Chapter Text
Lord Astarion was hosting yet another soiree with yet another crowd of nobles that all hoped to build connections amongst each other and himself. He wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or the atmosphere but lately the parties have been rather dull. All it has been lately is, hosting parties, maybe a disappearance or two then being in this study, making invitations or lists. Not even harassing the servants has any charm anymore. He never thought he would consider sharing his bed again, but he had to admit it has been cold and far too large lately. Perhaps it was time to look for a suitable consort? He had his pick of the litter with the great and the good of Baldur’s Gate always attending his lovely lavish parties.
“Oh this? It was made by a very exclusive designer, they only go by their brand name, Lavender Threads.” A noble attending one of Astarion’s parties was raving to another. He couldn’t help but overhear, he has been hearing that name a lot, and the clothing pieces were always exquisite quality and intricately embroidered.
“If I may, I couldn't help but overhear. But how does one make a request to such a designer if they are so exclusive?” Astarion asked the raving noble.
“Oh! My lord, you simply use one of these cards with magic circles, you write a letter with your request, place it on the magic circle and your clothing arrives a few days later. No one has ever seen where it comes from but the clothing is always very comfortable and doesn't tear even when pulled on. I have an extra I can spare the lord of his wishes?” She beamed with honor as she was getting attention from the handsome new lord.
“Thank you, I will put it to good use.” He took the card from her hands. What a strange way to run a business, surely you would prefer to meet your clients in person?
A day after the party he decided to put it to the test. He requested something rather elaborate. Minutes later a response poofed from within the circle, a timeline and a requested payment, written in a perfect elegant hand. He placed the proper amount of coin required on the card and it vanished just like the letter previously. Not long after another response came through, a thank you for doing business and a day it would arrive. Sure enough, seemingly out of nowhere the beautifully wrapped package came through the circle right on time. He unpacked the box and couldn't believe his eyes, it was stunning, exactly as he asked, all stitching and embroidery perfectly done. The fabric was soft, different from any silk he's ever touched, and sure enough it didn't tear even when he pulled on it, instead it slightly stretched and returned to its original shape when released. I must meet with this designer! But how to find someone who didn't want to be found?
“Master, when shall we start preparing for the next event?” Asked a servant, there was always one to be lined up to look forward to.
“Make it a tenday from now, and make sure everything is exquisite, I plan on inviting someone important.” Astarion said dismissively.
“Right away master!” He scuttled out of the room to inform the others.
Bringing out his finest quill and parchment, he began to write an invitation, perhaps he could convince her to attend his next event. He finished writing the invite and sealed it with his finest wax seal. He then placed the letter into the circle and just like before it vanished in a puff of smoke. But unlike last time, it took far longer to receive a reply back, he grew anxious as the minutes passed, it felt like hours. When finally with a puff of smoke a response came through on a small pressed paper card with lavender lining the borders, ‘I accept’ was all that was written in that elegant hand.