[Please be kind, my first time posting up a story here! ^^;]
“The Mapmaker?†Riven asked, setting down a pile of books. The past week had seen her sorting though the remains of her predecessor’s work. Everything was finally organized as best as she could make it. “That name sounds like something from a poorly-written novel.†The small scriptorium’s other occupant, a dark-skinned Elezen named Dariustel, shot her a grin.
“Always so critical. Is there naught that does not receive your brutal wit?†Riven grinned back at the Elezen. He was also a scribe for House Haillenarte, but was studying to become an Inquisitor.
“As I said. Poorly-written novel.†With those words, Riven started to place the books on a nearby shelf. “Are they part of the cases you have been studying?â€
“They are one!†With a flourish Dariustel removed a packet of papers from his bodice. With a mock bow he presented the folded sheets to Riven, who quirked an eyebrow at him.
“What is this?â€
“Take a look.†Dariustel invited. He chuckled when Riven shot him a narrow blue-eyed gaze. “It is quite safe, do not worry!â€
Easy for you to say. Riven thought. Despite opening their gates, Ishgard was still mistrustful of outsiders. And even more recently there had been a spate of dragon and heretic attacks. Aside from that one instance where she’d let her tongue get away with her, Riven was doing her best to stay unnoticed…with the notable exception of Vahn. That was one area of her life right now she couldn’t help herself in. A memory of the white rose made a blush rise to the brunette’s cheeks, and Dariustel tilted his head.
“Riven?†Forcing her mind to the present, Riven looked at the Elezen.
“Just what exactly are those papers?â€
“See for yourself.†Dariustel smiled as Riven shot the papers a wary glance-then gave into temptation and plucked them from his fingers. For an outsider the young Hyur seemed to be quite sensible. She kept to herself, was the first one into work and the last to leave. She was also pretty to look at-and thankfully intelligent for a woman of her species. Unaware of the scrutiny, Riven unfolded the papers. Her eyes widened, and she drew in a breath at what was under her fingers.
“Scholar bless me.†She whispered. A map of what seemed to be one of Ishgard’s areas-the Foundation- met her eyes. But it was not a series of crude or impersonal sketches-instead she could pick out fine details of buildings and streets.
“Intricate, is it not?â€
“It is.†Riven went through the rest of the papers-more maps of the city, all equal in artistic detail and design. “Where did these come from?â€
“They were either found among the confiscated belongings of heretics or on their persons.†Dariustel gestured as Riven’s head bobbed upwards. “Created by someone they called the Mapmaker. Whenever they were planning an attack or trying to escape Halone’s justice, they would call upon him for assistance.†Riven frowned, looking back at the papers in her hands.
“Did they suspect a traitor in the city? The level o…†She trailed off, eyes widening. “Oh no-†The Elezen chuckled.
“Very observant. Yes, they did. However they were never able to find a suspect and it was not for lack of trying.†Riven looked up. “And he was not limited to the city as well. He drew maps of the Highlands, even going as far to the kingdom’s borders.â€
“Just as detailed as these?†Riven asked.
“Down to the last little river.†Dariustel replied. Riven exhaled, gaze dropping to the papers once more. “I wanted to see if I could get your opinion to offer in a report. You are quite skilled as an artist…†Riven shook her head.
“I only scribble. And…will you not be in trouble for letting an outsider see this?â€
“No. My mentor thought it was a good idea, obtaining an outsider’s perspective.†Riven pressed her lips together, glancing sideways at the Elezen. It seemed innocent enough.
“Dare I ask if this person was caught?â€
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“Either caught in a raid or disappeared.†Dariustel answered. Riven blinked in surprise. “They stopped finding his maps…†He paused, thinking. “Thirty years ago, I believe? I must check the records.“
“The Mapmaker?†Riven asked, setting down a pile of books. The past week had seen her sorting though the remains of her predecessor’s work. Everything was finally organized as best as she could make it. “That name sounds like something from a poorly-written novel.†The small scriptorium’s other occupant, a dark-skinned Elezen named Dariustel, shot her a grin.
“Always so critical. Is there naught that does not receive your brutal wit?†Riven grinned back at the Elezen. He was also a scribe for House Haillenarte, but was studying to become an Inquisitor.
“As I said. Poorly-written novel.†With those words, Riven started to place the books on a nearby shelf. “Are they part of the cases you have been studying?â€
“They are one!†With a flourish Dariustel removed a packet of papers from his bodice. With a mock bow he presented the folded sheets to Riven, who quirked an eyebrow at him.
“What is this?â€
“Take a look.†Dariustel invited. He chuckled when Riven shot him a narrow blue-eyed gaze. “It is quite safe, do not worry!â€
Easy for you to say. Riven thought. Despite opening their gates, Ishgard was still mistrustful of outsiders. And even more recently there had been a spate of dragon and heretic attacks. Aside from that one instance where she’d let her tongue get away with her, Riven was doing her best to stay unnoticed…with the notable exception of Vahn. That was one area of her life right now she couldn’t help herself in. A memory of the white rose made a blush rise to the brunette’s cheeks, and Dariustel tilted his head.
“Riven?†Forcing her mind to the present, Riven looked at the Elezen.
“Just what exactly are those papers?â€
“See for yourself.†Dariustel smiled as Riven shot the papers a wary glance-then gave into temptation and plucked them from his fingers. For an outsider the young Hyur seemed to be quite sensible. She kept to herself, was the first one into work and the last to leave. She was also pretty to look at-and thankfully intelligent for a woman of her species. Unaware of the scrutiny, Riven unfolded the papers. Her eyes widened, and she drew in a breath at what was under her fingers.
“Scholar bless me.†She whispered. A map of what seemed to be one of Ishgard’s areas-the Foundation- met her eyes. But it was not a series of crude or impersonal sketches-instead she could pick out fine details of buildings and streets.
“Intricate, is it not?â€
“It is.†Riven went through the rest of the papers-more maps of the city, all equal in artistic detail and design. “Where did these come from?â€
“They were either found among the confiscated belongings of heretics or on their persons.†Dariustel gestured as Riven’s head bobbed upwards. “Created by someone they called the Mapmaker. Whenever they were planning an attack or trying to escape Halone’s justice, they would call upon him for assistance.†Riven frowned, looking back at the papers in her hands.
“Did they suspect a traitor in the city? The level o…†She trailed off, eyes widening. “Oh no-†The Elezen chuckled.
“Very observant. Yes, they did. However they were never able to find a suspect and it was not for lack of trying.†Riven looked up. “And he was not limited to the city as well. He drew maps of the Highlands, even going as far to the kingdom’s borders.â€
“Just as detailed as these?†Riven asked.
“Down to the last little river.†Dariustel replied. Riven exhaled, gaze dropping to the papers once more. “I wanted to see if I could get your opinion to offer in a report. You are quite skilled as an artist…†Riven shook her head.
“I only scribble. And…will you not be in trouble for letting an outsider see this?â€
“No. My mentor thought it was a good idea, obtaining an outsider’s perspective.†Riven pressed her lips together, glancing sideways at the Elezen. It seemed innocent enough.
“Dare I ask if this person was caught?â€
Â
“Either caught in a raid or disappeared.†Dariustel answered. Riven blinked in surprise. “They stopped finding his maps…†He paused, thinking. “Thirty years ago, I believe? I must check the records.“