The Inn of the Singing Rose

[ 93] Alessio: Revelations III
Sat Feb 28 17:51:07 2009
To: Readers

His work had taken many weeks, but at long last, he had brought together a force worthy of his God's love.

The people were many, and from every corner of the city. Among their numbers were nobles like himself, the beggars and lepers of the slums, a handful of merchants, a few guards, and one or two mages of Valdislav.

Every evening at six o'clock, the people would gather by the statue with no name to hear the sermons of Alessio di Rossetti, he who had surrendered himself to the living God, Kataplexi.

And soon enough, he would go out and strike at the Usurper who sat on his throne. He would need every soul he could convince to help him. He would need them to protect him. And, in the end, he would need them to capture the false Marquis, Jurevicus Galilee, so that the gith could be brought to justice.

He had an ally in the non-believer, Tarmalon Darkstone. Though he knew that he would need the dwarf, he also knew that his lack of faith was a fundamental problem. Once all was said and done, he would need to be dealt with.

Looking up at the face of the nameless statue, Alessio smiled. First things first, he would remind himself. The gith would have to die.

A Harsh Mistress
Feb. 23rd, 2009
Players: Alea, Jurevicus
Summary: Jurevicus learns that Alea has been converted by the vampiric vintner, Tsaen Shadowheart. In a fit of anger, he dismisses her from his service.

Surveyors, prospectors, and other men of varying trades poked about the Vineyards of Irae, checking on the crop and ensuring that the new owner was taking good care of the property. There had been strange sightings and sounds being reported from this area of the city, and now Jurevicus found that it was his responsibility to check up on the grounds. Not to mention the fact that he was more than a little interested in the peculiar drow who had assumed ownership of the place, and had hoped for an opportunity to speak to him. [Jurevicus]

Alea is seen sitting under a tree watching the strangers. She recognizes the new Marquis but remains still. She doesn’t venture out into the winery as the sun is still out but remains in the shadows...hidden. [Alea]

One of the assembled tradesmen approaches Jurevicus and speaks. "Sir, I can't find no-one 'bout the grounds." The Marquis looks at him, dissecting him with his black eyes. "Are you certain?" he inquires, his tone betraying a hint of annoyance. The man nodded and moved off, and Jurevicus turned to regard
the distant home of the vintner. "And where could the little Lord Shadowheart be?" [Jurevicus]

Alea wonders what all is happening in the vineyards below. Soon her curiosity gets the best of her she stands in the view of the visitors, and waves to the men below, trying to get someone's attention.

The keen eye of Jurevicus had spotted the girl immediately, but at the distance he couldn't tell just who she was. "You!" he shouts, pointing at one of the surveyors. "You, go and talk to that girl, over there." His
jaundiced finger traced a line from the man to the girl, across the horizon. "She's not too far off. If you set out now, you might make it before dark," he adds sarcastically. [Jurevicus]

Satine grinned. Finally she seemed to be getting some attention. "Finally." She simply waited to see who exactly were these strangers in her home, and what they wanted. She was hoping to find out exactly what was wrong. As far as she was concerned this was her responsibility until her husband returned from
his trip. [Alea]

The surveyor ran to the girl, for the most part out of spite over the Marquis' comment -- a deliberate attack on his weight. "G'day, m'am," he struggles, panting for air. "The Marquis wants tae speak with you."
Clutching at his chest, it seemed as though he might collapse from exhaustion. [Jurevicus]

Alea smirked. "Oh, does he? Then tell him if he wishes to speak with me, he can bring himself here to me. I’m afraid I don’t go out in the vineyards." Her eyes sparkle... if he passes out he may make and quick meal... then again... maybe not.

The fat surveyor shook his head. "No, I don't think you understand. I said that the -Marquis- is down there an' wants to speak to you. He ain't some lackey, he's the boss..." the man paused to take another deep breath, "an' he don't take kindly to people who don't do as they're told." [Jurevicus]

Alea's eyes narrowed. "No, you don’t understand, I will remain where I am and he will come to me if he really wishes to speak with me." The fire in her eyes settled as she tried to keep her temper.

"Miss, I stron--" the fat surveyor began to say, but his voice was buried beneath the raised voice of his employer. "That is enough, Darwin," he commands. "Return to the fields and ascertain for me the quality of the soil, yes?" Nodding, the fat man moved off, leaving Jurevicus and Alea to discuss whatever it was they had to say to each other. As the fat man waddled away, the gith set his dark gaze on the girl. "Why are you here, Alea?" he asks, his tone suggesting that this is the first of many questions he has in store for her.
[Jurevicus]

Alea raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, why am I here? I live here. Why are you here?"

The gith's eyes narrowed as he studied the girl he had once taken under his wing. Something had definitely changed about her. "Let's talk about you, Alea. I ask again, why are you here, little girl?" Jurevicus's words did not conceal his intent in pressing the question; he knew full well why she was here. The drow had taken her. [Jurevicus]

She looked at him coldly. "I live here with my husband. Why else would I be here M'Lord? And why are you looking at me like that?" She studied him cautiously. He must have figured it out... why else would he act such a way? [Alea]

Jurevicus nodded, his suspicion confirmed. "The drow who owns this place -- Tsaen, is it? -- he has... spoiled you?" the gith growls. "Such a tragedy, but it is as it is. Do you have the volume which I gave to you? I must have it back, and I'd rather not have to take it. [Jurevicus]

Seeming taken aback for a moment, Alea said, "You said I could keep it. And what do you mean by spoiled? I am perfectly fine." She watched him a moment. "Is something the matter, M'Lord?" [Alea]

"Of course something is the matter!" Jurevicus snarls, pointing at Alea as if to emphasize his point. "You are the matter, girl. I took you under my wing, as my pupil. You were to learn the art. But you were supposed to be pure. Now you are a corrupted soul. Spoiled." As he completes the rant, the fat surveyor returns to whisper something into his ear. "Spoiled!" Turning on the fat man, he lashes out at him with a clenched fist, finding his mark on the man's nose. A sickening crack issues forth as the surveyor's nose begins to run red with blood. "Go!" he shouts, and the fat man found renewed energy as he scurried away. [Jurevicus]

Alea stared at the Marquis, amazed he could speak to her in such a way. "I..." She seemed speechless in what to say. "Why did I have to be pure? What is wrong with me now?"

"You are tainted with the blood of demons. The dark art can only be mastered by a mortal soul," Jurevicus lies. She did not need to be pure to learn the art. But she did if he was to use her as the sacrifice for the rite. "When did it happen? When were you turned?" [Jurevicus]

Alea shrugged. "Couple weeks ago. I'm still adjusting to the change, honestly. It’s different and violent. Tsaen is my guide." She smiles softly, thinking of her beloved. "Why do you ask?"

Jurevicus waved dismissively at the girl. "Our arrangement is at its end." Turning away from Alea, once his 'prodigy', he adds, "You will return the book at your earliest convenience. Leave it with my maid at the Villa."

Alea winced at her dismissal. "As you wish, m'lord." Funny, she didn’t feel much. If anything, she felt cold, and bitter. It was a new feeling to her, and she wasn’t sure she liked it. She must speak with Tsaen soon.

Dealing With Demons
Feb. 28th, 2009
Players: Ashandra, Jurevicus
Summary: The Speaker of the Aerandiri, Ashandra, comes to Jurevicus with a business proposition and a mutual understanding -- if not friendship -- is forged.

The wine rack in the Villa di Cameratti, long the home of the Marquis of Sanctus Irae, was growing thin on stock. Bottle after dusty bottle had been plucked from her stoic embrace and drained by the gith who had usurped the throne. Spoils of a personal war. Tonight, it was a finer vintage from one of the older wineries in the area. As he poured the red liquid into a fluted glass, Jurevicus wondered what it could be that his latest visitor had to say to him. [Jurevicus]

Ashandra tried her best to put forth a presentable image upon her arrival. Unlike the ruffians she usually dealt with, this man could not be intimidated into doing her bidding. More so, in this meeting he held all the power. She was quite sure he was shrewd enough to know that as well. At any other time she would send Iris to deal with this, a pretty young thing might be able to play to sympathies she could not. But even at her best Iris was a capricious and unpredictable character. There was no telling what she would do now. [Ashandra]

The gith sipped at the wine in his glass, savoring the sweet flavor of the drink. It was, indeed, quite perfect. Crossing to the large table that dominated the dining chamber of the Villa, Jurevicus set the bottle and his glass on top of it. Then, producing a small mirror from a pocket in his vest, he took a moment to groom himself. Unlike most meetings, this was a diplomatic visit. As such, he had to look respectable. He hadn't heard much of the sea-elf named Ashandra, but he knew the ways of her people. They were a cold and intelligent race, and of their leader he would expect nothing less. [Jurevicus]

Ashandra attempted to walk with something resembling poise and grace as she climbed the stairs leading to the front door. She took a moment to steel herself before reaching for the door knocker and applying quite a bit more force than was necessary.

A tall, dark-skinned doorman answered to Ashandra's knock with a smile. "Good evening, Mademoiselle," he speaks with a heavy accent. "The Marquis has been expecting you. You may find him in the dining chamber." Extending an arm in the direction of the indicated room, he steps to the side to allow the sea-elf to pass. [Jurevicus]

Ashandra thanked the man before stepping quickly across the threshold and the man as well, almost as if expecting some kind of treachery. Her movement to the door itself however was noticeably less hasty, and was followed by yet another pause at it as well. She took one last minute to attempt to cover what scars she could with her hair and the sleeves of her dress before cautiously pushing open the door. "Sorry to have kept you waiting." [Ashandra]

The sudden arrival of the sea-elf, and without any knock, caught the Usurper of Irae off guard. Spinning on a heel, he knocks the bottle of wine from the table. It hits the hard floor and shatters, spilling its crimson contents across the stone. "Damnable drink!" cursed Jurevicus as he moved to the door, brushing past Ashandra as if she weren't even there. "Get a man in here to clean this mess at once!" he commands in a blatantly annoyed tone before turning on his visitor. "You! You should have knocked! Now I have wasted a wonderful vintage. Damn, damn, damn, damn!" [Jurevicus]

Ashandra made a mental note of proper etiquette again. It would seem that in spite of how rediculously numerous the doors were in a surface house, each was to be knocked on before entering. What an odd custom. "Apologies sir," she states with a voice devoid of any inflection or emotion. "I will be certain to order a replacement for you on my next shipment."

"Perhaps if you are properly soused for that meeting, I might find myself in an advantageous position." she thought to herself. "I do hope this set back will not reflect too poorly on meetings of such nature in the future." she added with an utter failure of an attempt at a smile. [Ashandra]

"Do not apologize," Jurevicus responds in a blunt manner as he strides to the head of the table and takes up his glass, draining it quickly. He stared at the emptied glass for a few moments before adding, "And do not bother to replace it. Even if you bought the same vintage from the same winery, no two bottles of wine are alike." Setting the glass down on the table, he extends his free hand to an empty chair. "Please, take a seat, miss...?" he inquires. Though her name had been on a brief that he had briefly scanned before their meeting, he could not remember it. [Jurevicus]

Ashandra realized this man was not susceptible to trickery or subservience despite his love of drink. She also begrudgingly noted some similarity between his actions and her own as well. It was not a reflection she particularly enjoyed. “It is simply Ashandra," she stated as she took a seat next to the one indicated. "The rest was discarded long ago." The gruff words almost seemed to calm her. Too many of the others she had met in high positions hid their anger making their intrigues all the more dangerous. [Ashandra]

Pitch-black eyes narrow to a squint as they study the sea-elf while she takes her seat. Her words were frank, direct. Jurevicus appreciated this trait. And her face, marred with scars, seemed unusually attractive to the unorthodox gith. Evidently, there had been some pain in the receipt of those scars. It must be an intriguing story. "Very well, Ashandra," he states with a false smile, "What could you possibly want with me?" [Jurevicus]

"There are several trade caravans that have agreements with some associates of mine. This city is near where the caravans trade, and is safer for our ships than most other ports. Unfortunately some of our cargo may not be allowed in the port now. I was told that you were the one to see about these goods being allowed from their ships to the caravans." [Ashandra]

"Oh? And what would this cargo be?" questions the Usurper as he moves to the wine rack to retrieve another bottle. Nothing could match the vintage he had earlier -- speaking of which, where was the butler to clean the mess? -- but perhaps he could find something to lift the spirit a bit. [Jurevicus]

"Among other things; weapons, alcohol and various bits and baubles I feel no need to inquire about should a captain decide to bring them on board." She stated, watching the Marquis closely. Given his adverse reaction to her first attempts at polite conversation, she was leaning towards blunt honesty being the best approach with this man. "There are other ports I can take these goods to of course, but I fear my associates would not be as safe, and the fees and taxes at these ports are notoriously unstable." she states hoping to lead the conversation towards coin. [Ashandra]

"Ahh, yes. Fees!" exclaimed the Marquis as he pulled a tall bottle of white wine from the rack and dusted it off with the sleeve of his shirt. "Given your position, I could be less than honest and far from charitable," he begins. "But what purpose would this serve me? You see. I need allies. And what's more, I rather like you. So the fee will remain the same as it always had, with one provision." Turning to face Ashandra, he elaborates, "As you can see, the winter and the lack of traders moving through the city has driven my wine rack to a record low. I need spirits, of all variety and vintage. From each shipment that moves through my city, I will require three bottles of exotic drink." [Jurevicus]

Ashandra brought her hands to her head and rubbed her temples with closed eyes, one of her few expressions that actually seemed natural. "This can be arranged, but unless you wish to view each shipment yourself, I'm afraid I can only offer a list of the names and years of the spirits. I am hardly a consumer." She realized that while the cost to her captains will be low this way, the cost to her may be very high indeed in the near future. The deal itself, however, was far too good to pass up. [Ashandra]

"Aha! Excellent!" exclaims the gith as he opens the bottle of wine that he had polished and pours some into a glass. Given her most recent comment, he doesn't bother to offer any to Ashandra. "You will learn to appreciate this offer we have made today, Ashandra. I am not commonly associated with fairness." [Jurevicus]

"While I may not seem pleased I assure you I am as close to ecstatic as I can get." she stated, lowering her hands again. "I am simply trying to remember what is in the next shipment." She turned again to face the Marquis fully. "I also realize that a favor of this magnitude can take much more to repay than I currently anticipate." [Ashandra]

"You know as well as I what these times are like, Ashandra. There is a war raging around us. It never hurts to seek out friends who will aid us, should we ever need them, in the same fashion as we may aid them," Jurevicus states plainly, black eyes fixing on Ashandra. "The only favor I would call on you for is this." [Jurevicus]

Ashandra nodded, listening closely to the words of the man. "Then consider yourself to have won a friend. Regardless of whether dealings in the future are fair or not, I greatly prefer an ally that will state plainly where I stand over those that mask their true intentions with pretty words." [Ashandra]

"An honest businessman does more business than a dishonest one, even if he is commonly rude and angry," Jurevicus responds. "I have never fancied myself to be a dishonest man. I have gotten where I am through honesty and ambition alone." Though that last statement was mostly true, the gith struggled to maintain a straight face. "Are our dealings concluded?" [Jurevicus]

With a fluid motion she produces a piece of parchment and a sharpened charcoal from within her sleeves. she checks the parchment momentarily. "Yes that is all I had unless you have more to add... except of course, what am I to tell the Harbormaster." [Ashandra]

"The Harbormaster's job is to obey me, and to keep our port secure. The first overrides the second. I will sign a document which clearly outlines the terms, and he will follow my command, or he will lose his title and the substantial salary that accompanies it," Jurevicus flatly replies. [Jurevicus]

Ashandra scratches out something on the parchment and returns it. "Then that is indeed all I had to say."

Jurevicus nods. "Very good. Our business is concluded. Thank you for your time, Ashandra, and I look forward to whatever prosperity our newfound arrangement will yield!"

Cold War
March 1st, 2009
Players: Tarmalon, Jurevicus
Summary: Tensions rise as Jurevicus Galilee confronts Tarmalon Darkstone over his new appointment to Arms Master of the city guard. But the hearts and minds of the guard do not belong to the Usurper...

Tarmalon paces the office he had proclaimed as his own late last night, he spoke firmly and quietly to the elfin Quartermaster and a human captain, who had deemed himself important to be involved in the conversation, and Tarmalon had allowed it. He was suprised how easily the guards accepted his authority, without Jurevicus' approval, perhaps his past associations had trickled down the grapevine. The only men who had a problem had run off, presumably to warn the traitor, whom Tarmalon expected shortly, he quickly rambled off a list of changes to be made immediately, Evoran and Bronte committing them to memory immediately, and even shouting orders out the door, it was clear to them, Tarmalon was preparing for war within the city. [Tarmalon]

Word had reached the Interim Marquis through his sources in the guard that a new leader had emerged. It seemed as though the keeper of the Moon Raven, Tarmalon Darkstone, had finally grown tired of being shoved, and was looking to shove back. Unfortunately, Jurevicus Galilee had other plans. He moved deceptively quickly through the city to the barracks, hands clasped behind his back the entire way, and a scowl worn upon his countenance. All those who were watching knew that the Barracks were not going to be a very pleasant place in a few short moments. [Jurevicus]

Tarmalon stops pacing and looks towards the two men still at attention, "Would yer please make sure all der men know dat if they aint willin' ter commit to me as dey would a brotherhood, dey got a minute to clear out, er we execute em as cowards before Jurevicus..." Tarmalon looks back focusing on the office, this was nasty business, but he had to be sure his guard was not spoiled by Jurevicus influence. He glances back over his shoulder, "Dat includes yer two." They nod, knowing they're dismissed they leave the room and see to his orders. He waits, counting off the seconds while giving his armor and weapons a quickly check, just in case. [Tarmalon]

The gith entered Tarmalon's 'office' unannounced and angry. "And just what are you doing here, hmm?" he growls, a hand moving to the pommel of a short blade resting at his hip. "Do you fancy yourself the Arms Master of the city and a tavern keeper, all at once?" Shaking his head, Jurevicus's black eyes stare coldly at the dwarf. "And you think that the men will bow to your authority when I reveal that you are not their appointed commander, hmm?" [Jurevicus]

He smiles and waddles over to sit behind the massive desk, which makes him look much smaller than actually is and looks over the gith, not feeling the least bit threatened, "Ay be thinkin, wit all this goin on, we cant be havin' chaos in der guard, der be a war commin'. We need ter prepare, n someone wit real battle experience." Tarmalon glances over the gith as a large number of guards and the Quartermaster cluster near the door. Confident, he drops the real news, "An' fer der record, me leadership 'ere be sanctioned by Marquis Alessio Di Rossetti, who yer be finden this guard be loyal ter." He looks at Evoran, "Der be prisoners ready?" [Tarmalon]

It wasn't until those last words flowed from Tarmalon's mouth that the Interim Marquis understood his position. Looking over his shoulder, he noted that he was caged into this little office. There were too many bodies between him and the exit for him to even stand a chance at escape. But Jurevicus was also a proud man, and not one to capitulate under any circumstances. Drawing his blade, he growls, "What you are doing now is treason, dwarf. You will let me go,and I will forget this offense." [Jurevicus]

Tarmalon waves his hand carelessly towards the gith, "Yer best put that away, anyone one of these men be more skilled den yer, chanter." He clears his throat, "Ay 'ave no care in yer politics. Yer an Alessio play yer little game, but the guard will nay be answeren ter either of yer no more. We be focusin' on defendin Irae, and our way of life." He glances at the men by the door, realizing this is as much for them as it is for Jurevicus, whom his eyes once again fall upon, "from all threats." [Tarmalon]

The black eyes of the gith shine with frustration as he turns on the assembled host of guards. "No! You do not answer to this dwarf, you answer to the Marquis of Sanctus Irae. You answer to me!" spits Jurevicus, waving his arms emphatically (and nearly striking many of them with his blade in the process). "He has no authority here. He is a pretender, and I command you to arrest him!" [Jurevicus]

Tarmalon watches as several guards step back a few inches, "Trademeister, yer best put that away before we are forced ter disarm yer..." Tarmalon hops off his seat and steps away from his desk unbuckling his swords and resting his hands upon their hilts, ready to strike in the blink of an eye. [Tarmalon]

Jurevicus didn't like it, but he had no choice. Tarmalon's intent was clear enough. If he didn't surrender here, he would lose a lot more than his control over the guard. "Fine," he says in a spiteful way as he sheaths his own blade. "You win." To himself, he adds, 'for now.' [Jurevicus]

Tarmalon nods, satisfied. He really hated blood shed, but these folks were not the kind to be negotiated with, at least not without a superior hand. He returns to his desk, and looks at the angry gith, "Eh, an those folks runnin around thinkin' dey allowed ter form citizen militia groups better disband, der guard consider dem to be a illegal groups, an' any assembly er actions taken by dem will be considered hostile ter Irae's citizens. Ifen dey wanna help, der guard be recruitin, if dey wish to submit ter our new recruiting guidelines an' manage ter pass, der be welcome... ifen yer could pass der word fer me..." [Tarmalon]

The gith's nostrils flared at what he interpreted to be another insult. Salt in the wound. "I may have conceded the barracks and the guard to you, dwarf, but I am not your messenger. If you want to spread the word, do it yourself," Jurevicus retorts. Looking from one guard to another, he studies them -- their faces, particularly -- before looking back to Tarmalon. "And have a good day." Turning on his heel, he moves toward the door, expecting a path to be cleared before him. [Jurevicus]

Tarmalon watches as Jurevicus makes his way through a very narrow path of fully dressed guards. He looks to them, "Finish securing an' setting up the extra barrack defenses first, den begin patrols of main drags an' public areas. At least eight in der patrols. Look fer trustworthy recruits." He scans the eyes of his guards, he knew some of them had to be there, he found it in a red haired man, "'n those of yer who worship der Kataplexi perhaps could mobilize yer fellows.. yer still bein 'ere means we all still gots similar goals..."

He glances at Evoran, "Arrange details ter guard both der trademister and der marquis, might be folks want ter hurt 'em. Yer all be dismissed." Evoran nods, closing the doors to the office as the men disperse, leaving their new Arms Master to come to terms with his commitments. [Tarmalon]

Honor Guard
March 2nd, 2009
Players: Tarmalon, Alessio
Summary: The terms of agreement are established between Tarmalon and Alessio, who questions the loyalty of the city guard. The game plan for Jurevicus is discussed, and Alessio makes clear his desire for revenge.

33. That was how many hours it had been since Tarmalon had slept, or at least he'd convinced himself he'd caught an afternoon nap before all this had began. The barracks were far different looking from how they had looked just this morning. Comfort had been sacrificed to increase room for almost fifty percent more beds, and everything had been fortified to use the barracks as a command center, and a fallback point. He had spoken to Felipe who would be fortifying any armor he worked on with mithril from the Darkstone private stocks, as long as his guards could keep getting the shipments through the gates. "Even if Vermicio
never makes it to our city," he mused as he looked over maps and other documents from his predecessors, "Jurevicus will be trouble enough, after all, there has already been blood spilled in the poor quarters." [Tarmalon]

Though the flock had gathered before the statue of the Nameless One to hear another sermon from the deposed Marquis of Sanctus Irae, they would soon discover that there would be no service this night. Alessio di Rossetti had other business to tend to, and that business was named Tarmalon Darkstone, the stubborn dwarf who had appointed himself as Arms Master of the city. Word had come to him of this dwarf's new role within the city, and di Rossetti was unsure how he should interpret Tarmalon's actions. Were they to his advantage, or did Tarmalon have some sinister plot of his own? After all, he was a non-believer, and this made him untrustworthy at best. [Alessio]

He slowly marks on a large map of the city and surrounding areas places he, and previous Arm's Master's noted to be weaknesses. What he really had to figure out though, was how exactly Jurevicus would plan on retaliating. He had the perfect chance to arrest him this morning, but he needed Jurevicus to be seen walking from the barracks on his own free will, leaving Tarmalon be. He stood quietly at the door looking down the long street, men were still outside constructing simple bunks for the barracks expansion. He strained his eyes, where he would turn to reach the Moon Raven. [Tarmalon]

Di Rossetti arrived at the barracks to find the place in a state of utter chaos and upheaval. Men moved this way and that, and hammers pounded into wooden beams loudly as new bunks and fortifications were being constructed and erected. "G'day, sir," speaks one of these men as Alessio brushes past, and it takes a moment for him to recognize the man as a follower of the Kataplexi. When, at long last, he comes to the door of the Arms Master's office, he raps on it loudly and announces himself. "Marquis Alessio di Rossetti, here to see the Arms Master and to inspect the grounds." [Alessio]

Tarmalon rises to his feet, he had once again been studying his plans. "Marquis..." he nods his respect, but does not salute. "Sorry fer der mess, Ay 'm makin' fer war... time be against us..." He steps around the massive desk and walks towards the Marquis, "Yer be wanted a report den? Operation Flawless Lion succeeded, Jurevicus lost control of der guard, every man yer see here be either loyal ter der Kataplexi, der throne, or me reputation, seems few these folks been lookin for leadership... His Crimson friends der be in sad shape, hopefully der boys can deal wit them before der can re-organize..." [Tarmalon]

"Crimson boys?" replied the Marquis, an eyebrow arched. "As in the Crimson Hand?" Grinning, Alessio moved toward an uncomfortable-looking oaken chair and sat. "I had heard that they'd collapsed, following a disagreement between their leadership over whether or not to cooperate with the guard." Looking toward Tarmalon, he adds, "You see, your man Bronte was working with them." [Alessio]

Tarmalon clears his throat, "Ay been taken some... war time liberties, Marquis. Ay've outlaws Crimson Hand's activities, an' we be actively recruitin, anyone who passes me new entrance requirements be welcome, Crimson Hand er nay" He stops and looks down at his map, "Ay gave any member of the guard a choice, swear loyalty, leave, er die." He glances toward the open door before continuing, "Only three left, Bronte in front." [Tarmalon]

"Keep an eye on him, Tarmalon," advises Alessio as he, too, takes a moment to look into the common area of the barracks, cluttered and bustling with many off-duty guardsmen who were contributing to the effort. "If he hasn't come on side by tomorrow, I would recommend that you take action." Reaching into a pocket in the tattered remains of his jacket, he retrieves a small snuff box. But when he opens it, there is no substance, simply a small effigy of his God. "If the Kataplexi wills it, he will see the way..." [Alessio]

The dwarf nods slowly, Bronte was a regrettable loss, but perhaps his loyalty was to Crimson Hand, not to Jurevicus, they weren't entirely ubiquitous yet. "Der already been bloodshed in der poor quarters, cen only assume it was Crimson folks, no one would speak wit me boys, maybe one o'yer brethren seen sommot?" He pauses as he scans his map, looking towards the port, "Ay'd like ter focus on Jurevicus, but we gots ter be thinkin about Vermicio as well, don' think der be much warnin' when his folks come our way... But Jurevicus will try sommot shortly... Ay've assigned men ter both yer and Jurevicus. Limit his movement an' ability to organize against us, 'n ter give yer some extra protection... might try ter sway the loyalty of the guard by killen yer." [Tarmalon]

The deposed Marquis focused on the effigy for a few moments and his eyes began to glaze over. "He could try," spoke di Rossetti in a distant tone, as if he were someplace else altogether, "but I wouldn't place any coin on his chances of success." Shaking his head and tucking the statuette back into its box, his eyes slowly begin to revert to their normal appearance. "He is at one disadvantage, though. While he recognizes no God, I recognize the one, True God. Where he is left to fend for himself, I have the loving embrace of the Kataplexi. In me there is no doubt; I have seen my God at work. In him, there can be no certainty." [Alessio]

Tarmalon shrugs, "Yer God, tolerates me disbelief, hope yer will as well, and allow me security detail... Crowd control fer yer preachin' efforts..." He pulls a piece of paper from beneath the map and places it on top, "Strategy 'Fiery Lion' has already begun wit foot patrols of major public areas... When fortifications are finished we will increase der patrols, hopefully seekin' disruptors of Iraenian belief and revitalize ranks wit more recruits. Perhaps yer or der Kataplexi could influence more of yer followers ter increase our ranks..." Tarmalon stops and smiles behind his beard, he had never felt as connected to his father as he did at this moment, he finally understood why his father was always so stoic and thoughtful, he was trying to predict the situation to know who would be the next enemy before they did. He closes his eyes to relish the secular moment before looking to the Marquis. [Tarmalon]

"Perhaps," came the Marquis' response as he rose to his feet. "I would have to consult with her, and then I would need to speak with my people. I will not command any of them to act against their own wills or principles, but I will present the option to them." Nodding, Alessio adds, "many are able-bodied, but without homes; they are the refugees of Vermicio's war. Perhaps they could put themselves to use here, in exchange for a place to live and food to eat." [Alessio]

Tarmalon nods, "We dun have enough men ter properly defend from an army an' have attackers behind our lines..." Glances almost nervously at the Marquis, "Marquis, ifen Vermicio attacks before Jurevicus been dealt wit, ay'll need yer ter allow me ter declare immediate military control of der city..." [Tarmalon]

"If the Kataplexi wills it, you will have my full support," responds the Marquis, again sounding somewhat distant. "If it is in the interest of this city and her people, the Kataplexi is likely to support such a move. But it it acts contrary to her ambitions or the city's wellbeing, it will be met with resistance. Understood?" [Alessio]

Tarmalon clears his throat, "Ay care very little for der ridiculous religious disputes, Ay simply will nay allow Irae ter be trampled over. S'long as yer god aint tryin' ter take away my freedoms, yer der as yer please.. As ay been saying, aym willin ter work wit yer people, indoctrinated er nay." He pauses, but not long enough for Alessio to respond, "Marquis, wat der yer wish us ter do with Jurevicus? Ay could remove him forcibly wit... acceptable casualties…” [Tarmalon]

"No!" shouted Alessio, with more conviction behind his voice than there has ever been before. "No. Jurevicus is mine, and mine alone. You will keep him under surveillance at all times. You will assign an honor guard to him. You will make him feel safe. And when the moment arises in which my God determines that I am ready, I will re-emerge from the slums and I will take back what is mine." [Alessio]

Tarmalon clears his throat and nods. "As yer wish... and ifen he tries sommot?"

"Stop him. Hurt him. But do not kill him. He is mine," commands the Marquis. With that, Alessio turned toward the doorway. "If you have further need of me, I can be found by the statue of the Nameless One, behind the Theatre de Santorus. It is where my people gather." [Alessio]

Tarmalon nods, "Yer be well, sir." Tarmalon continues looking over his maps until he falls asleep at his desk. [Tarmalon]

A New Apprentice
March 8th, 2009
Players: Arina, Jurevicus
Summary: Arina returns a tome given to her by Jurevicus, but discovers that her new tutor is not a kind man.

The office of the Interim Marquis was completely and utterly silent, but for the scraping of quill against parchment as Jurevicus Galilee scribbled his thoughts down on an aged leaf of paper. The light of the candles which he had placed on his desk danced softly across his form, casting odd shadows, and their smoke clung to the rafters in thick clouds. Occasionally, the gith paused to sip at a glass of red wine which sat to his left, but for the most part he remained focused on the writing of the level, his countenance the very image of stern resolve. [Jurevicus]

A soft knock sounds at the door. She wasn’t sure if this was a good time to disturb the Marquis or not, but he had told her to return the book when she was finished. She patiently awaited to see if he was busy or not. [Arina]

Jurevicus cursed as the knock sounded, effectively derailing his train of thought. "What?" he snaps at the door, even as he sets the ruined note to the flame.

Arina took a deep breath as she entered the chamber. "Is that how you greet all your guests sir?" She smiled politely at the Marquis.

"Those who interrupt me while I am at work, yes," retorts the gith as he takes up his glass. From his tone and inflection, it is quite clear that he has had a little too much to drink tonight. "What do you want?" he presses as he pulls another leaf of paper from his desk, while the first smoulders on the floor at its base. [Jurevicus]

"I came to return your book. You said to return it when I was finished. It was very interesting." She holds out the volume to him. [Arina]

Jurevicus paused as he looked up at the girl, an eyebrow arched. "Did you do nothing but read for the past day, Arina?" he growls, clearly put off by the girl's unexpected arrival.

Arina looks down. "Once I set my mind to a task I like to see it through. It’s my nature." She looks back up at him. "Would you rather me take a month of Sundays?"

The gith was a man who liked to plan everything. He had very careful and obsessive notes on every event which he anticipated. The return of the sea-elf, especially so soon, did not play along with his plans. "You should study it further. Do not return it to me so soon. There are meanings hidden between every word in that tome." Setting his glass down, Jurevicus took up his quill; he assumed that this would be the end of their discussion. [Jurevicus]

Arina frowns at the man. This one is never satisfied. "I do as you ask and you dismiss me like that?"

A long, pronounced sigh escaped from the bowels of the Interim Marquis as the girl persisted to hound him. "How clear must I make myself, hmm?" Jurevicus mutters, more to himself than to Arina. "There is no possible way that you could have read that volume and deciphered all of its many secrets in a single day. Why can I say this? Because there is no possible way that you are more brilliant than I, and it took me two days." [Jurevicus]

Arina smirks. "Perhaps I had nothing to do, other than read, hmm?" She watches the gith carefully. It seems there is no way of pleasing this one.

Jurevicus uttered a curse in his native tongue before angrily snatching the book from the sea-elf's grip. "Fine. Fair enough. You have finished the tome," he barked, tearing open a drawer in his desk and dropping the book inside. "Go. Now. Think about what you have read, and come back to me tomorrow." [Jurevicus]

"That’s it? Go and think about it?" She frowns, very disappointed. She was hoping for more. [Arina]


"What is it that you want, Arina?" roars the gith as he jumps to his feet, his chair crashing to the floor behind him. "Would you have me give you another tome? And what, pray tell, would you prefer? Necromancy? Perhaps you could learn to raise the dead in a single day!" Shaking his head, Jurevicus takes his glass and drains it before throwing it at the wall to the immediate left of his pupil. "Yes. You will go and you will think about what you have read, because you obviously did not understand what the tome meant when it emphasized patience!" [Jurevicus]

Arina watches the gith calmly. "Are you quite finished? Obviously you have had too much drink to think with a level head." She continues studying him. "I’m not asking for a miracle. Just that you teach me."

The gith glared at Arina through narrowed eyes, his left eye twitching with anger. This one was annoying, impatient, incessant, and possibly more akin to him than anybody he had ever met. And this made him angrier than he had ever been before. "You want me to teach you, hmm?" Jurevicus growls. [Jurevicus]

Arina simply nods.

Jurevicus rounded his desk and approached the sea-elf quickly, raising a backhand to her. Without a word, he strikes her. "If you are going to be as impudent as you are now, our time as teacher and student is come to an end. Understood?"

Arina turns back to face him, her eyes full of rage. "I… understand." She spat out the words, trying to keep her temper under control. She knew that she still needed him.

"Good," the gith stated plainly, his anger assuaged, and he reaches to stroke her cheek where he had struck her. His hand caressed the wound a moment, and he observed her as a father might study his daughter, before he cups her chin in his hand and forces her to look upon him. "Now, you will go, and you will think about what you have read. And if you do not..." His voice trails off there, allowing Arina to fill in the blank. [Jurevicus]

Arina lowers her eyes. "Yes sir, as you wish." She then hurried from the office. She didn’t want to think of what the other side of that sentence entailed.