Elwynn Forest, and the tents and decorations still fresh and new. Or, at least, they are the cleanest they will be for this round of festivities. People are already milling around, with a small crowd around the cannon and children scampering around to identify animals.

A man in a dark brown suit, Devon Tennerow, walks quietly through the tents and the crowd. He seems to be looking for something. Or perhaps, someone.

Lester Amerith, in his usual grey and black suit and hat, stands in a crowd watching a torch juggler, a masked woman wearing a green and purple dress to match theme of the faire on his arm. Slightly behind her, in a more casual dress, is a blonde woman. Both would be recognizable from the recent charity gala.

"Count Amerith," Devon says in feigned surprise, pausing as he walks by. "I regret I had no chance to speak with you and your companions at the gala."

"Count Tennerow," Lester returns, tipping his hat. "Come to enjoy the faire, have you? Allow me to introduce Lady Ravendusk, and her attendant, Ilanya." He gestures to the two women.

"He says Lady, but I can claim no noble titles." Lady Ravendusk offers a sweet smile and a curtsy, Ilanya following suit. "A pleasure to meet you, Lord Tennerow."

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Devon smiles and makes an appropriate bow towards the two women. "I have often enjoyed the Faire indeed. It seems to grow in popularity each year, don't you think?"

"And no less than it deserves," Lester says. "Silas Darkmoon consistently outdoes himself. One of my favorite acts is just there—" he gestures to a kaldorei woman some distance away, doing acrobatic jumps and tricks while shooting targets, and apples, from people's heads, "And he came by her only some years ago. She has since tamed a creature known as a ravager. Apparently it is from Outland. Have you seen it?"

"A ravager?" Devon's eyebrows raise. "I haven't seen it, but I have heard stories. The creatures sound truly nightmarish, I didn't realize they were tameable. Then again, perhaps everything is, to the right person."

"I should like to visit to see Outland for myself, alas, my duties would not allow for an extended trip to another world." His tiny smile seems truly regretful.

"It is but a ruin, dear, you are not missing much," Lady Ravendusk says, causing Lester to turn and stare.

"Have you been?" he asks, surprised.

"I went, I left," she waves her hand dismissively.

"I have not been, but my brother was there briefly," Devon says. "He spoke of the most curious things. Giant mushroom forests and arcane wastelands of purple lightning. A bit more than just a ruin, I would think. Still… it is hard to get away from Stormwind, I admit. Perhaps one day." Devon pauses, and then adds, "I'm given to understand we share an interest in the theater as well. I believe you're a patron of the arts?"

After a moment of trying to read Lady Ravendusk's never fading smile, Lester turns back to Devon. "I am indeed a firm supporter of the arts, be that financially, or otherwise. Do you perhaps have a project in mind?" Lester's expression is neutral, as it normally is, but his eyes sparkle with the possibility.

"Oh, I've recently become interested in some historical plays, such as those from Lordaeron," Devon offers. "Plays that may well be lost to time at this point, but would still be well-received here in Stormwind, I believe. Were you aware Lord Ference once owned a theater company?"

"Naturally, and I do believe his mercenary company of present times is a play on its name." It's possible Lester only amused himself with that pun, as Ilanya rolls her eyes, and Lady Ravendusk, still wearing that smile, dismisses herself, with some few words of parting.

Lester watches the two women depart, a tiny smile on his face. "This must be why I am yet unmarried."

"Puns?" Devon asks with a small smile, watching them depart. "They do have that effect, sometimes. But yes, I was thinking I might try to track down some of his old plays, provided I can secure rights to them, of course. To see them done here, in Stormwind."

"I should be more than happy to aid in that endeavor, however I might." Lester turns back to Devon. "I have more than enough contacts throughout the city to secure a venue, and I am personally acquainted with some of the top talent in the kingdoms, if you have not yet put together a cast. And of course, I will back you financially, should you need it. My only condition would be that the first viewing is open to the public. All the public. Whoever should like to attend."

"Excellent," Devon smiles. "I would never bar the theater from anyone, if I can help it. I myself am a patron of several playhouses, though I clearly do not have your contacts. I'll need to speak with Lord Ference, to see how he feels about the rights. I can't imagine but that he would be pleased, though, for his old work to reach a new audience. And then to locate the play itself… that may be an adventure."

"Indeed, indeed…quite the adventure." A slow smile spreads across Lester's face. "Well, then. Do let me know if I can be of any help in that endeavor. I have more than simply artists in my arsenal."

"I shall, Count Amerith," Devon says with a firm nod. He glances in the direction the ladies have gone again, and adds, "As I am also yet unmarried, I may have little advice to offer on your other concern. But… I understand that ladies often like gifts - ones that demonstrate a genuine interest in the things they enjoy. Perhaps I can tell you if this bears out, in a few weeks time."

"Ah, I wish you good fortune in that," Lester says, following Devon's gaze. "For my case, I fear it is not so simple. Lady Ravendusk is not her name, and I have never seen under the mask. Whoever she truly is remains a mystery to me, as do her interests. I can tell she is still young by the smoothness of her skin, but that is all."

"Is that a mystery you long to unravel, or one to simply appreciate?" Devon asks with some curiosity.

"The joy of a good mystery is eventually reaching a satisfying conclusion," Lester says. "But such a thing cannot be forced, or it loses its magic. I will take my time with this one, as I do rather enjoy her company. And I suspect even after I unveil her she will be useful…" In a smooth gesture, Lester sweeps the hat from his head and gives Devon a dramatic bow. "It was a pleasure meeting you here, Count Tennerow, and you are welcome to call upon me for any future artly discussions."

Devon gives a deep bow in return. "Likewise, Count Amerith, and I trust you will consider me an ally in such endeavors." He straightens from his bow and adds, "I shall keep in touch on the lost play issue, but for now… I think I may need to go see this ravager for myself."

"Indeed. Do say hello to Ravaine for me. She is a delightful young woman." And with that, Lester weaves his way through the crowds in search of his lady companions.