The muscles of her forearm tense as he places his hand over hers, but she relaxes quickly as he shows no ill intent. "Can you assure me the good behavior of your own companions? My companions are eager for an arrangement to be made, certainly."
Using her free hand to sip at her drink, she shakes her head lightly, a couple of ashy strands of hair falling into her face. "I have no idea what that was about. Perhaps a census of some kind? If it would smooth things over with you and your fellows, I can inquire and get back to you."
Her blue eyes look to his darker ones as she tilts her head minutely, taking on an inquisitive posture. "Why exactly would your half-orc friend destroy one of the sentinels? Is he low on funds these days? Had to bail himself out of jail again?" She chuckles throatily, looking out the window for another few moments before returning her gaze to him.
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Following from a distance, a man clad in armor followed the Crystal. Making no attempt to hide his presence, he does seem to avoid walking too close to Crystal.
As she makes her way into the tavern, the walking armor stays on the other side of the tavern. Making no attempt to going inside the tavern, he seems contempt with simply standing there.
Having his armor as an insignia with a symbol on the chest of it, the only other way of recognizing the man would be by the sword, hefted on his back with the hilt sticking over the other shoulder.
Making no other move, the man stands as a statue on the street.
Otherwise it is just a known Hell Knight Order.
As she returns her attention to him, her smile gets shifty, mocking even. "Is your new friend the jealous type, Melaphi? I admit, you are quite handsome...I can't blame her if she is...Maybe we can give her a show?" Her free hand sets her drink down, reaching up to drag a manicured red nail down his jawline. She laughs, withdrawing her hand from his face. "I much prefer privacy, of course, but I don't want her to feel left out..." Her grin is smug and confident.
Melaphi tilts his head slightly, giving Marcello a slight solute as he passes, offering a smile to him as he does so.
"If they agree to come to dinner, they will agree to mind their manners, so long as nothing untoward happens as has been the unfortunate mishaps between our groups in our encounters on the street. But I think knowing the purpose of the round up may help, or it may not. I don't feel I can answer that one with any confidence."
"I'm actually surprised more sentinels weren't destroyed. I've never known half-orcs to be the docile type. Truthfully I'm surprised we didn't have a small riot on our hands." he shrugs, casually ignoring the other portion of her question.
"Feth?" Melaphi doesn't even blink at mention of the sorceress. "I don't think she has any interest, and I'm more partial to blondes then brunettes" his voice takes on a melodramatic tone. "So you've nothing go be jealous of my dear."
"May I ask then, what is your role in the new government? Advisor?" his face is an expression of genuine curiosity.
She smirks, her hand remaining between his two, for now. "I believe the count is one and one on fight instigating, but I will trust your word on this. Wasting our resources fighting each other is silly when we stand so much to gain by working together." Her smirk turn into a warm smile, her dark blue eyes alight.
She lets it go, evasion was an answer all its own. "I am quite glad it did not get very violent. The One God frowns on senseless violence."
"Her name is Feth? She should take better care to remain unseen. Are more of your friends about?" Her eyes dance with mirth, she doesn't seem very concerned that he might have more backup around, and is genuinely amused by it. "What would she do from across the street if my intentions were less than honorable?" She winks, another slender glass of the wine now finished off. She grins widely at his announced preference as she swipes at the stray strands of hair hanging over her eyes, "How lucky am I? I was practically green with envy. Thank you for easing my mind."
Her cheeks are flushed pink, her gaze direct as she answers. "I am the High Priestess for our new government, and also have an advising role with First Lady Fate. Tell me...what roles might your fellows play in such a government? Any agreement would surely include your group in roles best fitted for their capabilities."
"I'm sorry. You misunderstood, I'm quite aware of Ransaq's part in our first meeting."
His words say one thing, but their is a doubt regarding Ransaq actually being fully at fault.
"I'll let her know" smiling mischievously, "but it might be worth the memory lapse just to see you blush again thinking you might have been seen trying to win my heart."
"Probably all of them. I told you I promised no harm would come to you. They are my intervention team in case I lose control of myself." he twists the words around as though she'd asked something entirely different.
"But High Priestess? A lofty, and heavy, position to bear. High Priestess to the unknown god."
"My companions, I could see as advisers, or generals. I'm not sure any are so far gone of mind yet as to want to be in charge." he laughs. "For my part, perhaps I can apply as court jester, or wit. I'm not sure your guard appreciates my free tongue though, he'd probably throw me out after the first hour."
That smug smile comes back to her as Melaphi apologizes, hearing the unsure timbre of the man's voice, indicating doubt.
"Only trying? Oh, but you wound me, Melaphi. And I thought we had such a rapport..." Her tone is teasing, her manner light and friendly.
She chuckles, waving away a third glass of wine, her cheeks still aflame. "Perhaps I would like for you to lose control, sir." Her lips hardly curl up at the ends, blue-eyed gaze intense.
Her smile grows deeper as he takes another jab at her religious evasion. "Not unknown. The One God created Law out of Chaos, and brought Order to the world. I will teach these things to the populace."
She laughs along with him at his words. "So bookworms and meatheads, is it?" She grins, leaning closer, conspiratorially, "He is not my guard, and he has no claim on me, or whose tongue I might prefer."
"Ah Crystal, if I give in to easily you may not find me worth the time to chase. I'd hate to disappoint you in the thrill of the hunt." he teases back.
"Well that should narrow it down by to about a quarter of the religions that might make that claim of their deity." A sly grin comes across his face, "You are probably just leading me on, you've probably taken a vow of celibacy, and simply intend to break my heart."
Whispering back, which is almost silenced by the magic in the room, "Maybe, but I don't think he got the memo." Eyes teasing, "But I suppose if you scorned me, I'd get dark and brooding to."
He breaks out into a bit of spontaneous, though not particularly good, poetry.
"Her red lips drew them in like moths to flame.
Her golden hair promised wealth.
Her voice asked, and they danced on strings.
But hearts now broken, leaving only shells."
She scoffs with a short laugh. "The chase is over-rated, though our verbal trade is quite enjoyable. The only thing that matters in the hunt is the kill." An impish smile crosses her features at that.
"Oh my! I certainly can't have you thinking I'm a big tease, now can I? What would the neighbors think?" She chuckles, peeking out the window once again with a self-satisfied smirk at whoever might be watching.
"We both come from the same region, so he feels a bit protective of me. Dark and brooding is the norm there, I'm afraid." Her grin is challenging, at this point. She can feel the net closing in, and is casting out her own hints to participate in the game and regain a measure of control.
She listens to his poem for a moment, then shakes her head, smiling. "A cute verse...but I always keep my word. One of the tenets of my faith, you know. Perhaps those poor fools heard something that was never spoken?" Her brow arches, her grin turning as sly as his own. "Perhaps I will tell you more, since I like you...but in a more private setting. Unless you can't handle a woman without your friends looking on?"
Melaphi raises an eyebrow in amusement at Crystal's first comment. The verbal game continues.
"Well I can't very well have the neighbors thinking the high priestess is involved in any kind of scandal. That just wouldn't do."
He frowns slightly at mention of whatever her past may have been, "And where would that be from? I grew up locally here. This city has treated my family well."
"Another clue from the woman of many secrets."
"Now who needs an intervention?" Melaphi responds with a chuckle. His expression sobers, feigning a hurt look, though his voice is still brimming with mirth, "And here I thought you were ready to declare before the world your undying love for me. A stroll down the city streets then? A walk through the gardens district? Or did you have a particular location in mind?"
"My reputation is in your gloved hands, sir. A scandal of monstrous proportions, being reported as a lady who leads on the unsuspecting hearts of men. Who would follow such a dreadful creature? Won't you help me avoid such a fate?" She laughs quietly, perfect white teeth flashing in the dim light.
"You grew up here? Then you must have an interest in improving life for those in the City, as I do. Come work with us, and we can make things things better for all!" Still smiling, her voice rises with fervor as she speaks.
"Perhaps I fear your rejection, and wish to make such a declaration behind closed doors, first." She grins playfully, leaning forward once again. "In these heels? I was thinking a short stroll down to the second floor. If you're curious to know more about me, that is..."
"Here you surprise me again. I figured you for the kind of girl that would throw off her shoes to run bare foot through the park."
Melaphi stands and offers an arm to Crystal. As they walk past the gambling table he comments, "I've never followed why men gamble. The odds are stacked against you every time. They are simply setting themselves for failure."
Follow us.
For all his charm and foolishness, behind those mirthful eyes his mind is racing. The game of words is thrilling to him, but her evasiveness is troubling. He is far more interested in uncovering those secrets then in a romantic interlude. This is business far and above it being pleasure.
"Oh please. If you want some foolish tart, I'm sure you can find a few downstairs." in spite of her words she smiles, rising and accepting the fellow's arm.
She nods at his words, "For some, it is gambling. For others, the drink, or perhaps some type of cheap drug. Self-destructive behavior that eases the mind for now, only to continue multiplying the troubles later."
She looks up at him as they walk, blue eyes searching, "Do I have your word that you will keep my secret? You seem an alright sort, but you might just be a knave down at your core." She grins up at him.
The card game seems to be coming to a close with one of the players already having quit.
"To true, to true." Melaphi nods.
As they begin down the stairs to the second floor he adds with a half grin, "Keep the secret of your undying love for me?"
But getting more serious, "I confess I am rather confused. I thought as high priestess, aren't you supposed to be out on a street corner, or in a temple, or church, professing the greatness of your deity? Not sequestering yourself in secrecy."
"That may be part of why I've never taken much stock in religion, the rules of it aren't particularly clear in my mind. I could keep your secret." he shrugs, "but I'm not understanding the need to."
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She grins widely at his comment. "You seem very confident. It's very becoming, I admit.You must attract a fair amount of attention to have gained such self-esteem. It's refreshing to speak to someone with such a sense of humor."
The arm she is latched onto is used as a balancing help as they descend, her calves clenching tightly as she descends each step in her heels. She keeps her eyes on her feet as they navigate the stairs, but still addresses him. "Oh, but I am! I have been teaching those I meet on the streets about my deity, and offering the code which they should follow to gain the favor of the divine. Is it the name that counts, or the ideal?" As they reach the bottom of the stairs, she returns her gaze to his face.
"As for a temple...I have a plan for that, but doing so requires time. We have been ruling for a handful of days, good sir. Even the most critical of people would realize such a short amount of time is inadequate to address everything. Keep in mind, though, that the wheels of change are in motion."
She stops outside a door, gently tugging on his arm. "Here we are, sir. Beyond that portal lies your secrets. My deity...and others that you may want to know. Perhaps I could even find a way to offer my...undying love to you?" Her look is forward, the smile on her face enticing.
"Now that's a fair question. The ideal is what matters, though the name is often an embodiment of those ideals - the pantheon come across as rather dogmatic in their views."
Melaphi opens the door to the room and steps inside, doing a quick scan of the room before moving further in.
"The one god does not already have a temple here in the city?"
"Shall I fetch us another bottle of wine?"
"If one espouses law and an orderly civilization, does it matter from whence the ideal came?"
The blonde smirks at his completely expected look into the room. She didn't blame him for his caution. While he steps forward, she slips off her footwear, now standing a few inches shorter than her date.
She follows him in, pausing at the doorway as he makes his inquiries. "No location that will suit, Melaphi. I have grand plans for it, but it is still not a complete concept at this point."
She moves forward slowly, dropping the shoes just inside the entryway. Assuming he doesn't back away, she closes on him, slender hands going around above his waist as she grins up at him with ruby lips. "Wine? Are you not drunk with desire at the proximity of my beauty?" Asked in a teasing tone, followed by a throaty chuckle. "Or must you check in with your handlers?" The smile remains, her amusement clear. "You wouldn't just leave, would you? I don't think I could bear such rejection!"
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Melaphi plans to return shortly, but plans to do more than just get a bottle of wine.
"Is that a rhetorical question?" he laughs at her first question.
Looking bemused, "You have me reeling, I was hoping a bit of wine might clear my head - help me to think clearly."
"And I should probably ask the inn keep to warn me if your old boyfriend decides to come inside." he teases, eyes dancing with amusement.
"A sweet red it is then." He gives Crystal a lingering kiss, then moves to head downstairs.
She chuckles, looking at him slyly. "Now why would I want you to think clearly?"
"I already asked him to keep an eye out for anyone looking for me, so we should get plenty of notice." A predatory grin and arched eyebrow accompany her words.
She accepts his kiss, a knowing smile curling her lips as he disengages. She shakes her head, placing a hand on his chest as she gently kicks the door shut. "A change of plans, Melaphi. I think I'll save the wine for later, if you please. Besides, our act of passion will yield some answers to you. Tit for tat, as they say." She laughs, then moves forward to engage him once again, pushing him towards the sleeping arrangements.
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"Who goes there?" Demanding to know, Marcello tightened his grip on the weapon, ready to cut deep. "Come out in the open or I will cut you down before you get to draw a weapon!"
Looking intently into Crystal's eyes for several seconds Melaphi fights against his primal desires, pushing them back down.
Despite all his charm and mirth, things are moving a little to fast for his comfort.
Taking her hand he moves to the side of Crystal, and in a whisper, "Perhaps I am a gambling man after all. I'm going to go for double or nothing." he brushes her check with the back of one hand. "Come seek me out."
"Mmmm hmmmm. Did I scare you away, handsome? Do you prefer your blondes docile and shy, as well? Decide you didn't want to actually find out what I'm hiding?" She chuckles, her blue eyes amused, but a bit of disappointment and anger lingers, as well.
As he moves to her side and whispers in her ear, she closes her eyes, grinning at the sensation. Inside, she is trying to calm back down, the adrenaline rush that had been building inside her still having her on edge. She opens her eyes slightly, eyeing him at her side. "Seek you out? I thought the gentleman was supposed to pursue the lady?"
She turns to him, giving him a short kiss. "Very well, then. Flee back to your handlers, Melaphi. My offer still stands, though. Dinner at the Keep on Friday to discuss things...dinner anytime with me."
"Calm down Hellknight" a voice says. Looking over at the alley you see Feth's head peering around the corner. She frowns at Marcello. "We're not here to start another fight. We're making sure you don't hurt Melaphi. So as long as he's ok, we're ok. No brawl required."
"Crystal, you are about the most terrifying women I've ever met." Melaphi smiles as he heads out the door. "And I have no doubt you don't care about the old tradition of the male chasing after the girl."
He offers one last smile with a nod, "I will let you know on your offer tomorrow."
Heading to the main floor he can feel the perspiration forming on his back beneath the silken shirt.
She smiles demurely up at him. "Mmmmmm, is that a compliment? I promise I don't bite. Unless you want me to." She teases, then chuckles at his comment as he takes his leave. "And a true judge of character. I knew I struck gold with you..." She winks at him, slipping back into her shoes.
"I look forward to hearing from you, handsome. And remember, I always keep my promises." She grins wickedly, thinking about pacing him just to unnerve him further. Deciding that doing so in these shoes would create a nice ache in her calf that wouldn't be worth the potential payoff, she settles for slowly following him downstairs, keeping an eye out for any of his friends, just in case she was being set up.
You don't see anyone you've seen in his presence before but one human or part human with black hair, probably the result of hair dye.
He only seems remarkable because as you come out, out of the corner of your eye you notice him duck his head down too fast to not have been to avoid being caught.
He wears a blue robe common to mages from the local school, and has an instrument case at his side, musician maybe?
Her eyes narrow as she spies the dark-haired man nearby, looking extremely guilty. Her lips press together in irritation, then she relaxes. It was probably nothing. Likely just a loner who got off on listening to the romantic escapades of others.
She mutters under her breath, "You struck out tonight, fella, sorry," turning her attention away from the man, continuing on her course to go down the stairs to the main floor. Her main goal, of delivering the message, had been met. She had also learned a fair amount about the man himself, which might be useful later. Any hesitation she could create by showering him with attention would be a potential boon down the road, should they end up on opposite sides of a conflict again.
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A long second of silence followed and then the sword got back to it's scabbard. "You shouldn't sneak up on people this late in the evening... That is how you lose an arm." The helmet focused hortly on her other companion and nodded shortly afterwards.
"You are correct, I have no quarrel with you." Leaving with that, Marcello turned around and walked back to Tavern and waited for his companion to come out.
Melaphi heads outside, seeing the warrior still standing in the street. Biting back an inflammatory comment he gives Marcello a nod, then heads down the street.
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exiting another room a half orc bumps into Mel!
he has a sammich!
huh? oh, hey... Was the meeting today? They told me not to work the day of the meeting, thought it might freak you out. whoops, uumm...Apology sammich?
The half orc pulls his sammich in half and offers the side without the bite side piece missing to Mel.
Following behind Melaphi, getting left behind, Crystal sees Sarcon come out of a room, looking for all the world like the world's bulkiest room servicer. As the half-orc offers Mel half of his 'sammich', the blonde rolls her eyes and starts to walk a little more quickly towards the duo.
"Ah, thanks, Sarcon, but I just had dinner with the Lady Crystal, and I'm quite full at the moment. I shall remember your generosity though in the future. No apology needed." Melaphi smiles politely.
"Oh, and how did things go at the census Monday?"
Clearly probing for information on the half-orc round up, rather than just making friendly talk.
As Sarcon replies to Mel, Crystal scowls at the half-Orc. Pulling up a few feet from the other two, she glances warily up and down the hall.
Unaware of Crystal's tensing up, Melaphi continues his conversation with the half-orc. "Ah, we've been well, thank you. I haven't been to jail ever since I stopped hanging out with the pointy ear. You?"
Intervening, she flashes a dazzling smile at Melaphi before turning to Sarcon. "Sarcon, Melaphi and I have had a rather pleasant and interesting conversation, and I am sure he would like to get back to his companions to convey our offer of a get-together. Hopefully our meeting going well and proceeding with good faith will be just the ice-breaker we need! Let's get back to the others. If I know Marcello, he's standing out front acting as the door man." She chuckles at that, turning her attention back to Melaphi.
"Please give your friends our warm regards. I look forward to seeing more of you very soon." Her smile is suggestive, but she has interposed herself between the two men seamlessly.
Melaphi exits the tavern, nodding to Marcello on his way out. Crystal makes eyes at Sarcon, and not the approving kind.
Outside, Melaphi crosses the street past the imposing figure of Marcello. There he finds Feth and Garroth, with Patry not too far away. Everyone seems fairly unharmed, though Payet is nowhere to be seen.
As Melaphi exits, Crystal breathes a sigh of relief, making her own escape from the place, as well. As she turns back to look at the place, she expect to hear shouts of alarm and see licks of flame, and is moderately surprised when all seem relatively calm.
She spies Marcello near the building and chuckles, walking to him. "Let's be away, sir. The message has been delivered." She walks at a quick pace, anxious to be in something more comfortable.