One by one the newfound "Knot" make their way to bed, a servant stays behind cleaning up what was left of their former companion and doing any last minute orders thrust upon them.
Ileosa gets a smart nod in return from the drow pirate "Aye Sugah, I'll be around...though don't you come fancying me before the crack a noon lest you be looking to find company in my bed." she says to the woman before the two of them move off in different directions.
The money left on the table is divided evenly and upon waking in the morning you'll find a small sack of gold waiting by your bedside.
All is quiet through the night.
Grumblejack looks like he had been cleaned up some, bandages covering most of his body and he stank of ointments to heal bruises, broken bones, and poison. When Ella came in, he had on a fresh...kilt?(I got no better descriptor for a more modest loincloth.) Ella's words soured his mood a bit but he nodded slowly taking the news well enough, the bottle handed to him is small in his hand but he drains it readily and almost spits it out from how "foul" it seems to him.
He actually looks somewhat handsome for an Ogre though, that's still rough considering. His face is surprisingly free of blemishes and warts save only one under an eye. It seems the servants in their odd state didn't listen too well to the Ogre's complaints as his hair is cleaned, trimmed and pulled back at the moment.
The parchment that was left by everyone's bedsides was gone before they awoke, having been taken by the silent servants and when the party awoke they were happy to find a nice hearty breakfast of fruits, sausages, ham, cheeses and breads.
Ileosa awoke early the next day, having not slept all too well though she did have enough to function. She had the servants held her dress as she had while in the noble court before saying that she would take breasfast down in the dinning room. It may have been a play on what she was use to but she'd enjoy it while it lasted.
Calmly and with manners known to high society, Ileosa at her breakfast at her own pace wondering if she'd have any company this morning.
Ella slept well. Not being dead made for a decent night... well that and a full bottle of whiskey. Once dressed in cloth finer than what she has ever been used to, the warrior hovers at the door for too many breathes. "Hells, you'd think I was going to war" she mumbled to herself.
In the dining room, she sees Ileosa and takes the seat across from her. A stalled nod, being her normal greeting, is sighed off and she says, "Good Morning"
"Good morning Ella." Ileosa said with a small smile. "Did sleep find you well?" She asked as she set her fork and knife down in their proper places. When another joined the table it was rude to eat until they also got their food and could join in.
"Well." Ella noticed the not eating and wasn't sure why, but waited herself when her food arrived. "Did you?" small talk... ugh...
"Not really." Ileosa said with a shake of her head. "Enough to not be tired but that's about it. I don't like sleeping in a place I know nothing about, but I didn't have much of a choice." She said with a small chuckle.
"So, why did you run out last night?" She asked.
Ella shrugged, "Talking is your strength... all of yours it seems. But Not mine. And on top of that, most of the time it never seems like any of you are saying what you are really saying... so... it was leave or throw something at you." the dark haired woman smiles while adding the last bit.
"Can we eat now?" she asks wondering what this weird rule was to wait when hot food is sitting in front of you.
"It comes from being at court." Ileosa explained. "Telling someone what you want tends to make them keep you from it." She told her with a shrug. "So it takes time to remember you don't have to use it on everyone."
"Of course." Ileosa said with a nod when the servant set down Ella's food. "Another hold over." She explained. "It is rude to eat till all are served."
Ella nodded, and started eating. Orphans attacked food like hungry wolves, and since then she's mostly eaten alone. She understood they would be dealing with plenty of people that expected this kinds of manners, but... "This is why they need you and the other one..." she wasn't ready to forgive the Senara's look of disgust, but knew she'd have to if this was going to work. "Not me. I am here to kill... or maybe protect... I'm uncertain." she shook her head, realizing her hair was still down, she grasped it and tied it back in a short tail. "I need to know how everyone fights, to be able to do that."
"Well I can at least explain how I fight." Ileosa said as she returned to her own dish. "I am fairly good with a crossbow, and use one that doesn't need to be reloaded like all other do." She began only stopping to take a bite of her food. "I can also use a mace but I am not as good at that."
"You have magic." Ella pointed out, remembering her arguments with the lizard. "Is it combative or just illusionary?" she drinks a large amount from her some kind of juice.
"It is a bit of both." Ileosa answered before taking a sip of her own drink. "It really depends upon the spells I ask for from The First but the one he always gives to me is an illusion spell." She went on to explain.
"Hmmm..." she nods again understanding to a degree. Her research has never covered divinity. "I don't. Hags do but I am only half." which after meeting her mother she was very happy about. "I can do is glare at someone and make them a little off." Ella looks up from her food and gives Ileosa the evil eye. Nothing more than a glare, like she has given to practically everyone, but this one tingles with a minor curse "It wears off quickly."
Godfrey woke early the next morning, eager to begin his work on the Warden's spellbook. He rose from bed and wastes no time by sitting with his legs crossed. Moving his heads through the forms of recall, he barks in a harsh tongue, "Kum tsiruk!"
The otherwise dark room is lit as the outline of a book appears in strands of vibrating light. In the next moments, more of the books details begin to fill in, until an entire book seemingly made of light hovers above Godfrey's lap. With a burst of displaced air, the book itself manifests and falls into the magus' waiting hands. Thought you could capture me and eliminate the warlock from your midst? How sad to be proved so very wrong, you Mitran filth. With a satisfied smirk, he opens the book and begins to study. For the next hour he pours over his newly recovered tome, alternating between fierce reading sessions and quiet meditation. Finally satisfied, he closes the book and reverentially lays it on the desk alongside the Warden's.
The opening of the door behind him startles him, and he spins to face the intruder. Seeing the servant bearing a tray, he scowls and shakes his head, "No no... I will break my fast in the dining room like a civilized person. Return that to the kitchen and have someone prepare something new as I leave the room for the hall. But bring me some tea while I finish preparing." Still scowling, he barks a word of command as he pours water into the room's washbasin. Gesturing to the cold water he waits a moment, tapping his foot impatiently, until steam begins to waft from the surface of the water. Satisfied, he washes and shaves, drying himself with no more then a thought. Selecting another outfit, he dresses and makes his way downstairs with his teacup in hand.
Seeing Ileosa and Ella already at the table, he sits and gestures to one of the servants. As the servant scurries off, he bows his head to each woman in turn, greeting them, "Good morning, Ileosa. and you, Ella. I trust you slept well after your harrowing escape yesterday? I regret that I won't be able to spend as much time in your company as I might wish. I glanced through the Warden's spellbook that you were so kind as to recover and I think there is much for me to glean from it. Until I have a better grasp of just how much there is that I can use, it would be best I devote my full attentions to it."
"Good Morning." Ella responds plainly "We discussed sleep already. I did fine. Ileosa did not." she pauses to see if Ileosa wishes to add anything about her sleep. She also stops eating, and waits until Godfrey gets his food.
Ileosa, who had also set her fork and knife down again, this time placed her hands into her lap as she waited. "Sleeping in... a place I don't know too well was always difficult for me." She explained with a shrug.
"I am sure that the spellbook would be something you'd wish to spend most of your time with." Ileosa began as she looked at him from the corner of her eye. "Though I doubt our company is something you care much for. After all you know little of either of us and while that often allows openings for many conversations I can't say it would be something to do when you've other things you could be doing."
Ella's eyes widen at the honesty and gives a slow wide smile. Leaning back and crossing her arms, she'll wait Patiently to start eating again.
Godfrey looks from one woman to the other, unsure what to make of the their replies. He notices both have stopped eating and says, "I appreciate your politeness, but by all means don't let your food get cold on my account."
Taking a sip of his tea, he finally continues, "And I should apologize, I think, for my brusque entrance. It's true that I'm eager to dig into the heart of this tome. But I've little doubt that we will soon be reliant on one another. There will be enough to worry about with the Mitran dogs, without also worrying a knife in the back." He looks from one woman to the other with a grim smile on his face, "To be blunt, it would be nice to know if either of you are the type I do need to keep an eye on. As for enjoying your company, I'm afraid that kind of mundane concern will now be playing second fiddle to more practical concerns. For me, at least."
"I will not kill you unless you deserve it." Ella tells him without malice or threat. She does know it is not the confirmation anyone would wish to hear, but it is a much as she can guarantee.
When Senara gets back to her room, out from the shadows appears Tiadora. No matter how hard you'd searched, you'd never have seen her if she'd not stepped out. And there she stands, staring at you with a hint of smugness at your condition.
Senara startles upon realizing her room is not as empty as she thought before giving a self-deprecating sigh, blaming her nighttime indulgence and her slightly inebriated state for not having noticed the infernal "woman". "Tiadora," she greets, not quite able to keep the exasperation out of her tone. "If you're here to collect the supply list, I'm afraid I haven't gotten around to it quite yet. I had hoped for a little more time to think of what I might need, but if you need it now..." she trails off, indicating the blank parchment and quill left out on the table as if to ask Tiadora if that is what she's come for.
Tiadora chuckles softly "Ah, you mortals and your indulgences. They make my job easier, but tonight I am not here for a request upon parchment like I'd expect. No, you've meddled in magic beyond yourself...yet you had succeeded. If it were not for the pact you had just sealed, I might take advantage of such a situation to correct a spit in the face of a devil's magic. However, you amuse me...and help my patron." she says smiling coyly.
"Asmodeus is the God of ambition, is He not? One might say I was simply holding to the fourth loyalty before I signed the pact, " Senara answers evenly, relieved to hear her voice holds no tremor as she replies to the she-devil. At least not to her slightly impaired ears. "If you haven't come for the list, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
Tiadora smiles at the use of the earlier contracts words against her, there was perhaps a bit of pride in her eyes as she looks upon Senara. She approaches and reaches her hand out at the woman's chest. A finger slips under the cloth of her dress and Senara can feel the nail trace over the sigil upon her chest. "This, while an affront to my kind's power, should be repaired. The Warden did a disservice to our magic, interrupting such a ritual, a pact even, is an insult. I could help you repair it, I would only ask one thing....that you kill the man who did this." she offers.
Senara shivers as she feels Tiadora's touch upon her chest. However, the reaction is not one born of pleasure, but rather the icy caress of the devil woman. If she were in the right frame of mind, she would wonder how anything that called Hell home could be so cold. As it is, Senara merely takes half a step away from Tiadora as she gives a noise somewhere between a nervous chuckle and an incredulous scoff. "Rest assured, Tiadora, that price has been happily paid." She pulls the vial of the Warden's blood from her place of safekeeping, only inches away from where Tiadora's nail had grazed. "I was able to take a sample of his blood as he lay dying on the floor of his office." Senara proudly states, a self-satisfied smirk curving her lips.
Tiadora looks upon Senara with disappointment at her words. She gestures with her hand for Senara to give her the Vial. Assuming she gives it to her, she uncorks it and Senara watches as the disguise fades away from one of her hands. A clawed purple finger dips into the vial and she walks over to the mirror in your room. She uses the blood to trace a circle. Her nails alight on four points of the circle and she rakes them to a close in the center, a piercing screech of the glass being scratched. The mirror shimmers for a moment and it goes back to the time in which you slew the Warden. Seconds later, Senara leaves. Her scorpion follows the owl out the window in it's attempts to follow your orders. And she sees a very shallow but noticeable breath come from his lungs.
Senara initially hesitates when Tiadora seems to reach for the vial, making an aborted movement as if to turn and shield the vial with her body. She had gone through so much to claim it, this one component that she needed to bring Kaellan back to her. To forfeit it now not knowing Tiadora's intentions goes against every good instinct the Lady has. But she does. Perhaps she trusts the other woman's offer to repair her and her brother's bond. Perhaps it's the whiskey. Or perhaps it's the realization that, if Tiadora wanted it badly enough, there's little to stop her from taking it and worse. Whatever the reasons behind it, Senara does eventually hand over the vial, fiercely holding Tiadora's disappointed gaze as she does.
Senara watches the ritual the she-devil carries out and the resulting vision it produces with evident interest. The disappointment she feels at watching her summoned scorpion try and presumably fail at the task she had left it with is vastly eclipsed by the anger she feels at watching the Warden draw breath. "He still lives?!" Senara says, shooting Tiadora a disbelieving look.
Taking a breath, Senara works to calm herself. The old bastard might still be alive, but that was inconsequential. The ritual to summon and bind her brother's soul requires her enemy's blood, not their life. "No matter, I have what I need from him," she says once she's regained her composure. "But," Senara starts, curiosity getting the better of her, "it isn't a mistake I wouldn't mind correcting. What is it you're proposing?"
Tiadora watched the woman with interest and was pleased with the pain that came across her face and the anger with it. She smiles wickedly, enjoying the woman's machinations and eventual recovery. She takes that bloody clawed finger to her own face. A small bit of blood dripping down to her lips. She licks it and nods "You can indeed, renew your contract and save your brother's soul. I can strengthen that bond and prevent another disrupting that pact between you two. But should you die before you kill this man...I'll collect both your souls for good. I suspect you'll not have to chase him down, the smear upon his family's honor and even upon his own at your escape and his defeat will be more than enough for him to seek you out. Kill him and bring me his corpse...his soul will be a fine trophy to the both of us for defying Asmodues's will." she said watching her with intent.
Senara thinks long on Tiadora's offer. After all, it isn't only her soul she is considering wagering but that of her brother's as well. She has what she needs to complete the ritual without the dubious aid of Tiadora, true. And she had been fortunate and clever enough to fulfill the blood requirement the first time she had attempted the ritual. But what of the next time, or the time after that? Senara would never tire of bringing her beloved Kaellan back to life. Nevertheless, having to perform the blood rite over and over again was getting to be rather tedious. And if a future confrontation with the Warden was inevitable, Senara figures she might as well reap some reward for killing the old fool once and for all.
After a few long moments of simply staring appraisingly at Tiadora, Senara slightly dips her head in acceptance of the devil's terms. "Very well. But I would like assurances that there will be no... untoward consequences following your interference. Meaning no offence, of course," Senara hastily adds. "It is just that my brother and I are very close. I would hate for anything, or anyone, to come between us."
Tiadora watches her still, and smiles once again when her offer is accepted warily and with intelligence. She walks over to the table and gets the pot of ink. She pours it out the window before walking back over and washing it out in the basin real quick. Then, she uses one of her claws to cut her own arm. She fills the ink pot and stands to the side. She bows her head and gestures "Make the contract, but be warned...I'm doing you a favor. Keep the wording fair for I am offering you the chance to set the writing on the terms I have offered. If I find it insulting, I will not be pleased...I am sure you will not want me displeased." she said, a flash of anger in warning in her tone.
Intrigued, Senara watches with one eyebrow raised as Tiadora goes about tossing out the ink and refilling the well with her own blood. When the infernal woman tells her to write the contract, Senara's eye widen briefly in surprise before she comes forward and plucks the quill from the table. Before she can put quill to parchment, Tiadora's warning stays her hand. She glances up, giving the devil an even look as she considers her words the threat behind them. After a moment, a soft smile graces her features and Senara inclines her head toward Tiadora in a conciliatory gesture. "But of course not. I only aim to amuse you."
With that, Senara dips the quill into the pot of Tiadora's blood and begins to draw up a contract for the three of them.
Silas woke quite early, as was his nature, and began to stroll around the building. He was likely one of the first to meet the White Ravens. For the most part he wasn’t especially interested in speaking with their leader. He was frankly surprised that someone who worshiped a being other than Asmodeus was being trusted to lead a Knot. But he would simply have to believe the Cardinal had a plan for them. But for some reason, almost as soon as he met Trik he recognized something in the man, a kindred spirit calling to another perhaps.
He proceeded to spend most of the rest of the morning talking to Trik. Although they both put on false friendly faces he found that it wasn’t as painful to wear when talking with Trik. Silas quickly started to get to know the man as best he could. It was plain that they were both hiding things, you could hardly expect people who spent their lives obfuscating everything would open up to a stranger. Beside it was difficult at this point to say what their relationship to the other Knot would be. There was always a possibility they would be working against each other for favor in the Cardinals eyes at some point. There was some level of attraction on Silas’ part towards Trik. Again, this wasn’t something he was willing to come out with, but it certainly made the conversation more pleasant.
At some point he saw one of his companions awake and heading to breakfast. Instead of following he simply waved them on, implying he would be along later. After they had exchanged pleasantries for a while longer he went ahead and decided to probe for more information about their situation, “So, what exactly brought you into the White Ravens if you don't mind my asking? What led to you all joining the Cardinal as a Knot? It seems as though you all know each other somewhat better than our party knows each other at the moment.”
"Honestly, for now at least, is a benefit to us." Ileosa began as she turned her attention back to her food with Godfrey's blessing. "You've nothing to worry about from me Godfrey, so long as you remain useful and the contract we signed remains in place I've no reason to even begin to try and plot against you." She explained before taking a bite of her food, chewing slowly so that her words could sink in before she went on.
"It is best to be blunt with us, and in return I will be bluntly honest with you." Ileosa stated before she used her napkin to wipe her mouth before taking a drink. "When it comes to those you need to keep an eye on well... I've always seen it as you should keep an eye on everyone."
Ella scooped her eggs covered in spices with a spoon, savoring the near toxic heat exploding from the ground peppers in them. Just how she liked them. Just like her clothing... looking at the other two at the table, they also had meals very different from each other and clothing as well, fitting perfectly.
"How do they know so much about us?" Ella was curious, and assumed they would understand her train of thought. Ella was not exactly a people person, gabbing about how she liked her eggs or allowing anyone close enough to take her measurements. Well without losing a finger or two. "I can understand by freeing prisoners, they would know our crimes, and thus our skill sets, but the rest...?"
As Tiadora nears completing the circle of sigils around her, Senara unstoppers the vial of the Warden's blood and dips her finger in. Pulling aside the low neck of her dress she traces a different symbol over the brand at her heart. It is a mark created from the sigil of the nameless lesser devil who had been hollowed out to serve as the vessel for Kaellan's soul, the devil whose very essence had been forcibly reformed by Senara's subconscious will into the likeness of her brother. Senara would forever be grateful to that devil whose unwilling sacrifice had given her brother new life, even though its name and sigil would go forgotten by all. Now the mark that had once symbolized its true name had been taken over, altered, in a way, corrupted, so that now it only served as a seal signifying the bond between Senara and Kaellan. And with the seal redrawn in the blood of their enemy and Tiadora having finished encircling her with infernal runes, she is ready to begin the ritual.
"I'll need a—" With a smug smile, Tiadora offers up an unholy symbol of Asmodeus. "Thank you." Senara takes the proffered medallion in her hand and moves to the center of the circle.
Senara's eyes close as she casts her senses across the planes, searching for the one soul she shares a bond with. Her grip on the Archstar tightens until the barbed points pierce her flesh, but rather than distracting her, the pain only hones her focus. As does the steady, rhythmic patter of her blood dripping onto the stone floor. Drip. Drip. Drip. Soon after, Senara locates Kaellan's soul and the low, echoing sound of her Infernal chanting fills the underground cellar. The blood she'd spilt begins to move as if drawn by unseen hands. The blood spreads, moving in a circle to join all the sigils Tiadora drew as all manner of invocations, conjurations and bindings fall from Senara's lips. With the circle formed, five lines extend inward at different angles to form the unholy symbol of Asmodeus with Senara at the center. As the last arcane syllable leaves her lips, several things happen at once. The sigil on her bosom flares with hellish red light as the seal is reformed. The flickering flames of the candles burn with fierce new strength as they reach up to lick at the stone ceiling. And the bloody pentagram Senara stands within violently ignites, the sudden fire, tall as any man, obscuring her from view. But instead of the anguished screams one would expect to hear, Senara merely gives a surprised gasp before the dulcet sound of her laughter rings out. When the flames, at last, die down, Senara still stands within the center of the pentagram, unscathed and in the arms of a man she bears a striking resemblance to.
The next morning, Senara wakes at a time that would be considered inappropriate by society's standards under most circumstances. But considering the events that had unfolded the night before, Senara feels sure that the others will forgive her this small breach of etiquette. And if they can't... To Hell with them, she giddily tells herself, a soft smile on her lips as she languorously stretches her arms over her head. Turning over to her side, her smile falls when she sees that the other half of the bed is empty. The ritual had worked, but Kaellan's tie to the Material Plane was still impermanent, inextricably reliant entirely upon her conscious will. It was, on one hand, a boon; he could never truly be killed, even if he should suffer another mortal wound. But on the other hand, could Senara really say she brought Kaellan back to life if his existence was so dependent upon hers? No, she would have to see about rectifying that in the future, probably once she had gained more knowledge about the planes and conjuration. For now, she would simply enjoy being reunited with her brother once more.
The morning is bright and hopeful, filled with the smells of a well cooked meal and fresh juices. The servants disappeared from sight but you could feel the hovering of their devotion to their tasks like an odd pressure. But, it concerned most of you very little for this is the life you deserve, the respect warranted to you for your future endeavors. But such a lovely scene was soon interrupted.
A man with sharp ears soon entered, causing the door to slam against the wall from his bulk. Had there been any servants nearby, you're certain they've been warned to stay far away from this man. This Half Elf could almost be mistaken for a Half Orc, perhaps even he was both, came barging into the room with two servings of food. He set them down and stared across the table at the lot of you, snarling a bit. Shortly after however, a lovely woman with the grace of an exotic noblewoman walks in. She lightly lets her hand trail across his shoulder before giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder in appreciation for his work and she sits down at the "head" of the table. She smiles politely "Ah, you must the Cardinal's new catch." she says.
The air around the woman almost seems to create frost, her silverware fogging slightly with her touch. Her looks are almost enchanting but seems almost commonplace at this table given the others present as well. She carries a slight arrogance in her voice, a matter of pride in her own self and the team she drew to her. A point of pride that she chose her own team before the Cardinal ever approached. "We are to be the Seventh Knot...of course, provided we succeed our training. Though of that there is no doubt. It seems the Cardinal believes you need more help than we do, or so I've heard your number is almost double our own." she says letting the veiled insult fall where it lies.
Dostan says nothing but the mere presence and his physique rival Ella's own, though his stature and size tell the tale of his prowess more so than Ellas. Soon after her words come in from two different doors, the same man. However, you soon see that it's not your eyes playing tricks on you or even some sort of illusion but a pair of identical twins with more mischief in their eyes than six men should have. One clad in leathers, a scar upon his face the only difference between him and his brother speaks up "Aye now Elise, lets not be making enemies on the first day. I'm sure they are all fine and capable men and women. Still, we are pleased to be in your party more so than theirs...No offense Lords and Ladies." he said.
The other brother, exudes a mask of friendliness. His smile polite and inviting but the hairs prickle on the back of your neck and your senses tell you of danger. Were it not for the double lives most of you had already led, you'd fall for the act but before you you know you see a sociopath. He sets his food on the table and continues the conversation "All of us were chosen though, by Asmodeus' will. His divine purpose binds us together and by our hands will this world bleed till the white of Mitra turns to Asmodues' red eyes." he says practically salivating at the idea. Or perhaps it was the food, he salivates to for he immediately digs in. The unholy symbol on his neck falls free and if it were not clear from his words, it's quickly clear from the sight that he is a priest of Asmodues himself.
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Before Breakfast
It was not too often that Trik had slipped away from his brother's vigal. Perhaps it was merely his duty he felt, perhaps it was to guard the world at large from his brother, or perhaps it was to keep them both from being caught as the criminal scum that they were but the twins were never apart...save a few hours each day.
Trik has paused when he ran across one of the newcomers, his skin itching and his mind racing with heinous thoughts. But, a kindred soul, a hidden bloodlust surprised him and calmed his own mind for a bit.
"Ah, yes perhaps I am not as devote as the others to the Winter Witch. My brother, bless his soul, has been bewitched by her spell. I cannot fathom a better way to describe it. Were it not for his desires, well let's just say another knife would've been added to my collection. Alas...still, she has been a decent Muse if it were to guide my hand and my instrument to it's craft." he answers.
He paused to let it all sink in before shaking his head "I am honestly baffled as to how we came to be under the Cardinal's employ. I can only assume that Asmodues' divine will was in play and I was the beacon of his favor that brought the Cardinal's attention. But ,yes we are better acquainted. We have worked together for over a year now. Elise being the glue that holds us all together. As for Dostan, well...I still know little of the man other than to stay on the other side of his ire. When we met Elise, he was already her silent guardian. I am sure there is a tale to the union as it were but I have never cracked that book's spine. I feel that Dostan has made it clear that he wishes it to not be spoken of and Elise seems to respect his request." he offered.
Godfrey snorts in amusement, saying, "Well I suppose I shall just have to avoid giving either of you a reason to try to kill me. " A close-mouthed servant, his eyes distant and empty, steps around his side and gently lies a plate before him. He nods in approval, and immediately digs into the fine meal. He pauses mid-bite, as Ella asks her question. Glancing down at the eggs, he notices that they're the perfect sunny side up that has long been his preference. And the clothing, it did fit to the T. Odd that...
He casts an appraising glance at Ella, then after a pause says, "An insightful observation, Ella. It occurs to me that things are just a little to spot on to be casual or luck. My clothes, my preferences in a meal, even the meeting place were well tailored to me. I'm assuming the same for you. That's not something you draw up in a day. They'd have to have been watching us a while, or else have some formidable magic at hand. The former implies a web of spies of impressive discretion and reach. The latter, that our host has access to some very formidable magical prowess."
Godfrey watches with interest as a few newcomers make their unhurried way into the dining room. He looks at each in turn, inclining his head politely in greeting if any meet his gaze. The woman's poorly veiled insult draws a momentary scowl, suppressed nearly as quickly as it shows. "No offense taken, of course. I'm afraid I must point out that without knowing what tasks we may be assigned to perform later, it's rather premature to be speculating about what our relative numbers imply. Don't worry though -Elise, was it?- that's the sort of mistake that gets made from time to time. I shan't hold it against you."
He pauses his meal a second before continuing, "I am Godfrey Leitner, and it's a pleasure to make your varied acquantances. I'm afraid you have me at a bit of a disadvantage, however. I'm afraid I only know Miss Elise's name." He looks at the others expectantly as he drains his cup of tea.
Ella watches the newcomers, not glaring, but calculating. Displaying her frozen powers is either stupid or overconfident. In the back of her mind, she remembers tales of an Elise with magical frost powers, or was that Elsa, Ella shook her head letting it go as unimportant. What mattered was always kill the mage first. And now they knew who their mage was. So she pictured killing her... quite vividly.
And almost barked out a comment about the Cardinal must need a team for the easy missions, gesturing rudely to the Seventh. Godfrey wisely took the lead talking before she did though.
Silas found himself grinning in places, not forcing himself to but actually just enjoying the small moments of frankness that came out between he and Trik. He nodded along and listened intently as the man talked about traveling with his companions some beforehand. He quirked his head at the mention of his brother being bewitched by their leader and he nodded knowingly at his mention of instruments for his particular craft. He spoke up on that point, “I use to have a journal where I would occasionally sketch out pieces of my own projects. I was never especially talented mind you. Unfortunately I believe they burned it when they captured me and killed my… well my family I suppose you could say. I miss that book and the reminders of my work terribly sometimes so I imagine I know a bit of how you feel. I look forward to getting through this training and being allowed to go out there and actually operate again.”
As he says this he finds himself reaching for his kukri. Normally he would stifle that instinct but after a second of thought he instead produced them and showed them off to Trik. He was curious about what the young man prefered to use for his own work and they talked back and forth a little more about the finer points of their respective arts. When the conversation moved back around to the Cardinal pulling them all in it seemed that either Trik was just as baffled about how the Cardinal found out about them as his group was, or he was hiding it quite well. A cold and calculating part of his mind was taking notes about the other group. Elise their Winter Witch leader who held these different people together through variety of ways. Trik’s brother was apparently enamored with the witch, a point of possible contention between him and Dostan perhaps? Dostan a mysterious guardian of the witch from before the others met. It was all very curious. He shared a little about his own companions as he knew of them, which was precious little, “I don't entirely know what to think of my own companions. I hope their temperaments wont grow tiresome after too long. I fear that they are a high spoken, noble sounding bunch with the exception of Ella who apparently doesn’t take tolerate anyone’s idiocy. I think I’ll grow to appreciate her. As long as they allow me to do my work though I'll be happy.”
They spoke for a short while longer before Trik excuses himself to go meet up with his brother before breakfast and Silas was surprised to find that he didn’t want the man to leave just yet. That was an almost annoying feeling, that desire and attraction. It hadn’t been something he had time to focus on during his training and preparation. Now that all of that had fallen apart he was almost shocked to find such normal human wants and needs waiting for him. He shook himself slightly and departed towards the dining room to meet up with his own party. It wasn’t long before the Seventh Knot made their appearance though. He took an almost immediate dislike of Elise upon seeing her, and the fact that she could barely get out a single sentence before throwing out a barb was further needling he didn’t particularly need. Still it wasn’t irritating enough to shoot something back. If they were truly better and stronger than they would achieve results. If Silas and his companions were the better than eventually he’d be in a position to look down on Elise and make her regret her sense of superiority. He caught Trik’s eye and smiled at the comment, playing into the fact that Trik didn’t seem to care as much for Elise as his brother apparently did. Then he began digging into the food as well, saying simply, “The strong were meant to govern the weak, as a sheppard culls and curates his flock. So must we prepare Talingarde to bask in his Infernal might once again and help all find their proper place under him.”
Ella nods a greeting to Silas as he enters, and then another along with a small noise of agreement on his statement of philosophy. At least the first part. Strong governing the weak. "Ability, intelligence, and strength over birthright." she'll shift her gaze back to the seventh's leader "Prove you are better with more than useless words, if you can."
Ileosa, who looked a bit annoyed to have to set down her fork and knife once again, settled back into her seat this time. She cared little for the newcomers but at least one seemed usefully gifted by The First himself.
"Yes, while Godfrey you have a bit of wisdom in you words about judging the team size before knowing the missions, for all we know they might have more information on that than we... however I honestly doubt that. One whose insults are so poorly veiled as that doesn't have much to really say in the end." Ileosa stated with a small shrug.
When one of the twins exposes his unholy symbol of Asmodeous, Ileosa held up her left hand and pulled back her long sleeve to show her own unholy symbol of the same that she had tied to her wrist. "At least one understands." She comments. "Well met, glad to see another blessed by the faith still alive." Ileosa said honestly.
When Silas came in she offered him a respectful nod and said "Good morning Silas." As she had with the others of her group.She smiles more when he makes a statement she agrees with and Ella even backs him up. "Well said Silas and Ella." She complemented them. "Though I doubt she will take you up upon that Ella. For she cannot."
Elise listens quietly to the others as people enter, get seated and start their meal. His lips curl into a smile at the jabs back at her "Good, it seems there is fire in you and intelligence. Then I'm not just speaking with a pile of armor and swords that I expect to never see again." she says. You get the sense that she is indeed peeved by the words of the Ninth Knot.
Dostan remains silent, eating the entire time the group is talking. The amount of food the man had brought for himself was enough to feed three of you and he eats the fool without any sense of enjoyment, just methodical.
Trak looks at Elise and looks towards the others "Now now, we've all said our piece. Just trying to get a measure of the people we're fighting alongside. Can't expect everyone to just shake hands given what we all plan to do yah?" he said attempting to quell the mood.
Trik for his part seems pleased that there is food in front of him and that it seems he is in like minded company about his god. He eats with mirth, though it's truly hard to tell if it is a polished mask or real emotion.
Rising from her bed, Senara moves to stand in front of the mirror she had witnessed Tiadora work that bit of divination magic upon, which has since thankfully been cleaned of the Warden's blood. Humming softly, Senara preens, smoothing her sleep-tousled hair and lightly pinching her cheeks for fresh-faced, rosy color. Closing her eyes, she focuses on the bond she shares with Kaellan, visualizing it as a silver cord connecting their souls that she pulls closer and closer to herself, drawing him in. Their seal flares red beneath her simple shift and a short minute later, Senara opens her eyes with a startled gasp as she feels strong arms circle her.
Turning as much as his hold will allow, Senara embraces her brother for several long moments before drawing back to rest a hand on his cheek, her smile soft and genuine. She looks up into a pair of red eyes like two smouldering embers, his gaze both alien and familiar at the same time. "I thought I'd lost you ...again," she tells him, a somber expression erasing all trace of her earlier smile. A set a wicked-looking claws come up to caress the delicate skin of her cheek, coaxing a ghost of her smile back to life. Leaning into the rough surface of Kaellan's palm, Senara indulges in the intimate moment with her brother and forgets about the world outside of their little room.
Godfrey's eyes, fixed on the Seventh knot, flicker away for a moment as Silas makes his grandiose announcement. A strike back at those who've wronged us. And a return to the only sensible path. Grand words for a simple idea. A not so simple task though...
"A fair point, Ileosa. It's possible that our comrades have learned more of what we will be assigned to then we have. I suspect not, however, given they also have training to complete." He turns his eyes back to Elise, gazing at her piercingly. His tight-lipped smile grows fractionally as Elise replies. "Yes, I suspect Cardinal Thorne has no use for puling weaklings. Talingarde is overrun with them already. As for our measure, perhaps a bit of warming sparring before we start our training? I have some matters to attend to, but we at least have a few days before our training begins. I for one would appreciate the chance to hold a sword and stretch a bit before we go about our business."
Silas nods politely at the compliments or agreement from his companions and continues his meal. Since he planned to spend a decent part of the day physically training he wanted to fill up a bit now while he had the chance. He quirked an eyebrow up as Godfrey mentioned something similar, warming up and sparring. He put on a friendly smile as he chimed in, “I could go for some sparring if you’d like. Anyone else is welcome to join in. Perhaps set a few ground rules so no one gets over zealous, wouldn’t want any accidents before our real training even begins I suppose.”
Those ground rules were as much for himself as anyone else. He wasn’t exaggerating when he mentioned people being over zealous. He suspected Trik was like him and if blood started flying it might be difficult to pull back. While their recently signed Contracts said that they must treat each other fairly it curiously did not forbid them from fighting or harming one another. It did say they could not harm Cardinal Thorne, a difference in wording that had not escaped Silas’ notice. He wondered if anyone else had happened on that little tidbit. Glancing at the wordy and well spoken figures around him he was willing to bet a few of them had indeed. In fact he was somewhat curious as to whether the other Knots had all signed the same contract that they had or if theirs were personalized or specialized in some way. Perhaps he could use that as an excuse to talk some more with Trik before their training kicked off. It could be useful information to know potentially.
Ella nods at the prospect of sparing. "Understanding each other's abilities is important." she has her own reasons to be wary as well, mainly her temper. Fighting to learn is something she did with her father, long ago. Since then every fighter has been real. She doesn't know if she can truly hold back until she tried. "We can take it slow to begin with." she offers.
Looking over to Ileosa, "Do you wish to take part?"
A knock on the bedroom door announces the arrival of the second tray of food Senara sent down for, and soon the siblings are breaking their fast and relating the events of the last few days. Senara tells Kaellan of the allies she had met and lost while in prison, of their harrowing escape and of the Warden's tenacious survival. She tells him of the mysterious task that the Cardinal intends to have them undertake in three days' time and how they're all supposed to be preparing for it. She mentions the allowance the Cardinal set aside for the group to purchase arms and armor with, then apologizes when she realizes that she hadn't accounted for any equipment Kaellan might need. But when Senara starts to say that she'll seek out Tiadora and see about amending her list, Kaellan demurs, holding up a hand that looks more like a spiked gauntlet crafted from blackened bone and tipped with vicious claws. He regards the extremity with pretend curiosity before turning a smug smile toward his sister. "Point taken," Senara concedes, pointing her fork at his arm before spearing another piece of fruit. While on the subject of his enhanced physique, Senara takes a moment to study his new form. Aside from his eyes and his claw-like hands, she also notes that his teeth have a sharper, feral-looking quality to them. His skin was also of a rougher texture. It reminded her of the calluses he had developed on the palms of his former hands from all his hours practicing sword drills. Lastly, Senara notices that Kaellan seems to eat by rote with no real appetite behind the action, as if he's only doing it for her comfort. She wonders if these changes bother him, if he misses his old body, but she refrains asking him. There is nothing either of them could do about it at the moment, so it is best not to dwell on what can't be changed.
Once they've finished supping their meal, Senara crosses the room to the small wardrobe the Cardinal has provided. "I wish I could just lie in bed all day after all that's happened. But there is work to be done, and no doubt the others will start wondering if Tiadora's butchered me if I don't show my face soon," Senara explains, going through of a few of the dresses selected for her before choosing a simple frock of white muslin. Giving Kaellan her back, Senara peels off her sleeping shift and slips the dress on before belting it at the waist. "And anyway, I suppose if we're all to be working in harmony"—she says the words mockingly, cynical, to say the least, about the feasibility of that idea—"then I should probably introduce you to our other little pact members sooner rather than later." Moving to the vanity, Senara spends a few minutes brushing her hair. In no particular rush to go downstairs, she gets ready at her own pace, figuring that if the Cardinal were waiting for her, he would have sent a servant to fetch her by now. Afterwards, she takes a section of hair from the back and pulls it forward before fashioning it into a loose braid, leaving the rest of her hair to fall long, loose and unbound down to the middle of her back. Finished, Senara takes one final look in the mirror and smiles at what she sees. If one didn't know any better, they might think Senara looks rather innocent.
Some time later, Senara arrives at the dining hall arm in arm with a strange new man. The smile she enters the room with grows markedly dimmer on spotting four new faces gathered around the table. Senara tries to recover, hiding her disappointment behind a thin smile. "Ah. It seems I missed much this morning. My apologies, everyone. I had a rather long night after we all parted ways. But clearly there are more important things to discuss," she comments, her gaze flitting over the newcomers, giving each of them the same pleasant smile. "I'm Senara, and this"—she places her hand on the arm her brother has looped with hers—"is my brother Kaellan. And who might you all be? New allies?" She hopes her falsely eager tone doesn't betray how little she cares for the idea of working with four more complete strangers.
Elise hides her annoyance well at being dismissed by the soon to be Ninth Knot, though there is a slightly louder scraping noticed of the knife on her plate as they move on from sniping back at her and onto talks of sparring. Soon into the matters of sparring however, the seemingly fifth and sixth members of the party come sprawling into the dining room late.
She holds back her tongue for a moment to let the woman speak before finally speaking up "We...are allies yes, but we will not be working with you. We are a different team and seeing as how breakfast has been had and it is time to move on with the day, we will be leaving." she says with a bit of attitude in her voice.
The quiet large man picks up his plate immediately, the food having been long since devoured and grabs the large sword in the corner before leaving. The twins look at each other, then at her attempting to not stomp away and shake their heads. They look down at the few final bites and Trik sighs. "Another blessed meal cut short..." he says simply before he and his brother depart as well to join their team in doing whatever it was Elise had planned for the afternoon.
Senara is relieved beyond measure to learn that she won't be introduced to the newcomers, much less be forced to work alongside them for the foreseeable future. But she manages to infuse her words with a believable amount of disappointment as the others quit the dining hall. "Ah, well, at least we're all on the same side. That's all that matters, right? A shame we couldn't become better acquainted, but I understand; there is work to be done. Another time perhaps?"
Once the last of their group has filed out the door and the sound of their retreating footsteps had faded, a sly expression replaces her look of earnest friendliness as she regards her group. "She seemed nice. I'm sorry to have missed out on what I'm sure was a cordial breakfast," Senara comments, her voice absolutely dripping with irony. Breakfast, she is certain, was not an amicable affair and neither is she sorry to have skipped it. But on to more pressing topics...
"Ladies, gentlemen, allow me to introduce Kaellan Davorim. Kaellan, these are the men and women who we will be working with to restore glorious order to Talingarde." Going around the table, Senara gestures to each with an open hand as she shares their names with Kaellan. Once introductions have been made, Senara asks, "What, if any, preparations are we planning to carry out today?"
Ella eyes the brother as he is introduced, noticing the claws and other not so human elements. But shrugs it off. Resurrection has its costs one assumes. A nods of welcome if given when she is introduced.
"We need to get used to each other. Tactically." Ella adds the last part for clarification, worried the first sentence might suggest more talking.
"That creature annoyed me." Ileosa told the others talking about Elise. She pushed her plate away, what remained had gone cold and that annoyed her most of all. "The twins are likely the most efficient out of the group and I wouldn't mind speaking with them again. I did like the little we spoke."
Though now that this brother came into the picture Ileosa stood from her chair and moved to look at Kaellan with a more inquisitive eye. "Interesting." She said as looked his form over. "Are the eyes as they once where when he lived or is this from him being pulled back to this plane?" Ileosa asked. "And I must say, I am willing to admit when I am wrong Senara. This is incredible, the talent it would take, you have much potential!" She went on to say.
"Some ground rules... and practice gear... would be appropriate. It wouldn't do to weaken ourselves before our real training begins." He glances at Senara as she enters, but is more interested in the strange man who enters with him. Something about the man's appearance strikes the magus as odd, and as he studies him more closely he is surprised to find that he is altogether feral looking. How curious... Caught off guard as he is introduced as Senara's brother, he nevertheless manages a polite, "A pleasure to meet the brother of such a distinguished conjurer. Godfrey Leitner, at your service."
He watches Elise leave dispassionately, not bothering to reply. He nods politely to the twins though, returning their courtesy with his own. "Oh she was indeed exceedingly kind, Lady Davorim. I'm sure we all will look forward to spending more time with her."
"Some sparring, certainly, and then I have some tasks to perform that will require me to sequester myself away. I regret the necessity, but that spellbook you recovered from the Warden will not yield up its secrets without some additional toil." Draining the last of the excellent tea from its fine china, he stands and says, "Let's gather our equipment and find a place to demonstrate what we can do."
Flexing in the newly made chain shirt that he'd requested, Godfrey eyes up each of his companions in turn. Drawing one of the wooden practice swords he'd requested the servants find, he sets his sword spinning through a quick exercise to loosen up. "Silas, perhaps you'd care to join me first? I believe you were the first to respond, after all."
Senara nearly snorts at the first part of Ella's response, thinking the rough woman was gently trying to address the group's less than genial treatment of each other. That's putting it mildly, she thinks to reply, only for the other woman to clarify her statement a beat later. "Ah." Senara gives Kaellan a sidelong glance, curious as to whether he intends to test his new body's capabilities against their pact members. "I'll be happy to join as a spectator, of course, but I'd prefer to leave the fighting to those of you better suited for it." Senara can't help the brief sneer that wrinkles her nose at the thought of brawling, even for training purposes. And while she is sure there is a thing or two her more martially inclined companions could teach her, Senara is quite comfortable in letting others, conjured or otherwise, fight her battles for her. "Of course if any of you care to test your mettle without restraint, let me know. I'm sure I could round up a few of Hell's lesser creatures for a bit of sport."
Senara purses her lips as Ileosa comes nearer to examine Kaellan. She doesn't care for the way the other woman inspects him as if he's a piece of artwork—or perhaps it is how close Ileosa draws to her brother that she doesn't care for. Either way, she considers saying something about it, but at the last moment, she holds her tongue. Her brother is more than capable of determining what he is or isn't comfortable with and handling it accordingly. "No, his eyes were green before," she says, the emphasis on the last word all she'll say in reference to Kaellan's death.
Visibly taken aback by Ileosa's admission, her pinched expression changes to one of surprise. At a momentary loss for words, it's some moments before Senara recovers enough to respond, but when she does it is with a small but genuine smile. "Well thank you, Ileosa. I appreciate your saying that."
Her smile only grows after Godfrey's introduction. "Lord Leitner, please. You'll make me blush," Senara implores. "But your comment does bring to mind your earlier request. If you find yourself with a moment to spare sometime within the next three days, I would be glad to answer your questions. Perhaps Kaellan might even be able to share his unique insights into planar magic," the Lady offers.
Senara begins to have second thoughts about coming out to watch her allies' sparring session the deeper the group heads into the marshy forest. Why they couldn't have practiced a little closer to the stone fountain where she could've had a proper seat is beyond her. With a quiet huff, Senara folds her arms over her waist and settles back against a tree, resigning herself to an hour or so of discomfort for the sake of camaraderie. This better be worth it.
Silas looks Senara’s bother up and down curiously. It was interesting if he was to be a new member. Since he had not signed their initial contract. Given the somewhat less than human aspects of him though it was quite possible that he was simply a summoned creature like one of those infernal hounds that had been called up the night before. Silas didn’t pretend to understand much about the arcane. He had discovered long ago that he had a small bit of talent for it but had for the most part ignored it, preferring to shape his focus on the arts he was already capable of. He nodded when Ella said that they needed to assess each other tactically, “That’s a good way of putting it Ella. Knowing each other's strengths and weaknesses could be a good idea going forward.”
He finished off the last of his food as Ileosa pushed her plate away and mentioned Elise annoying her as well as the twins. Silas grinned, “Trik has talent, he’s skilled in many of the same ways that I myself am. He also knows how to hide it fairly well, I like him. He also isn’t exactly a fan of the hold that Elise seems to have over his brother. Something to keep in mind going forward I feel, we may be able to exploit that rift in their group should it ever become necessary to eliminate them.”
Silas delivered this matter of factly, the idea of killing the other Knots didn’t really bother him. After all it was as he had said multiple times before, the strong were meant to lead the weak. If they had to fight tooth and nail to their spot at the top of the food chain in Talingrade that was exactly what he’d do. It would be ideal if he didn’t have to kill Trik, it was rare he found someone he could let his mask start to slip off with, but any attraction he felt for the man wouldn’t stop him from cutting his heart out if it came down to a kill or be killed scenario. And frankly he was confidant Trik would feel the same, it was a part of why he liked the young man, they had somewhat similar understandings of how the world should work.
After a bit more back and forth Godfrey had found a place for them to practice. Silas limbered up briefly and picked up two short blunted blades. They weren’t weighted nearly as well as the Kukri but he twirled them around for a moment to get use to them and nodded. He was actually quite curious to see what Godfrey was capable of other than talking that fancy noble talk. His face as a jovial mask as they closed towards each other, “Let’s keep this interesting.”
"Lady Davorim, I look forward most eagerly to the opportunity to speak more closely with you, and your brother, of course. I wouldn't dream, however, of taking up your valuable time without having first carefully considered what I should ask. I hope you won't take it amiss that this may be in a day or two." Godfrey grins, his eyes growing distant as he begins to lose himself in thought. "Ah, but that shall have to wait."
Godfrey draws his blade up before his eyes in a salute, saying, "I wouldn't have it any other way." With an eager grin, he drops into a cautious fighting stance as the two men begin to circle one another. Though taller and thicker across the soldier, he finds himself growing wary as he watches the panther swift movements of the younger man. If he's as fast as he looks, this may not bode well.
His caution proves warranted, as Silas strikes swiftly as a viper and cuts through Godfrey's careful guard without any hindrance. Godfrey bites back a curse as the wooden blade gouges into his side, bruising despite the armor. His own attempt to strike back is far too slow and clumsy. Damn that one hurt. Can't try to fight so cautiously, he's too hell's-cursed fast.
Godfrey drives at the younger man relentlessly, striking heavy and bullying blows with his longsword that Silas can't quite keep from striking home. For his trouble, Godfrey's open guard lets through another darting stab to his already wounded side and he gasps in pain as his arm starts to go numb. Unbelievable that he can find the time to keep hitting the same damned spot. No more time to fool around, I think.
Godfrey, feeling his strength already waning, cuts a few wild blows that Silas casually dodges to gain some breathing room as the magus dances back a step. As Godfrey begins to circle again, he barks in Draconic, and forms the First Sign of Abjuration with his free hand. An ethereal shield of outsize proportion manifests as he circles, moving to keep itself between the Godfrey and Silas without any obvious direction. Silas pursues the magus relentlessly, his kukris blurring in a series of wicked slashes and darting jabs which are kept at bay only by clever use of the shield's protection.
Breathing hard, but evenly, Godfrey waits for an opportune moment, finding it in when Silas overextends in an attempt to strike him around the intervening shield. Godfrey pivots on a heel to add power to a vicious slash that skitters across his foe's armor with a clattering screech. He dances a few steps away from his opponent as Silas stops his assault. Gasping for breath, Godfrey finally, "That was a fierce little duel. Even the slightest bit faster and I'd think you'd have had me. Those little knives of yours are more vicious then you'd think just by looking at them."
Gesturing impatiently to a servant standing off to the side with a tray, Godfrey drains a glass of offered water in a few greedy gulps. Nearly slamming his own glass on the tray, he nods towards Silas, and the servant moves to offer the tray in turn. "I didn't think I'd need to rely on my magic so soon, but I was clearly wrong. There were several times there that was the only thing saving me from getting smacked upside the head."
As the practice bout unfolds, so too does the mild interest Senara initially regarded the exercise with grow. Intrigued by the slow dance the two men begin as they circle each other, studying the other's form and looking for an opening to take advantage of, Senara uncrosses her arms and drops them to her side. And then they're advancing upon each other in a dizzying flurry of movement, lunging, deflecting, riposting, retreating. Senara may not care for dirtying her own hands by fighting, but watching it, she realizes, is exhilarating. By the time the sparring session has drawn to an end, Senara surprises herself with the applause she gives the pair of duelists. "Marvelous! Well done! And to think you were both practising restraint." Her light, melodious laughter fills the little courtyard, the sweet sound offering a striking contrast with her next words. "I've no doubt even the best knights that Mitra has to offer will fall by your blades."
Senara is willing to oblige Godfrey's request for a sparring partner he needn't be so careful with, although having to part with her brother, even for a minute, does dampen her spirit somewhat. "This won't take long," Senara assures Kaellan, laying a hand on his chest over the spot where their sigil sits, glowing with infernal power. The firmness under her hand vanishes in a puff of smoke, and despite the ease with which Senara banishes her brother, the simple act carries a heavy price. She can't help feeling the dismissal is a small act of betrayal. She would have to ask Kaellan what it is like, that place his soul went to when they were apart from one another. When she is ready to hear the answer.
The conjurer forces a smile before turning to Godfrey. Extending a hand out before her, palm showing, she summons more of the foul, shadowy mist up from the lower plane. A menacing growl emanates from churning black cloud seconds before a dark figure rushes forth, running straight at Godfrey. Senara snaps her hand up and the infernal hound's chase is stopped short as if it's reached the end of an invisible chain. It snaps and snarls at the nobleman a few paces away, strings of spittle flying as it strains against the bonds holding it back. "When you're ready, Lord Leitner."
At Godfrey's signal, Senara releases her hold on the hound; the Hell-sent dog eats up the distance between itself and its prey in great bounding strides before leaping toward the man, a full maw of glistening teeth showing.
Ella watched the mock fight avidly, leaning forward, moving slightly this way and that in anticipation of a dodge or thrust. The corner of her mouth quirked up in delight more than once, and when it was over she clapped loudly along with Senara.
"Impressive, truly." Her style of fighting is more brutal, savage even, while the two of them weaved together... Grace. Deadly grace if the blades had not been wooden, but grace none the less "Not merely words..." she says nodding to Godfrey, "... and smiles" she nods toward Silas.
Her mismatched eyes shone with grim anticipation at the thought of testing herself against one of them, but Godfey was more eager. The large woman rests back against a tree, folding her arms around her and watches, again.
As she does she asks Senara, "Your brother... he cannot exist here while you summon a creature? The warden's blood was suposed to resurrect him, what went wrong?" not knowing the pain the question may cause, Ella is asking simply out of curiosity.
Still breathing hard, Godfrey turns to the applauding onlookers and bows elegantly. Rising from his courtly bow with an grin, saying, "I'll look forward to the chance to cross blades with the sycophantic fools, certainly. And yes, I daresay I talk a lot, but sometimes you simply must hit things... hard. Now, in the interest of demonstrating in more detail what precisely I do, I'd appreciate it if you would summon something from the Pit for me, Miss Davorim. I've a mind to try something and it would be best if it weren't on one of us."
He watches the bizarre dismissal and summoning ritual with greedy curiosity. His focus is so intense that he misses both Senara's disappointment and also the approach of several newcomers to the clearing.
Trailing a servant, sent with a polite, if insistent, request before the duel began, Triss gripes as she enters the clearing, "Ah don't be seeing why you need to be dragging me out of bed 'fore the sun's hit its zenith, sugahs." She studies the two winded, bruised men and clucks her tongue disapprovingly. She shakes her head and looks at the women at the edge of the clearing, "Got the feelin' this won't be the last time I'll be patchin' these boys up." The drow pirate chants a brief and singsong prayer in a foreign tongue. A burst of crimson radiance emanates from her until it encircles the entire group.
Godfrey bows in thanks, then asks, "I don't suppose you could touch me up a bit further? I'm afraid that fight took it out of me and I'd hate to embarrass myself with such a lovely audience in attendance." Triss snorts in amusement, saying as she acquiesces, "Well, sugah, if you insist but its a bit public to be doing too much of tha' touchin'." With a wink at the blushing Godfrey, she casts her spells and a sickly red light bursts from her hands and the fresh bruises fade almost instantly.
Experimentally touching his side where he'd been hit twice, Godfrey grins and says, "My kindest thanks, Triss, as I feel like a new man. Your... ah, tender ministrations are certainly be welcome." Tossing his wooden blade to a servant on the edge of the ring, Godfrey draws a steel blade from the scabbard hanging at his waist. Spinning the blade experimentally through a tight circle, he nods to Senara to free the dog. He wastes no time, immediately barking in Draconic, "Blits Farbindn!" as his hand flashes through a series of complex signs. His blade begins to spark and crackle as tendrils of electricity jump from the tip of the blade to the ground. The faint scent of ozone fills the clearing as the dog charges up to the waiting magus.
He tries to spin away from the dog, but is not quite fast enough to avoid the tenacious animal's jaws. Grunting in pain as the hound's jaws clamp down on his outstretched arm, his spinning blow is sent wide as he is thrown off balance by the attack.
Godfrey snarls in furious anger, his face a grimace, and casually sidesteps the hound's clumsy follow up. His heavy backhanded blow catches the dog as it turns to pursue him and there's a brilliant flash of light as the sound of thunder cracks through the clearing like a gunshot. As the dog collapses, it's smoking corpse begins to fade as it returns to its essence returns to its home plane. Casually drawing a cloth from a pocket, he begins to clean his blade, "Those things are rather vicious. That was quite the bite, Lady Davorim. It's a shame you must.... ah, dismiss your brother when you wish to summon one. I appreciate your assistance with my little demonstration. Would someone else care to take a go? I would be glad to spar with you as well, Ella, but I'm afraid these two fights have taken a bit out of me. Perhaps you and Silas would care to have a bout?"
Ileosa raised her eyebrow as she saw the look upon Senara's face. "Ah... it's that kind of relationship. I see." She muttered softly so that only the siblings could hear. "Do not worry, I don't want your brother, at least not in such a way dear Senara. I would however love to pick your brain and ask him questions. Nothing invasive of course my dear, just things to satisfy my curiosity. Maybe even offer my own advice on how to bind him more strongly to this plane and to yourself." Ileosa went on to say with a small smile. While some of her words may seem out of bounds, one can easily get the feeling that Ileosa truly does want to help.
As Godfrey and Silas went on against each other, Ileosa had the servants bring out a small table and chairs for her and some tea. She sat there and watched the sparing sipping on her tea with the class of nobility. Watching the fight between them Ileosa takes a moment to comment "Nicely done, but Silas you second strike seemed a bit hesitant and that soon trades off to your primary. Because about that." Ileosa told him as she poured herself more tea. "And Godfrey, your magic is the most powerful thing you have, I would relay upon that just a bit more than you do. After all it maybe a trump card but when facing someone like Silas it could be your primary." The inquisitor went on to say.
She makes note that Kaellan cannot remain while Senara summons other creature. She also makes note on how the creature have a small hint of the plane of Hell to them like they did when summoned in the prison. 'Must try to focus on that first' She though to herself. "It may be that she cannot sustain them both here." Ileosa told Ella before taking another sip from her tea. "I shall see if that can be changed." She said softly before drink more.
Ileosa focused upon the fight with the beast and Godfrey, "It is good to see that he listened." Ileosa said as she watched him open up with a spell this time. She smiled at Godfrey as he finished off the hound. "You are a fast learned Godfrey I am glad to see that, though I should have known. Few who can blend spell and sword as you do can do so without being a fast learner."
After the magical additions to Godfrey fighting style, she is even more impressed. Casting spells while swinging swords seems insane, but somehow right. Something she understands her hag's blood might allow her to do as well. But not now. For now she just hits things.
Or at least that is what she has been doing. Charge in, try to take one down as brutally as possible, as quickly as possible, to break the spirits of any that remain. She has almost always been out numbered in every battle, most targeting her because she was different and not to the death. Most when she was a child. Same tactics either way.
After watching Godfrey and Silas, she thinks it might be good to change a bit. The two men weave around the battleground, looking for openings, wearing down their foes for the death strike. Senara and Ileosa use magic and ranged instead, needing to stay away from swinging swords.
Ella could be the anchor in between, staying between the foes and their artillery while allowing the other two to stretch out to the sides. Being taller and stranger than the majority of them, barring maybe Kaellan on the stranger front, it might draw more attention anyway.
She'll describe her ideas to the group as the servants hand out refreshments, and for some reason large cloth fans they beat in their general direction . Probably more words from the changeling than most have heard from her to date.
Then if anyone is willing she would ask try it out, being the line an opponent will not cross. She has pulled on a pair of thick leather gloves, thinking it will blunt the edge of her claws enough, no one will be hurt... but if there is concern she'll grab a wooden club from a servant instead. Then practice... for as long as people are willing. Hot, sweaty, bruising, bug ridden practice.