Patience, Morthos, patience. Just a formality, nothing more. I can wait. Morthos grins maliciously at the thought as he draws blood from his hand and signs his name.
With the last signatures made, Cardinal Thorn stands, offering you all one copy of the Compact to keep, the other to stay with him. “Well done. Your first command: prepare yourselves. Stay within the manor. You are still hunted by the Talirean soldiery. In three days we begin your training.”
As you are all escorted away by Tiadora, she speaks to you all. "You shall have the run of the first and second stories of the mansion. You will not ascend to the third floor, nor shall you descend to the sub-levels. I have appointed a servant to handle all 'needs' you may require. I do ask that you do not 'waste' these resources. Good servants take time to train." She gives a cruel smile at the thought.
Once returned to your rooms, you are left alone, to prepare as you see fit.
As in Hell, so here on Earth" Haruk says as he signs the contract.
Haruk bows slightly to their hostess "We all appreciate the aid you have rendered us. Truly, you are a blessing from the King of Hell"
"It was not for you, but for the master that I aid you," the beauty comments. "But the compliments do improve my disposition." She offers a devilish smile as you are led away by the servant.
You find the ogre well cared for, sleeping off whatever care he was given. His accomadations are less ostentatious than yours, though he has been given a bed. And a bath judging from the aroma.
@ Morthos,
During the three days you spend in the house, walking down one of the hallways, up ahead around the corner comes a person you have not yet seen. Another beauty, black colored hair with steel grey eyes, dressed in white colored furs and an albino raven upon her shoulder. From her demeanor, she is obviously not one of the slaves here.
Seeing you at the same time you see her, she stops and returns your gaze, apparently waiting for you to make the first move.
Morthos, a bit surprised he hasn't noticed this woman until now, can't help but smile. "Well, well, to what do I owe the pleasure of running into one with such beauty? It is truly a shame I've not noticed you sooner. I am Morthos." He speaks with complete confidence as he bows.
Morthos, a bit surprised he hasn't noticed this woman until now, can't help but smile. "Well, well, to what do I owe the pleasure of running into one with such beauty? It is truly a shame I've not noticed you sooner. I am Morthos." He speaks with complete confidence as he bows.
She makes her way towards you, a smile appearing on her face as she moves. "A pleasure, Morthos. My name is Elise Zadaria." The raven on her shoulder clicks it's beak at you, "And this is Zimoi. I was not aware there were others in this house not completely enthralled by Thorn's lackey." It's as much question as statement.
"Tiadora? I think not. It is commendable the role she played in freeing us from our wrongful imprisonment, but that is all. She is fair looking enough of a woman but I find no fascination with her. But you, my dear, I find you quite fascinating." He says with roguish grin. "So how did you and your feathery companion come to be here? Were you wrongfully imprisoned by the pathetic king and freed as well?" He asks with a bit more anger than he anticipated but immediately relaxes as his grin returns.
"Nothing like that, I'm afraid. Though it does explain Thorn's warnings of Talirean soldiers. No, my White Ravens were recruited on our merits. Walk with me and I'll gladly tell you the story."
At about this time a sudden impact of shattering glass can be heard. At the end of the hallway you see a mirror, the middle of it cracked and pieces falling, as a flutter of bluish-white cloth can be seen going away.
"It would seem one of my Raven's was eavesdropping as well. No matter, he will recover."
"As I was saying, my Raven's and I were recruited by Thorn, through Tiadora, after we impressed him by sacking the tomb of one of Markadian's paladins." She speaks of Tiadora with no small amount of detestment. "I admit grave-robbing isn't the most exciting of tales, but the desecration of the holy site, well deserved for one of the Victor's* knights."
"So when Thorn's pet came to us, it was a difficult offer to say no to. I must admit, 'hesitation', to serving Asmodeus, even in words. But I have good feelings about this." There's more to her words, though she does not offer the information.
"So what about yourself? What brings you to Thorn's service?"
The Victor was a title held by the original King Markadian.
Morthos turns and looks toward the commotion. Regarding it as of no consequence, he continues on with Elise, listening intently. "Well, as I mentioned, we were wrongfully imprisoned and Tiadora supplied Bostarg with our means of escape. The only request was for us to rendezvous here once we were free, to attend a meeting. Now we are bound to Asmodeus and Thorn. While Asmodeus intrigues me with his promise of power and the opportunity to bring down the pathetic king, I am not to keen on the promise of fealty to Thorn, seeing how as it should be I who rules. Nevertheless, a small price to pay if my chance for revenge upon the Victor can be complete. Plus, time has a way of solving many a problem." He states cryptically. After a brief moment a curious look forms upon his visage. "You call yourself 'Ravens'. What type of organization is this?"
"The name we took when we began our own terror upon Talingarde, named after Zimoi here." The albine raven almost seems to stand taller at Elise's words, letting out a caw after clicking it's beak. "It consists of myself, Dostan, and a pair of twins, Trik and Trak. I believe it was Trak we heard behind us. A good ally, but he sees what is not there between us." She squeezes your arm at this remark.
"This Bostarg, is he the leader of your group? And what are you called, if I may be so bold to ask?"
"I must confess, I am not much for animals, but Zimoi here is quite the magnificent looking creature. The perfect companion, it would appear." His roguish smile returns.
"Bostarg? Our leader? Hm. No, not Bostarg. Though, he is clever, that one. But knowing what little I know of him, I would gather if we were to hand him the reins of leadership, he would more than likely have nothing to do with it. He seems capable enough, I just do not think it is something he desires. Now, as far as what I am called, I fear I do not understand your meaning?"
It's obvious from her stance she is please with the compliment given to Zimoi. "Not you, my silly Morthos. Your group. Or are you truly just a ragtag band of criminals escaped from the greatest prison in Talingarde?" Her own words are playful.
Thinking on it a moment, "Why yes, I guess that is what we are. We have no title; we barely know each other. I will say the greatest prison in Talingarde has never seen the likes of myself or the others. And I daresay, never shall again!" He smiles victoriously as he instinctively places his hand upon hers as they walk, mentally reveling in his triumph. His face then crinkling once again as his thoughts move on, "I'm curious, you say this 'Trak' ally of yours has the ability to see what is not there between us. What did you mean by that?"
"He has become somewhat infatuated with me, and becomes jealous when he sees me talking to another. I suppose I should consider it flattering. I best make sure he has not gotten himself into trouble. Perhaps you and your companions would join my Ravens for dinner this evening? This mansion does indeed have a rather elegant dining hall, though the Asmodean decorum does become tedious. It simply becomes a matter of informing the servants of our intentions."
"We would be delighted. I shall see you there, my dear." Morthos bows and takes his leave.
Over the next three days after signing the contract, Alazandaru was up from dawn till dusk, focused on his training. He found that the busier he kept, the less time he had for feelings of regret, guilt or rage to well up in him. In addition to his own focus on mastering the exotic knives known as Kukri's, as well as generally improving on his large repertoire of skills, he frequently checked in on the new hound he had acquired and did his best to make it clear to the dog he was its new master.
Morthos takes his leave in search for the others. Once located, "Alazandaru, Bostarg, Beatrix, there has been an invitation to dinner this evening by the lovely Elise Zadaria. You are all welcome to attend. All of you that so choose, I highly recommend you dress your best. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to speak to Tiadora on the possibility of finer clothing. This will just not do." He says as he glances at his clothing before taking his leave.
All invited to attend an evening with the White Ravens, servants fetch you at the appointed time. Both groups arrive at a rather grand dining hall for the size of the building. Embeded within the floor is a tiled symbol to Asmodus, upon the top of which sits the dining table. Chairs around enough for both parties, with two extra seatings arranged. A scowl darkens Elise's face as she begins to realize something strange has occurred.
Approaching the table, little handwritten cards have been laid out, showing each where they are to sit. At first confused, Elise's mood lightens abit when it's realized that she has been placed next to Morthos, though this is met with resistance by Trak, placed opposite the unholy warrior.
A quick examination reveals the two additional persons to be in attendance. One name has become familiar to you all, and that is the name of Tiadora, placed at one end of the table. At the other is a name unknown, written simply as Tatya.
A few moments of conversation pass, and into the hall walks Tiadora, dressed in an exquisite red gown, obviously far beyond the required decorum for such a get together. Behind her comes another who can only be Tatya .
Directing Tatya where to sit, Tiadora takes the designated seat before addressing the table. "I must say this was a wonderful idea, Elise and Morthos. I am sure Cardinal Thorn is most pleased that both of your groups are working so well together." Tiadora completely ignores Tatya aside from the earlier direction.
Beatrix arrives in a gown that drapes across her body, its plunging neckline revealing womanly curves that had previously not been so apparent in the warrior. Though she looks the model of refinement, her movements betray a certain uneasiness in the finery. She stands in the room awkwardly for a moment, unsure of what to do next.
Morthos takes his leave in search for the others. Once located, "Alazandaru, Bostarg, Beatrix, there has been an invitation to dinner this evening by the lovely Elise Zadaria. You are all welcome to attend. All of you that so choose, I highly recommend you dress your best. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to speak to Tiadora on the possibility of finer clothing. This will just not do." He says as he glances at his clothing before taking his leave.
Morthos found Alazandaru practising with his new knives against a target dummy. The young Varisian frowned at Morthos' words.
And who might this "lovely" Elise be? We are to dine with a stranger? he bristled.
Morthos found Alazandaru practising with his new knives against a target dummy. The young Varisian frowned at Morthos' words.And who might this "lovely" Elise be? We are to dine with a stranger? he bristled.
"A stranger no doubt, my knife wielding ally. Well, at least until you have met her." He gives a sly smile. "She is part of an organization which goes by the name, 'White Ravens'. Maybe you've heard of them? I have not. Regardless, it is a term she took from, literally, a white raven that goes by the name of Zimoi. Her and her band managed to desecrate the tomb of one of the pathetic king's paladins, which in turn, impressed Cardinal Thorn. So here they are today. That is all that I know about her. No doubt she holds many secrets, BUT, then again ... don't we all? And I've always found, that, the intrigue of the unknown is what keeps us motivated to find out." He seems to lose himself in thought for just a moment. Waking from his reverie, "I'll see you at the party." He smiles as he takes his leave.
Tiadora is followed into the room by a human female, both her position at the other woman's heels and the wordless nod with which she moves to take the indicated place declaring her subordinate status to their hostess. Displaying less exposed flesh than either Tiadora or Beatrix, she would scarcely look out of place as a young courtier making her debut with a more worldly chaperone -- except for the antique silver unholy symbol of Asmodeus hung ostentatiously from the sash at her waist. Her eyes remain demurely on her feet as she walks the length of the table to take the place prepared for her, but as she seats herself and Tiadora speaks, she takes the opportunity to glance over the guests on either side of the table with a calculating gaze.
As Morthos makes his way in, he finds himself quite pleased with the seating arrangements. "Elise, my dear, a pleasure to see you again." He assists her with her chair before taking his own. Looking around he notices the gentleman next to him. Narrowing his eyes just slightly, "Greetings. I don't believe we've met. I am Morthos. Who might you be?" He asks Dostan.
"Ah, where are my manners. These are my White Ravens. The half-elven gentlemen next to you is Dostan Alfson, from Kalsgard. The twins are Trik and Trak Rackburn." Each nods as they are introduced.
Looking at the table, she leans in close to Morthos and asks him, "I don't suppose you invited others? Beyond your team of course."
Morthos nods back in greeting to them all. "A fine looking group. And no, my dear, it is just us. Speaking of which, allow me to introduce my fellow escapees. The one sitting directly across from you is Bostarg Halvardonwine; the one sitting next to Dostan is Alazandaru Viorec; and the woman in between the twins goes by Beatrix. Outside of them, I know of no others."
The White Ravens greet all of you in turn as Morthos introduces you. It would seem that the twin called Trik has taken a special interest in Beatrix and her plunging neckline. "I must say, Beatrix, a pleasure to meet you. I must ask what possible crime a beauty such as yourself could have been guilty of, as the only thing I can imagine is driving men to suicide with a glance. Oh how the nymphs of the world must envy you."
Ignoring Trik's compliments of Beatrix, Elise continues on. "A pleasure to meet you all. I must say, I am curious about all of you. Please tell me the details of your escape."
Morthos turns and notices Tiadora walk in with another woman of beauty. Where do all these people come from. Her beauty nearly matches that of Elise. But not nearly enough. "Excuse me, my dear," he tells Elise. Standing so as to be proper, "Tiadora." He nods in greeting. "It is apparent this place holds a great deal more than one would assume," he comments, impressed on how they can hide so many within. Turning to the newcomer, "Greetings, madam, I am Morthos." He nods again in greeting. "And who might you be?" He asks as he retakes his seat after she takes her own.
"Tatya Ayresleigh," she replies with a bland smile. "His Eminence desired me to ... meet you all." The slight pause to select the right word to express Cardinal Thorn's wishes seems significant.
"A stranger no doubt, my knife wielding ally. Well, at least until you have met her." He gives a sly smile. "She is part of an organization which goes by the name, 'White Ravens'. Maybe you've heard of them? I have not. Regardless, it is a term she took from, literally, a white raven that goes by the name of Zimoi. Her and her band managed to desecrate the tomb of one of the pathetic king's paladins, which in turn, impressed Cardinal Thorn. So here they are today. That is all that I know about her. No doubt she holds many secrets, BUT, then again ... don't we all? And I've always found, that, the intrigue of the unknown is what keeps us motivated to find out." He seems to lose himself in thought for just a moment. Waking from his reverie, "I'll see you at the party." He smiles as he takes his leave.
Morthos found Alazandaru practising with his new knives against a target dummy. The young Varisian frowned at Morthos' words.And who might this "lovely" Elise be? We are to dine with a stranger? he bristled.
Alazandaru shook his head as he committed what Morthos had said to memory.
Can't say i've heard of them- sounds like someone I might have met eventually in my last mentor's service. In very different circumstances, I should add. I'm sure you'll introduce me.
He switched from knife sparring to endurance training as he continued his gruelling regimen.
Alazandaru took his seat but merely nodded in greeting to everyone at the table. He was garbed in his hooded clothes with the Asmodeus symbol displayed openly on the rear of the heavy black cloak that was part of the outfit. While his clothes were not fit for a noble, he would not have looked out of place at a fine court.
The Varisian was in a foul mood and immediately sought conflict at the table, almost unconsciously.
You always let her do the talking for you? he asked Dostan without introduction as he noted Elise speak when Morthos had directly addressed him.
Seeing others begin to take their seats, Beatrix finds her name at her place and sits as well. As conversation continues, she finds herself more at ease until she finds herself the focus of one of the twins' affection. She laughs delightfully at the compliment. "Well, perhaps I did kill someone," she responds playfully, "but what does it matter? I'm here now." Turning to the new arrivals, she sizes up the girl's slight frame, deciding her diminutive stature and presence didn't demand her attention, and smiles back at Elise. "It really wasn't much. Tiadora provided opportunity and we simply made use of it."
I have actually found myself wondering if we'd have got out alive without the veil of items Alazandaru commented. I had got my manacles off the walls without our fine matron's assistance. Could have done the same for the others. Not that i'm complaining, mind. The cell door was still going to be a problem.
Perhaps Morthos or Bostarg could tell the tale of our escape at some point during dinner.
"Welcome, Tatya." Turning to Alazandaru as he speaks, he then looks to Bostarg when the rogue mentions of explaining the details of their escape. "Bostarg? You were the liaison between Tiadora and ourselves. Regale our gracious hostess with the fantastic tale of how we escaped the greatest prison in Talingarde." He says as he raises his glass of wine for a drink.
The Varisian was in a foul mood and immediately sought conflict at the table, almost unconsciously.
You always let her do the talking for you? he asked Dostan without introduction as he noted Elise speak when Morthos had directly addressed him.
The man's expression doesn't change as he speaks. "I do as I choose. I have merely chosen to allow Elise to speak for me. Or do you find her intimidating?" It's hard to tell if it's a joke or a jab.
"Welcome, Tatya." Turning to Alazandaru as he speaks, he then looks to Bostarg when the rogue mentions of explaining the details of their escape. "Bostarg? You were the liaison between Tiadora and ourselves. Regale our gracious hostess with the fantastic tale of how we escaped the greatest prison in Talingarde." He says as he raises his glass of wine for a drink.
Tatya follows his gaze to the gnome across the table. "Yes, please do," she invites him coolly. "I am most interested in learning of the exploits of both of your groups."
The man's expression doesn't change as he speaks. "I do as I choose. I have merely chosen to allow Elise to speak for me. Or do you find her intimidating?" It's hard to tell if it's a joke or a jab.The Varisian was in a foul mood and immediately sought conflict at the table, almost unconsciously.
You always let her do the talking for you? he asked Dostan without introduction as he noted Elise speak when Morthos had directly addressed him.
Intimidating? No. I was just worried she would emasculate you further if I didn't get a rise out of you.
Alazandaru poured himself some wine and held the lip of the bottle over Dostan's cup, waiting for assent to pour him a drink too.
Intimidating? No. I was just worried she would emasculate you further if I didn't get a rise out of you.
Alazandaru poured himself some wine and held the lip of the bottle over Dostan's cup, waiting for assent to pour him a drink too.
The big man starts to laugh at Alazandaru's comment, and nods to the drink. "You are bold man. The gods favor the bold. Let us share drink and come to hear each other's stories of battle's fought."
As Bostarg's story concludes, Elise gives out a small ovation, joined in by Trik and a grunt of approval from Dostan. Trak simply picks at his plate. "I must say, wonderful tale, Bostarg. Simply wonderful retelling. And to think you have an ogre with you? Most impressive. Has he been tamed?"
Alazandaru poured Dostan a glass and laughed at his response, but in a friendlier manner than before. For a moment, his scowl disappeared.
Lets.
As Bostarg told the tale, Alazandaru could not help but feel a surge of remorse rise from his stomach as he thought of the many men he had slain in the escape.
What crime had they committed? You deserve to be the one dead by their hand, not they by yours...
The thought came unbidden and the Varisian crushed it ruthlessly, then downed his glass of wine as though it were cheap ale and poured another.
Tiadora- will the cardinal himself be joining us for dinner?
"The cardinal has other duties he must attend to at the present. So I'm afraid you'll simply have to endure my company. And dear Tatya's."
To his credit, Alazandaru did his best to be a little more charming to the fairer sex as he had tried to be with Beatrix during the escape, although he lacked the ease with which Morthos did it.
Its not a matter of endurance my ladies. I'm looking forward to working with all of you he said with an uneasy smile. The words were well chosen and spoken but nevertheless, lacked conviction and he seemed a little awkward.
I understand that now Bostarg has told our tale, it should be time for the others. Tatya, tell us about your group and how you made your way here? And perhaps Elise can follow, although i've heard things from Morthos already. Erm, all positive, of course.