Sybille's Designs

That Ancient and Noble House

That Ancient and Noble House

Sybille never ran. 

There were a wealth of reasons why not. Firstly and most simply, it wasn't ladylike. Secondly, she was rarely dressed appropriately for even a quick jog. Typically, she was donned in heels and long, flowing gowns. It simply wasn't practical. More importantly, however, she was a paladin of rather high standing and a lady of an exalted, noble house. If people saw her running, if they saw her harried and panicked, they would be left uneasy. For that reason, more than any other, Sybille never ran.

Which was why she was walking quickly, not running, despite having been told that her brother needed to see her - urgently, according to the messenger. She moved with haste, but kept her face calm and clear of concern. Only her rigid spine and tense shoulders betrayed her true disquiet.

They were in the midst of war. At a time when people were wondering whether or not they were going to wake to an attack the next morning, it was vital that she never give them extra reason to worry. The common folk looked to people like her, to the ruling class, for security and guidance - whether they were aware of it or not. She had to be a pillar of strength for them, even when she was worried.

As she was now. 

Her brother rarely called for her. He never called for her urgently. If he was summoning her, she could only imagine what was wrong.

Of course, with Raimond, it was hard to be certain. He wasn't particularly well versed at understanding proper social etiquette and what he considered dire didn't always equate with what would constitute an urgent need for others. But even if it wasn't actually an emergency, Sybille couldn't help but come rushing to his side – as fast as she dared anyway.

Since her family had moved into the palace, after the destruction of their home a few months ago, they had been closer to each other than usual. The relocation made it easier for Sybille to check on Raimond - which was more of a comfort to herself than him. Raimond was perfectly content to be left alone, only calling on others when he considered the occasion important.

Raimond's room was in the guest wing of the palace with the rest of the family. However, his private suite was situated at the far end of the hall, away from the others. He liked to tinker and his projects could be loud. Added to his aversion to people, and it was just more practical to put him away from them so that he could work by himself in a personal study allowing him to hide away in from the rest of the world. It was better for him overall as spending any extended time around people made him grumpy and unreasonable.

Sybille didn't bother knocking on his bedroom door, because she knew he wouldn't be able to hear her. She let herself into the outer room of his suite and immediately walked across the room towards the next door – his renovated study. It had originally been the bedroom, but he had requested the bed be moved into what had been the sitting room. The revised floor plan allowed him even more privacy and space so the noise he made wouldn't disturb others. It was upon this door that Sybille knocked.

"Rai?" She called out, lowering her hand, waiting. She didn't let herself in, knowing that Raimond hated when people invaded his space without permission.

After a few seconds – during which she wondered what could possibly make him call for her – the door finally cracked open and her older twin brother peeked through the crack. He glanced at her face only briefly - just long enough to identify her - before turning his gaze away.

"Oh, Sybille. It's you. What are you doing here?"

She frowned. "You summoned me. You said it was urgent."

"Oh! Right." He nodded, opening the door and stepping back, still not looking her in the face. Avoiding eye contact, in anyone else, Sybille would interpret as a sign of anxiety or falsehood or simple rudeness, but Raimond was different. Looking into her face would be atypical for him. He wasn't very comfortable looking people in the eyes. Not even her.