Redblade quickly placed his back on the wall of the building as he heard the voice call out. Thinking of what his next move would be, his eyes watched the opening to the cellar to make sure the man did not come up. He didn't know what else to do but to respond back, hoping the man would not recognize the difference in his voice from the guards. Pretending he was the other guard, he spoke back to him.
Yeah, I know. I already sent him to hurry and get some money for you for dropping it like an idiot. He will return shortly. Don't you worry it will be paid before the end of the night.
He prepared himself to hit this guy also if he decided to come up to take a look.
GM NOTE:: Redblade is a known felon and escaped criminal. This can and should effect all interactions with certain people that would be aware of his status. Especially the Sentinels.
"I fought the law and then I was broken out... Is that a bad thing?"
Kiga's startled expression was immediately repressed in the presence of his company. Oh, he certainly remembered his short encounter with Vienna and had expended considerable resources to find out just who has abducted her and to where. Nothing had proven fruitful and it never sat well with him. Now he certainly had an agenda, but it wouldn't do to pursue it immediately.
But Kiga presented himself with a warm smile and bowed graciously and in a very practiced, refined manner; before offering his hand to dance. He studied his partner with like admiration and spoke in a proper tone, this too had been practiced til refined as a youth.
"Tradition matters little m'lady, when one such as I couldn't hope to refuse such an offer. My name is Kigazaki. Shall we, miss....?"
Miroslaw was not certain what to make of how he felt. For once, his appearance was meeting more than just glances of fear. Truly, the attention he was receiving from what seemed to be more upscale folk made him feel like he was actually worth something. Even if the only reason being that Miroslaw looked like a fighter, It was still a welcomed variation from the norm.
This was exemplified by Miroslaw being unable to hold back a small grin as he was looked over by mister Nautilus and so highly advocated by mister Bacon. He had nearly forgotten his previous concerns for the situation. He sent his hand out to shake mister Nautilus's. After all, a swordsman's grip was what sold him to Bacon, he felt like there was something special about his grip that may even further convince the already interested man standing before him. He did not even feel the need to say anything, as Bacon already covered it all.
Last Edit: May 16, 2014 22:55:21 GMT -5 by Miroslaw
Death is no more than turning us over from time to eternity. Whether that eternity is damnation or salvation is determined in the time we have.
Hoid "Whoever said that money doesn't buy happiness never met a Haisheth" - Character Sheet -
Hoid smiled when Mr. Nautilus called him a 'gods send', as the way he saw it, he was the lucky one and Mr. Nautilus the gods send
"You are as well! I had come to Wistvale to establish a trade route, but I wouldn't have imagined Highever would do the same shortly after. I am quite lucky that such an opportunity arrived."
Many might expect that Hoid would have a problem importing weapons into a peaceful place such as Wistvale. In reality, though, Hoid was fairly self-interested. If he saw a man being murdered in front of him, he would help. When it isn't in front of him, however, he either doesn't care or doesn't notice.
"Well, to be fair to Ms. Howle, she didn't know of my Southern Sands connections. I only mentioned my local connections to her. I thought it might be good to only mention as much as needed at any time, to help bargain from a position of strength. I can see how many people might find the idea of weapons importation unsavory, but I don't find much reason to object myself."
Here Hoid shrugs in an overly dramatic way, designed to show indifference
"Many may label me uncaring, but I provide what people need, such is the way of the merchant. I do not make the criminals want or need weapons, they themselves are the ones doing so. A few rotten apples shouldn't spoil the whole lot. I give the masses what they want, and if the unsavory folk also want them, then that is on them. I do not believe in denying the many because of the few."
Hoid had let himself go on the topic more then he normally does, but he had a feeling that, as a fellow business man, Mr. Nautilus would understand.
"So all things said and done, I am more than happy to provide weapons if it is what is wanted. Besides, I have heard rumors of Highever's difficulties, and being of aid in that would be quite the act of good, in my book."
Hoid shares a bit of small talk with Mr. Nautlus, when eventually another man, from Highever by the manner of his dress, arrives with a large Soren in tow. Hoid wasn't one for bloodsport, and he found himself daydreaming slightly as the men continued on. He was tempted to leave and grab some of the free food, and then mingle some more with some other Highever residents, but he did not want to be rude to Mr. Nautilus, as this business contract could be a massive breakthrough
Redblade hears what sounds like a couple of grunts and then nothing. The silence is an indicator that the angry caterer probably went back to work.
With all that out of the way, Redblade was free to explore the cellar at last. When he did, he would find several racks of wine bottles and barrels stacked in a neatly fashion. The room was arid and had a musty aroma about it.
There were two exits, aside from the one leading outside, that would take him out of the room. One door was slightly cracked open and had light pouring out of it with sounds of dishes and clattering going on behind it. The other door was closed, but led away from the kitchen.
Being that all the wine was in the cellar, it wouldn't be long before someone had to come down for another bottle.
"Aimée, Aimée Beaumont, enchanté."
The lady gladly took the hand and led Kiga to the dance floor when the ensemble prepared a new piece.
Aimée was like a porcelain doll, her skin without a blemish and her eyes twinkling under dark lashes as her slender hand climbed up Kiga's arm to grasp his shoulder.
"Kigazaki, that is an interesting name, are you from the East? I felt that you were not originally from Wistvale."
She had the airs of inexperience, a girl raised in a gilded cage by those not wanting to expose their precious gems to a rough and unpredictable world. Still that didn't stop her curiosity, and Kiga brimmed with worldliness.
Nautilus turned to look over Hoid, "Indeed, sir, what we do serves the greater good, and oft the criers forget. After all, I want my homeland to be safe, who am I to deny what she needs in her time of crises? Plus, the gold this trade agreement brings will be sure to change minds, even Ms. Howle given the time. Mark my words.
Now, Mr. Relahur, can I interest you to an invitation to our coliseum? It is the sport of champions and ultimate test of mettle! Spectacles of magic and swordsmanship from our home's finest. Why, even the noble houses come to celebrate the clash of steel."
Talking about the Highever coliseum seemed to spring excitement into Mr. Nautilus, almost as much as making the Mir deal. The merchant turned back to Miroslaw.
"And you, my dear boy, will be the next star if Roger is that sure of it, still, I must know, what is your name and what experience do you have wielding a blade? I trust Roger with my life, but I'd still like my own conclusions. Your strength is impressive, but inexperience can get you killed."
Hearing to the invitation that was given made Miroslaw even more convinced that this Arena was something of the luxurious quality. He imagined being surrounded by so many people, watching him battle. It was curious, but Miroslaw still wanted to experience it for himself before he gave an ultimate judgment.
Then, the words were directed at him. It was better than Mister Bacon's very quick evaluation seemingly only based on his size. He stated, "Miroslaw Zygmunt, sir.” and continued, seeking to nullify any skepticism, I guarantee you, I do not lack experience. I was a part of the military for my kin in the Northern lands for many years. Since, I've comy to find my abilities are fairly restricted to battle and warfare, leading me to be a blade for hire, and nothing more. Battle is all I know."
Death is no more than turning us over from time to eternity. Whether that eternity is damnation or salvation is determined in the time we have.
"Indeed, it is. Have you been far abroad, Aimée... and might I be so forward as to address you as such?"
Kiga smiled in an infectious manner and led their dance, as a proper gentleman should. Whilst he didn't have occasion to dance very often (if at all), he was versed in how to and his partner would find him extraordinarily light on his feet and graceful with each motion.
He didn't look to pursue the conversation with questions, at least unless it was required. After all, he didn't want to overwhelm or seem to self-important. His hand clutched her gently, his other at the small of her back, which kept them quite close, but within earshot of remaining proper of course.
And still, whilst Kiga's eyes were inviting and his smile was disarming, whilst he danced with a natural ease and he smelled of something exotic and pleasant; his mind was reeling with the fact that Vienna was here. He could not brush off the young noblewoman who was kind enough to greet him, nor would he... but he would find the time to pursue answers later.
Knowing well that it was only a matter of time before someone would come back to the cellar, Redblade takes his mask and armor off to show his formal clothes underneath to blend in while keeping his hood, that was part of his cloak, over his head to cover his hair. The locked door may just have caused another problem by finding someone inside or getting caught trying to open it, he figured.
With his head held high, Redblade walked out of the cellar room and into the noisy room, pretending to be someone important of high class.
Last Edit: May 21, 2014 20:06:13 GMT -5 by Redblade
GM NOTE:: Redblade is a known felon and escaped criminal. This can and should effect all interactions with certain people that would be aware of his status. Especially the Sentinels.
"I fought the law and then I was broken out... Is that a bad thing?"
Serenity had been trying to get the wall flower that was Vienna to do something other than look pretty throughout the evening, checking up on her cousin periodically every hour to see if she needed tending. The only reaction she could get was a nod or shake to simple questions and anything requiring more than that was met with silence.
"Well, alright, but you’ll know where I’ll be if you change your mind, ok?”
Only a nod, followed by a reset of her head in its original position staring out toward the dance floor which she had been doing all night, even before the actual dancing had started. Despite her statue like appearance she was not unattractive, her demeanor and beauty intrigued several young men enough to ask for a dance only to be rejected by the kind of silence all stonework aspired to. When it looked like there was going to be any kind of trouble, Serenity would quickly step in and glare them away like a viper, a viper that threw sharp rocks at people in self defense.
“I’ll tell you what; we can share a glass of wine in the lounge in an hour, just the two of us over a game of chess like we used to do. How does that sound? I know I make for a poor opponent, but I always enjoyed seeing that spark in your eyes when you knew you had me in your clutches.”
No response, but Serenity took it as a yes, “You know where to find me,” and she kissed Vienna on the cheek before departing. As she moved away from her, Serenity couldn’t help but feel a great uneasiness. Not about Vienna’s state, that had been going on for months, but about something on her person that continued to force itself out of her mind like it didn’t want to be known. The harder Ser tried to think about it, the harder it would push to the back of her mind like a bad itch. Something on Vienna was hiding itself in plain view, and Serenity knew it was the source of her cousin’s affliction of mundanity.
When Redblade stumbled into the kitchen, the whole place froze. The staff stopped their work for what seemed like an eternity, stared at Red, and got back to it before the head chef returned. That didn’t stop the murmuring, however.
“Oi, where this one come from?” Red heard one say near him. “Probably the lounge, but I thought that was all locked up?”
A stocky sort of man in a chef’s hat approached Red with eyes blazing and a thin mustache poised to stab. He looked like a bull in white robes and Red couldn’t have been given a worst birth name.
“Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, what are you doing in my kitchen? Are you drunk Monsieur? None are allowed in my kitchen without my decree, I don’t care who they are. This is my kingdom, and I am its King, isn’t that right?!” all the serving staff nodded and or agreed audibly. The king of all 240 square feet looked at Red like he just took a dump on his ravioli and pissed in his grapes.
“So what is it, are you piss drunk and need a cart home or did you really think this was the outhouse? What business have you here?”
Nautilus became intrigued as Miroslaw talked about his being in the service for his people, “Truly? Tell me, how is it that your people conduct war?
“I didn’t fancy you for being a man of tactics, Nautilus, I could have told you as much had you asked,” Roger said “Why ask a fowl when I have the genuine article right here?”
Roger coughed at the comment to which Nautilus appeared to understand the meaning of, “Yes, yes I know. Now then, how can I not be interested in matters of strategy when the Goblins need but knock on my door for an audience at blade point? Our glorious council refuses to acknowledge this conflict as a war, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is our first engagement in our history as a united people.
We must be united in this endeavor if we are to push the beasts back into their pit from which they came, yet we fight them like our barbaric ancestors, alone and within our own houses. No one family can win this, wouldn’t you agree, Miroslaw?”
Aimée giggled, “This is actually the farthest I’ve gone, and by ship no less; two firsts for me, well, three if I count this dance. I’ve never danced with anyone not of Highever nobility. Mostly, I travel to cottages and lake houses just out of the country. The wilderness is beautiful, but I’ve always wanted to go beyond the ocean. The stories I’ve learned about the other lands seem more like fairy tales each time I hear them.”
As they danced, it began to dawn on the little noble girl that this was easier than she thought it would be. Unbeknownst to Kiga, Aimée had thought, before meeting him, that she would have to teach him a few things. Perhaps it was arrogant of her, but shame on him for ruining a bit of her fun.
“You dance very well, Kigazaki, I am impressed. Are you a lord where you hail from?”
It wasn’t a joke, mostly, when she asked the question. Kiga could sense that it was genuine and it spoke loudly of certain traditions in her homeland which was either that the peasantry didn’t know how to dance or if they did dance it wasn’t something you’d proudly display in this setting unless you were drunk out of your mind.
“Could you tell me more about your home? I love Highever, and she is beautiful, but oft you get tired of seeing the same vision out of bed every morning. At least, that’s what one our servants used to say and now that I think of it I don’t think it was about Highever.”
The Head Chef looked mighty large as he got closer, which was proof that he loved his food. Redblade remained silent a few seconds, thinking of his next words. All eyes were on him now, which he would have wanted to avoid, but this seemed like the only way to get into the ball. An arm raised up to scratch his head as he thought.
... I uh... I must have had a few drinks and got lost on my way back from the rest rooms... I do apologize about that... I'll get out of your way now.
He looks around to find a way out of the kitchen and into the building.
GM NOTE:: Redblade is a known felon and escaped criminal. This can and should effect all interactions with certain people that would be aware of his status. Especially the Sentinels.
"I fought the law and then I was broken out... Is that a bad thing?"
"Me, a Lord? No, I may have held the means, but never the station. I am a simple man, of simple tastes."
Kiga smiled then, a somewhat flirtatious smile which was quite well practiced and rarely failed to elicit a favorable reaction. They spun with ease, the pair quite elegantly matched as they danced.
"Of course, I must confess. I have been to many exotic locations and therefore, am a man of some exotic tastes as well. My home... well she is quite strange and altogether different to Highever, Wistvale and even Lorne. She is both alluring and enticing, but dark and foreboding. Regardless, I call these shores home now and I cannot say I long for the East."
Having danced his fill and hearing the music pause, Kiga bowed in gratitude. He fell in beside the lady and offered his arm.
"Enough of me though Aimee. Really, you must know everyone here and I know so few. Perhaps you can tell me more about the other patrons?"
Miroslaw was thrown off by the odd question. It seemed motivated by something personal, as he didn't think a merchant would have much interest in the subject. He ended up not saying anything at all. Luckily, Bacon picked up making his silence less notable.
He picked up on the cough, but he really had no idea what was going on. It simply made him question if they were hiding something? He found it hard to keep up with the fancy talk of the merchants, but he was able to get the majority. Some kind of war was going on against goblins. Seemed an odd war, as goblins hardly seemed the organized type.
The talk of unity made him think about the few times that all of the Soren clans would come together. It was truly rare, mostly only happening to war with the Dwarves. When it did happen, it was truly a sight to behold. A genuine army of Soren, rivaling the numbers of the Dwarves. Without the unity among the clans, the wars would have been quite different.
Then, the question came, directed at him. Not only did Nautilus seem right, but Miroslaw was not about to disagree with what may be his future employer. "Aye. I agree entirely. Unity ends wars quite quickly from my experiences."
Death is no more than turning us over from time to eternity. Whether that eternity is damnation or salvation is determined in the time we have.
A pale man in a black suit approached Roger from his rear. The contrast of his skin from his garb was striking, appearing near death, and his nose was sharp enough to stab a man. Roger didn’t even become startled when the stranger began to whisper into his ear, slowly taking away the casual demeanor.
“Gentlemen, if you excuse me.”Nautilus became concerned, “Is everything alright, Roger?”
“Of course, it’s nothing for you to worry about, ‘tis a small matter.”
The two men left, slowly giving the merchant the chance to regain his posture the further they disappeared into the crowd. Something about the other man obviously bothered Nautilus, enough to grab another drink when his current was only halfway done, but Miroslaw couldn’t tell what other than the odd stranger.
“Wistvale is an interesting hamlet after all, but I’m sure Roger can handle it, whatever it is. He may not look it but he’s a capable fighter, perhaps more skilled than even you, Miroslaw.” Nautilus downed his new drink quickly, making the others near him a little nervous. When the merchant noticed this he calmed himself to ease the tension.
“I don’t mean to startle anyone; I wasn’t expecting anything to call Roger’s attention tonight, but come let us return to merriment.”
Nothing appeared out of the ordinary within the ballroom that Miroslaw could see. All the guests were drinking and talking amongst themselves, the former likely being a bridge that allowed the two groups of people to finally mingle a bit as Highever citizenry finally got into the Wistvale mix. It was then that the warrior noted a raven haired beauty making her way toward him.
“Mr. Nautilus, I imagine you had a lovely chat with Mr. Hoid?” Serenity said.
The merchant nearly spoke with his glass on his lips, “Ah, yes, a lovely chat indeed. You have my thanks Ms. Howle for sending him my way. Highever is all the greater for it, I assure you.”
“And Wistvale too?” “Of course, both will prosper once this deal is finished.”
The Lady Howle approved and turned to introduce herself to Miroslaw, “Pardon me, I didn’t mean to interrupt, I am Veronica Howle, but you may call me Serenity.”
“She sounds like a mysterious beauty, exotic and dangerous.”
Aimée seemed enchanted by Kiga’s description of his former home, and the rogue could see that her eyes longed to gaze upon it, curious creature that she was.
The lady bowed to him after the dance, impressed as she stated before, and gladly took his arm. During their dance they more than caught the eyes of what became an audience for, at least, by Highever standards they were something of an odd pair. Nevertheless they proved their talent on the dance floor and won the envy of several patrons, even garnishing a little clap afterward.
“I only know half of the room as I imagine you the other,” she responded to his inquiry. “I am familiar with most, but only properly acquainted with a few. I am not fond of business, thus I leave those who fondle with it alone. I find them boring, like Mr. Nautilus over there.”
She pointed out to the opposite side of the room, near the center, to a large man in colorful silk robes chatting up Serenity and a few other interesting people.
“The woman next to him is the Lady Veronica Howle of House Howle, one of the ruling families of Highever. My own house is sworn to them. She is a lovely person, but gossip tells me that she actively opposes her father in matters I’m not aware of. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her in person, she’s not been in the homeland for quite some time.”
Aimée looked around the room to find more interesting people, “Jaime Trydent is the special guest if I understand correctly. House Trydent is also one of the ruling families of Highever and the wealthiest. They are responsible for most of the seafaring trade in Highever, which is the reason they’re here. He’s a bit of wild one, I seem to recall him asking for my hand at a gala last Spring, but I believe it was in jest. It broke my father’s heart. Not that Lord Howle would have allowed it anyway.”
It was then that her eyes settled on the person that Kiga was concerned about that evening, “She is a bit of an odd one, Vienna Dumar, at least, odder than before. House Dumar is also a ruling family in Highever, but the smallest and often thought to be the weakest, if I understand correctly. However, they are the most frightful what with the crows and everything. My brother was awful to me as a child, he would tell me stories about them before my bedtime; they’d always give me nightmares.”
A server with some glasses of wine approached the two and Aimee accepted the glass she was presented with before taking a drink.
“I never spoken to Vienna before, but she was quite the recluse before her grandfather, Lord Belor Dumar passed. Rumor has it that she disappeared from the city for a few weeks before being dragged back by the crows.”
The chef, still quite pissed, didn’t seem to buy what Red was selling yet, unknown to the Warven, he had better things to do than deal with him at the moment.
“Don’t let me catch you in here again! Be off with you!” He passed by Red and angrily rubbed shoulders against the Warven before he was stopped by one of his staff,
“Sir, The Lady Howle requested a Highever cabernet franc to be delivered to the lounge. She is to dine with a friend.” “And? Get to it! Do you need my permission to open your fly to piss too?”
Red was readily ignored by the rest of the staff who focused on their duty and could see the exit to the main ballroom.
That last remark was a gem. He hadn't known of Vienna's relationship to the Crows and that, at least; explained why she'd disappeared in the manner she had. They were quite clearly very capable of concealing their actions. Still, he couldn't shake the sensation that Vienna had changed - or had been changed since their short time together. It was bothering him as well, but he showed no indication of it. He did wonder if she might recognize him, but it was much better if she did not - Vienna knew a little of Kiga's affiliation and with the right information, her insight could prove to be quite the complication.
He turned down the offer of a drink, as he very rarely touched the stuff and was always cautious of such offers. There was something amiss in this event and he was not going to drop his guard any further than was required to remain engaged in his company and uphold appearances. Still, Aimee was delightful.
"And you Aimee, how do you factor into all of this? Surely your family wouldn't approve of my company. Should I be concerned?"
He grinned in a deliberate and partly mischievous manner with that remark. There was likely truth to his statement, but he hoped to elicit a laugh as well.
The red haired warven was making his way out of the kitchen and into the ballroom when he heard the name "Lady Howle" mentioned. It made him stop and just stand there as his ear caught word of where she would be and then he continued forward. Making sure no one was looking at him he whispered a spell.
Glamour.
- Simple Glamour -
Effect: Allows the mage to alter simple features on themselves, or an ally.
Range: 10 feet.
AOE: One target.
Cast Time: Immediate.
Power: The mage can alter the colour of a target's hair and eyes or the colour of their apparel. Lasts 15 minutes.
Out of sight and under his hood over his head, his hair slowly began to turn brown to match his face, while his eyes turned green. He exited the kitchen and lowered his hood to not cause any attention as he looked around for the lounge area to find Sirenity. He would grab a drink from the waiters that walked by to blend in and since time was of an essence, he asked the waiter for directions to the lounge.
GM NOTE:: Redblade is a known felon and escaped criminal. This can and should effect all interactions with certain people that would be aware of his status. Especially the Sentinels.
"I fought the law and then I was broken out... Is that a bad thing?"