Smile

Any gift was unusual, earrings even moreso. How strange for the Lord to give him such things. And yet, Cadis Etrama di Raizel was appreciative. In all of his millenia, gifts were far and few between.

Sir Raizel ran a finger over one of the earrings. These charms were obviously special. Power whispered around the metal crosses, reaching out and tugging at his own. Their purpose instantly became clear and he wasted no time choosing one. He squeezed the clamp around his ear, leaving the cross to dangle at the end of its short chain.

When the constant flow of a multitude of minds dulled within his own, some disappearing altogether, the Noblesse closed his eyes to enjoy the dimming cacophony. Sir Raizel watched the birds and listened to their chirps as he wondered if perhaps the Lord had sought to extend his life by restricting the power of the Noblesse to his body. Because of the wondrous changes inside his mind, the Lord's purpose mattered not.

Yes, truly, the earring set was a precious gift. The Noblesse could feel his own power collecting inside of his body, as opposed to spreading out across the land and sky. The other earring was far too precious to waste, however. This one seal was enough. He didn't want to completely cut himself off from the outside world.

Sniffing, he noted that with all of the other distractions dulled, the scent of salt water was now more pronounced. In the distance, he could hear the sound of the sea crashing against the cliffs. Sir Raizel breathed deep and momentarily closed his eyes, enjoying the song of birds and rustle of leaves, unrestricted by the constant flow of the other nobles' minds.

He closed the box holding the remaining cross and safely stowed it away, wondering if the nobles noticed the reduction in the amount of his power permeating the island.

The Lord might be a fickle creature and was, on rare occasions, a nuisance, drawing Sir Raizel out of his mansion and into a world in which he could never hope to take part. Nevertheless, this once, the Lord had truly been of service. Though Sir Raizel's isolation had been made more complete, the sun was now brighter, the air fresher, and the sounds crisper. His world had gained new dimensions.

Barely perceptible, for the first time in many centuries, the Noblesse smiled.