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Post by Culmir on May 22, 2011 16:39:42 GMT 1
Cam and Clover both stared at the man before them, their eyes growing large as he spoke to them in regards to having received a message from the cook in the ducal palace, the man seemed gruff but for all the twin knew it could be a facade, meant to intimidate them, so far, whether it was a ploy or not, it was succeeding. Two pairs of identical grey eyes followed Ivan as he paced back and forth in front of the Rue twins, who both stood stock still, repressing the urge to fidget uncomfortably under the man’s scrutiny. He explained to them slowly what todays mission would be for them, apparently it was both a training exercise, probably to determine the twins amount of skill as well as seeing if they were capable of following orders and executing a mission to the point of perfection.
The twins followed the man silently as he took them to the edge of the wealthy district swiftly, it seemed remarkable that the man knew his was so well through the maze like streets of Fort Revenald but Cam and Clover blamed that on years of living in the town. Grimacing Clover noted the excessive amount of phlegm that seemed to plague the man and she was more than a little grossed out by the fact he fell into a fit of raspy phlegm infested coughs after telling them which compound they were supposed to get to and that he would be following over the rooftops to monitor their movements. She was quick to wipe the expression of her face, emptying it of emotion before he turned his gaze back onto them as he leaned against the wall, trying to give away the effect that he was to scale the wall while Clover in secret figured the man probably needed the support of the wall to remain standing.
Both of them exchanged glances when Ivan asked if they had any questions, simultaneously they shook their head and in unison they spoke clearly “No sir” before they turned their gazes down the street that would most likely lead them to the establishment they were supposed to investigate. They watched as their instructor made his way up to the rooftops of the house he had picked out to lean against earlier before they turned to each other “You go left I’ll go right” Cam said before Clover could suggest anything otherwise, the house of that elder lady lay more to the left of where they were now and Cam didn’t want to risk running into the old bat and possibly recognising his sister, he was fairly sure of his own less than likely possibility of being remembered and spotted by the woman but it was still a risk for Clover. And the last thing they’d needed right now was to be seen by someone they had robbed who could possibly alert the peacekeepers, who were clearly not yet informed of their acceptance into the Reven Ravens as a pair of them glared balefully at him and his sister from across the street as they stood there.
“Fine” Clover grumpily resigned, her shoulders sagging in defeat as she saw the determination flicker behind her brothers eyes, there was no point in arguing with him then while he had his mind and heart already set on doing it his way. “Just don’t do anything stupid Clover” Cam retorted “Now is not the time for silly games and stupid stunts, just get to the place, if I’m not there yet you wait” he stressed the last word and received an eye roll from his sister in response. “I know a lot is at stake here Cam, I’m not completely brainless, as for not playing games or doing silly stunts, I only do those things when we’re not doing anything serious, besides, those silly stunts saved my ass on more than one occasion and should the need arise where I have to do it again, I will definitely take it, other than that you don’t have to worry little brother” she patted his cheek mockingly with her palm before she turned and headed down a road to the right.
Cam could feel the questioning gaze of Ivan on his back, he probably wondered why they hadn’t took off to the location yet, and why they were wasting precious time talking to one another. Steeling himself Cam turned and looked up, finding his eyes locking with the hazel orbs of Ivan who had an eyebrow raised as if to say ‘well, what’s the hold up’ Sighing Cam started to walk down the street on his left, stuffing his hands down his pockets and appearing like a loitering youth merrily meandering down on the streets for lack of something better to do, this ploy worked for him before, he figured why not try it again. The two peacekeepers that had been watching Ivan talking to the two kids kept a cautious eye on the pair, watching them split up and deciding to do the same, each following one of them down the streets, unsure of why Ivan could possibly have been talking to these two scrawny little gits.
It didn’t take long for Clover to figure out that she was being followed, the sparkling ensemble of the peacekeepers armour did little to hide the glaring light glancing off it and darting stinging rays of light into the grumbling mass of people going to markets or work in the bright spring morning. At first Clover thought it was a mere coincidence, she knew the peacekeeper patrolled the area regularly to discourage any thievery in the early hours of morning where the throng of people would be at its highest and people less likely to be missing any personal affects until the culprit was far gone from any peacekeepers reach. She ignored the large man in his obscenely noticeable attire which made Clover appreciate all the more the irony of being accepted into the Reven Ravens, those elite few that actually managed to blend into the crowd and not having to parade around in such an ostentatious outfit. Clover turned a few corners, keeping a wary eye on the peacekeeper as he pretended to be inconspicuous and exuding an air of omnipresence to his surrounding, effectively making all the scurrying people around him feel slightly more comfortable and relatively protected, his eyes however, though obscured by the visor of his helmet were locked intently on Clovers red hair, the distinctive feature that made her stand out amongst the dark or blonde haired inhabitants currently milling around on the cobbled streets. He trailed behind Clover who huffed in annoyance, her distance shortening swiftly to the location where her actual mission would be taking place, and she felt it would be prudent to arrive there without an obnoxiously curious peacekeeper dogging her every move. Spotting her possible escape Clover ducked into a small store, filled with giggling women, all marvelling over the new assortment of hats that had arrived from the Pi'paen nation in the evening shipment last night. The Peacekeeper tried to worm his way in after the nimble redhead but found himself blocked by a mass exodus from the store, all woman clutching their newly bought headdresses and gushing over the splendorous feathers that adorned the tops along with the see through veils that could be artfully draped over their faces. The scowls of annoyance were fixed onto the womens faces in unison as they nearly collided with his polished breastplate, Clover in the meanwhile snagged a regular hair cap, one of those that covered most of your head and had a large sack like pouch that women could drape their hair into, fixing it onto her head she snickered at her own ingenious solution as she set off to the Felvon establishment, wondering idly how her brother was faring.
Cam’s luck was running low or so he thought, shuffling his feet he lingered in front of a metal smiths store, pretending to be perusing the wares stalled in the display cases as he glanced to the peacekeeper hiding unsuccessfully around the corner a few feet away. Cam had tried a number of things to get away from the persistent man following him none of which had succeeded as the man had simply seen through his many plans and somehow managed to get back onto his trail several times, Cam suspected he had some way of communicating with the peacekeepers occasionally taking the higher ground and observing from the rooftops. Why Ivan hadn’t called off the peacekeepers was beyond Cam so he assumed either it was a test of some sorts or the man honestly didn’t know that he and possibly Clover were being trailed, which made for a bit of a predicament, obviously Cam couldn’t kill the man, though that would take care of the shadowing the peacekeeper was attempting, or Cam could somehow incapacitate him, which likely wouldn’t be a smart option either as a report would have to be drawn up and his actions would be revealed to the duke and general Tedronnis, where this obviously was a secret mission and as little witnesses of the action would best benefit the duke. Which left one option open, try and keep trying to lose the man somehow, and preferably soon as Cam was already nearing his end location and he didn’t want to implicate Clover in this. It was as he was contemplating his options that the smithy from the store he was lingering in front of came out “See anything you like kid?” he asked, appraising Cam thoughtfully, marking him as someone with money because of his imported, yet stolen, clothing. Cam smiled politely, watching over the man’s shoulder as she Peacekeeper slowly slunk off, clearly thinking that he had plans of meeting with the smithy here, not believing his luck Cam shook hands with the man “I was just admiring your work” he said as she quickly glanced at the display, not actually having been focused on it before. Inside the case was a marvellously filigreed dagger with inlaid jewellery “Yeah this is really my masterpiece, pity no one can afford to take it off my hands” the smithy joked, Cam chuckled “Yeah it’s a pity, well you have a good day sir” he shook his hand once more before setting off down the street, though still keeping an eye out for his clingy little friend.
Clover arrived first at the wall that circumvented the Felvon compound, she observed the wall casually, walking around it slowly taking in all the details, and noting the large spikes protruding from the top, then she waited, casually leaning against the wall for her brother. Cam came around the corner slowly, having circled the block once as a precaution to make sure there were no peacekeepers within hearing distance of the seeming house, as he and Clover were likely to make some kind of noise trying to get into the building and he didn’t want to attract any unwanted attention. He spotted his sister soon enough, even though she was wearing a ridiculous hat, he would recognise that small heart shaped face everywhere, especially when those identical grey eyes locked with his and her mouth curved up into a mocking smile “You almost kept me waiting brother” she chided jokingly. A smirk curved Cams lips up as he patted the head of his shorter sister “Yeah well you kept me waiting last time remember, consider this payback” he replied. Clover muttered obscenities under her breath as together they began to really inspect the wall they were facing, it wasn’t tall, they could probably get up onto it easily enough, the hardest part were the spikes that were imbedded into the top of the wall, they were vicious looking things and probably sharp enough to slice through the leather boots both the kids wore. Obviously the easiest way in would be through the gates, which were unfortunately heavily guarded by two burly men who kept glancing around paranoid, of course they had every reason to be paranoid as Cam and Clover were lurking around the premises. They did spot the salt and pepper hair of Ivan slipping into the tavern that was across the street from their targeted location, it was reassuring to know that the man had actually made it over there alive, neither had seen him as they were walking down in the streets, but then again they had been distracted by the trailing peacekeepers.
In the end they decided to climb an adjacent building, then air hop from that houses roof, hopefully either into the enclosed courtyard of the Felvon compound or if possible even onto that roof, but the thuds of them landing might alert anyone inside, so if avoidable they would rather not. Cam gave Clover a leg up as she swung over the wall of the neighbouring house and landing nimbly in its backyard, fortunately no one was home at the time, else they would of been surprised to see two young people climbing into their yard. Glancing around cautiously the twins made their way to the empty house, climbing onto a small wall build for privacy but a handy little step up onto the roof as well. They carefully made their way to the small gap that was between the wall of the Felvon company and the house they were currently standing on top of, estimating the distance Cam was the first to jump across, figuring that with his longer legs he was more able to bear the brunt of the impact on the ground. He landed with a teeth jarring oof that zinged up into his calves but otherwise left him unharmed, he whistled lowly, imitating a local bird to signal to Clover to make the leap and he would be there to catch her. Cam saw his sister momentarily gliding through the air as she flew over the wall, pulling her legs up to her chest as she barrelled over the spikes barely missing them, clearly having misjudged the distance and not putting enough power behind her jump, running forward Cam barely caught his sister before she crashed to the floor. “Well that was fun” she smirked as she clambered out of Cams arms and stared at the building they were now facing, lucky for them the two guards at the gate had been completely unaware of the two young intruders and were blissfully looking in the opposite direction. Luck seemed to be smiling down on the Rue twins as a haphazardly stacked pair of crates conveniently made a rickety sort of contraption leading up to, yes, a small smudged with grime, window. Grinning to one another Cam and Clover quickly and silently ascended the pile of crates, both wiping away some of the dirt away from the window, though keeping their hands in front of the cleared areas to prevent any light piercing through it and alerting whomever was inside.
Nothing could prevent them from what they saw inside the compound, at first it appeared to be empty but as they waited patiently a man appeared, a man they could of sworn they had seen before but he couldn’t be here, he’s supposed to be busy in the ducal palace. Exchanging looks the twins both assessed that they had in fact just seen the spifing image of Duke Cyrtris Mraen. As quietly as they could they descended the crates, having besmeared the window with spit and dirt from their clothing they made their way down slowly so not to alert anyone. They managed to somehow get over the wall, though some bits of clothing were left behind on the spikes and they were unable to reach them, though there were so many other bits clinging to the spikes that the twins hardly thought they’d stand out. Trying not to appear too flushed the twins hastily made their way over to The Singing Sword tavern where lord Ivan was waiting expectantly. They told him what they had seen inside the Felvon compound in short sentences, glancing around nervously, unknowing of what they should do with this unsettling information.
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Post by xaen on May 23, 2011 23:47:35 GMT 1
When the Rue‘s promptly shook their heads and in a soldier‘s fashions chimed in unison “No Sir!”; Ivan with a huff turned and glared at the house before him as it was a disobedient mule, the old goat flexed his rusty thick fingers and then grabbed hold of the nearest window sill. The ancient ranger hero of days bygone, scaled the building like a spider reaching the roof in less time than you could count on a hand. Breathing lightly, Ivan turned back around and folded his burly arms across his chest as he stared anxiously down at the hesitating recruits. After a short bantering conversation with his sister the boy finally stared up into Ivan judging hazel eyes. The old goat raised his in a fashion that clearly expressed his unspoken question, “What‘s the hold up boy?” Finally the young pair split apart the boy taking the left and the girl the right, and Ivan‘s two watch dogs following accordingly. Ranger Blazewind had purposely informed the pair of peacekeepers that morning to follow a pair of possible “troublemakers” that he would first speak to be ascending to the roofs; not just any peacekeepers mind you, but the best thief trackers in the entire city. Of course Ivan had left out this key information to his new recruits, and had purposely omitted telling the guards that they were his recruits; but neither needed to know, only he did. Smiling privately at his devilish trick, Ivan rotated himself about on his heels to follow the roofs in the best fashion possible to easily follow his recruits on the ground. For the first three houses, Ivan simply walked along their lengths casually looking side to side watching the beginning of the race with moderate interest; then it got difficult for the old bat. The routes that the twins took drifted further apart forcing Ivan to sprint along in pursuit, and it didn’t help much that they both quickened their pace to dodge the peacekeeper hounds. The Ranger Hero of yore managed to keep pace enough to witness both Clover’s disappearing act in the hat shop, and Cam’s continuous attempts to lose the his highly trained tracker. Eventually Ivan grew tired of tailing the pair, so he signalled the peacekeepers to back off as in conspicuously as possible; Cam looked quite pleased when his guard “seemed” to believe the “he was simply going to the market ploy” Both now converged on their target and old Ivan felt like a stiff beer will they finished their mission, and he was now a single six foot gap away from the roof of the adjacent building to boot! Sweating like a pig and sucking in air like it was going out of style, Ivan Blazewind pushed himself into one final sprint to make the jump. He was in the air and halfway to the other building when another attack hit him like a bag of bricks. “OH BALLS!!” He gasped through the pain as his limbs numbed and his lungs constricted, he barely managed to grasp hold of the edge of the roof. The sudden painful jerk of his arm and the burning sensation in his fingers from rubbing hard against the course shingles made semi-conscious Ivan growl through grinding teeth, “By the burning balls of demons! This hurts!!” With a sickening pop Ivan’s left arm escaped from its socket and with a howl of pain Ivan plummeted two stories to land lightly on his feet, before flopping roughly on his behind. Grumbling profanities Ivan Blazewind rose nearly unharmed from the ground and moved towards the alley wall; sucking in a steadying breath Ivan lifted his left arm at the right angle and firmly slammed it against the wall. Another stomach curdling pop and the arm was back in place, Ivan released a rush of air as the pain shot up his fixed arm as he stumbled from the alley. Straining to regain composure, Ivan managed to hobble his way to The Singing Sword tavern and he briefly glimpsed the twins preparing to break into the Felvon establishment. Once inside the tavern, Ivan hastily took a table off in a corner and ordered a thick beer to ease his hurts. “Today’s going to be a bad day,” Ivan grumbled at the tankard sitting in front of him as he waited thirty minutes for the return o his recruits. Two beers later the tavern door swung open and in scrambled the Rue twin’s looking a little agitated, probably from the pressure of entering a heavily guarded compound; Ivan assumed. Until they explained their discovery to him in short sentences and ending with Cam saying, “It was undisputedly Duke Cyrteris Mraen!!!” “Keep yer voice down boy!” Ivan snapped as he waved for them to sit, to which request they complied without hesitation. “Now tell me again what he looked like?” The old ranger demanded and the twins promptly, but slowly repeated the information they had already given their superior. Ivan sat there quietly for fifteen minutes, rubbing his sore muscles as he contemplated his next orders. “I want you to watch the Felvon establishment until sundown and then return swiftly to the Ducal Palace, am I clear?” he commanded of his new recruits, before leaving after they conveyed their understanding. Ivan now had some serious work to do, that first entailed a visit to the Duke; a trip to the palace should have taken Ivan a few minutes, but in his weakened state it took an hour. “I’m to old for this shit,” The Ranger hero of yore sneered obscenely as he stumbled through the Ducal Palace gates after yet another attack that numbed and burned his nerves. Inside he chased down one of the many clerks that carried out the Duke’s wishes, finding one he barked, “Where in the Hells is Cyrteris!!” The clerk shrieked like a girl at the sudden appearance of a grump old ranger breathing like a raging ox down his collar, somehow the man managed to stammer out directions to the Duke’s audience chamber. Storming down the hall and around the corner, the ranger burst through the chamber door half-expecting Cyrteris to not be there; only to discover that his assumptions had been false, assumptions can be quite embarrassing sometimes.
“What is it Ivan?” Duke Cyrteris demanded politely with a false edge of irritation in his voice to express his annoyance at being interrupted from his desk work; though secretly the young Duke thanked the old goat for giving him the momentary reprieve from his drudge work. As Ivan gasped for breath, Cyrteris rose from behind his mahogany desk to approach the out of shape ranger. “It’s not about the Rue’s is it?!?!” The Duke rambled in a panicked fashion fearing the worst for the pair, especially for some reason the spiky haired Clover; ‘did he already have such feelings for her already?’ Cyrteris privately wondered as he waited still for the man to catch his breath.
“No, no, no. Nothing like that,” Ivan Blazewind wheezed as air finally became easier to catch with his battered cancer ridden lungs, as he retrieved a cigar from a pocket on his tunic and lit the thick thing. Taking several strong puffs Ivan quickly began to feel much better, and with a single powerful breath he explained his urgency, “Well Cyrteris, the recruits are performing marvellously. But that is not why I am here. The Rue’s claim that you where inside the Felvon Compound an hour ago and I had to check if what they said was true. Clearly it wasn’t!” Finished speaking the Ranger continued to draw heavily from the cigar clenched between his thin dry lips.
Cyrteris’ mind reeled as the old ranger’s words hit him, it was such a preposterous claim; but the Duke believed the twins even if they had their report a bit twisted. The Duke silently puzzled over the ranger words hardly understanding their possible meaning, Ivan the whole while calmly smoked his cigar to a nub before the Duke finally addressed him again. “Where are Cam and Clover now?” He asked with more than a little concern edging into his voice as he said Clover’s name, much to his embarrassment.
“They are still watching the compound as I ordered, they won’t be back until sundown,” Ivan explained hiding the mirth from both his face and words as to not humiliate the young Duke further than the man’s tone already had. With a deep bow Ivan took his leave without permission and exited the chamber leaving the Duke to stew over this new information, professional or otherwise until sundown later that day.
Marvic Mraen hardly moved around the chamber as he was unknowingly spied upon by two street rats that were really Reven Ravens, but the pair had left a moment too soon before Marvic’s mysterious ally emerged from the shadows of the chamber. “Well Marvic, tell me what have you been up to these past few days? Hmm?” Kenras said in his musical voice as he approached the nobleman with the outlandish Pi’paen hat atop his head.
The nobleman nearly leaped out of his scarlet and gold trimmed attire when the half-elf slithered like a snake from the shadows. ‘How long has he been there?’ Marvic wondered secretly to himself as he assembled his composure in front of the now smirking moon elf, doing so by striking an over pompous pose that screamed loudly about his arrogance. “I have successfully convinced The Three Talons, The Northwind, and Cassilen Culpurt companies to help us and the council man, Rasvin to join his mercenaries with ours,” The man beamed proudly as he tried futilely to stare down Kenras.
“Good. Remember we attack at high sun tomorrow. Do not be late,” Kenras chided before slipping back into the shadows to teleport away in a sudden blue sparkling light. Arriving back safely in the tunnel network of his temple to the god Kassislek, underneath the Eagle Peaks a few miles away from the city. There he fulfilled his priestly duties until the sun fell and Kenras once again teleport back to the city to meet his associate in the old rundown storehouse.
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Post by Culmir on May 24, 2011 21:11:16 GMT 1
Cam and Clover had a mild anxiety attack, their heads both reeled from the familiar face of Cyteris in the large Felvon building, they certainly hadn't expect their first try-out mission to be so revealing. Could their newly acquired friend and master really be leading a double life? and one of crime to boot, honestly the twins didn't know for sure, they had heard nothing but praise for the young duke of Fort Revenald and they found it hard to believe he could be running some dark underground slave trading deal with the crooks of Fort Revenald and other such dubious men that required slaves for labour or other scrupulous manners. They watched with a small pang of apprehension as Ivan left them behind in the Singing Sword tavern, running his own errands to verify their information.
Cam turned to Clover as they exited the tavern scant minutes after Ivans departure "Clove, do you really think Cyrteris could be doing this? couldn't it be some test of his to see if we remain loyal to him even though he's dealing some back alley slave deal?" he asked tentatively, Clover had always been a better judge of character than he was. Clover pondered this, a frown creasing her smooth forehead as they took a leisure stroll around the block, ever vigilant on the Felvon compound, keeping a weary eye on it should anything suspicious happen they had to report it back to Ivan. She shook her head, the red spikes whipping into her face from the severe motion "No" she paused, chewing her bottom lip thoughtfully "I don't know what this all means, but that man in there, though remarkably alike of Cyrteris something about him felt off, the way he moved was more oily, like a snake" she shuddered "Cyrteris..." she stopped, eyeing her brother from the corners of her eyes "I don't know, he just seemed more genuine, I could feel that he cares for his people, we're proof of that" they stopped just around the corner of a house, out of eyesight of the two gateguards to the compound. Wrapping her arms around herself Clover shivered "Maybe the mans a hired help, you've read more books than I back in the institute, wasn't there one story you loved where a wealthy man traded spots with some beggar that looked like him, what if this the case here, somehow" she spoke thoughtfully, the frown remaining on her face.
Cam nodded slowly, his lips pursed as he took in this bit of insight of his sister "Well for one I had no idea you actually listened to me when I summarized stories for you" he started with a chuckle, hoping to lighten the mood, earning a deepened frown and glare as a reward. "You might have a point but in my story it was because the wealthy man wanted to know what life was like as a beggar, and it didn't fare well as you should remember, I told you the beggar betrayed the rich man and had him killed and taking his place entirely" Cam continued rubbing the bridge between his eyebrows as he tried to remember the book. "Besides, do you really think the duke would need to do such a thing, you saw how accomplished he is at disguises when we met him on the streets, so he doesn't need a doppelganger like that, so I doubt the mans in Cyrteris's employment" Cam concluded as he stared down at his shorter sister who shrugged halfheartedly "I suppose" she murmured.
Together they peeked around the corner every now and then, making sure no one was going in or out of the compound and together they waited there weighed down in spirits by what they had seen.
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Post by xaen on May 26, 2011 2:37:34 GMT 1
The sun set quickly this night, an odd occurrence in the summer, it was almost as if the sun was fleeing some kind of catastrophe. Cyrteris near-visibly shook from the nervous jitters that had plagued him since the strange report from Ivan hours earlier that day, not even the endless mind-numbing paperwork eased his nerves. The Duke stared long and hard out one of the massive windows that let the fading rays of the sun wash into the audience chamber that housed his heavy paper ridden desk. The steward that Cyrteris had called for finally arrived, the clack of his leather boots heralding the steward’s arrival into the chamber. The man dutifully chimed a calm “M’lord” before standing at attention waiting to be addressed by the Duke, who swivelled about on his heels to face the man. Clicking his tongue against his teeth, Cyrteris moved towards his desk and scooped up the five scrolls that were sealed in wax by the Ducal Seal; which he shoved into the steward’s grasping hands. “Deliver these summons to the people on this list,” The Duke commanded as he grabbed a small piece of parchment with the names Luthien Tedronnis, Saria Moonflower, Rasvin Tresm, Galsious Harven, and Ivan Blazewind inscrolled across its beige horizon. The steward took the offered list and bowed respectfully before retreating from the chamber at a determined pace, the heels of his black boots clicking loudly as he disappeared through the great oak doors. With a profound sigh, the young Duke wandered over to his padded chair and flopped into it at a rather uncomfortable angle; one leg half slung over an armrest, a hand resting on the floor, his chin bent towards chest and his other limbs lying similarly askew. After a few minutes of terribly uncomfortable thinking, Cyrteris rose stiffly from his chair and made a single sharp whistle that brought another steward running from seemingly nowhere. “Would you please await the return of Cam and Clover Rue in the outer-courtyard, and bring them to my personnel study when they arrive,” The Duke told the young woman that had answered his call as he rubbed his tired and strained eyes. Deciding that he had enough of paperwork for the day, he strolled swiftly for the chamber door and off into the hall beyond until he found his way into his personnel quarters. Two more side doors later Cyrteris stood in his lavish sitting room and study, to pass the waiting hours the Duke tried to settle himself by reading a classic novel called The Wind in the Wheat written by a Pi’paen gentleman named Norvin Stoutlon. He barely read an entire chapter before Luthien Tedronnis arrived in a rather flustered and disturbed manner, the man had immediately gone to the liquor cabinet and grabbed a bottle of incredibly strong whiskey; taking a mighty swig straight from the bottle. “What troubles you, my good General?” Cyrteris tried to ask without sounding the least bit concerned by the man’s wild actions.
Tedronnis took three more long pulls from the powerful whiskey that was locally produced by a wealthy brewer in the middle class district, before pausing in his binge drinking to answer his Duke. “Our envoy returned from the Vorshtaran camp,” Luthien stated flatly in a voice devoid of emotion as he set the bottle of booze down and looked Cyrteris in the eyes for the first time since arriving. “Ambassador Timothy Westriver’s report states that the Vorshtaran shaman Xaxistics has down right rejected the proposed peace treaty, and Timothy believes strongly that the Voshtarans have no intention of leaving without bloodshed. Regardless of our answer to Mister Vlan’Tur,” General Tedronnis said solemnly as he seated himself on the opposite couch that faced Cyrteris.
Cyrteris’ book lay forgotten across his lap as he chewed mercilessly at his lower lip, utterly lost in thought as the disturbing news settled into his brain. Before the Duke could think of something to say, Galsious and Rasvin moseyed through the chamber door; their smiles dissipating as the depressing mood of the Duke and General collided with their happiness. Then entered the Lady Saria and the Rue twins, and finally moments later Ivan arrived on the heels of the previous trio, wearing that perpetual frown that always decorated his grumpy old face. Once everyone took their seats, Cyrteris cleared his throat and set The Wind in the Wheat novel aside on the table next to the couch. The Duke then turned to better face his guests, his hand briefly sliding along Clover’s thigh by accident as he shifted; Cyrteris hadn’t seen her sit down next to him! The Duke hastily tried to plaster an apologetic smile across his handsome face, but failed and had to settle for a more of an embarrassed smile that to the elderly in the room spoke volumes of his attraction to his latest Reven Raven. Feeling incredibly humiliated now by the cheesy grins on Tedronnis’ and Ivan’s wise faces, and to Cyrteris further discomfort a gentle smirk rested on Saria’s beautiful mouth. Blushing deeply now, the young Duke rose from his seat to pace in front of the mantle just like before to gather his emotions before speaking. After mentally beating down his embarrassment, Cyrteris turned to face his guests as a whole and mentally took note of wear everyone was seated. Tedronnis, Cam and Saria occupied the couch opposite where Cyrteris sat, next to Clover and Ivan, the center couch facing the fire was occupied by Rasvin and Galsious. “Let’s start this gathering with our latest recruits report on their first mission, shall we?” Cyrteris nearly stammered as he made eye contact with Clover’s glittering grey eyes, but managed to shift his gaze quickly before his tone cracked completely with humility.
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Post by Culmir on May 26, 2011 14:53:10 GMT 1
It was a tedious job, keeping an eye on the Felvon compound, every now and then either Cam or Clover would dart across the streets, making a cursory round around the block, keeping a close eye on the building while the other kept an eye on the guards that had taken to patrolling around in circles, clearly having been ordered by a person who remained unseen behind the walls. Should the guards be closing in too swiftly on the others location they'd let out a piercing cry, mimicking that of a falcon, as they had seen one or two flying around in the sky above Fort Revenald, they assumed the bird was a natural sight above the city and its cries would be common around the area.
As it was getting later in the day Cam and Clover remained vigilant, though their feet hurt from standing all day they refused to relent and sit down, not only would it compromise their view on the building but it would also attract unwanted attention of passerby's going home or running errands. It was with a pang of hunger that Clovers stomach began to growl in earnest, it was well heard by Cam who raised an eyebrow at her when she flushed a scarlet red "I'm hungry" she whispered. Cam who remembered having a larger and more substantial breakfast then Clover cringed, he hadn't considered that they'd be around here so long that they might have to actually spend the night surveying the building. "I'll get you something to eat okay, you just wait here and keep an eye on the place okay" he whispered back, casting a glance at the sky, it was bordering on nightfall so he'd have to hurry back, a girl unprotected in the streets wasn't generally a good sign, though Clover knew very well how to defend herself, scrawny scavengers were likely to start prowling the streets, dripping in from the poor sections of town to search for food and other basic necessities. Cam pushed away from the wall, slipping out of the small space between two houses they had taken residence in, most people looked over the narrow gap as if it weren't there, and it was pleasantly cool in the shade as a small breeze occasionally swept through the alley. He didn't get far as he was grabbed by the scruff of his neck roughly and being forcefully turned around to face an angry peacekeeper "I've been looking all over these damned streets for you and your sister" the man growled "Ivan sent us here to tell you lot to report back to the courtyard immediately, and that was roughly 2 hours ago so you should hurry" he barked.
Clover emerged from the alley, having seen her brother being manhandled by the taller peacekeeper, she glared daggers at him with her stone hard grey eyes "Let go of my brother now" she snarled, her hand reaching towards her kodachi already. The peacekeeper chuckled and released Cam, holding his hands up in the universal sign of surrender "I was just following orders in giving you that message" he barked at Clover, eyeing her approvingly. She cocked her head "Yeah well, messaged delivered" she bit back at him, dragging her brother out of the mans reach "What message" she whispered to him, hunger making her tired. Cam watched a bit short of amazement as his sister came to his rescue, clearly she thought something bad was going on and he was proud of her to dash out immediately at the sign of a possible threat. "We were to report back to the courtyard, 2 hours ago" he spoke softly, angling himself and his sister away from the peacekeeper who was still allowing his gaze to wander a bit to freely over his sister who seemed blissfully unaware.
Clover swore, an impressive litany of profanities rolling from her pursed lips as if they belonged there "Guess we'd better get a move on then" she grumbled, half dragging her brother in the general direction of the ducal palace. Cam allowed himself to be hurried along by his sister, he knew she wanted to go back partially to fulfill the summons from their instructor, partially to see the duke and find out if he knew about their accusations yet and a large part to visit Poledras kitchen and hopefully be fed. He corrected Clovers course a few time, making it to the ducal palace at a swift pace, just short from running as that would cause suspicions among people.
When they arrived in the courtyard a messenger from Cyrteris was waiting there for them and told them they were to immediately report to the dukes study. Clover darted a glance at Cam who shrugged "Perhaps after a short pitstop in the kitchens" he spoke to the messenger who seemed startled to hear the twins were planning on not obeying the dukes immediate orders. Clover saw the disapproving frown on the mans face as he opened his mouth to tell them off, she sidled beside him, draping her arm casually around the mans neck, put on her most dazzling smile and spoke "We haven't eaten all day" in her most convincing woman in peril voice. Blinking the man stared at her, shrugging her arm off his shoulder easily, his frown lessening as he eyed her wearily to which Clover batted her eyelashes innocently, producing a convincing pout on her lips. Finally the man caved, unable to stare any longer into the smouldering grey eyes of the redhead "Fine, but it better be quick" he warned before walking off to continue his other duties.
Smirking Clover turned to her brother, an eyebrow raised, daring him to speak. Cam snickered "You and your feminine wiles Clove" he rolled his eyes before setting off towards the kitchens, hurrying so as not to waste more time than necessary. Poledra smiled as the twins stumbled into her kitchen a set of large pots bubbling merrily on the stove, her tawny eyes sparkling as she beheld the two "I assume you want something to eat?" she asked teasingly. The twins nodded vigorously in unison as they sat down at a large oak table "I'd like to thank you for the help this morning too" Clover said loudly to be heard over the bustling life inside the kitchen. Poledra waved her apology off as she stood with her back towards the twins, whipping them up a quick meal "No big deal, it happens all the time" she smiled as she turned around, setting two plates in front of the twins, piled high with the roast beef she had served to the duke for lunch. Eyes wide the Rue twins tucked in like a pair of starving wolves and within minutes the plates were empty "You mustn't blame the duke for neglecting to inform the locals to feed you, he has a lot on his mind and I'm sure he'll feel terrible when he finds out, so let's keep it between us until things improve okay" Poledra stared at the twins imploringly. Both nodded again in unison "We've been through worse than a day without food" Cam joked as they got up from the table, ready to go see the duke now.
As they were halfway up the stairs to the dukes study they ran into Saria Moonflower, Cam smiled politely at her, allowing her to ascend the stairs before them earning a jab in the back from Clover who bore a knowing smile as she had seen the covert glances her brother snuck at the raven haired woman. Saria entered first and Cam and Clover followed, as they were sitting down Ivan made his way into the room, apparently completing the assembly as Tedronis, Rasvin and Galsious were already present. Cam chose to sit down in between Saria and general Tedronnis, to the apparent dislike of the general who scowled at him while Cam eyed the woman beside him curiously. Clover settled herself beside Cyrteris and Ivan who sat down beside her, she didn't want to have to sit down beside Rasvin, the man still made her skin crawl as he, resembling her brother, though more openly was staring at Saria.
It was the feather light touch on her thigh that made Clover shiver and glance over at Cyrteris quite surprised, she saw the expression of shock and then embarrassment flood the young dukes face as he smiled apologetically at her, a genuine smile curved Clovers lips up in return. The dukes movements were fluent as he got up from his seat, standing before the hearth, seeming to collect his thoughts from the set of his shoulders before he turned around and looked at each of them in turn. Upon being asked for a report of their first mission Clover averted her eyes but not after a moment of locking gazes with Cyrteris who looked away uncomfortably as well, Clover chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully as she wrung her hands together in her lap, hoping her brother would jump in.
Cam noticed Clovers clear reluctance though he wasn't sure why, she was the more eloquent of the pair and best in explaining situations where Cam's thoughts were more likely to stray and come up with other wild speculations while informing someone. Clearing his throat Cam mournfully tore his gaze from Saria and turned to look up at Cyrteris "From our point of view sir" he started "This mission went relatively well, Ivan told us to split up and take separate routes to the location we were to investigate, we had some issues with peacekeepers following us but we managed to shake them off before meeting up at the designated building, we surveyed the area first before tackling the surrounding wall with the use from an adjacent house's roof, we managed to infiltrate the courtyard without the guards waiting at the gate to notice us, we appear to have some streak of luck today as a haphazard pile of crates formed a makeshift ladder leading up to a dirty window, we cleaned a small spot large enough for us to see through, we waited there until someone showed up in the building..." Cam paused, eyes darting over the floor as if to find the best way to put this hidden somewhere on the floor "We saw you sir" he decided as he looked back up at Cyrteris "Or at least we thought it was you, a man who resembles you so much he could be your double was inside that building, we were so shocked at what we saw that Clover and I immediately went to report this to Ivan who was waiting for us at a tavern close by" Cam concluded. Clovers eyes were still on the floor "In hindsight it would of been better to remain where we were and find out more about this man, what he was doing there, who he was possibly meeting, but at that point we were too unprepared for what we had seen...therefor I feel we didn't complete our mission to a full success" she spoke softly, not daring to look up and see the resentment on the faces of those assembled.
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Post by xaen on May 27, 2011 0:51:39 GMT 1
Ivan had to bite his lip to keep himself from laughing at the love stricken Cyrteris, who continued to awkwardly look at Clover or similarly avoid any eye contact with the young lady five years his junior. When the Duke finally managed to spit out his request of the twins, a brief nervous silence hovered over the pair of Rue’s before Cam spoke up. The young man provided incredible detail for those who were not present in the mission, Ivan even laughed aloud when Cam mentioned the tailing peacekeepers. His chuckled earned him a few curious glances from the council members who seemed seriously enthralled by Cam’s speech as if it were a doomsday prediction. Ivan simply sighed and rolled his eyes at those stiff collared rich kids, except for Tedronnis who was only a few years younger than himself and Luthien had also spent time on the frontlines as well. The old ranger’s frivolity subsided as Cam reached the part about Cyrteris’ doppelganger in the Felvon compound, Ivan carefully gauged everyone’s reactions careful. Saria frowned and stared perplexedly at Cam, Tedronnis seemed like he would throttle the man for even thinking that Cyrteris was involved with the Felvon Companies less than illegal business. Galsious had paled and managed to sink most of his massive bulk into the couch, Cyrteris was hardly surprised by the information having been already informed. All reactions were perfectly normal except for that weasel Rasvin Tresm’s expression. The hawk-boy seemed edgy and slightly panicked by Cam’s words, and then suddenly the man’s expression changed to a mask of arrogant superiority and deeper knowledge than he cared to share. An odd reaction to this news at the very least, even from the usually haughty merchant.
Cyrteris quietly listened as Cam provided a detailed report of this mornings mission, the fire in the hearth behind him crackling softly as Cam spoke. Cyrteris momentarily ignored the young man to chance a glance at the beautiful Clover Rue, the Duke finally finding the courage to peek at the pretty girl that had readily caught his hearts attention. When she noticed that the Duke was looking a little too intently at her, Cyrteris tore his gaze way turning a light shade of red; the man secretly hoping that she did not follow his eyes. Then Cam made his comment about seeing Cyrteris in the Felvon compound, the awkward hush that descended upon the room was suffocating. After the gravity of Cam’s words settled in their minds, the council members nearly exploded into a riot; two sides were formed by the four councilmen, since Ivan quietly listened to the politicians fight it out, one side demanded to know if the accusation was true and the other angrily defended the Duke against the others. Cyrteris let the four councilmen rage for a few minutes before silencing them by simply raising his hand palm open towards them. “I was already informed of this doppelganger by Ivan,” The Duke started his confidence restored and rock solid once more, as long as he avoided looking at Clover; Ivan noticed this and started to make lewd gestures at Cyrteris whenever the others weren’t looking, all of the gestures clearly referring to the women sitting next to him . “After spending my afternoon contemplating the significance of this doppelganger, I have come to believe that my brother Marvic could be involved with this mysterious Felvon character,” The Duke nearly growled as his irritation and his embarrassment grew from Ivan’s continued childish teasing, thinking to cow the old goat’s teasing Cyrteris shoot him a dark look that only made the old man chuckle and try harder at finding better gestures. A loud snort of mirth startled the Duke from his mental tirade of angry curses at the old ranger for humiliating him in front of his council and the Rue twins; oh how Cyrteris wished Clover wasn’t picking up on this. But his wish was promptly torn apart by the sickly raspy voice of Rasvin Tresm, who stared down his beak nose with a stupid smirk plastered across his unproportional face.
“So the Ducal pup has been rolling in the filth of the cities underbelly, and inventing bastard childs to cover his little frolickings with slavers and crooks,” Rasvin said practically singing his string of treacherous insults, the man smiling all the wider at the horrified expressions sent his way.
“How dare you!?!” Galsious sneered at the stringy and tiny bird-man that sat next to him, his usually kind eyes ablaze with the black fires of rage. Saria similarly stared down the impudent Rasvin who seemed to only gain courage from the hateful looks.
“Ah look how the boar protects its master, who is more concerned with thoughts of rutting with a red-headed whore than defending himself!” Rasvin practically shouted his voice thick with twisted mirth as he enjoyed watching the Duke shift uncomfortably at such a rude proclamation of his inner feelings. The vulture rose from its perch on the plush couch and moved threatening close to Cyrteris, going as far as to poke the man’s muscled chest as he spoke. “You are nothing but a worthless coward, who turns tail and runs from every fight. A snake that spreads fear through presence but lacks the teeth to back them up!” Rasvin continued since not a single soul moved or spoke out against him, a brutal and heart chilling smile grew under that freakish nose of his as turned and stared sharply at Clover. “Maybe you’ll catch something fatal from this disease riddled whor…” That was as far as he got in his next demeaning slur against Cyrteris before the simmering Duke lost it.
Cyrteris tackled the impudent crow to the ground with a heavy thud and promptly planted a powerful fist into the man’s nose, the already sickening appendage crunched and twisted into another freakish form under the Duke’s fist. Nobody moved to intervene all where to shocked to act swiftly, beyond terrified gasps as the Duke and Rasvin rolled along the open carpet between the couches. Rasvin tried futilely to push the man off the scrawny man even managed a few strong blows to the Duke’s stomach, hits that were simply shrugged off before the Duke unleashed his retribution upon Rasvin for the man’s insults against him and Clover. The young Duke savagely pounded the pinned merchant’s face and chest, shattering ribs, blackening both of the man’s beady eyes, knocking out teeth and braking the man’s jaw. The beating continued even after Rasvin lost consciousness, and it took Cam, Tedronnis and Galsious to pull the furious Duke of the battered Rasvin. A pair of peacekeepers had entered the chamber without Cyrteris realizing, the pair quickly scooped up the groaning Rasvin and half-carried half-dragged him from the room. Taking slow deep breaths, Cyrteris tried to sooth the fires in his veins as he stared hatefully after his disobedient councilman. The gathering quietly stared at the Duke all equally shocked by his sudden outburst, even those who had known him for years were terrified by his almost feral reaction to Rasvin’s words. The condescending looks that Ivan, Tedronnis and Saria shot his way made swamped his senses with incredible feelings of guilt and the looks that the Rue twins sent him filled him with a heavy burden of shame. “Ah please forgive me, but I need some air. Please Luthien share your news,” With that shaky excuse the Duke hurried from the room, and stormed through the halls to his private garden. With a deep heart felt sigh, Cyrteris stared up at the starlit sky and resented his stupidly violent attack against his long time alley; the fact that Clover might now never like him because of his brutal actions only further depressed the Duke as he quietly stood alone in his garden.
Tedronnis watched the Duke leave in his flustered state with a grim look stretched across his weathered features, the man was greatly concerned by the Duke’s irrational assault on the Lord Tresm; granted the General wanted to do worse things to the rat, but couldn’t because of the ramifications. The General stared long into the fire thinking about the terrible emotions that Cyrteris must be fighting within his own mind to have snapped like that. When he decided to check on how everyone else was holding up, Luthien noticed that Clover was no longer in the room, but Cam was; understandable since a fair number of Rasvin’s insults were directed at her, she probably left to vent her own emotions the General assumed. Wanting to draw attention away from the Duke’s outburst, Luthien coughed stiffly into a weathered paw to pull all the eyes of the remaining few to himself. “As I told Cyrteris when I arrived, Timothy Westriver has returned with the shaman Xaxistics answer to our peace treaty,” General Tedronnis informed the group as he twiddled his thumbs to calm his own frayed nerves, the lady Saria realized his ploy to settle the council and helped by simply replying, “And what was his answer Luthien?” “The shaman Xaxistics has declined our offer, and we believe that the threat of war is now imminent,” He said solemnly as everyone stared off into whatever corner as they accepted the grim news nearly stoically. “Now want must be done?” Tedronnis asked the world at large, not really expecting an answer as the fire crackled loudly alongside their heavy breathing.
While this meeting took place in the Ducal Palace, a pair of shadowy figures gathered in an old rundown storehouse that lay somewhere along the border between the wealthy and middle class districts. Kenras’ pearly white teeth practically shined in the darkness as he smiled widely at his counterpart, known to most simply as The Master; though the man was hardly the “Master” of the Shadowcloaks, he was just one of the people like Kenras that was awarded the privilege of commanding one of the four branches of the Shadowcloak organization. The Shadowpriest had arrived in a rather flamboyant manner, teleporting just outside the storehouse door and then grandly throwing the creaky old thing wide in a fashion more suitable for a play than a midnight rendezvous between two conspirators. Then the half-elf proudly strutted across the squeaky floor boards with his hands out wide in a display that would shame the arrogant manners of most nobles, his heavy boots banging loudly against each board. Kenras began to chuckle like a madman when the Master unintentionally winced every time the moon elf took a thunderous step nearly destroying every once of secrecy the pair had placed into the meeting. “My dearest friend it has been a woefully long time since we last conversed, and as I recall it wasn’t on the best of terms,” The pompous Shadowpriest exclaimed in his greatest theatrical voice as he indicated the long scar on his face from his left ear to the corner of his mouth on the same side. It was no small secret amongst the Shadowcloaks that each branch of the guild quarrelled with one another, for that was the will of their shared deity Kassislek, but when greater gain was in reach they put their petty squabbles aside to join together. “So tell me old chum, what have you been up to?” The High Shadowpriest asked sweetly straight to the point of the meeting, as he stared into the face of his old rival that led The Society of Assassins sect on Erumara’s shores.
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Post by Culmir on May 27, 2011 14:08:13 GMT 1
Cam wasn’t sure if he had managed to convey the mission properly and he found himself staring at their given instructor who had been snickering throughout Cams entire speech, it made the Young Rue twin uncertain if he was doing a good job or not and he half expected a reprimand of some form, a smaller part of himself vaguely wondering if the elder Ivan would resort to crude punishments like they had to endure back at the institute but such thoughts were quickly shoved aside as the last part of Cams monologue seemed to drape a veil of silence on those assembled. Cams grey eyes moved from Ivan to Tedronnis who hardly seemed shaken by the revelation and was more or less lounging all the while glaring at Cam in such a manner Cam feared for his life, slowly Cam’s gaze made a short circle around the room, Saria’s face was pale and she appeared shocked, Galsious had broken into a sweat but Cam couldn’t determine if that was because of the impact of the new or the stifling hot interior of the room because of the large mass of bodies currently pressed inside. Cyrteris didn’t appear to be fazed by the revelation which told Cam that he had already been informed and that he had a perfectly good explanation for it too, why else would he allow him and Clover to so openly form a report in view of several council members unless he would explain to them all to eradicate any doubt in their young lord once and for all. The more pessimistic side of Cam whispered uncomfortable thoughts in his head, what if this all was an elaborate plan to make him and Clover a scapegoat, someone to set an example by, to show what would happen to those that dared utter such ridiculous accusations to the duke who had showed them nothing but kindness since the moment they met. Troubled by these thoughts Cam wasn’t able to pick up Rasvins more than smug expression.
It took a bit for Clover to manage to turn her tear blurred eyes back onto the people assembled in the room, she had expected them to be hateful towards her and her brother for carrying such a heavy message back to them. It didn’t surprise her in the least when after they had finished their first report that the room exploded into a heated discussion, which involved a bit of screaming on Sarias part directed at Clover who sat quietly opposite her, bearing the brunt of the stabbing words as the woman accused her of treachery. Though most of the soft voice of saria were drowned out by the mens heavy voices as they debated on whether or not to gain some form of real evidence if this could of possibly happened in their own town, rather than believing the word of a pair of scruffy kids, picked up out of the gutters who obviously had no idea what they were doing and should be forced to tell the truth! Clover hastily wiped the tear that escaped from the corner of her eye away from her face, she wasn’t sad or hurt by what was said, she was angry and somehow her tear ducts were heavily connected to her temper resulting in her crying out of frustration and pent up anger. Her hands balled into fists as she angrily chewed on her lower lip, drawing blood as she restrained herself to jump up and throw herself into the verbal violence that swirled around the room, it was just then that Cyrteris calmed the frenzied conversation with a mere gesture of his hand. Clover was awed at the display of power so casually, she for one wouldn’t of been able to stop this argument from continuing without some form of bloodshed, she did notice that Cyrteris wouldn’t look at her at all, the rejection stung more than she expected. Accepting defeat Clover stared across the room pointedly finding some interesting spot on the far wall not even bothering to pay attention to what was happening in her peripheral vision as Ivan was performing some inappropriate display of hand gestures, if the duke wouldn’t look at her she wouldn’t look at him either, though what he revealed next made her grey eyes find their way to his form once more, this time confusion spread on her face...a brother? She was about to ask how this could of been possible, if Cyrteris had in fact a brother why didn’t he live in the ducal palace, was he estranged from his royal family somehow? Why would he remain in Fort Revenald if such was the case, but before she could speak the raspy voice of Rasvin filled her ears, her skin shuddering at the intonation and the words.
Cam couldn’t believe his ears, Rasvin was actually plainly saying that he didn’t believe the ‘mysterious brother’ story, when it was likely the best solution to their problems, as Cam had pieced together that if Cyrteris had been informed by Ivan earlier, he couldn’t of possibly gotten from the Felvon compound to the ducal palace, change clothes and meet with Ivan without even seeming to be flushed and obviously Ivan would make note of that. Their instructor wouldn’t allow his master to make a fool of himself in front of his collected council members if he hadn’t been sure that his story was true and valid, the blasphemy didn’t end at Rasvins sneered words of slander but he was now intend on drawing Clover into this as well? Cams eyes narrowed, his hands balling into fists as he watched the oily snake form of Rasvin gliding through the room to stand face to face with the duke, continuing his demeaning speech to his lord, how that man managed to live was beyond Cam and he was too shell shocked to respond to Rasvins hissed words. It wasn’t until Rasvin turned to look at Clover who stared wide eyed at the man, tears of anger streaming freely down her face that Cam felt the sudden need to jump up to his sisters defence, only to be proven tardy as Cyrteris’s fist connected squarely with Rasvins beaked face, the crunch of his nose shattering loud in the silent room. Blinking in apparent shock it took Cam a moment to collect himself and began to pry an enranged duke from the now unconscious Rasvin, Tedronnis and Galsious jumped to his aid when it became apparently Cyrteris was more than up for the struggle and seemed to be intend to pounding the man to death. In the end the combined strength of the three proved to be sufficient to draw Cyrteris off Rasvin who definitely looked like a piece of meat given a good pounding with a meat hammer. The peacekeepers that had been patrolling the corridors had bustled in immediately upon hearing the fist fight and arrived just in time to drag Rasvins unconscious and bloody body off to recuperate somewhere.
Clover herself had jumped up at Rasvins words, a feral snarl on her heart shaped face as she was a second away from lashing out at the man herself, only to be held back by a restraining hand of Ivan who sat beside her as Cyteris launched himself at his councilman as well. With some sick pleasure Clover stood and watched as Rasvin deserved what he got, not only for what he had said this night but also what had happened the night before, the saying you reap as you sow was prominent in Clovers thoughts as she stared at the two battling men. Every punch that Cyrteris connected to the hawk like man sent a small shudder of delight through Clover, while cringing at the feeble attempts of Rasvin as he fought back with tooth and nail, she wondered idly if Cyrteris was actually feeling any of the punches he received in return as he seemed to shrug them off so casually. When Cam, Luthien and Galsious tore the duke from his prey Clover found herself still standing with her hands balled into fists, her red hair like a wild lions mane framing her flushed face , her eyes rock hard and cold on Rasvins bloody and disfigured form as he was being carried from the room by two peacekeepers that Clover hadn’t seen arrive. She felt a strange sensation of satisfaction sink into her limbs, her eyes lingering on the blood splatters covering the dukes floor as she found her brother peeling her hands apart, looking down at the deep crescent shapes her nails had dug into her flesh, she shrugged it off and pulled her hands away, crossing her arms over her chest. Together with Cam she stared at the duke, hers an expression mingled of gratitude laced with a small bit of fear at his rash actions, especially from someone with a high position like him, his a disapproving frown, but for different reasons than what the duke probably thought, Cam was just bummed he didn’t get to deliver a few blows to the slimy man himself.
It was after glancing around at everyone that the duke excused himself and retreated, Clover herself suddenly couldn’t bear the sight of the room, she was used to worse insults like those being thrown at her, there had been several men that had thought she was one of those women that housed themselves in brothels and sold their bodies to everyone and all. Every man that had ever made a romantic move on Clover had been discouraged easily, those that had tried to force themselves on her had gotten away with some vital pieces missing but never had she felt so helpless like back in that room. “Excuse me” she whispered and left the room speedily, her feet carrying her down to the very courtyard that she and Cam had assembled in that morning, her eyes landing on several training dummies strung against a study pole, primarily used for bow and arrow practise. She made her way stumbling over the grass, her vertigo scrambled as she still shook in anger, never in her life had she been put to the spot like that and not reacted, she just let the duke solve her problems, something that was unacceptable from a man like him, he should of known better than to attack Rasvin like that! Who was he to think that she needed saving like that! It would of been easier if Clover herself had attacked the man, show him exactly what he was up against as she unleashed her wrath upon his smug face as he had turned towards her! Oh her hands itched as she thought of the pain she could of inflicted on the man, she would of gladly gone to jail for her actions as long as she had gotten her chance at that piece of filth, now she had wasted that one chance! She screamed, the frustration she was feeling making her tremble all over as she ferociously attacked the dummy, pounding it with her fists as she screamed every bad word she knew at it, tears streaming down her face as she vented her anger at Rasvin and herself.
Cam watched as Clover excused herself, her face was like an open book to him and he knew she was going out to deal with some issues by herself and it would be foolish to try and stop her or for that matter bother her while she got it out of her system, he already pitied the fool that would try to calm her down. It was the general that pulled Cam back into the conversation as he brought some more dire news to those still left in the room, Cams grey eyes moving back to Saria on their own accord as she aided Tedronnis in his speech. It was somewhat of a letdown when he informed the council and Cam of the declined peace offer and futilely asked what could be done next. The room remained woefully silent for a large amount of time as Cams mind whirred “If I may” he spoke softly, having sat back down onto the sofa at some point, his head resting in his cupped hands, now looking up at all those present “what about the envoy from the Vorshtarans, Vlan’Tur could be persuaded maybe to speak on our behalf once more to the shaman, maybe he can sway the man with more conviction than a stranger to their culture, like the man we sent” he spread his hands pleadingly, not knowing how best to explain.
When the time approached for the assembly within the storehouse the master donned his heavy cloak, taking care to put on his gloves and fastening them to his doublet, so no skin showed, pulling the cowl up around his features, shrouding him in darkness suitable to the name of his guild. The master had taken great care to set up this meeting in stealth so befitting of his branch, those of the assassin, and he was convinced his hired help was lingering around here somewhere, though it was expressly forbidden to use Shadowcloak subjects to attend meetings the master didn’t think that applied to Venorik who was in fact, merrily a hired hand. Though none present could see his face the master allowed a smirk to don his features as they awaited the arrival of his counterparts, gathering the four branches together secretly to plan their usurpation of Fort Revenald. The master had never felt a great affection for the Shadowpriests chosen leader as he seemed to be a bit too flamboyant with his skills and managed to make such a ruckus upon entering the room that the master threw a quick glance outside of the high windows to assure himself their closest neighbour hadn’t been awoken by accident. The cloaked master of assassins turned his eyes back onto the Shadowpriest as he spoke, mentioning their last meeting, with a tilt of his head the master summoned a small boy, not yet apprenticed to become an assassin but showing great promise at his young age of 7, he carried a small new invention, a slab of deep grey stone framed by polished wood, grasping a piece of shattered china the master wrote on the slab “I remember you insulting us, you got what you deserved” in clear lettering, showing it to the Shadowpriest before wiping the slate clean. He had always prided himself for his ingenuity and only the two, now dead peacekeepers knew that the master possessed no tongue which rendered him mute, everyone else simply assumed the master preferred to remain completely unknown to everyone. When asked the Master once more scribbled onto his slate “We want to discuss joining forces to take over Fort Revenald once and for all, are you willing” before showing it to his hated counterpart.
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Post by xaen on May 28, 2011 20:59:55 GMT 1
Kenras watched with a mildly amused smile across his a face as a small seven year old boy scrambled from the shadows to hand the Master a slab of slat, a resent invention that some called a chalkboard. The Shadowpriest quickly read the reply scrawled clearly across the slat and burst into wild laughter, as the Master wiped the chalkboard clean. Kenras secretly admired the man’s ingenuity in hiding his appearance and voice from his fellows, though the half-elf still thought that he was the better of the two. “As I recall old friend. I got what I was after and left with nothing but a mere scratch,” Kenras chuckled at the master assassin as the man began to scratch something new onto the chalkboard, and then turning the small framed stone around to show what he had written. Reading the statement, the Shadowpriest’s brow arched into a look of confusion at how the statement had been worded. “Who’s “we” my mysterious friend?” Kenras politely inquired of the black shrouded assassin, the half-elf folding his arms across his chest and tapping a booted toe against the loose floorboards waiting for his answer. All the Master did though was wipe his board clean and “stare” from under his cowl at Kenras patiently. “I might be interested in your offer if you would just tell me…” The Shadowpriest stopped in the middle of his sentence as the sharp tip of a knife came to rest casually against the back of his neck. The blade began to trace a soft line along his neck as it moved along down to his shoulder and from there to the edge of his shoulder, out of the counter of his grey eye to see the soft and pale looking had holding the blades hilt. “Good evening to you as well, Lady Isabelle,” Kenras cockily greeted the red robed elf behind him, before snapping out his opposite arm to grab hold of the lady’s wrist and spinning the two of them around in one move. He held her arm at an awkwardly painful angle until she dropped the small knife from her delicate pale slender uncalloused hand. Upon releasing her, the elf wizard scrambled a short distant away to collect her dignity and stare angrily at the Shadowpriest.
“Half-breed,” Isabelle Silverstream sneered at Kenras who smiled broadly at her, while she straightened her crimson robes as she moved to stand closer to the Master rather than the Shadowpriest.
“Pure blood,” Kenras mocked back stilling grinning like a fool, before making a vulgar gesture with his hands while staring into her sparkling blue eyes saying with a purring sound in his voice, “Miss me M’lady?”
Lady Isabelle waved her hand imperiously at him and scoffed at Kenras’ arrogant and taunting comment, though there was some truth to his words and actions. She smiled sweetly at the mysterious and always aloof Master of the Assassins as she neared him, with a flirty smile on her lips the lady attempted to peek under the cowl; but like always the Master shifted away from her so that his identity would be safe. Pouting Isabelle turned back around to face Kenras, who as always was dressed in his long rawhide black trench coat with matching shirt and breeches over his black iron chainmail. She never understood why, but Isabelle always found his black neatly trimmed goatee attractive against his light bluish face along with his short cropped black hair. “So Kenras, you’ve emerged from your cave to join us,” Isabelle said sweetly as she smiled fondly at the half-elf wizard-priest, and then adding, “What have you been up to Shadowpriest?”
Kenras slightly tilted his head to the side as he replied, “I’ve been busy trying to conquer this city in the name of our divine Lord Kassislek. What have you been doing for him lately? Hmm?” The Shadowpriest smiled in satisfaction as the leader of the Shadowmages shifted uncomfortably on her high heeled feet, Kenras had always known that the Lady Isabelle paid the least respect to their shared deity. Kenras could hardly keep his eyes of the beautiful Lady Isabelle as they wandered along her voluptuous form that was tightly wrapped in her bright crimson robe that was seductively cut at the hips and upper torso. Her snow white hip length hair had a marvelous sheen even in the near darkness of the storehouse; the Shadowmage wore a silver chain necklace with a Kassislek pendant hanging loosely around her cleavage and a gold ring with a ruby inlay on her left hand. Silence descended upon the three Shadowcloak Masters as they awaited the arrival of the leader of the fourth branch, The Shadowknights.
From within the walls of his private garden a scream tore the night from a nearby training yard, Cyrteris abandoned his wounded emotions and sprinted for the nearest door that would take him to the courtyard where the scream would have had to originated from. As he sprinted down the corridors the Duke reached for his sword, but to his sudden realization the blade was not strapped to his waist as his instinct had lead him to believe; for he had left it in his bedchamber this morning when had gone to deal with his tedious paperwork. With a grunt of irritation at being weaponless, the Duke ran all the faster for the door that led into the training grounds; know Cyrteris could hear grunts of physical exhaustion and heavy blows against something soft, like human flesh. The Duke lowered his shoulder and plowed right through the door into the courtyard beyond, skidding to a halt with fists raised defensively before his face as his gaze quick scanned the yard for the combatants. Cyrteris was dumbstruck when he saw Clover freeze in mid-swing of her latest punch against the padded dummy in the archery range, breathing slightly harder than usual from the dead run that carried the Duke to the source of the angry scream; the pair simply stared at each looks of confusion scrawled across both of their slightly sweaty faces. Straightening from his defensive crouch and running a hand through his red hair, Cyrteris tried to ease the tension with a smile; but it only made him feel more the fool for overacting to the cry of frustration, and making such a dramatic entrance that would greatly upset the maids who would now have to get someone to replace the ruined doorframe that Cyrteris entered through. “What’s the matter Clover?” He asked her stupidly with his dumb grin still on his face, moving slowly towards the angry women as if she would startle like a doe in the woods.
Tedronnis and the others didn’t hear Clover scream through the thick walls of Ducal Palace as the General listened intently to Cam’s suggestion to convince the Vorshtaran ambassador to change the mind of the shaman Xaxistics from attacking the city. The General turned his head to face each other remaining councilmen to see if they agreed with Cam’s suggestion, since he had momentarily taken Cyrteris’ place as the Duke in this meeting. Starting with the Lady Moonflower, who nodded her agreement with a soft smile, and then to Galsious who nodded vigorously shaking his massive bulk as he did so; ending with Ivan who nodded stiffly with little emotion on his wise old face. “So it’s agreed then by popular vote, we will attempt to sway the Lord Vlan’Tur’s mind,” Tedronnis huffed somewhat sadly after witnessing that no one would possibly support the plan he was going to suggest, which was again to strike now and fast while they still could. “I will inform Cyrteris of our decision, any ideas as to how we persuade Vlan’Tur?” Luthien directing the question mostly at Cam, the middle aged General still not overly fond of the young man.
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Post by Culmir on May 29, 2011 20:28:36 GMT 1
the master was not amused, and that was an understatement, he had given clear instructions on how this meeting was supposed to take place and now they were being disregarded by all the members attending, except for Venorik he hoped, the man should be lurking around in the shadows somewhere while the master and his cohorts waited patiently for their belated guest. For the most part the master quietly regarded the exchange between the shadowpriest and the shadowmage, the master never liked the woman, somehow she got on his nerves, maybe it was because she continued to pry at his identity, even today as they were summoned to a peaceful meeting to discuss options the woman darted towards him trying to glimpse under his cloak. Fortunately his assassin instincts were ever as quick as they had been in his younger years and he managed to avoid the persistent woman. For the most part the master kept to himself, sinking to a chair with a inward groan as his battle worn legs began to cry in protest from standing so long so he resigned to sitting down on a small stool surrounding a large table on which the master hoped to soon be spreading out the plans.
It didn't take long for the door to burst open and the imposing form of Kheldar Mal'Zeth filled the doorframe, his cloak flapping idly in the breeze stirred from the opposite window that was open. His red gaze lingered over all those present inside the small storehouse before he stomped his way inside, the candles lighting up the place glittering off his armour as he seated himself down at the table opposite of the master without saying a word. His imposing frame dominated the area around the table until Kenras joined and a small battle of the egos silently ensued around them and it ended in a bit of a stalemate. It was then the master chose to scribble another message on his slate, spinning it and showing it to all those present it read...
"Can we get down to business now?" The master twirled the blackboard back around to him after he was sure all the eyes had read his message, at times like these he missed having a tongue so he could actually throw himself verbally into this argument, if something happened that he didn't agree with the best he could do was write it down and hoped someone gave him enough attention for him to show them the message.
Kheldars red eyes scanned the message quickly enough and nodded curtly, his bald head glistening with sweat from the heat accumulating within the small room inhabited by such powerful peoples. His red eyes wandered approvingly over the curvaceous form of Isabelle and he found himself curiously intrigued by the woman, of course they had met before as it was customary to be introduced to the masters of each branch when a new master was appointment but he hadn't been entirely focused at the time, still overwhelmed by the fact he was to lead the Shadowknights, the brute force of those loyal to their Lord Kassislek. He leaned back in his chair and waited for the old man to start scribbling at his blackboard once again.
The Masters brown eyes, though shielded by the heavy hood of his cloak were intent upon those opposite of him as they all sat down on a chair or stool depending on their preference, he did note the interest of both shadowpriest and shadowknight on lady Isabelle and he was mildly amused by the fact, having given up on pleasures of the flesh long ago. As he wiped the slate clean he pondered on where to begin, he raised the broken piece of china, artfully crafted into a cylindrical shape to his silent lips before setting it down firmly onto the grey slate of stone, careful with the choice of words he wrote "The Vorshtarans will be attacking soon, we need to take advantage of this war while we can, are you all willing to help in this cause or will you retreat and suffer shame in the eyes of our Lord" He paused, re-reading his words before flipping the slab over once more, holding it up for them to read while his keen brown eyes scanned their expression carefully.
Kheldar propped his feet up on the table, leaning his chair back on two legs casually as he waited for the old master of assassins to finally finish his message, honestly the man had the speed of a snake when it came to writing. When the message was finally finished Kheldar kicked his feet off the table, his red eyes reading the message carefully as a frown marred his silken head "How do you know this information is valid?" he asked before either Kenras or Isabelle could.
The master smirked, he had suspected such a question and wrote the answer on the other side of his blackboard, flipping it smartly he presented them with his own favourite line "I have my sources, which I will not disclose" ah what a pity it was he could not risk showing them all his face and the prominent smirk now lingering on it.
It wasn't until the salty tears started to mix with sweat that Clover deemed it worthy of being wiped off her flushed face, the first dummy she had been venting her anger on had long since split open and its straw interior was scattered over the grass, blown away slightly by the wind that cooled the heated skin of the Rue woman. She had moved on relentlessly to the next dummy strung up on the pole, her fists connecting heavily with the padded face of the thing as she visualized it being Rasvins face leering at her the way he had in the dukes study. Her voice had long turned hoarse but she couldn't stop herself from screaming with every punch she threw at the dummy, her knuckles torn and bleeding from collision with the pole and still she would not stop. It wasn't until she heard footsteps running over that she paused, her grey eyes spitting daggers as she turned her gaze on whomever dared to interrupt her, only to stare confusedly at the face of Cyrteris. Panting heavily she tried to tear her gaze from the duke, trying to spare him the sight of her so out of control and a complete mess but she found herself unable to break eyecontact with the young duke. Unclenching her hands slowly she winched with the pain just as Cyrteris asked what was the matter, running her hand through her hair she tried to make it seem less out of order though upon hitting the frizzy locks she knew it was a lost cause, she did manage a sheepish look to form on her face "Uhm.." she looked back at the dummies, biting her lower lip guiltily "Well" she said with a bit of an hysterical giggle "I uh...was just uh..." she looked back at Cyrteris, her face now flushing a bright red at being put into this situation "uh...venting?" she asked timidly.
Cam rubbed the bridge between his eyes wearily as he pondered the question posed by Tedronnis "Look" he started, splaying his hands as if to make a firm bottom for him to work from before clasping them together like he was praying "The best chance we have, is to invite Vlan'Tur back into the ducal palace, tell him we want to discuss the reason behind the hostility, find out what this is all about, explain what's going on from our point of view and then hope to persuade him to speak on our behalf" Cam paused, glancing around the room, he felt uncomfortable speaking so open without Clover around to back him up, or explain what he meant better as she was the one gifted with words. "Should it happen that Vlan'Tur doesn't want to listen, we can always start gathering forces now as a precaution, but do it subtly, tell them its a training exercise, tell Vlan'Tur that too if you have to, but only if he noticed the assembly" Cam eyed the general wearily, not sure if he was saying the right things to explain what he meant.
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Post by xaen on May 29, 2011 21:55:02 GMT 1
Kenras’ eyes narrowed at the Shadowknight as the imposing figure burst through the door and ignored the presence of his fellow masters; the Shadowpriest never liked being ignored. The Shadowpriest and Shadowmage followed the final guest to the table that the Master had guided them to sit behind, Isabelle taking a seat next to Kheldar and Kenras taking the head of the table; though the pair continued to shot each other hateful looks. The silent battle of the egos raged for a few moments before a stalemate was drawn by the scratching of chalk on a blackboard. The Master flipped his board about for them to read his flawless script demanding their attention before wiping it clean to scribble a lightening quick addition to his previous comment. This time the board returned with a plan detailing using the Vorshtaran/Revenald war to their advantage with a mild threat attached to give the statement flavour. Kenras sucked in a lung full of air to cockily explain that he was prompting the attack, but he was cut off by the Shadowknight’s stupid question. The Master’s written reply answering the Shadowpriest personnel fears, that the Master had yet to learn that Kenras was already involved with the Vorshtarans. After a few minutes of silent gloating, Kenras casually leaned back in his chair and flopped his feet onto the table with a comfortable expression growing across his face. “I love that plan, it’s a good thing I already thought of it,” The blue skinned elf’s musical voice bleeding with arrogance; he imperiously began to pick his teeth with the Lady Isabelle’s dagger.
Isabelle glared sharply at the whimsical moon elf, which now picked his perfect white teeth with her favourite dagger that he had not yet returned to her. “What’s that supposed to mean, my sweet?” She sang seductively back in her own melodious voice as she flicked her wrist, the spell quickly ripping the dagger from Kenras’ hand and returning it to her open hand.
Shooting her a playful pout similar to her own, Kenras snapped his own wrist moment later taking back the dagger and continuing to clean his teeth. “Why I’ve only just convince the Vorshtaran leader Xaxistics to attack Fort Revenald,” He told them innocently as he matched spiteful glares with the infuriated Isabelle. The Shadowknight also seemed irritated by Kenras flamboyant nature making his foolery all the sweeter for the Shadowpriest.
“Is that all you’ve been up too?” She mocked back sending him a playful smile of her own, this time snapping her fingers and the blade shot like an arrow from a bow from Kenras hand back to her; narrowly missing the Shadowpriest’s nose as he was forced to dodge the projectile that fired suddenly towards his face after he had moved it off to the side. Her comment was meant to wound the man’s ego by making his no doubt difficult task meaningless, but rather it only somehow added to the mountainous pride of Kenras Savrantas.
“No it wasn’t m’lady,” The Shadowpriest exclaimed proudly quickly regaining his composure after dodging the dagger, this time he thought better of taking the steel blade back from the angry woman. “I’ve even convinced the Marvic Mraen to cause a rebellion within the city itself,” A ridiculous grin fixing itself to his light blue face before continuing, “I have convinced Xaxistics to attack by noon tomorrow, which is a few hours later than when I told Marvic to initiated his rebellion.” His grey eyes gleaming with pride at his own ingenuity, but more than willing to make alterations for his allies if it would make tomorrow even more enjoyable. “So what was your plan Master?” Kenras asked flatly as if he hadn’t just stolen the show from the man who called the meeting.
Cyrteris stood right in front of Clover by the time she came up with an answer to his question, though the red haired girl asked him more than answered him. “I was venting as well, but in a less violent way,” He chuckled stupidly trying to soothe his own embarrassment as much as her own. Cyrteris awkwardly placed his hands onto her shoulders in an attempt to comfort her, but he felt it only made the situation even weirder for the two of them. “Rasvin has always been bit of an asshole, but he has never been like this,” The Duke apologized in a way still holding her by the shoulders as if he was going to pull her close, but his arms were locked with uncertainty so he held the position making them both gradually more uncomfortable. “Luthien should see this dummy! Then he would finally accept you and your brother as new recruits!” Cyrteris sheepishly exclaimed trying to shift the focus of his embarrassment, but failed with a heavy sigh aimed at himself. For a thirty seconds neither spoke as Cyrteris semi-held her in his arms before, he mentally said to “Hell with it” and pulled her into warm gentle hug. “I hope you can forgive my over reaction back at the meeting,” He whispered softly into her ear still holding her close to his heart, he even unintentionally started smoothing her wild hair with his hand.
Ivan was quite pleased with Cam’s suggestions as he now could see what the Duke had seen in the pair of street rats. The others were already nodding their agreement before the young man even finished speaking; even old Ivan caught himself nodding vigorously to follow through with the boy’s plan. Cam was wiser beyond his years by suggesting details like diverting suspicions from the assemblence of soldiers and prying into the mind of their enemy’s envoy. “Cam. I would like you and your sister to be the one’s to persuade Vlan’Tur’s mind,” Ivan commanded speaking for the first time through the entire meeting.
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Post by Culmir on May 30, 2011 16:22:34 GMT 1
The Master kept a close eye on those currently sitting at the large table with him, he was pleased to note he saw a flicker of acceptance in Kheldars eyes when the man finished reading his answer, at least he wouldn’t be pushed to reveal as to who he had been talking to, or sent out to retrieve such information, Venorik would remain, for the time being, his most trusted ally. He was unable to read the expressions now as they began to ponder the plan, obviously Kheldar would be the one who would amass the large army subservient to the Lord Kassilek and Lady Isabelle and her crew would be in charge of dealing with any spellcasters that possibly aided in the salvation of Fort Revenald, futile as their effort might be. When the masters eyes moved to Kenras he saw nothing but impunity and a large amount of self-satisfaction, based on the man’s expression The Master could clearly guess where this would be going next, and a few seconds later he was proven right as Kenras spoke, revealing that he had in fact had the same plan. The Masters exasperated sigh was fortunately drowned out by Lady Isabelle who spoke up asking what he possibly meant with his extravagant proclamation of already having this idea before it was presented. With a resigned gesture he motioned for the small boy to come bring him a drink as a small argument erupted between Kenras and Isabelle who seemed both to be angry at his cockiness as well as his continued usage of her dagger, even picking his teeth with it. The Master was too old for this he decided, it was always the same with every meeting of the leaders of the renowned 4 branches of Shadowcloaks, never could they leave the banter where it belonged, outside, and have a quiet and somewhat normal meeting, no, they always had to prove somehow they were superior over one another. The Master had seen it before when he was apprenticed to the previous leader of the Assassins, that man had always wanted to flaunt his skills as well, in the end it got him killed and the new master wasn’t going to let that happen to him anytime soon. He sipped his proffered goblet from his servant and leaned back casually in his chair, while riffling through the large folder of coded messages he had received earlier from Venorik, who he had assigned to follow Rasvin Thresm who apparently had been taking to a very fascinating meeting between the dukes brother Marvic and then later Kenras had appeared, everything was well documented and preserved within it’s own little labelled folder. He placed it casually onto the table top and waited for the opportune moment to shoot the foolish Shadowpriest off his high horse, not that he enjoyed it but it was terribly necessary for the cause, nothing happened in Fort Revenald without The Masters knowledge, he was however smart enough not to flaunt or boast with the information.
Kheldar rubbed his silken smooth head thoughtfully when Kenras made the implication that he himself had been the ultimate master behind this plan now presented by The Master of assassins, to some degree this bothered Kheldar and he found himself growing an intense dislike for the exuberant Shadowpriest. He disliked him even more as he managed once again to capture the attention of Isabelle, something the Shadowknight had been contemplating himself but unsure of how to proceed for he knew of the quick casting nature of the magae, as it was proved when the dagger once belonging to Isabelle flew from Kenras’s hand and smoothly into hers. Kheldar couldn’t help but be a little impressed by the mesmerising woman and he wondered vaguely after her reaction when Kenras once again took the dagger from her possession and resumed his dental routine. Grumbling the Shadowknight listened as Kenras proclaimed being the instigator behind the violence ensuing from the shaman leader of the Vorshtarans. A smart remark lay on Kheldars lips but he was cut off by Lady Isabelle who with her quicksilver tongue shot out a poisonous remark meant to insult the Shadowpriest who took it as a compliment. Rolling his eyes at the meaningless banter Kheldar chose to ignore the overwhelmingly annoying presence of Kenras Savrantas and found himself staring across the table at the Master whose gloved hand rested casually on a large pack of leather folders, each stamped with the Shadowcloak logo.
The Master blinked calmly as silence once again returned to the storehouse meeting, Kenras finished having his small moment of glory which should ultimately make his day, for a short while. Oh how he longed to smile into that smug face of the Shadowpriest whose long forged rivalry between assassin and priests always seemed to be passed down through the ages to the new leaders. Though Kenras was hardly new to the station he was an impudent pup who wanted to prove his might every chance he got, thinking he was above all things and risen above his other branch leaders. Sliding the folder that held all the details of Kenras’s meeting in the Felvon compound across the table towards the Shadowpriest the master of assassins took to his blackboard once again writing down with deliberate slowness to allow Kenras to flip through the 6 page report “My Friend, we know” The master made a show of calligraphy-ing the capital letters on My and Friend before sliding the blackboard towards Kenras for him to read. Sipping once more from his goblet The Master leaned back in his chair, motioning once more to the 7 years old boy who presented the other guests now with their own silver chalices filled with the ceremonial drink of Lork Kassilek. With the goblets they were all presented with a folder similar to the one still in front of Kenras only these bore the royal crest of Fort Revenald, inside where the statistics of the Vorshtaran army along with a detailed map of Fort Revenald, its hidden passages within the city walls and all other necessary and useful information regarding the impending attack, riot and usurpation of Fort Revenald. The Master felt good, he was on top of this game.
Clovers face flushed a brilliant shade of scarlet that matched her hair, her face was already red from the exertion from her violent outburst and now the red high of shame marked her cheeks as well as Cyrteris admitted he had been venting also, and that his didn’t result in destroying training property. Chewing her lower lip thoughtfully Clover wondered idly if she would have to compensate for the broken training dummies, though technically her little escapade could be attributed as training, maybe. When Cyteris placed his hands on her shoulders Clover fought the instinct to curl into his arms, it wouldn’t be proper, him being the duke and all, and her just a poor runaway in his service nonetheless. She stood there feeling more than awkward, unsure of what to do, she didn’t want to step away from his reach but she couldn’t give into the desire to be held and comforted as she was unsure of the repercussions of those actions. Her lips curled up into a bit of a smile when Cyrteris apologised for Rasvin, it made her relive the moments in her head when she saw his abominable nose crack, she giggled softly at the memory and momentarily less uncomfortable and torn by her feelings, only to be reigned back when the duke mentioned the general and their acceptance into the service of the Reven Ravens. Clover wasn’t sure how to react so she resumed chewing her bottom lip which by now was swollen and tender from all the chewing but she couldn’t get herself to stop. A large part of her wanted to throw herself into Cyrteris’s arms, hoping to be enfolded within his embrace, maybe even be comforted, because of that it felt normal when Cyrteris pulled her towards him and hugged her. She went gladly and found herself wrapping her arms around Cyteris’s waist, thinking it’d be awkward if she should be the only one receiving some form of comfort that evening, after all she wasn’t the only one that had been insulted by Rasvins nasty words. When Cyteris whispered to her she snickered into his chest, her frame shaking slightly with the small utterance of laughter “you’re forgiven, I wanted to hit the man myself to be honest” she chuckled, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at the taller duke with a smile, she even let him touch her messy hair, something she didn’t allow just anyone.
Back up in the dukes study Cam’s face was one of pure disbelief and shock, he couldn’t of really heard Ivan say that he and Clover would be the one talking to Vlan’Tur “uhm” was all that escaped from Cam’s opened mouth as he stared wide eyed at his salt and peper haired instructor. His grey eyes darted to Saria and Galsious who both nodded their agreement the only man who seemed to be a little a disgruntled was Tedronnis but something in his expression said that though he didn’t agree with it completely, it would be their best option. Looking at it from a tactical perspective Cam could see the point, Cam and Clover were commoners, not really schooled to perfection in diplomatic matters and maybe Vlan’Tur who seemed to be ill at ease within the Fort Revenalds high society would maybe open up quickly to the twins. “I suppose we’d better get a move on then” Cam said to the floor, addressing no one in particular “though I do think Cyrteris or some council member ought to be close by, just in case we get tricked into make promises on behalf of the ducal family” he added as an afterthought.
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Post by xaen on Jun 2, 2011 0:46:41 GMT 1
Kenras idly accepted the proffered ceremonial wine from the young boy; the wine had a blood red hue and had a coppery after taste. The boy also placed a leather folder with a Shadowcloak stamp on the table in front of the lounging Shadowpriest, who swung his legs back to the floor upon spying the paperwork. Kenras sipped slowly from his chalice as he calmly flipped through the parchment sheets inside the folders, mentally cursing his long time rival for his remarkably detailed report that contained nearly all of the Shadowpriest’s recent activities inside the city. The blackboard slid across the table once again to display sarcastically, “My Friend, we know”, the statement with its calligraphied letters only made the half-elf smile even wider than before. “I knew you’d know,” Kenras lied through his broad grin as he continued to scan the parchment map that detailed hundreds of secret passages throughout the city. Finished reading the reports detailing the impending attack and rebellion against Fort Revenald, Kenras shot the Master a bored look as he spoke. “This is all you planned? Something that I was already doing?” He mocked as he stretched and faked an incredibly long yawn, ending his performance with another superior smile and staring scornfully into Kheldar’s and Isabelle’s eyes.
Isabelle took the wine from the little boy, but quickly placed the chalice upon the table after receiving it; she had never grown accustomed the powerful drink that was provided ceremoniously at every Shadowcloak meeting. Since the Shadowlord was not present, she would leave the wine completely untouched for the entire meeting. The Shadowmage also ignored the leather folder that the young apprentice had placed in front of her and the others, instead she eyed the Shadowknight. He was after all, a recent addition to the Shadowcloak hierarchy replacing the last Erumaran leader of the Shadowknight branch. Isabelle was intrigued by the half-drow who was rumored to have crossed the entire expanse of the Vorshtar Plains by himself, after having swam from Cayld to the Pi’paen and then to Erumara. The Shadowmage tore her gaze from Kheldar’s soul piercing red eyes, when Kenras haughtily mocked the Master of the Society and then stared at them with incredible contempt in his eyes. “I sort of agree with Kenras. What are you suggesting the rest of us do while the Shadowpriest does most of the work?” She asked sweetly purposely dragging out the part that Kenras would be doing most of the grunt work.
Cyrteris was pleasantly surprised when Clover returned the his embrace with one of her own, and forgave him for lashing out at the Lord Rasvin Tresm; he even chuckled softly at her honesty that she too wanted to pummel the life out of the disrespectful vulture. When she looked up at him and smiled, Cyrteris’ heart nearly burst as he returned the smile with one of his own. A gentle breeze swept over the high protective walls and made Clover’s red hair danced playfully across her head, as the Duke gently retracted his hand and slowly pulled away from Clover. His grin was genuinely pleasant and at ease with the woman still held little by his strong arms, the Duke took her right hand in his and motioned with his left towards the door he had burst through. “Care for a walk through the Ducal Gardens? The flowers have recently bloomed,” Cyrteris suggested holding her petit hand in his far larger hand, and grinning like the smitten fool that he was.
Meanwhile, Ivan had tuned out of the meeting quietly imagining what was going on between the groups missing members; Rasvin excluded. If Clover was able to read minds she would have more than likely beaten the old goat to death with her bare hands for some of the things he was thinking; though he believed that he had lived long enough to imagine what he wished. The old ranger’s assumptions were unknowingly correct that the pair would meet up, but he was blissfully unaware of both what happened between them and what the council had to say to Cam’s statement.
“I agree, you and your sister should begin immediately tomorrow morning,” Tedronnis instructed with a sharp look that was aimed at the young master Rue, having heard the rest of the man’s comment the General briefly contemplated his reply. “You make a valid point, one of us should be present for each interaction,” Luthien conceded as his gaze wandered around the room as he silently decided which of the remaining council members would be most suitable for the task. He briefly paused to stare at the beaming Galsious, who seeing the General’s scrutinizing puffed up his massive flabby chest as to say “I’m ready for anything!”. Luthien Tedronnis softly laughed at the man’s overconfidence that he would be selected for such a simple task, granted the man had the correct body type for such a lazy and idly mission. Hearing the General’s mocking laughter, the rotund merchant frowned profusely at the open dismissal and seemed moderately upset by the outright rejection. Luthien continued his quick search until his eyes settled upon the daydreaming Ivan Blazewind, and smiled evilly at the old ranger. “Ivan can have the authority to provide an answer should such a problem occur,” He told the mentally wandering ranger, and then firmly smacked his hands together to create an earsplitting bang that stirred Ivan from his thoughts.
“What goes on here?!?” Ivan snapped startled by the noise, glowering angrily at the General who wore a fairly amused expression as he regarded the flustered ranger. “Well! Speak up?” The grumpy goat demanded sharply of the smirking Luthien as the man retook his seat on the opposite couch from the Reven Raven commander.
“I’ve only ordered you to handle any possible demands for ducal promises and to attend every interaction between the Rue’s and Vlan’Tur,” The General politely informed the confused gentleman with a cheery grin, Ivan just grumbling his understanding not bothering to debate the order with the younger man that was his superior only in rank and nothing more.
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Post by Culmir on Jun 2, 2011 12:35:22 GMT 1
If The Master still possessed his tongue surely he would of chuckled at the feeble attempt of casual dismissal from the Shadowpriest as he proclaimed he had known all along that the Society of assassins knew full well of all his actions within the city. It seemed the Shadowpriest found it hard to admit defeat even when it was staring him in the face, but of course their Shadowlord prized such egos above all other characteristics, no one wanted to see a weak minded fool as a leader to one of the 4 prestigious branches of the Shadowcloaks. It was however extremely amusing to watch the taller and younger shadowpriest proverbially squirm when presented with the clear evidence. The Master sat back and wiped his slate clean meticulously, not wanting other faded letters from previous replied to smudge the next words he would write down. He was a bit surprised when Kenras continued to hold his claim that he had been planning this all along and trying to make it sound like he had been busy doing far more and for a much longer period of time. There would come a time when the Master would reveal his face just so the Shadowpriest could see the clear exasperation now spread on the elder assassins face. Sipping his drink he remained silent as Lady Isabelle spoke before him, obviously not liking the self loving expression the Shadowpriest bore as he stared at Isabelle and Kheldar.
Kheldar took the filled goblet of wine from the small boy when he reached him with the serving tray, he sniffed the wine cautiously, he knew the traitorous poisons assassins sometimes used to rid themselves of extremely weary and vigilant targets. It was therefore upon receiving the summons to this mysterious meeting that Kheldar had taken to carrying several small phials of antidote to the most used poisons in a small pouch handing from his belt as a precaution. For all he knew they didn’t agree with his position and would of hoped to see someone else climb to this position rather than a half drow not even from these lands, but he certainly hoped that he would be given the chance to prove himself worthy and he would do everything within his powers to prepare the forces in league with the shadowcloaks ready for this upcoming war. When he was positive he didn’t smell anything suspicious about the wine he took a tentative sip, this was only the second time that he had been presented with the ceremonial wine, his first encounter with the heady drink was when he received the title of master of the shadowknights. He found the wine lacking in flavour, his drow tongue used to a more powerful drink he had come to appreciate from his homeland in Cayld, but after all he was in Erumara now and these people differed from the Cayldians in every way. Kheldar found himself staring at lady Isabelle, his red eyes wandering over her form as she sat at the table, somehow the S curve of her body was even more pronounced when she sat, though he did note she didn’t drink from the wine, maybe she suspected poison as well and wasn’t as prepared as he was. He chuckled when lady Isabelle made an offhand remark to the master of assassins, though clearly it was a pun towards the Shadowpriest as well. Kheldar could most definitely grow to like this woman.
The Master took it upon himself to open up his own folder with his carefully gloved hands, keeping an eye on the connection between his glove and his sleeve to make sure it wouldn’t slip open and reveal his skin. His folder was filled with his own scribbling, small notes on points of attention that could prove beneficial to his society, he kept his hands carefully folded in front of his coded thoughts, every person at this table was schooled well in the coding script the shadowcloaks used and they could decode his writing easily. He pulled the slab of grey stone towards him, placing it over his folder for the larger part, keeping the bottom half uncovered but out of view by the high border of his writing pad. He read carefully what he was going to write down now “I suggest we all gather our troops, in various hideouts all over the city, we wait for the Vorshtarans attack, or if its actually a truth, sir Marvic Mraens decoy, then we strike at the heart of Fort Revenald, the council members and the duke himself” He flipped the board once more, presenting it to his companions.
Kheldar read the message carefully, rubbing his smooth head, he could feel the small stubble of his white hair returning, he would have to take more care in ridding himself of the dismal signs of his heritage more carefully. His red eyes darted to his companions the Master, ever shrouded in his black cloak was obviously the hardest to read as the man never changed posture or showed any outward sign of emotion that the half drow began to wonder if he wasn’t dealing with a shade. Isabelle on the other hand was the temperamental magae of the bunch, she would lash out with her quicksilver tongue upon disagreeing and he could see her lips were pursed now, seductively so, and his mind slipped to what he could do to this woman should she agree to it. Shaking himself slightly before his mind could get the better of him the half light elf found himself staring at the Shadowpriest he loathed so much, he seemed to be so confident in everything he was doing, he wondered how much of it was true and how much a pretence. “I agree with your assessment of the plan” Kheldar spoke clearly in the silent room.
Clover found her mind blissfully empty for the time being as she was enfolded in the dukes arms, no worries about the upcoming war, how her brother was faring on his own without her presence and not contemplating where this road she was stumbling onto would take her in her life. It was a comforting situation to just let all her worries slip off her small shoulders, letting them fall into the background for the time being and simply enjoying the moment as it were. She found her hand slipping easily into Cyrteris’s, a smile never wavering from her face that her jaw began to protest in agony, she wasn’t used to smiling so much as she was right now but she seemed incapable of stopping anytime soon. Clover tilted her head slightly when she found her grey eyes resting on the somewhat broken door that Cyrteris had ploughed through earlier and mentioning going for a walk through the gardens. “Sounds like fun” she replied with a smile while her eyes appraised the damaged wood “Did you have an argument with the door?” she teased as they began to walk towards it slowly, simply enjoying the cool spring night to any bystander.
Cam found himself staring at Ivan who was clearly no longer within their company as the mans expression had taken on a bit of a dreamy glazed over look. He vaguely wondered where the mans thoughts were at the moment, he doubted in involved the upcoming war as no one, not matter how much he enjoyed the fray of battle, could muster such a relaxed expression when thinking of sticking a man on the sharp point of his blade. Cams attention was brought back to the conversation when Luthien spoke, saying Cam and Clover should start tomorrow morning, mentally Cam began to compile a list of things to do, obviously they would need to find Clover first and assess If she had cooled down enough to be reasoned with, if such was the case then explain to her what their new orders were, next would be to ascertain where precisely the Vorshtarana envoy was currently at, hire a messenger to invite him into the ducal palace, inform the cook Poledra to make something resembling the Vorshtarans native dish to make the burly plains man more at ease, arrange for the meeting in a different dinner hall than the one he had stormed out before to keep that remembrance far at bay, then slowly steer the conversation into the direction of the violence suddenly engaged by the Vorshtarans and found out why it was happening. All in all it made for an impressive list of things to do and Cam knew he would have to get up early to do this, so he vowed he would not be closing the shutters in front of the windows tonight lest he sleep in again. While Cam was planning this Tedronnis continued his own little conversation, going over those best suited to be present during this parlay. Cam was moderately surprised when Tedronnis chose Ivan to be the one present with them, Cam personally would of chosen for Saria, more for his own personal reasons than anything else, besides he thought maybe the extra female presence of the woman would help dissuade any harsh name calling or exchange of words. But he could see the plus points of having someone as Ivan there to help guide him and his sister through this, Cam clapped his hands together happily “Well I’d better go hunt down my sister then” she smiled.
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Post by xaen on Jun 9, 2011 21:02:58 GMT 1
Cyrteris smiled pleasantly at the wonderful lady hooked into his arm as he guided her towards the door he had ploughed through when charging to her “rescue”. The Duke chuckled rather timidly as he looked at the massacred door, someone wasn’t going to be happy about this; but what could he do about it right now anyway? “Well maybe it will chose to pick its fights more carefully next time,” He joked back as his booted foot kicked the ruined thing aside, allowing him and Clover to enter the corridor unhindered. A short relatively quiet walk through the hall brought the pair to the door of the Ducal Gardens, which Cyrteris dramatically threw wide and directed Clover along the gravel path. The sight of the garden was stunning to the Duke and he had only left the courtyard a few moments ago! Over a hundred exotic flowers and a dozen or so foreign trees with some striking rose bushes growing along the stone walls. Multiple different ivies snaked and webbed across the smooth stone surfaces, hand carved oak lampposts with special oil candles illuminated the vibrant colours of the neatly ordered plants. Fireflies flew slowly through the air as the young Duke lead Clover gently through the garden by the hand, gravel crushing softly under their leather booted as they wandered calmly along the path. Stopping in the center of the garden, Cyrteris sighed happily as he stared up at the moon still subconsciously holding Clover’s hand. “Wonderful isn’t it?” He delicately asked as his eyes wandered back down to earth and strolled across the myriad of exotic plants that decorated the perfectly groomed courtyard.
“Meeting adjourned,” Tedronnis said before leaving the sitting chamber with the other council members leaving Ivan with Cam, before the old ranger rose from his seat and tipped his head slightly to say good evening to the young master Rue. Ivan moseyed out of the room and off into the corridor beyond, and eventually he reached his private quarters in the barracks. Ivan’s aged bones creaking and groaning under him as he lowered himself onto the soft mattress of his simple bed, grunting from the effort. Lying on his back finding sleep elusive this night, his old mind wandering through years of his youthful glory when he once was a famed adventurer. Sighing sadly to himself in the quiet isolated chamber, as he remembered every single gruesome demise that befell his dearest friends and his wife. With wounded grimace spread across his old features as he visualized the event that lead to their untimely deaths. It was twenty years to the day since Ivan and the Wildswords traveled to an island north of Winters Aerie, and explored a massive network of tunnels that delved deep into the mountain that dominated most of the nameless island. That was when the group of eight mighty adventurers stumbled upon a colossal cavern filled with piles of jewels and gold coins, spotted with splendid metalwork like swords and suits of marvellous armour. Thinking that they had found some secretive treasury of some ancient king, they dropped their guard and frolicked like children in the riches. He smiled fondly to himself as he distinctly remembered his long since dead wife grinning happily as she teasingly dropped coins into her bosoms and tried on a beautiful diamond stubbed necklace. And then a pair of giant angry yellow eyes loomed up from behind her, Ivan’s smile fled from his face as his mind replied the horrific events. A jaw large enough to swallow three Ivans at once, bit her clean in half leaving her hips to heavily slid down the pile of spoils. Ivan could distinctly recall the terrified faces of his remaining companions as they charged valiantly towards the mighty red beast, the younger version of the ranger having fallen to his knees too wrought with grief to react to the mighty serpent. Ivan watched through tear blurred eyes as three more of his closest friends were blasted from this world by a wave of hellfire spewing forth from the red serpents throat. The old ranger’s mind had snapped that day, and he still remembers hollowing at the top of his lungs as he charged the beast with katana swinging furiously. Together the four remaining Wildswords managed to outwit the monster and leave it dead on the floor, their surviving wizard disintegrated the corpse; fearing naively that the beast would rise up against them if left here in its cave. During which Ivan wept for the loss of his wife, as the others attempted to locate discernable pieces of their friends to bury; the spoils left forgotten and mostly ruined by the beasts fiery breath. Solemnly the band of four returned to Erumara’s shores and from there they parted ways, Ivan unlike the others didn’t retire and instead joined the Erumaran army. That was the last day he had ever seen the wizard Dorin Lightan, the ranger Aarven Windrunner, and the priestess Sesilia Norwing. Years later Ivan discovered that the band had fought a Dragon, something that should not have existed; when telling the tale to others Ivan was mocked and teased by unbelievers, since there was no remains to speak of! By the time the heart wrenching reminisce was over the sun was peeking in through his window, and Ivan felt like hell.
“I agree with the assessment of the plan,” Isabelle echoed the half-drow as she stared incredulously at Kenras, since he to nodded his agreement with the plan and doing so without any snide comments either! The Shadowmage quietly pondered the role of her subjects in the conflict, and reaching the conclusion that they could either be support units or as the tip of the spear in this conquest; she figured it would be good to ask what to order her minions to do. “Master, should my mages spearhead our charge with their most devastating spells raining death upon our foes,” Isabelle imperiously inquired as she continued to glance confusedly at the still silent Shadowpriest, “Or marching alongside the Shadowknights to supply support?”
Kenras idly listened to the Shadowmage hardly caring for the ignorant woman’s opinions or concerns as his mind wandered through the course of his own plans. He had no business in this part of the planning process anyhow since his troops have been in place for little over a week now, plus Marvic’s little army was currently assembling as ordered inside their designated compounds, and Kenras already told the Vorshtarans to attack at a time just after the “revolution”. The Shadowpriest was actually growing bored of this meeting, since they still had to work out minor kinks and get their underlings into position. Kenras just stared blankly into the black hole of Master’s hood, waiting to be informed as to were his priests will be dispersed amongst his additional allies forces. As the half-moon elf rolled his neck to ease the stiffness, he could have sworn he had seen the figure of a man up in the rafters; when he looked back at the spot though the space there was empty. Disregarding the trick of light, Kenras decided to occupy himself as the others continued to speak by imagining over a hundred ways to eliminate all three of his fellows and only half-listening to what they said to each other.
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Post by Culmir on Jun 11, 2011 20:09:16 GMT 1
Clovers grey eyes never wavered from the broken door as they passed through it, she could clearly see the splinters from the door being torn forcefully from its frame littering the floor they were currently walking over, the small crunch the wood gave identifying to Clover that the door was in fact not as soft and rotten as she assumed earlier. It would of taken a large amount of force to charge through a solid door like this and she found herself eyeing Cyrteris appraisingly, the man was slim but clearly a man of hidden strengths. Clover snickered softly at his easy retort about her teasing him with the mauled door “I suppose it will” she conceded, her grey eyes sparkling with glee as she darted a glance at her company. The walk through the ducal palace was surprisingly short and surprisingly empty, but Clover figured all the servants were preparing for bed or making preparations for tomorrows chores and had no time to be idly wandering the hallway. Lips quirking up into a smile Clover watched in mild amusement as the duke threw the doors wide open for what she guessed would be dramatic effect, being raised mostly in the institute Clover had been given little time to really appreciate the splendour of flowers, she could name them, list their properties, knew which ones would kill and which would heal, but never had she actually just looked at them. As the pair walked through the garden at leisure Clover found herself immersed in fragrances she had never smelled before, her eyes looked around for the deadly smell as it wafted through the mellow spring evening. Swatting at a firefly buzzing around her head Clovers eyes scanned over the plants assembled neatly in a ornately arranged flowerbed with the different coloured flowers depicting the ducal seal, still unsure of where that heavenly smell was coming from. When Cyrteris stopped in the middle of the garden Clover felt the small tug of his hands stopping her as well, while her nose was urging her on to find the source of that tantalising fragrance “Yes, yes, quite wonderful” she said distractedly, her brow pinched as she glared at all the flowers for simply not telling her which one it was that smelled so succulent. Cam found himself exiting the room quietly, in his mind he was wondering how he and his erratic sister would be approaching the large mountain of a man who went by the name of Vlan’Tur, he was walking through the ducal palace slowly, hoping to give Clover enough time to sufficiently calm down for her to listen to what he had to say and possibly not rip his head off for even suggesting they would be going to work. The first place Cam stopped to look for his sister was at the training grounds they had been summoned to in the morning when they met Ivan, clearly from the looks of the busted down door and the heavily mauled dummies his twin sister had been here, though Cam refused point blank to believe that Clover would of been able to bust the door to such an extent. He paused by the broken remains to look at them more closely, no his sisters lithe frame would of never been able to do this to a sturdy wooden door like this, obviously someone else did this and it didn’t take much guessing to figure out who would dart through the doors in such a fashion. Chuckling Cam stepped back into the ducal palace, hoping the poor duke still had some functioning limbs if he happened to come across Clover while she was just beginning to have her fit.
Upon identifying the small delicate purple flower which exuded the luscious scent Clover had been scouring for she immediately proceeded to pluck the flowers straight from their neatly arranged flowerbeds and gathering them in a small bush in her hand. She had released Cyrteris’s hand and hopped off into the mulch to reach the flowers “These are wonderful” she proclaimed with a smile plastered on her heart shaped face as she stepped back onto the gritted walkways that formed a small maze through the wonderful gardens. Slipping her hand back into Cyrteris’s Clover brought her small assembled bouquet to her small nose, inhaling deeply as her eyes closed “Wherever did you find these?” she asked bewildered.
It was at that moment that Clover was standing with a small bunch of flowers held into her hands that Cam walked around the tall rose bushes that had hid the pair from view momentarily. Cam snorted at the sight of the two, Clover staring up at Cyrteris with a strange, never before seen expression on her face, while Cyrteris stood slightly confused as if pondering something, it made for quite the amusing scene. Clearing his throat Cam approached the two, his grey eyes on the horizon as he marked the hour of the night “Sorry to break up this little get together, but I’m going to have to steal my sister away from you your grace” he chuckled “We have an important task tomorrow and I would have to discuss tactics with my twin before we tackle them in the morning” he smiled apologetically. Clover found herself glaring at her twin brother, her eyes rock hard as she raised an eyebrow slightly, wondering what on earth he was talking about. She turned to Cyrteris and shrugged “Duty calls I guess” she joked as she slipped her hand out of Cyrteris’s once again, more conscious of her act this time she bit her lower lip as she turned to her brother “Well little brother” she smiled deviously “What is so urgent that you want to bother me with it?” she asked. Cam rolled his eyes, placing his hand lightly in the small of his sisters back, guiding her towards the ducal palace while he quietly explained to her what happened after she had left.
The Master leaned quietly back in his seat, motioning for his small servant boy to fill up his empty goblet once again, unlike his predecessor the Master had a great fondness for the ceremonial wine, and would take every chance he get in indulging in its rich flavour. When the shadowmage asked him what the Master’s plans were for the magae he pulled his slab of grey granite towards him once more, writing down “Your magae will be the support of the shadowknights brute force, my assassins will flank the opposing militia and the shadowpriests will aid in any way they can, when they are needed” he turned the slab over and showed them all the written message.
Kheldar found his red eyes following the smooth movements of script as the master of assassins wrote his answer to Lady Isabelles questions, the shadowknight noted the small wavering of the masters fingers as he clutched his small piece of chalk in his gloved hands. Tilting his head slightly he watched the Master closely, trying to piece together who this man might be. When the message was shown Kheldar nodded slowly “Sounds good to me” he got up from his stool, tossing back his mantle casually as he towered over those still seated “Send me the details of where I have to be by bird and I will be there, now I must go and assemble my troops and make the necessary arrangements” he spoke calmly, eyeing The Master, Lady Isabelle and Kenras one by one before nodding his head in salutation and exiting the room.
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