| Inspecting the Compound;-----MOVED; The lost Wager | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 26 2014, 08:57 PM (33 Views) | |
| Valia | Oct 26 2014, 08:57 PM Post #1 |
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Deaths Lady
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(10/26/14 10:28:01 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A .Merchant of Sulport. [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: Unable to find sleep last night, I had slept later than intended this morning. Already it seemed half the day had been lost to me. A scowl had drawn itself tightly upon my lips as I trekked the streets of Sulport. Held in the curl of my left arm as leather bound ledger containing an unnumberable amount of clean parchment and several sharpened marking sticks. My stride was purposeful, determined and commanded a certain attention. With the task in mind, I had dressed in a fashion appropriate for work. A long sleeved tunic of sapphire blue fell to midthigh, paired with black leathers and boots. The waving lengths of obisidian strands had been drawn back from my face save for the small wisps that refused taming, creating a dark halo around the small of an oval face. A comb of bone held strands captive at the back of my head and from the knot there, the lengths spilled freely down to the small of my back. The darkness of that hair created a distracting shadow there, hiding more the linaments of the leather corseting beneath the tunic and the blade sheathed discreetly away. I'd rather have it and not need it, than to need it and have nothing. My grip on the ledger tightened as I travelled the walk beside the hall. It lead around to the alley that would bring me to the compound. A place I had been avoiding. And now it seemed, I would be there more now than ever before. I would know it intimately. Every room, every corridor, every nook and cranny. And for that to happen, I would need to see every room. I inhaled a silent breath as I turned into the familiar mouth of the alley. Eyes of pale green lifted, following that coiling path. Up head, a familiar silhouette was seen, leaning against the stone wall. Already I could tell the man was watching, waiting for me. And the smile that crawled along my lips was anything but nice...anything but friendly. Cold. Hard. And false. My teeth clenched together with such force I could almost hear them cracking. I sucked in a breath through the my teeth, the sound cutting and echoed off the stone facing as I walked towards him. I would not shrink beneath the unfriendly glare that watched me. His smile was not unlike my own. It seemed we were both equally thrilled to be paired. (10/26/14 11:19:42 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A .Merchant of Sulport. [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: I watched him as every step brought me closer and closer to him. The word enemy whispered through my mind. I had no doubt that his own mind mirrored my thoughts. Savitarr had long been among Volstagg's men, but at one time, he had been Volstagg's most trusted. Practically his -right- hand. I knew that Volstagg trusted this man. I, however, could not find it in myself to do so. He had failed me, nearly costing me my life. Never had he admitted to it. My suspicions told me he had wanted me dead. In his eyes could be seen the warning. He thought I was somehow a threat, dangerous to him and perhaps even to Volstagg. Unlike many before him, I doubted he would underestimate me. Which made him smarter than I wanted to believe. There were very few who knew the truth of my history, of where I had come from and why. I would have to proceed with much caution, especially with this man, this killer....shadowing my every move. Savitarr held is position, his back lent against the stone wall as if he alone were holding it up. His eyes tracked my movements with a slow precision. He was sloppily dressed, the lines of his face told me not only had the man been thinking hard about something but he was determined. And this lazy appearance was nothing more than an act. His guise did not fool me. I kept the knowledge from my face, that pretty face blank of expression. I transferred the ledger to the curl of my right hand, allowing my left to dangle naturally at my side. This subtle motion, freed my dominant hand. As I did this, he shifted from the wall and turned to face me squarely. My steps slowed, halting with a distance of three feet between us. The alley was dead silent as we faced each other. This confrontation had long been coming. "Let us speak frankly, Savitarr." His name was like acid on my tongue, the tone of my words blunt and echoed with the utter disdain and trust I felt for the man. Though I tried to keep such things from my voice, in the moment it was impossible to do. " I. Do. Not. Trust. You. You and I both know why. As it is, we are stuck with one another. Let us not pretend niceness. I haven't the time or the energy for it. And I do not care about your issues, whatever they are, get over them. This will be done and then, if luck favors us....we will never have need to see each other again. Ever." I dared to hope that was true. In truth, I hoped I would never for forced to rely on this man. My breath shook slightly as I inhaled. There was a stink in the air and I was uncertain if was the man before me or the rott of things unseen in the alley. There was the flare of my nostrils and twitch of my lip as I sought a distraction from the odor. A vagrant smile travelled the thin line of his lips as I spoke. He enjoyed that I did not like him. And even more that I did not trust him. He was proving a more vile man with each passing moment. Without warning his hand snatched upwards, capturing the small jut of my chin in the curl of his index finger and lifting my face upwards. Thick, calloused fingers pinched against porcelain skin as I jerked away from him, diamond eyes burned brilliantly the anger I felt. He laughed, the sinister lyric bounced off the stone walls and echoed down the alley. "Don't worry, Princess. I'll keep you safe. Because it will be of benefit to me. And I will be watching you. Everything you do. I know of you Cosian women, your family. That sister of yours....the map maker...what was her name?" A chill wedged its way between the knobs of my spine, coiled like cold fingers around my bones. I had never sought to hide any information about myself. In his eyes, I could see that he already knew her name. And possibly, her whereabouts. The urge to slice his throat open and watch the gush of blood as it painted the stones in sanguine colors caused the itching of my palm and the hitch of a breath to rattle in my throat. We stood motionless, neither of us yet to move then. The lines had been drawn, we each of us on either side. This was going to be a treacherous task that very well might cost me my life. (10/26/14 11:37:18 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A .Merchant of Sulport. [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: I refused to let him see that his words left shards of ice in my veins. Instead a smile was slow to spread upon the perfect shape of naturally red lips. It was the kind of smile that devistated like a natural disaster. "She is of no concern to me. I trust that where ever she is...whatever game she plays at....it has nothing to do with me. I am here because it is where I want to be. It is where I belong. Make no mistake about that." My glare was fixed upon him like the sharpened tip of blade to pierce the skin. He grunted, the sound dismissive and perhaps a bit threatening in nature. "We will see, Princess. Now...don't you have something you should be doing? I for one, cannot believe you wagered against Volstagg. You betray him, your head should adorn that spike up there next to Jakal's. Maybe some day...it will." I turned from him, my hand finding the iron gate to pull it open. I did not want him to see the flash of pain as he mentioned the wager. My loss. Volstaggs win. My heart failed to beat in that fluttering moment. And I replied in the only way I could think too in that moment. Reeling from the angst and the turmoil, my voice was chillingly, irrationably calm. "Or perhaps, yours will." My face turned to regard him, revealing once more that pretty smile. It was the kind of pretty that promised a blade to the heart. I traveled the shadowed corridor that opened up onto the courtyard, steeling myself to the sight of it and to the man's presence behind me. I told myself he was nothing. A shadow. Unreal. And forced myself to forget that he was there. It was an old technique but one I was very good at. (10/26/14 13:18:25 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A .Merchant of Sulport. [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: As I emerged from the darkness, I found myself within the desolate courtyard. The once pristine white stone had greyed. Lack of care, aging and weather had all played their part in the slow decay of that once beautiful garden. Memories overlay the reality and I glimpsed both what was and what is in tandem. The images warped around one another like an alternate dimension or two time lines happening simultaneously. Then. And now. There was the rapid blinking of my eyes, to clear away the memories that distracted me. I folded open the ledger, braced it against me and took a marking stick within the grip of my left hand. Upon the rence I began to make notes. Guessing at the measurements and making rough sketches. I walked the length of the courtyard, careful of the crumbling stones and broken benches. My gaze lingered over the blood-stained stones that read of death and violence so that even the layers of dust were unable to hide them. Savitar got lost in the shadows, though once in a while I could hear the skittering of a small stone or the grit of his steps as he mirrored my path. Though I walked along the ruins of the courtyard and he remained beneath the covering of the open palisades that ran parallel. I stood now in the center of the courtyard, turning slowly to admire the footage. My gaze would slowly rise, following the creeping growth of ivy. The compound was a tall structure, consisting of three floors and windows overlooked the interior of the courtyard. On some floors, behind the plates of glass, I could see the movement of shadows. My eyes were drawn to the dark awning covered balcony. At first I thought it just the awning caught in the breeze that had garnered my attention but as I watched, I realized a man lingered within the darkness. Slowly he stepped forward, his hands come to rest upon the railing. Even from here I could see thick fingers, the strong grip as his knuckles turned bone white. As he lent down I realized the familiar face of Thudric watching me from above. I met his cold eyes with a gaze of as hard as steel. Perhaps because I had lingered so long, the marking stick held aloft in the curl of my fingers as I stood staring....that warranted Savitar to invade the space of the courtyard. I had not heard him, his steps born of silent stealth so that he was just suddenly behind me. Like the casting of a shadow born of flesh and blood. The deep timber of his voice was a growl that whispered thickly with sarcasm. "You make friends everywhere, don't you?" (10/26/14 13:56:25 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A .Merchant of Sulport. [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: My lips curled slightly as I recalled that particular visit to the compound. I had meant only to see Volstagg. And instead, destroyed my old things. To be included in that destruction, was Thudric's face. My expression soured as I heard Savitar. A laugh was born from my lips, low and soft so that it was nearly nonexistant. "Were I man, the broken nose and near loss of an eye might have resulted in some kind of male commradery. But as it is, I am but a woman. And he is no friend of mine. I am not certain what he thinks of me but he is one to be watched, above all others." My tone was flat, lacking of all emotional depth as I spoke. A sharp focus was maintained upon Thudric until he withdrew once more into the darkness. My gaze could not pentrate the shadows to determine if he remained watching but my instincts told me with certainty that he did. My eyes lingered on the balcony a moment longer staring into the darkness as if I could see him there. "I suspect my death will be swift, if he can manage it. I do not fear him." Once more the calm of my voice washed softly in the silence of the courtyard, the narrow line of my shoulders lifted in a dismissive shrug. The marking stick held in my left hand was once more pushed to the rence as I marked out the windows, the balcony and the numbers of each. I could feel Savitar watching me now, as if his eyes bear down onto the back of my head, as if he were considering something. When he spoke, his words were a statement. "You do not fear death." The marking stick flowed scratched against the rence leaving notes that likely would be understood by anyone other than myself. I exhaled softly, the warmth of my breath reflected back from the drawing I held so close. "No. I do not." I confirmed simply, in the way one might acknowledge that the sky is blue and the grass is green. In the end, death was our only guarantee. (10/26/14 14:20:07 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A .Merchant of Sulport. [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: I tucked the marking stick into the ledger and closed it, holding the ledger itself in the brace of my right arm once more. This was already proving to be quite an undertaking. The courtyard alone would require extensive attention. Not to mention the compound itself. And I had yet to even scratch the surface. The line of perfectly groomed brows lifted in thought. "There is much for me to think on and I grow hungry." I was not sure why I explained to Savitar why I was ready to depart the compound. Or perhaps I just did not want him to think it was for any other reason. I strode away from him. He would follow in his own time. I knew, likely lingering to ensure that I was not followed from the compound. I traveled the alley with quick steps and a long stride. The alley was surprisingly empty and the only sound were the ones telling of my departure. Edited by Valia, Oct 26 2014, 09:20 PM.
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| Valia | Nov 9 2014, 10:27 PM Post #2 |
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Deaths Lady
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[continues] (11/09/14 11:59:37 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to ALL: I returned to Sulport feeling a bit victorious. The Feast of Fools had been an exciting experience. Between the spars, the dances and the mask, I had been mightily distracted. But as life resumed its normal course, there were matters that required my direct attention. Following the streets that snaked through the city, I made my way seemingly towards the hall. A cloak of Sulportian blue billowed around the skirts of my robing, caught in the drafts that filtered over the paver stones of the streets. There was a chilling bite to the breeze yet it went ignored. Pretty features were schooled into a serene expression. After all, what was there not to be happy about? A man of Sulport stood as Champion of the tournaments. The slaves of Sulport had showed obvious skills among the dance competition. And the mask, it was nearly a Sulportian invasion. And too there was that other thing. The debt. The words echoed through my mind spilling an insidious little grin across my lips. I drew the cloak of my hood up, blocking the chill of the winds temporarily. A sideways glance was given as I looked to see if Savitar was trailing me. It was likely, but I did not see his face. (11/09/14 12:11:37 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: Those pale eyes veered up the tall steps of the hall towards the landing, the gaze held to the doors momentarily as I passed. I could imagine the welcoming warmth of the fires ablaze in the hearths, the scent of searing meats and baking breads, and perhaps the soft murmur of conversations. The hall was a pleasant gathering place for the citizens of the city. I tried to imagine the faces gathered within but there was one among them who haunted me. Full lips pressed together into a thin line but that did little to stop the skew of a grin, half-hidden. I walked with purpose, quick in stride with little consideration of anything else. Only when I reached the alley that would lead me to the Compound did I slow down. I turned the corner and began the trek in shadows. At one time, the alley had given me pause to worry. But no longer was that the case. I had gone barely ten paces when I heard the heavy cadence of steps behind me. I could hear the labor of his breathing echo from the stone walls as I continued forward never bothering to slow down. I smiled. "You should try to keep up." Chanted in the silvery tone of a female voice, the accent soft and marbled with a certain nobility. Purely Cosian. From behind there was a growl. It seemed Savitar was getting fat on mead or whatever it was that Karians preferred to drink. It made no matter to me, I enjoyed his struggle. A delicate hand found perch on the iron gate and pulled. It screeched loudly as it opened, announcing our arrival in the most horrendous fashion. That would be the first thing replaced, I thought, before stepping into the shadows of the archway. (11/09/14 12:48:04 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: I had made most of my decisions in regards to the compound itself. The foundation, the skeleton was sound. It had weathered time and the elements and stood strong. I did not want to change it. My gaze fixed on the corridors as I passed the decaying courtyard. It was the last thing I wanted to see. I would give her a new face, a new life. But in doing so, there were doors I had never dared to open, rooms not yet discovered and floors I had not yet trespassed upon. In order to make those last changes, I had to see them all. The compound was comprised of three floors, an enclosed courtyard and below....a basement as large as the compound itself. I turned down the corridor and stopped beneath the arch that I knew would lead into his office. Listening to the silence, I turned inside to glimpse the interior. The black stone surface of the desk was polished to a mirror-like shine. Upon its surface sat three skulls so pristinly white they all but glowed. My gaze swept from them up to the wall. Racks of weapons were displayed like pretty ornaments of death. The chair behind desk was empty of course. I exhaled softly, drawing back into the hall where Savitar lingered. His presence annoyed me though I tried not to let it show. I retraced my footsteps and turned then into the corridors that had been designed like a series of mazes. It was uncanny how easily I remembered the steps that would take me to the room that had once been mine. I did not bother to open that door. The room had been ransacked and left in dissaray. But as I walked that long hall I began pushing open doors and glancing inside. Sleeping quarters, social quarters, all the same and yet different by the decorum. Sparsely furnished in some while others seemed overly done. I had to wonder at the number of rooms as I counted them in my head. Perhaps the compound had originally been an inn or barracks. I could only yet guess. (11/09/14 13:09:47 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: I entered yet another series of rooms and crossed to the window. It looked out over the courtyard. Not a very pretty view at the moment. But I could see what it was to become. This would change. This room would be made into a balcony. As would the mirror-room across the courtyard. Two interior balconies. My gaze swept towards those windows to see it filled with shadow. A large man, his face pressed close enough to the glass that it fogged with his breath. Our eyes locked for a moment and there was the flicker of something in his cold eyes that chilled me to the bone. My own eyes narrowed in return before I stepped away from the window to continue this exploration. Savitar moved ahead of me, ensuring rooms were emtpy before he'd allow me to pass. Apparently the sight of the berserker had spooked him. The rooms I observed were cold. The air stale and uncirculated, as if they had sat empty and unusued for ions. Perhaps they had. I noted that many hearths were vacant of ashes and any signs of occupancy. There were some rooms however, that were clearly being used. I opened the door to one such room. Its occupant gone but signs that he or she would likely return were obvious. A brazier remained lit, casting its soft glow and comforting warmth about the room. The furs were piled in such a manner to suggest someone had slept in. I did not enter the room but stood in the doorway. My gaze swept the interior slowly, finding a large axe leaning against a huge shield, both tucked into a corner out of the way. I decided, I did not wish to meet the person using the room. As I stepped back, I collided with Savitar. He had been looking at what I was looking at, over the top of my head. A scowl curled my lips as I looked up at him. He was too silent for my liking. It donned on me then that I had heard him in the alley only because he had wanted me too. "I don't know about you.... but I don't care to meet the person staying in that room." As usual, Savitar had no reply. He merely looked on soberly. I laughed jokingly, but I meant it. I would have to guess the man to be the size of a mountain to carry such a shield and axe. Eventually that man would have to be evicted, right? I shook my head, following Savitar back through the maze of corridors. (11/09/14 14:11:24 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: It seemed the following rooms were inspected at a faster rate. At least until I came upon the private bath. I paused and lingered here, having been unaware that such exited within the compound. It was quite the luxury to have a private bath and I stared in disbelief. The ceiling was domed, the air moist and warm and my steps echoed along the hollowed interior. Savitar had resumed his vigil, stalking the hall silently but I knew he was there. My gaze drifted to the waters in the sunken tub as I stepped to the edge and stooped down. Fingers curled, slicing through the water swiftly. The water was warm. A flick of fingers to cast the water from skin was given as I stood. The soft "hmmmmmmmmm" of consideration whispered over the stone interior, the chorus echoed back at me. I joined Savitar in the hall then. There was but two areas left to visit and I'd have all the information I needed. We proceeded back through the maze of corridors to cross the interior courtyard. There were stairs here, leading up to the quarters I knew were his. I paused at the door opening it only a sliver before glimpsing inside. It was empty. I turned then to Savitar. "Wait here. I'll be ...right back." On his face was an expression of curiosity. He stepped forward as if to ignore me and I drew the door closed. "This is Volstaggs personal quarters. I don't think you've been invited inside?" I cast him a scathing look but it was the words that stopped him short. A knowing snarl pulled at his lip. A strangled sound in rattled in the back of his throat as he stepped back turning his attention to the length of hall. Pushing the door open I stepped inside and shut it behind me. I had only ever been in the room once and had not had time to linger. Slow steps carried me through the room and my gaze swept it with starving eyes. Every piece was knowledge stored away. The furs had been left wrinkled, fingers ghosted over them untouching as I walked by. My steps halted at the low table that sat beside them and from the folds of my cloak was revealed an apple. It was as large as the palm of my hand, firm and unblemished in any red. Its flesh as red as blood. I left it upon the table before exiting the room. I knew the closet, what was contained within, and had no purpose to explore it further. Emerging from the room, I pulled the door shut behind me. Savitar waited in the hall and his voice snickered dryly..."That was brief.".... I cast him a less than friendly smile and bit back the reply -thats what she said- ..... (11/09/14 14:25:22 ) [.Deaths Lady.] V A L I A |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: That left only the basement. I exhaled softly as we descended the stairs. Careful of my footing as I went, the stone edge of the stairs looked wicked sharp. Once we were once more in the courtyard I grimaced as I had to ask... "where's the entrance to the basement?" His steps paused half way across the courtyard as he turned back to face me...."there's a basement?"... My own steps haulted abruptly. Had I missed it? Was it hidden? And why did Savitar not know. "I thought so...perhaps I shall just ask Volstagg the next time I see him." I adjusted the line of cloak about my shoulders as my stride resumed. We were done here for the moment. Following Savitar across the courtyard now, the skin at the nape of my neck tingled. My gaze lifted to the windows above us and once more there eyes staring down. Not just one set but several. My eyes held to theirs unable to look away until the last minute when the arched opening swallowed us into darkness. Savitar closed the gate behind me, its squeal less severe closing than opening. We walked the alley in silence until it merged with the more public walkway. I stepped into the small crowd of people and left him behind. He would follow eventually.... |
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