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Which is why I asked if you wanted to come, you guppy, Trixie replies with a grin. Now, let's find someplace safe and get you on your way Miss Blosodriette. -------------------- Before putting ink to pen, Trixie reads the addendum out loud one last time. "The following addendum shall not nullify any already-existing sections unless specifically stated..."
"I shall be sure to convey to my liege how wise she is to have chosen an ally such as yourself," Trixie says as she stands and accepts the contract. "I must depart, but I am sure you will hear from her again before too long. My lady." She bows and leaves the estate, vanishing from sight as she exits the gates before teleporting a short distance to another quiet alleyway. I'm over here Vendalfek, she calls as she changes into one of her more-regular forms. Anything happen while I was inside?
"You are too kind," Trixie says as she takes a seat, "but I am afraid I cannot stay and enjoy such pleasantries - not without bringing danger into your house." She pulls out the scroll and envelope. "My liege asked for me to bring this to you to sign before returning it to her," she says, unrolling the bottom of the scroll where the addendum she and Blosodriette had come up with to transfer ownership of the contract is written. "And..." she murmurs conspiratorially, "she asked me to give you this." She passes the envelope discretely to the countess.
That was quick, Trixie comments to Vendalfek as she bows to the Countess. "Countess," she says aloud, "you honor me with your presence. Might we continue this discussion inside? I fear even the crows take flight from a snake in their midst, and one never knows who is watching..." She lets her voice trail off suggestively as she glances suspiciously behind her, winking at the invisible faerie dragon hiding on the rooftop.
Trixie pulls out a piece of parchment, then lets her hair down so it hangs in soft curls around her face. Adjusting her sleeves of many garments slightly, she creates silken nightgown before touching the parchment and murmuring a spell. As a bust of Her Infernal Magestrix appears on the page, Trixie pulls out an envelope and the roll of parchment containing Blosodriette's contract. She tucks the newly-drawn picture into the envelope, rolls up the contract, and transforms herself into one of the guards from Menador Keep. A thought, and her garb changes to dark leathers with a subtle pentagram embossed on the chest and shoulders. A black cloak covers most of her face and wraps her in mystery as she leaves the alleyway and heads towards the front gate. Alright, let's do this, she thinks to her companion. Keep an eye on things outside for me please - I might have to leave in a hurry if things go badly. At the gate to the estate, Trixie asks the guard, "Is the Countess Sarini available to receive a visitor from Egorian?"
"My agent will come when least expected," Trixie replies with a hint of hauntiness in her voice, "but he will make himself known to you by the following phrase: 'Even the crows take take flight from a snake in their midst.' Until next time, dear Urora." Trixie lets the picture fade back into its usual appearance, but still keeps an eye on the room as she contacts Vendalfek. Looks like she's ready to sign - I want to watch for a minute more, then make our move.
"Oh, nothing so grandiose my dear," Trixie replies with a hooded smile. "But perhaps something to remind me of you? One of my agents recently discovered an imp bound to your family's service centuries ago, then carelessly lost. I have directed the agent to your estate with the devil's contract. Sign it over to him, and he will sign the imp over to me once he returns to Egorian." She looks at the noblewoman. "A simple favor leads to greater trust, and greater rewards. Would you do this for your queen?"
Trixie lets this continue for a moment before holding up a hand. "Enough," she says simply in a commanding tone before relaxing her smile into a more personable look. "Please rise, countess. There is no need to for you to apologize - perhaps I should be apologizing to you for intruding on your privacy. It is simply so difficult dealing with the court day in and day out, never knowing who to trust or being able to let one's guard down for a second. In my moment of weakness, I had thought to reach out to one outside of Egorian - someone I could trust." She glances off to the side of the picture with a heavy sigh.
"Come now, no need to be shy," Trixie says with the smile of someone used to instant obedience. "Did you think I would not notice one so devoted to the Crown, Countess Urora Sarini?" She remains animate this time, her eyes regally looking down at the countess.
Alright, she's alone, Trixie murmurs to Vendalfek. I'm going in. Keep a close eye out and don't forget about the wand. Concentrating on just the portrait in the master bedroom, Trixie takes a moment to observe the countess. She's doing her hair and makeup by herself? she wonders as she watches silently. Is this something secret? If so, it's absolutely perfect! "Have you tried this style?" she says out loud before freezing the picture.
Ah, there she is, Trixie relays to Vendalfek. I'll see if I can get her alone and "approach" her - not asking about the contract until I have a good sense of the lady.
How odd, Trixie informs Vendalfek. Matriarch's not around right now. I'll do some more observing.
Spirits preserve us, Trixie murmurs to Vendalfek, her focus still on the spell. And perhaps the queen, should this woman ever come anywhere near her. Now, what's going on in there?
"She says that like they tear down the entire estate every decade and build a new one from scratch," Trixie says dolefully to Vendalfek, but the twinkle in her eye betrays the joke. "Shall we see how everything looks nowadays, Vendalfek?" --------------------- Preparations take the better part of a day, but it is a relatively simple matter nowadays to move through the sewers into the nobles district. Once she and Vendalfek locate a quiet alleyway near the Sarini estate, Trixie goes over the plan once more. Alright, I'm going to use the portrait spell to observe the estate as best as possible. I'll turn myself invisible beforehand, but I need you to use this wand someone found for us to keep both yourself and me invisible should our own spells wear off. If I find something interesting and need to interact, I'll let you know before going under. I'll come back in a minute or so to check in with you, but the spell only lasts as long as I concentrate on it. Are you ready?
"Those are excellent points, Blosodriette," Trixie replies, calmly ignoring the argument above her head. "Thankfully, the portrait spell also allows the caster to simply observe the surrounds, even of multiple pictures at the same time. If nothing else, it would give us a better understanding of what happens in the manor that we might take advantage of." She grins as she concludes, "And do you honestly expect me to believe a woman as desperate a social climber as Urora's reputation makes her out to be would not have at least one portrait of the queen?" She ponders a moment. "Do you want to come with us, Blosodriette? This is your old estate after all - I would certainly welcome any insight or experience you would wish to share with us to speed your freedom along."
"Well," Trixie says with a wicked grin, "we have several options. The trick is which one to use." She starts jotting down ideas, saying them out loud so her co-conspirators can chime in suggestions or comments. "We know Urora wants attention from House Thrune. What if she were to receive a visit at night from the Lord-Mayor, who only asks for the use of a family servant she didn't even know existed in return for his ear?" "Or what if Queen Abrogail herself started speaking with the Countess through her portrait, asking favors and promising attention from the highest office in the land?" "Or perhaps Urora has children who might not be so eager for Thrune's attention - and that of Hell. One of them might be more than eager to make such a connection disappear."
"Hmm," Trixie muses. "An amendment would likely require the signature of a member of House Sarini as well, but it would be the simplest option." She turns to Blosodriette. "You said you wanted to see your old house again, but I'm guessing you don't want to be bound back into service. We're trying to make you a free imp after all. So an amendment is unlikely to work. But how to convince someone to release a bound outsider..."
Trixie gets to work!
"Excellent," Trixie says. "Now, I borrowed a few books from the Academy on the subject of binding outsiders. Would you be willing to read through them and write down any points or ideas you think would be useful to us?" She pulls four tomes larger than Blosodriette out of her pack and sets them on the table. "While you're working on that, I'll be reviewing your existing contract and cross-referencing it with this exciting legal discourse I found." The next book out of the pack is almost a foot thick and in rather bad condition. Trixie struggles to get it out of the pack, finally settling on scooting the pack off the table and dropping it off the book rather than pulling the book out of the bag. Wiping the dust from her face, she grins at the imp. "Betcha I can find a loophole before you've finished even one of those books!" she says cheekily as she pulls out her parchment and ink for notes.
”Good to see you’re choosing to look on the positive side,” Trixie replies jauntily. ”Now, I need to do some research into how to make a deal with a devil - namely you - so that you can leave the hideout and travel freely without me worrying about you telling someone about the Ravens and putting me and my friends in danger.” She pauses for effect, then continues, ”Now, I could do all this research on my own. But think how much faster it would go with someone practiced in such matters providing their expertise. Think how much faster you could start leading your own life instead of being stuck down here.” ”Granted,” she says, ”if I have to spend more time looking for deceit than researching, that would certainly mean a longer time before we part ways. And should it take too long, you might end up stuck down here like you were at the last Raven hideout. I want to avoid that at all costs - will you help me set you free?” She holds out her hand.
Trixie doesn't let the joy show on her face as she nods. "Very well," she says. "I'll stop by tomorrow and say hello to a few friends." -------------- Back at the Wasp's Nest, Trixie takes a deep breath before mentally calling, Blosodriette! Could I bother you for a favor?
"Wonderful," Trixie replies. "And if possible, I would love to make use of the Academy's library once more. I have... a delicate matter to research." This is the perfect time to see about parting ways with Blosodriette, Trixie thinks to Vendalfek. We minimize risk to the new hideout since she hasn't been there yet, and perhaps folks think she's tied to the Wasp's Nest so they don't get worried and start spreading rumors. [ooc]With "access restored" to the Academy, can Trixie scribe spells from Lady Docur's collections? I'm certain she's had time to pick up fun ones over 300+ years. And would these still have the 1.7x cost, or just the regular 1.5x cost?)
Apparently you get pretty set in your drama-filled ways once you hit three centuries, Trixie mutter-thinks to Vendalfek as she composes her face. "Speaking of the Lacunafex," she says out loud, "if some of the women are willing, we could use their talents. I could use their talents."
As the first Silver Council adjourns, Trixie waits for Lady Docur to exit before discreetly following behind - making eye contact with the Solstine cousins lest they suspect any foul play. As the four of them leave the rest of the council behind, Trixie chuckles. "Madame," she says jovially, "you could have just said I was needed elsewhere and not made me worry about my friends like that. And worry about you." Her laughter dies off and her tone becomes slightly serious. "I have half a dozen plans for how to get into the Academy because I thought you all might be dying. Or dead." A tear wells up in her eye, but she brushes it off as her voice lightens again. "You know much better than I how much damage someone grief-stricken could have caused the wards should they have tried to force their way in." Not letting her former headmistress get a word in edgewise, she continues, "And how long were you planning to let a priestess of Mahathallah - and a pesh dealer, to boot - instruct your charges in the ways of Elven nobility?" She scowls as she crosses her arms. "We might be your best bet for surviving Barzelai, but can we trust you not to abandon us to save yourself?" Her frown can only last so long before she let loose a sob. "I was so worried!" she says haltingly. "You're everything I've ever wanted to be, and the thought of losing you..." She trails off into silence. "You and your drama," she mumbles through quiet tears as she stands hunched over before the three people who are the closest thing she's had to a family as a child.
"Octavio is right," Trixie says reluctantly. "But, we don't have to go in a way Barzallai expects. He's invited us to the party, but we determine what to wear." Trixie starts jotting some notes. "We know a place and a time: Aria Park at noon on Starday. We know who will be there: Barzallai Thrune. What we don't know is how much they know - specifically, how many medals is Barzallai ready to present? We can shake his plan up by giving him too many or too few Ravens to handle, but I'd like to know more." She shakes her head. "I'd hardly call the Ravens 'righteous' - odd choice of words from an Asmodean. And 'evildoers'? Another odd word, given that any priest of Asmodeus would qualify and hardly think it a bad thing."
"Those are excellent points," Trixie says with a nod. "So what does Barzallai get if we do show up? A chance to look the Ravens in the eye and wish for their death? Planting magical sensors in their hideout via the medals? It would be much simpler to simply announce that the Ravens are actually working with House Thrune if all he wanted to do was save face - there would be no risk on his end. So what's his angle here?" She frowns, looking down at the flyer. "If evidence were to 'conveniently' show up during the ceremony that the Ravens were actually terrible people, that would be enough of an excuse to abduct us, even for an Asmodean."
"You don't think he won't take the opportunity to simply whisk the Ravens away?" Trixie asks. "All of them, right there in his clutches? He would have to have a very good reason not to." She pauses to think. Slowly, she smiles. "The safety of Kintargo, eh?" she says carefully. "Octavio, how much security would Barzallai need for a public event like this? Enough to pull troops from, say, the prisons? If the Ravens weren't able to show up because they were busy saving citizens elsewhere, well, who would come out looking better - the folks putting holding a ceremony, or the folks saving people's lives?"
"My apologies, Octavio," Trixie says gently. "You are the only military commander I trust, and I would greatly value your thoughts on the matter." She pushes a pastry towards him. "If we can figure out what the Inquisitor is trying to accomplish, we can best figure out how to disrupt it. My own methods are rather unlike Barzallai's, but I was hoping you might have some insights as another commander." "The biggest question is: What does Barzallai want to get out of this? I'm pretty sure it's not locating the Ravens or he would have sent spies. This is too loud to be missed and too obvious a trap for him to expect us to fall for it. So, we need to determine what he does expect to gain from this - and I'm guessing it involves the population of Kintargo. We've had folks flocking to us with stories of relatives gone missing only to be found in shallow graves with bite marks all over their bones. Do you think he's trying to win back the hearts of the people? If so, is he using a method you've seen before or have thought of? Or perhaps you see something I'm overlooking?"
You'd think he'd have done this before - anticipating an opponent's next move by putting himself in their shoes, Trixie thinks to herself. Now then, she says to Vendalfek, I'm certain Barbielai is trying to play a trick on us. And there's nothing sweeter than turning someone's own trick against them - but you have to know for sure what the trick is or you could be hoisted by your own petard, as they say.
Trixie shrugs. "If he didn't want his feelings hurt, he shouldn't have stuck them in my bedroom uninvited," she responds. "And we're hardly the forces of chaos - how about 'the forces of anti-doghousing'?"
Trixie smiles at the Lictor. "Octavio, didn't your mother ever teach you to knock?" she chides. "I was certain Setrona would have set you straight years ago for such uncouth behavior, and yet here we are. Be a dear and bring us some tea and breakfast while I get things arranged down here - I'm simply not prepared to host a meeting with both of you in my bedroom." When Octavio returns, Trixie gestures towards the seat next to her and pushes the flyer towards him to read. "Thank you dear," she says. "Have a bite to eat, look that over, and we'll discuss our option." Once he's had a chance to eat something, Trixie continues. "It is indeed certain that Barzillai would see straight through any illusion or trick we might present to him," she begins. "But the question first is what does he hope to get out of this? I highly doubt this is meant for us, or he wouldn't have blanketed the city with these flyers. No, I think it's to sway the hearts of the populace. Despite our best efforts, the Ravens notoriety continues to rise and Barzallai feels he must react to it." She sets down her cup. "So tell me, Lictor, what you might do if an area under your supervision were to become overrun by the forces of chaos and the people began to trust them more than you because their efforts solved problems you had not been able to? How would you bring safety and stability back to your charges?"
Trixie sighs. I told them something like this would happen, she says wearily to Vendalfek as she gets dressed. If it's a ploy by Barber-sai himself, it's a terrible one. He knows we know he knows about the history of the Ravens - and so he knows we're incredibly unlikely to show up to receive medals from him. So what's his aim? She takes the flyer to a table and begins to study it more thoroughly. Is it magical? What kind of handwriting is it? Does it match the handwriting of the proclamations Barzilla has been throwing around like candy? she thinks to herself as she mutters a cantrip.
So the question is, does he want us to show up or not show up? she says to Vendalfek after a while. How good are your illusions?
Because Rexus is sleeping, Trixie responds. And I would prefer to keep you out of Hell as well - what if you became stuck there and couldn't return? Ideally, we'd sign a new contract and have it take effect before destroying the old one so there's no risk of you being un-summoned. I'll see if I can do some reading on the subject and get back to you with a more solid plan. But if given the choice, would you be interested in such an endeavor?
What if we combined the two? Trixie says thoughtfully. Use a dimensional anchor to keep you on the Material Plane when your contract is destroyed, and a binding spell to let us draw up a contract where your only service is keep our secrets once the anchoring effect wears off? We'd have to have some sort of insurance in case she tries to escape during that transition period, she thinks to herself. That would be one of the weakest points in the plan.
You said if your contract were to be destroyed, you would be banished back to Hell, correct? Trixie clarifies. If we have another contract between you and me, perhaps we can keep you from being un-summoned before you fly free. Or, worst-case scenario, you are banished before being summoned immediately here again and set free. Trixie sets down her pen and looks upward at her passenger. Given a choice, would you be willing to work with me to accomplish both of our goals?
Perhaps you'd be amenable to amending your contract then? Trixie replies. My concern is for the security of this organization. If we can negotiate an agreement that satisfies both your need for freedom and my need for secrecy, perhaps we can change your situation.
So what are your terms then? Trixie replies pleasantly as she prestidigitates the spit out of her hair. And you seem to know quite a bit about those who worship with Savored Sting. Old memories, perhaps?
We're hardly ransacking the place, Trixie muses. Well, most of us - I can't speak for folk who tear down walls. But we're hardly disrespecting the place. Severina's even putting elbow grease into restoring the altar. And our goals certainly would line up with folks swearing vengeance against Thrune - we might just have to redirect their anger to those most deserving of it. She pauses for thought, then continues making cryptic marks on her parchment. Now, if they were to see a devil among us, it would certainly be a more difficult argument to make. Perhaps you'll prove yourself trustworthy enough to release before then, perhaps not. An idea builds, and Trixie considers a moment. You said you wanted to see your old family's estate, correct? Which one was it again? And what could be causing the water level in the sewers to rise? she wonders to herself. Or are the sewers themselves sinking? Either way, this hideout could become inhospitable for very different reasons.
Someone with a mighty fine eye for aesthetics, Trixie replies. Is there a security risk you're worried about with Calistrians coming back to claim their hideout? Or is it something else? Or is she worried about someone looking for Calistrians? Trixie considers silently.
Because someone built it, Trixie retorts cheekily. Duh.
Trixie sighs, then pushes herself out from her desk. "You're going to get a terrible pain in your neck if you sleep in that position," he tells the comatose Rexus with a smile. "Let's get you someplace more comfortable."
It takes Trixie a while, but she is able to carry the unconscious man to his bed. Tucking him in, she sets a glass of water on the nightstand and closes the door behind her. When was the last time he saw sunlight? she wonders. Being holed up in here can't be good for his depression. Back at the work area, Trixie tidies up Rexus's files and brings the tea over to her station. The extra cookie goes to Blosodriette as Trixie gets back to work. Why do you think the altar is more of a cause for concern than the rest of the hideout? she asks Blosodriette idly as she squints at her cypher.
You know perfectly well we could find someone else to be our strategist, Trixie counters, amused. Now enjoy your cookie and let me know if you need anything else. Trixie turns her attention back to Rexus, checking if he'd noticed the tea and pastry.
Would you rather be dead? Trixie replies. I'm trying to build enough of a relationship with you that I can convince the others that you won't fly straight to Thrune's lackeys and tell them all about this hideout - and us - if we release you from your contract. But that's difficult when we don't trust each other - hence the peace offerings of baked goods. Or is there something else you'd prefer? Either way, you and I both know we can't keep you here forever. The question is whether I can convince Heriken and Severina to let you leave alive. I forgot she has telepathy - most imps don't, Trixie scolds herself internally.
Oh well, Trixie reasons. I'll have to ask them about it some other time. As she makes her way back to Lauria's cafe, Trixie keeps an ear open for the day's crazy stories and rumors. They likely aren't true, but they do have reasons for coming into existence and being repeated, she muses.
At the Wasp's Nest, Trixie discreetly locates Blosodriette. "I brought you a surprise!" she says happily as she passes the imp one of the cookies from Luculla. "I remembered you thought the last snacks I brought were a bit too bland, so I made sure to grab one of the cinnamon cookies for you. Let me know what you think!" Moving on to the vault's other permanent resident, Trixie pulls out another cookie and a pot of tea that she'd snagged from upstairs. "Hey Rexus," she says softly. "I'm going to work on those documents you left me, but I'm happy to listen if you need someone to talk to." She leaves the cookie and one cup of tea on the table between them, then grabs her notes and a particularly troublesome coded document. Let's see if we can't break this cypher...
Well, it seems unlikely that the Hellknights became the Spiders given the power vacuum, Trixie muses. Granted, one never knows with Norgorber. "Well, it was lovely to see you Luculla! Glad your business is doing well - have you thought about adding a bit of chocolate powder to those gingery ones?"
Trixie stops by the Tooth and Nail on her way back, hoping Setrona or Octavio are at home.
"That must have been incredibly painful to lose so much so swiftly," Trixie replies. "No one would blame you for taking a step back and having time to think." She watches to see if Luculla needs a hug.
"You mean those people we rescued are Hellknights!?" Trixie whispers back. "She just asked us to rescue some of her friends! If she'd told us who they were... Well, we could have at least taken some precautions to not be noticed!"
"Wait, they're actually worshipers of Norgorber?" Trixie replies, shock clearly written on her face. "And how did you hear that's why the Lord-Mayor banished them?" She wracks her brain for any recollection of these "Gray Spiders". If they're an assasins or thieves guild, you'd think the Lacuafex would have mentioned them, she thinks grumpily to herself. Or maybe there's something about Norgorber himself that would help me figure out if such an accusation is true.
"Just checking in to see how you're settling down," Trixie replies. "And of course, if you need an unspoiled viewpoint on the cookies..."
As the sun rises, Trixie prepares for the day. Shall we see how Luculla is doing? she asks Vendalfek. I'd love to catch up over some breakfast pastries. |
