After they are escorted away by Tiadora, Fargo approaches Miss Price, eager to talk.
Cain is half-eased from where he was leaning against the wall when the request stops him. He eases back into the same pose.
He looks down at the vial again, resuming its slow spin, "Had the breakout gone bad, I mighta felt the need to take it. Bein' the paranoid sonofab&~&! as I am, I was a little too suspicious of who you and your girl were to take the drink." He holds up the vial so it sits just below the eye-line between himself and the Cardinal and smiles, "This does what you say it does, though? Would go a good ways to makin' our work-relationship a bit stronger. And if you could restore what those bastards took fully? I'd be a happy man, Thorn." His smile flattens out into a hard stare, more deadly serious than intimidating, "But let's be clear. I'm a straight-forward kinda-guy. I don't like games. And I don't like manipulation. I get the feelin' yer usin' this to play me or turn me against my pack, we're gonna have a problem." His feral smile returns, "That bein' said, I'm gettin' all giddy to see how this little drink performs."
He gives the Cardinal a chance to respond, then (if nothing is forthcoming) nods, pockets the vial, and stalks out the door.
"You will not ascend to the third floor, nor shall you descend to the sub-levels."
Cain nudges Price and not-so-quietly mutters, "She sure knows how to get a guy curious, don't she?"
When Fargo approaches Price, Cain can't help but jump in. "So, Fargo? Who the hell's yer friend? Might be we could get him to come out and play. See what it is he can do in a scratch."
You are Mr. Cain right? I think I might have met you once with Miss Price. When I am in my other form, I am Teon. And we-I would be happy to give you a demonstration of my abilities.
"Cain, I assure you, I am indeed playing games. Dozens in fact. Some of them do include you. But not in the manner of the victim. You are a true asset, one who can truly make a name for yourself in Asmodeus's hierarchy, if you choose to follow that path. And even if you don't, Talingarde will remember.
"I'm not asking you, or any of the others to forsake the loyalties you have been. No, I want to reinforce them, make them stronger, and make you all into something bigger, something better. We are indeed allies in this. So please understand the manipulations that I do, they are not against you. Not as long as we are indeed allies."
Xanos says nothing more and retreats to the quarters he had been given, breaking out the books he had acquired. It was time to begin taking this new approach to magic more seriously.
Cain nudges Price and not-so-quietly mutters, "She sure knows how to get a guy curious, don't she?"
After they are escorted away by Tiadora, Fargo approaches Miss Price, eager to talk.
When Fargo approaches Price, Cain can't help but jump in. "So, Fargo? Who the hell's yer friend? Might be we could get him to come out and play. See what it is he can do in a scratch."
"You are Mr. Cain right? I think I might have met you once with Miss Price. When I am in my other form, I am Teon. And we-I would be happy to give you a demonstration of my abilities."
Price's smile is overshadowed by a frown. "Let's discuss this in private... as much privacy as we can get here. Come on." Price leads the men up to her room. They are greeted by the sight of the scented tub and the nude, and rather comely, serving girl.
Price's words are as imperious as her tone is libidinous. She motions Cain and Fargo to silence. "Thank you, dear, but you can dress and leave. These men will attend my... needs." After the serving girl leaves, the Inquisitor closes the door with some relief and takes a seat on the bed.
She seems happier but also concerned, "Good to see you, Fargo, as well as your 'other side'. I'm assuming most everything we say may be monitored - either through mundane or occult means. Still, we need to talk - about your abilities, our patron, and our mission. So please make yourselves comfortable gentlemen and tell me what you think."
Upon entering Miss Price's room and seeing what waits there, Fargo shyly averts his eyes, and blushes at Miss Price's quip. After the servant leaves the room, he takes a seat.
I did it Miss Price. Well you saw. I made contact and negotiated the compact and now I can do far more than simply call animals. I would have never found out how to do it if you had not pointed me in the direction of those who had bits of the puzzle.
Cain -- in contrast to Fargo -- openly leers at the woman's naked body. As she leaves, he winks at her and mutters, "It's a thing of beauty, sweetheart."
Cain waits until the girl's retreating footfalls can't be heard behind the closed door before he turns to Price, nodding his head back towards the door, "I'm curious to know how far you'd have taken that." He gives a chuckle, "Nevermind… I'm pretty sure I know the answer."
Cain is quiet as Fargo and Price have their chat, his keen eyes following the exchange revealing the lie of his bored expression. Finally, his curiosity gets the better of him, and he interrupts, "So this thing you contacted. That's Teon?" His eyes show that the next question is for either Fargo or Price to answer, "Who or what is he? And more importantly, are you in control of him?"
"So please make yourselves comfortable gentlemen and tell me what you think."
Cain, half-sitting on the side of a writing desk in the corner, pulls at his right ear. It's a tell Price has learned means he's actually thinking about the question instead of preparing some kind of retort. "You know me… I try to leave the heavy thinkin' to those better suited to it. But my gut says we play this thing out. He was pretty up-front after you all left the room earlier that he's absolutely playin' some games here. He said the games were not to manipulate us, though, but to achieve his goals. To bring us together." His shrug clearly says, 'not sure how far to trust him.' "Other'n that, seems to me we play this thing like we've always played it. Cards close to the vest. Know when to hit which targets to make it really hurt. And take down the objectives… one at a time. Gotta admit to bein' more than a little curious about this place and it's staff… 'specially given our restrictions. But those are the rules."
Upon entering Miss Price's room and seeing what waits there, Fargo shyly averts his eyes, and blushes at Miss Price's quip. After the servant leaves the room, he takes a seat.
"I did it Miss Price. Well you saw. I made contact and negotiated the compact and now I can do far more than simply call animals. I would have never found out how to do it if you had not pointed me in the direction of those who had bits of the puzzle."
Price regards the young man earnestly. "I guess I'll say You're most welcome, Fargo." she smiles, "...since this is the second or third time you've insisted that I'm responsible for pointing you in the right direction. I'm not shy - I'll take the credit."
Cain waits until the girl's retreating footfalls can't be heard behind the closed door before he turns to Price, nodding his head back towards the door, "I'm curious to know how far you'd have taken that." He gives a chuckle, "Nevermind... I'm pretty sure I know the answer."
Price gives him a knowing look and the expected answer, "As far I as need to - to maintain the illusion. Not that she was unpleasant looking by any means. If you'd like Cain, you can borrow her. You know how I like to share with my friends."
Cain is quiet as Fargo and Price have their chat, his keen eyes following the exchange revealing the lie of his bored expression. Finally, his curiosity gets the better of him, and he interrupts, "So this thing you contacted. That's Teon?" His eyes show that the next question is for either Fargo or Price to answer, "Who or what is he? And more importantly, are you in control of him?"
"Good questions." She raises an eyebrow at the Summoner, clearly offering him the chance to talk more about his 'friend'.
Cain, half-sitting on the side of a writing desk in the corner, pulls at his right ear. It's a tell Price has learned means he's actually thinking about the question instead of preparing some kind of retort. "You know me... I try to leave the heavy thinkin' to those better suited to it. But my gut says we play this thing out. He was pretty up-front after you all left the room earlier that he's absolutely playin' some games here. He said the games were not to manipulate us, though, but to achieve his goals. To bring us together." His shrug clearly says, 'not sure how far to trust him.' "Other'n that, seems to me we play this thing like we've always played it. Cards close to the vest. Know when to hit which targets to make it really hurt. And take down the objectives... one at a time. Gotta admit to bein' more than a little curious about this place and it's staff... 'specially given our restrictions. But those are the rules."
"Agreed. The Cardinal's stated goals fall in line with ours and collaboration is the best way to achieve all our ends, though I found the order of the terms and the wording of the first draft... concerning. His choice to ignore my simple request about the identity of our betrayer was equally interesting. Given his web of intelligence and gamesmanship... I think it is quite possible that he knew we were going to be betrayed and captured. In fact, he may have let it happen or arranged it - if only to put us in a position where we'd need his rescue and be open to his pitch. He clearly bears no love for the other Clergy in the Church." She concludes, "I've been mulling that possibility and what it means in terms of our long-term relationship."
Cain wrote:Cain is quiet as Fargo and Price have their chat, his keen eyes following the exchange revealing the lie of his bored expression. Finally, his curiosity gets the better of him, and he interrupts, "So this thing you contacted. That's Teon?" His eyes show that the next question is for either Fargo or Price to answer, "Who or what is he? And more importantly, are you in control of him?"
Price
"Good questions." She raises an eyebrow at the Summoner, clearly offering him the chance to talk more about his 'friend'.
I am fully in control when I am Teon. His power is now my power. He is my protector when we are one. And Cain, Fargo smiles I would be delighted to show you what I am capable of. Maybe we can find a room here for the demonstration.
Price raises an eyebrow at the response, "Should I start a betting pool?"
Cain nods at Price's comments, more out of a general respect for her observations than anything else. If Price is any indication, it certainly would be like one of Asmodeus's elite to orchestrate to that degree.
Fargo's answer and Price's quip make Cain bark a laugh, "Now THAT sounds like the first fun thing suggested today. Maybe we can have some fun in this lavish prison after all. And I'm game for a bit of betting." His grin flashes over to Fargo, "Could use some extra coin, eh, mate?"
He fishes the vial once more from his pocket, spinning it between thumb and forefinger. "Might be an excellent time to test this little bad boy out. I still don't trust to using it on a mission until we've seen that it does what he says it does."
Before they can leave the room, Cain looks back up at Price. "One thing. Two hunters can't shoot one bow, love. Damn hard to hit anything that way. You and Xanos need to get on the same page."
Before they can leave the room, Cain looks back up at Price. "One thing. Two hunters can't shoot one bow, love. Damn hard to hit anything that way. You and Xanos need to get on the same page."
Price raises an curious brow at the term of affection, but doesn't otherwise comment on it. "How do you mean? Xanos has different long-term objectives, certainly... but I could say the same thing about the Cardinal."
Price raises an curious brow at the term of affection, but doesn't otherwise comment on it.
@ Fargo and Cain,
The two of you are traversing the corridors (heading back to own rooms or looking for place to spar), around the corner ahead of you comes a striking woman, black hair rolling out from underneath a white fur hood. She locks onto the two of you with steel grey eyes, while an albin raven upon one shoulder does the same with twin red orbs. She herself is bedecked out entirely in white furs, obviously not one of the slaves by her demeanor. She is apprently waiting for you two to make the first move.
Cain looks at the woman and her bird, his face blank. He nudges Fargo, "What have we here? You don't look like the folk helpin' us get comfy in our rooms."
She smiles at the remark. "I was just thinking the same of the two of you." She eyes you both up and down, then approaches. "Elise Zadaria." She extends her hand outward in greeting. "And who might you two be? More servants of Thorn? Though of the free willed variety?"
Something like that. Who are you.
Cain grins at the man's bluntness, his yellow eyes remaining on the woman and her bird.
"Hmm, direct are we? As I said, my name is Elise Zadaria, leader of the White Ravens. And apparently an ally. Let's see what I can figure out about you two without names." She eyes both of you up and down, like a horse seller eyeing a horse. She starts with Cain. "Rugged, outdoorsman. A berserker maybe? You have a savage connection to the wild. I've probably met a dozen like you in the north." She's obviously unimpressed with Cain.
Turning to Fargo, a smile plays upon her face. She takes one hand and presses against his cheek. "Now you on the other hand. There's something else there. Something hidden, a power. You, I like."
Cain shrugs a what can i say? look at her observation of him. People's perceptions never really bothered him much. "Love me some mountains and trees."
As the woman talks, his eyes -- golden in the current light -- flash over her shoulder and down the hall. He looks back at the woman and grins his knowingest grin.
A swarthy-skinned young man holds your attention with a disconcertingly level gaze from a pair of nearly-golden eyes. Other than the eyes, his face is somewhat forgettable. A few scars. The growth of a few days of unkempt black facial hair. And a slightly hooked nose over a mouth that doesn't seem to smile much. Standing a few inches over six feet, his body is long and lean with a rangy athleticism, and he moves with a readiness and coordinated ease that belies a man of action. Something in his confident posture, his air of awareness, and his stalking gate remind you of an animal on the hunt.
Fargo sees nothing.
Not like we'll keep our identities secret around here anyway.
"I'm Cain and your boyfriend here is Fargo. I guess you could say we're the new guys around here. So, what do your White Ravens do? And is your quiet-footed friend around the corner on the team, too?"
An angry look passes across Elise's face at the mention of someone following, and she turns to stare behind her for a moment. "That would be Trak, if I were to guess. Another of my group. He tends to be the jealous type. Of course nothing to be jealous of. Or is there, Fargo?" She gives the half-elf a playful smile. "As to what we do, well the same as you. Whatever Thorn commands of us. Unless of course he has been willing to share actual details of his plans with you?" As she asks, she moves in closer to Fargo.
Fargo is more confused than anything Huh, what? He turns to Cain Do you think we are going to have a dumb name for our group.
Fargo's question makes Cain laugh, but his considering eyes never leave the woman's. "Well, jealous or not, tell Trak he's good. As for the Cardinal's plans…" Cain carefully and deliberately looks to the right and left, then leans in… deep into Elise's personal space, "… I make a mean strawberry torte and no one cake decorates better Fargo here… no one. Don't let that get out, though."
He steps back, his manner slipping back to casual, "You prolly know more than us, anyway. Remember?" He hikes a thumb at himself and Fargo, "New guys." He tries to put on a sincere look, "But I can let you know if I learn something, if you'd like."
Fargo is more confused than anything Huh, what? He turns to Cain Do you think we are going to have a dumb name for our group.
The albino bird on bird on Elise's shoulder clicks it's beak at Fargo a couple times before unleashing a caw in his direction, almost seeming to be insulting. "It would seem you've upset Zimoi, Fargo."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fargo's question makes Cain laugh, but his considering eyes never leave the woman's. [b]"Well, jealous or not, tell Trak he's good. As for the Cardinal's plans…" Cain carefully and deliberately looks to the right and left, then leans in… deep into Elise's personal space, "… I make a mean strawberry torte and no one cake decorates better Fargo here… no one. Don't let that get out, though."
He steps back, his manner slipping back to casual, "You prolly know more than us, anyway. Remember?" He hikes a thumb at himself and Fargo, "New guys." He tries to put on a sincere look, "But I can let you know if I learn something, if you'd like."
"Sounds delicious. Though I'm more accustomed to freshly clubbed bunyip cub. But I'll take my leave for now. And if I should learn anything, I might be willing to share it as well."
The chamber dedicated to sparring in this large building is quite impressive. A good thirty feet by 40 feet, it could house quite a few more individuals than what are currently in use. Inscribed into the floor is a gigantic symbol to Asmodeus, covering the majority of the flooring. Along the east wall are racks of practice weapons, wrapped so as to not inflict any harm. Several practice dummies have been set up in the room for use.
Currently the room is in fact being used. Two men are sparring at present. One is a giant of a human, another northerner by appearance and dress, practice leathers worn and a massive practice greatsword in hand. Longer blond hair and blue eyes add to his appearance.
His opponent is a smaller man, half-elf by race. Currently using a smaller blade and shield, he darts in trying to hit the larger man, who is obviously holding back. This half-elf has shoulder length black hair, slicked back, with green eyes.
A third man, another half-elf is busy beating at one of the dummies, more in rage than in practice. He mutters to himself in the elven tongue. The most noticeable thing about the third man is his similar appearnce to the sparring half-elf, almost impossible to tell the two apart aside from their clothing.
As you two enter the room, the large blond human raises his hand to hold the sparring and turns to you. "What?" The word is not spoken with malice or anger, but rather a simple question.
As the woman leaves, Cain turns and gives a genuine shrug to Fargo. "I thought that went well. So, ready to go practice bakin' some cakes?"
---
Cain takes in the room. "Oh, we were just looking for our matched set of skinny, angry half-elves…. oh, cool, you found'em." He holds his hands up defensively, "Just lookin' to work up a sweat. The room open?"
The sparring duo begins to chuckle at Cain's remark when they are cut off by a loud *CRACK* from the third in the room. Apparently having splintered his practice weapon against the dummy, he becomes even angrier that he didn't full snap it in half. Throwing it into the weapons on the wall, knocking several over, he turns and angrily exits the room through another doorway, an angry curse in elvish* as he does so followed by a spit on the Asmodean symbol upon the floor.
As he leaves the room, the tall blond warrior comes up to the two of you. "I apologize for Trak's behavior. My name is Dostan, this is Trik. Plenty of room, if you wish to practice." The half-elf nods as his name is spoken.
Fargo nods to the others and then talks to Cain. I trust you will give me a moment or two to prepare. I can maintain my other form as long as I wake. If we are anywhere where I might be needed, I will be in my other form. Are there any conditions that you want to set before we do this?
Cain turns to Fargo, beginning to unbutton his sleeves with a grin. "Of course. Take the time you need. So, a few ground rules? I say we fight to knockout, tap-out, or a solid pin."
He pulls his shirt off over his head, casually tossing it towards a corner before pulling off his boots. The tall hunter's body is long and rangy with tight, ropey muscles. His arms and chest (which has a not-too-thick range of dark hair that begins across his chest and descends unbroken down a hard stomach and into his waistline) wear a few dozen scars of varying sizes and shapes. Some looking to have been inflicted by blades, some seemingly by teeth or claws. He rolls his neck, eliciting a loud POP, before swinging his arms a few times and rolling his shoulders. "Questions? Concerns?" His grin deepens, "Wanna re-think anything?" His tone is biting but light.
Finally, after loosening up, he pulls the vial back out of his belt pouch on the desk. "One more thing. This was given me by the Cardinal. It's supposed to give me back something that was taken from me. I usually don't trust quickly, but Price seems to trust you. If something seems wrong with me, or these guys take advantage. Either haul my ass to Price or go get her… fast." he finishes by unstoppering the vial, with a look over to Price. "Let's see if the Cardinal is a man of his word." He slugs the potion.
"Of course. Take the time you need. So, a few ground rules? I say we fight to knockout, tap-out, or a solid pin."
Agreed.
"Questions? Concerns?" His grin deepens, "Wanna re-think anything?"
None, and no but let me know if you want to.
Fargo retreats to the far side of the dojo, and pressing his fingers together, begins to chant inaudibly. After a minute has passed the barely translucent form of Teon coalesces around Fargo.
Dostand and Trik continue to spar, but it's obvious by the fact that Trik land's a few blows upon the blond warrior he has begun to watch your own bout.
Teon continues to chant, louder now. First the air shimmers around him for a moment , then Teon grows to a little more than twelve feet .
Lets play, Wolf Man
The rush of the beast as it sweeps through Caine after what seems like forever is exhilarating, and after a few seconds of muscle-stretching and bone-popping goodness, a seven foot, bipedal wolf with mottled black and gray fur stands peering at the room through deep golden eyes.
The wolf watches Fargo complete his summoning of Teon. He even stands patiently as his opponent casts what he assumes is a combat spell. But as the opponent begins casting his second spell, a growl erupts from his throat. With a shake of his massive head, te beast explodes across the room, barreling into Teon with a muzzle of flashing canines, trying to break the half-eld's concentration as he tries to shake him like a rag-doll.
You missed. Teon in now LARGE
Temp HP 21 HP 18
AC 19 (21 Before being enlarged)
Spells
1st 1/3
The wolf had only fought bigger opponents a handful of times, but the lessons learned had been learned hard and had stuck hard. Deny reach. Restrict motion. It makes for quick and dirty fights, but given the new circumstances, the wolf knows its his best shot.
He leaps up, teeth trying to find purchase on the still-flat-footed demon-thing.
The werewolf was able to grab Teon with out much difficulty, but Teon was not worried. It was simply a matter of throwing off the wolf, then savaging him.
Grapple to escape
Unfortunately the wolfs grip is not so easy to break
HP 18/18 THP 21/21
AC 19 Touch 9 FF 19
CMD 18 FF 18
F/R/W +1/+1/+3
Effects/Conditions Eidelon (Teon), Mage Armor, Enlarge Person
The demon -- in his attempt to dislodge the wolf -- opens up his guard, and the wolf goes for the pin.
He pounces into the gap, powerful arms snaking around the demon's, shifting his weight so he's anchored onto the demon's side, clawed foot on the demon's thigh while Teon's arms are pinned to his side.