The Inn of the Singing Rose

This thread will be a storing place for all of the RP logs and notes that play into this plot directly.

[ 72] Jurevicus: The Long-Neglected Chamber
Thu Oct 9 00:23:59 2008
To: Readers
"There was an old gravekeeper. A strange sort of man. He kept to himself mostly, but rumors were abound about his involvement with one cult or another. He resided in the cemetery, amongst the dead, but his cabin was destroyed many fortnights ago."

The words remained clear in the Trademeister's mind as he stalked through the cold and dark graveyard, searching for signs of a residence. It was a large property, a fact which seemed quite uncommon for burial places.

As he approached a neglected gravestone near the rear of the yard, a cacophony of unearthly sounds arose and assailed him, forcing him to recoil several steps, where he regained his composure. 'That was odd,' thought the gith as he again stepped forward, this time with his mind prepared for the audible assault.

He worked to discern the meaning of the words, as archaic as they sounded and as seamlessly as they flowed. It was a mess of dead words... Latin, perhaps?

Jurevicus could only pick a single phrase from the jumble: find the orb, and find the truth.

The gith turned to leave, but as he turned, he saw the wrecked frame of the late gravekeeper's home. And protruding from it was a single pillar of stone, glowing oddly in the night.

The Trademeister approached the block cautiously, and as he drew in closer he could see it: a yellow orb-like substance. What was it, brimstone?

'Find the orb, and find the truth,' the words came to him again. He couldn't resist. Reaching out to grasp the stone, the gith was startled as the ground below his feet gave, dropping him through a cloud of suddenly-stirred dust and down a narrow, but steep, tunnel. With a sudden thud, his frail form hit the cold earth at the end of the drop, and the gith was sure that something had been broken. But when he managed to regain his feet, he knew that this was not the case.

His eyes took a moment to adjust to the darkness below as moonlight filtered through the gaps of the wooden trapdoor above. When they had, he could see clearly that he was lost in a maze of tunnels. On the far end, a pile of waste -- including humanoid bones -- lay, collecting dust.

He crossed the room, stumbling on the unevenly carved ground as he proceeded, and when he came to the pile, he kicked at it with the toe of his boot, shifting skulls and dust aside. And then he saw it: another, much narrower tunnel, only knee-high.

Rolling up his sleeves and the legs of his pants, the gith crawled through the opening, unsure of what to expect.

When he came out the other side, he was startled as twenty birch-bark torches suddenly came alive with blue flames, crackling and providing illumination for what lay within.

As the gith surveyed his surroundings, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped.

It was a massive chamber, ornately designed. The walls were fashioned of marble of the deepest ebon and inscribed with a plethora of new and foreign symbols. Bookshelves were arranged around the room's periphery, gathering dust.

And in the center of the room, a raised platform with an altar of deepest stone and an arch of marble above. In the arch, a pentacle had been carved and filled with gold.

"What is this place?" asked the Trademeister, his tone one of amazement.

"I'm glad that you found me," an old voice spoke, a hint of Slavic accent betrayed. "It is time for us to begin our work, Jurevicus."

[ 76] Jurevicus: Desperate Times, Desperate Measures
Thu Nov 13 20:55:06 2008
To: Readers
The Slav's tone was anxious, his voice ringing repeatedly in the head of his newest agent. "Find the Marquis. Bring him to me. Find the Marquis. Bring him to me."

The message was running on a loop, as if there were nobody speaking, and yet the Trademeister of Irae knew better. The Slav was very much accounted for, though maybe not present.

He had lost his corporeal form in a horrible accident some months prior, consumed by deep black magefire. Since that day, the spirit was left to drift from street to street, seeking out a medium.

He had found one.

"Find the Marquis. Bring him to me." The gith's black eyes focused on the Villa, narrow slits in sunken sockets. The guards were sleeping, as per usual. If he moved swiftly, aided by the Slav's magic, he'd never be detected.

Pointing at his bare feet, Jurevicus uttered some quick words in an ancient tongue. Black mists came together suddenly, lifting him from the Earth and suspending him in midair. He smiled.

Drifting toward the Marquis' balcony, it took all of his restraint to contain himself. He was giddy. The spell had worked!

A part of a curtain here, a twist of a neck there, and he was inside the Marquis' own bedchamber, looking over the sleeping form of di Rossetti. He withdrew a long, narrow pipe and loaded a thin dart into it. Bringing his chapped lips to its end, he blew hard, casting the dart into the throat of the slumbering Marquis.

Alessio sat upright suddenly, grabbed at his throat, and collapsed once more.

'And now for the hard part,' thought Jurevicus.

[ 78] Alessio: Revelations I
Thu Nov 13 21:03:38 2008
To: Readers
The Marquis awoke in a strange, marble chamber, torches of blue magefire set in a ring along its walls. Everything was illuminated: the meticulously detailed ceiling, the bookshelves, and the altar he had been strapped to by his trademeister.

"Where... where am I?" he asked aloud, trying to move his head. But it was held in an iron vice and he could not turn it.

"A very good question, Master di Rossetti," came the all-to-familiar voice of his gith friend, Jurevicus. And then he saw his face as the trademeister leaned over to inspect him.

It occured to Alessio that he was quite naked. "Where am I?" he asked again.

"You are in my... laboratory, of sorts. Study, maybe?" Jurevicus began. "And you will not be leaving for some time. You see, my... friends. Yes, friends! They told me to bring you here. They told me to strap you up. Oh, and I do apologize, but they told me that I would need a sampling of your blood."

Alessio's mind was racing. "Blood? What would yo-- urk!" His words were cut off as a thousand tiny needles sprung forth from the altar, piercing his back and his posterior and draining blood with alarming efficiency.

"Hmm... yes. I was afraid that it might hurt. You should try to sleep. We've not even begun the more exciting bit."

It's not as if the Marquis had a choice. In only a few moments, his blood running freely and from a multitude of wounds, he would fall unconscious.

"What... what are you doing, Jurevic--" Again, his words were shortened as his eyes rolled backward into his head.

Lost Within a Dreamscape
Nov. 29th, 2008
Players: Satine, Alessio
Summary: Alessio is caught in a dreamscape after his strange encounter with his Trademeister. Here, he meets the unusual and unpredictable Satine.

The Marquis slept, his flesh pale and his form looking quite a bit thinner than before. And in his mind, he heard the soft, relaxing cry of a violin, putting him at ease. Only a few short hours ago, he had been whisked away to this place by the twisted, evil gith who he had named his Trademeister. What was his plan? Was he going to annex control of Irae, while the Marquis slumbered helplessly through some foul magicks cast upon him? Still... the violin was calming, as was the soft bed beneath him, its silken sheets draped over his pale form, wrapping him in a warm embrace. "Where is this place?" he wondered, his tone betraying the serenity that crept into his mind, and the wonder and fear it was supplanting. [Alessio]

Through the serenity a soft voice answers him, "You are safe, Alessio." A figure comes into view. He sees an Elven maiden, watching him through her silvery eyes. "You need not worry now." [Satine]

The voice was melodic, like that of every elf he had ever known. But what qualities she possessed! Certainly, she was not like any elf he had seen before. Her form was perfect, as if she were the perfection of her species, and she was dressed splendidly. Thus must be a dream! "You... you are..." the Marquis was struck speechless and dumb. "Beautiful," he adds, without thinking. [Alessio]

Her cheeks blush slightly. "Thank you, Marquis." She walks towards you before taking a seat in a silver chair lined with red velvet cushioning. She doesn’t say anything more but simply sits and waits watching you carefully. [Satine]

The Marquis' eyes follow the wild flow of the woman's hair to her neckline, long and slender, and the marvelous trinket draped around it, before he turns away, his face beet red. "Where is this place? Am I dead? Has Jurevicus killed me and taken my position?" [Alessio]

She chuckles softly. "No, you are not dead. This is more a safe haven from the world outside." She studies his face carefully, "He is rather handsome", she thinks to herself. She shifts and crosses her legs, her dress shifting up her leg but she doesn’t seem to notice, instead her attention seems to be on her wrap, playing with it idly. [Satine]

The Marquis watches those legs, mesmerized, jaw drooping. He wanted to reach out, and to grab her, and to caress her... but he couldn't. This was not real. "You are... you are just a figment of my imagination. I have created you, haven't I?" [Alessio]

“Wrong again Marquis." Her eyes sparkle as seems rather amused with you at the moment. "I am very real." She reaches out softly to caress your face proving her point. She smiles softly as she watches you, seeing the confusion in your eyes, "My name, Marquis, is Satine." [Satine]

The Marquis pulls away from Satine's soft touch. "Why are you-- No, how are you here?" he inquires as he forces himself to sit, tightening the grasp of the sheets about him. "Who are you, really?" [Alessio]
She tilts her head to the side watching the Marquis, this one is quite the puzzle isn’t he? "I am Satine. I told you that already. And I am simply here to be with you Alessio, don’t try to figure it out. Simply accept it. Besides, would you really turn me away?" She flutters her eyelashes seductively, watching for his reaction. [Satine]

"N-- Yes. Yes, I would... but I can't," Alessio responds, his eyes finding their way to her own, hypnotizing silver orbs. And for a moment, his face lightens, more so than it has in many months. But then his skin grows pale again. "Does Jurevicus intend to kill me?" [Alessio]

"How could I possibly know that?" She smiles as she stretches slightly relaxing her body a bit. "You ask so many questions that I do not really have answers to." [Satine]

"Wouldn't you, if you were suddenly confronted by yourself in a practical paradise?" Rising, his face flushed red with anger, Alessio's tone rises and the sheet falls from his upper torso, exposing his bare chest. "This cannot be real, Satine. YOU cannot be real. You are my mind's way of coping with the blow that Jurevicus has dealt. Nothing more." [Alessio]

Satine frowns, you see her eyes spark with her displeasure of your actions. "For one, don’t raise your voice to me Alessio, I am not one of your servants to bend at your will." She stands up and delivers a sweft kick your head, her heel cutting your cheek right below your right eye. "If I wasn’t real how can I make you bleed so, Alessio?" [Satine]

The Marquis fell hard to his bed, and he felt the blood running from the fresh, deep wound below his eye. Laying as he was, it ran upward and into his eye, before staining the white sheet a dark crimson as it ran off the side of his face. "But.. this..." Alessio stammers, his mind racing, and he raises a hand to his new wound, feeling the warmth of his own life essence. [Alessio]

She glares at him and pulls her knife from her boot placing it against his throat. "Now you listen and you listen well. I am very real and I came to help you but so help me if you raise your voice like that again to me you will regret it. Are we clear Marquis?" [Satine]

The Marquis stutters for a few moments as he tries to force his fear out of his voice, before finally managing a loud, "Yes! I won't make the same mistake again!" The steel was cold against his throat, and Alessio tried to squirm out of its fatal reach. [Alessio]

She backs off slowly before replacing the knife in her boot. The fire in her eyes cooling as she sits down again. "I am sorry I had to do that but I needed to prove my point. I dont tolerate yelling or being treated as a servant. I dont care if you are the Marquis of Irae or a beggar." [Satine]

Shuddering, Alessio looks nervously at the woman. She was beautiful, yes, but she also had a fiery temper. He noted that silently. "V-very well, then," he manages as he works his way back to a seated position, a hand holding the bloodied sheet hard to his wounded face. "What do you want?" [Alessio]

She pauses a moment considering this. "Honestly Marquis I have no idea what I want." Her eyes roam over him as she grins wickedly as she thinks to herself, "Then again..." She licks her lips slightly before returning her focus to the matter at hand. [Satine]

The Marquis noticed her attraction, and now it was his turn to have his fun. "I think we both know, Satine. And I think we both know that's exactly why you didn't just kill me, instead of simply leaving me with a little knick." There was a hint of mischief to Alessio's voice, ever the womanizer. He rose, and began to move toward her, keeping the bloody sheet tight to his own body. [Alessio]

She has him now. "We will see what happens. I will come to you very soon Alessio. And we shall see." As quickly as she appeared, she vanishes. Back in her own mind she is very pleased with her progress with the Marquis. "We shall definitely see." [Satine]

Catch and Release
Dec. 1st, 2008
Players: Satine, Alessio
Summary: Satine continues to seduce Alessio within his dreamscape, and her potentially sinister motive is revealed...

Here he was again, trapped in his own mind. The Marquis of Irae had become used to this setting, but he could never grow accustomed to the woman who frequented it. "Where are you?" he called into the emptiness of the imaginary chamber, his tone expectant... perhaps, even, a touch desperate. [Alessio]

The sound of a woman chuckling softly can be heard. "My, my. Aren't we demanding this evening." Your eyes focus as her form comes into view. [Satine]

"It is hard to stay here on my own, when I know now what I am being deprived of, Satine. I am sure you could understand?" His tone was one of somebody who is teasing. "What has she been up to that would keep her from my mind for so long?" Alessio wondered aloud, encouraging an answer. [Alessio]

She smiles at him. "And what exactly are you being deprived of Marquis?" Her eyes seem to sparkle with mischief as she watches you carefully. "And as for what I have been doing, that is my own business. I can't be with you always, you know." [Satine]

Alessio laughs. "Indeed, I suppose this would be the truth. If you are a real individual, and not the workings of my weary mind, you would need to eat, drink, and sleep yourself." Rising, he makes his way to his drawer and withdraws a bottle of aged Muscat from within. "Some wine?" [Alessio]

Satine shrugs slightly. "Why not. A little wine sounds lovely about now." She takes a seat and relaxes a bit.

The Marquis nodded, smiling, as he poured some of the fine drink into two fluted glasses. "My kind of woman," he said as he finished pouring the second glass, and he moved to
where Satine had seated herself to offer her the first of the glasses, even as he sipped at the second. [Alessio]

She continues to watch his every movement, not quite sure if she likes feelings he brings out in her. She simply smiles taking the glass sipping it slowly. She savors the delicious drink. "Mm...that is quite nice isnt it." [Satine]

Di Rossetti took the shift in topic for what it was, but made no comment, instead tipping his glass slightly in concession. "I had it imported from my home, near Bartok Grove. The grapes are grown there, and the wine is made by my eldest brother. It was formerly the trade of my father, but he made a small fortune in wines and invested it well. Now he need not work." [Alessio]

Satine smiles as she listens. "You have done rather well for yourself haven't you." She continues enjoying her drink, emptying its contents she hands back the glass smiling happily.

Alessio accepts the glass, shaking his head. "I have done nothing for myself. I spent several years wandering the lands of the Realms aimlessly, while my family toiled. And then I found a dispatch from my father that ordered I come to Irae, and before I knew it, I had become proper nobility. This station was originally my cousin's. I did little to earn it, and suspect my father gave it to me so that I could make a respectable man of myself." Placing the glasses on a small desk, he laughs. "And I have yet to achieve that goal. I haven't even won the hand of a woman." Looking across to Satine, his eyes glow faintly. "Yet." [Alessio]

You see her blush slightly though she tries to hide it. "I think you've done rather well. You could be a great leader if you really wanted to but you have to know what you want and take it." She lowers her eyes a moment before continuing, "And as for your woman problem perhaps the same philosophy applies." [Satine]

The Marquis nodded, his own face showing a touch of red. He crossed the chamber to take a seat beside Satine. "Perhaps. But not now, and certainly not in this wretched place." Turning his head to regard her, and to study her eyes for any sign of deceit, he inquires, "When does he plan to release me?" [Alessio]

Suddenly confused she watches him carefully. "What do you mean Alessio?" She forces herself to relax but is very aware of how close he is. "I dont know what you mean by that." [Satine]

"Don't play the fool with me," Alessio spoke, his tone betraying the rage that rose within him. "You are a pawn of Jurevicus, if not a creation of my own. You have to be. He is not stupid. He would have kept me under guard, and allowed access only to those who he trusts." Shaking his head, the human growled, "So, what is his design for me? Death? Shame? Madness? Are you here to ruin me, or to help me? And how can I be sure that I can trust you?" [Alessio]

Satine frowns slightly. "I do not know Alessio. But I would watch your tone with me unless you want a matching wound on the other side." She takes a deep breath calming her own temper. "I have never been anyone's pawn if nothing else I am here to help you. But you dont even seem to want that." [Satine]

"You know what I want!" the Marquis shouted as he rose suddenly, the chair upon which he sat crashing to the floor. "I want my freedom. I want proof that you exist, and that I can trust you. And I want..." stopping himself, Alessio paced from one end of the room to the other. "You know what I want," he repeats, calmly this time. [Alessio]

She winces slightly as the chair crashes. A hint of fear in her own eyes but seems to vanish in an instant. "What do you want then Alessio, I do not know. I know you want your freedom but I do not know how to free you yet. So tell me what DO you want from me?" [Satine]

"I don't want anything from you," the Marquis responded, before something brought him to a pause. "I don't want anything except for you," he corrected. [Alessio]

Satine blushes immensely at the last comment. For the first time in her life she is rather speechless, "But...you are a Marquis." Her mind is reeling slightly as she searches for the right words to say but none come to mind.

"And you should be my enemy, Satine. Should be. But something about you makes me feel at ease. I am at peace, in a place where I should not be." Moving toward her, Alessio regards her with some caution. "That could be the quality that Jurevicus hired you for, or it could be real. I don't know yet. But I want to trust you, and so I think I will." [Alessio]

She smiles softly, she has him finally. "Thank you Marquis. Believe me I am here to help you, but you do need to trust me. One of the reasons I've been away from your mind is I am looking for a way to free you. I want to see you free as well instead of wasting away in this horrible place." [Satine]

The Marquis smiled as he moved toward her, reaching to caress her face and stooping as if he were prepared to kiss her. His eyes closed tightly, and he moved forward, in spite of that lingering doubt in the back of his mind that warned him not to. [Alessio]

Her eyes flutter shut as she feels him touch, but as soon as he does she vanishes out of his mind. She awakens back in the Inn in her own room. She smiles happily to herself. She seems to be talking to herself though staring into her mirror. "He's probably going to hate me when I go back, but I think I 've got him for good this time. I should be able to release him soon." [Satine]

Tangled Little Web
Dec. 11th, 2008
Players: Satine, Jurevicus
Summary: Satine's motivations are made clear in this scene, where he employer is revealed.

The night had set on the city and Jurevicus found the time to visit his hidden stronghold, nestled deep as it was below the City of Irae. When he entered the spectacularly carved chamber of marble and stone, he found the elf-woman he had hired, Satine, at her work. He watched her then, her perfect form and beautiful features, seemingly in meditation. But he knew that this was not the case, and that she was, in fact, in the mind of his rightful employer, Alessio di Rossetti. There was a smug grin of satisfaction, of course. How masterfully he had brought all of these ends together, with his plot less than half finished! It wouldn't be long now, before he had the entirety of this wretched city in his firm, unyielding grasp. Looking to the stunning elven woman again, he sighed. It was a shame that she would need to be counted among the dead before his work was done. He would very much like to have his way with her. [Jurevicus]

She opens her eyes slowly sensing a presence in the room. It takes her a moment to regain herself. She looks around a bit before seeing the Gith that had hired her. She really didn’t care for him. "Hello, my lord. " [Satine]

Galilee smiled at the woman's willingness to subordinate herself. Turning to face one of the many shelves that lined the room, the dark mage found for himself a text bound in elfskin and written in one of the darker tongues of the Realm: that of the Drow. "I do not have much love for the twisted cousins of your people, but they write some of the most gripping literature you could ever find. Stories of lust, power, and vengeance. These are things that all men can understand." Turning to face Satine, the gith places a pair of spectacles on the pointed tip of his nose and watches her from behind them, his black eyes betraying an inner intensity. "How have you progressed with our subject?" [Jurevicus]

She watches him carefully wondering to herself why he babbles so before getting to the point. "It is going well I believe I have to got him. He's very confused and it’s rather amusing. He keeps asking if you will kill him." [Satine]

Jurevicus laughed. "I had originally intended on killing him when the work was finished, yes. But I have found a better use for him of late." The gith's brow furled with the weight of his ambitions. "I will use the mad Marquis to solidify my dominion over this city. When the people of Irae see what has become of their beloved leader, I will be the next logical solution. The fools will embrace me with open arms." [Jurevicus]

"He also asks when you plan to release him. At first he thought I wasn’t real. I had to prove my point as you will see next time you see him." She grins to herself remembering the cut she gave Alessio. [Satine]

The trademeister smiled, and nodded. "His release is at your discretion, my beautiful accomplice. Whenever you believe you can control him, that is when you will begin to appear to him in reality, as opposed to in his dreams." Turning his back on Satine, Jurevicus continues, "Just be sure that he is not simply deceiving you. Our friend is incredibly foolish, but we shouldn't underestimate his..." turning to face her again, Jurevicus gazes suspiciously at his subordinate. "Charms?" [Jurevicus]

Satine frowns slightly. "I am no fool sir, I have been doing this a long time now. I have never had a man influence my judgment before nor do I intend to have one do so now."

With a flourish of a hand and a nod of his head, Jurevicus concedes to the woman's assertiveness. "If you believe so strongly in your abilities, I have no reason to doubt. But be carefully. The Marquis has a reputation for being a very effective womanizer." [Jurevicus]

Satine rolls her eyes at her employer. "Whatever you say sir." She stares off, lost in thought for a moment. "Sir, what will happen once I release him?"

"You will stay with him. Make him feel safe, act as his confidant. And you will whisper poison into his ears about his council and the people he is supposed to trust. The Arms Master, the Cardinal, myself... the Chancellor is probably going to be too busy with her own house to be trifled," Jurevicus explains. "You will help me in convincing the people that our beloved Marquis has gone completely mad. And, failing that, you will use that pretty knife of yours to end his pathetic little life."

Satine frowns. "You would have me do that? End his life just like that?" Her concerns with this matter worry her deeply but she was hired to do a job. She has never failed before nor does she plan to this time.

"When the job is done, yes," the gith spoke heartlessly, his tone cold. "Men are only useful for as long as you need their influence. Once I usurp his power from beneath him, Alessio will be worthless." Turning his back on the woman once again, Jurevicus continues, "But I can't have the fool plotting revenge, either. He must die. It is the only logical conclusion." [Jurevicus]

Satine wondered, ‘What have I gotten myself into now?’ Outwardly, she simply nods, "As you wish my lord." [Satine]

Releasing the Hound
Dec. 11th, 2008
Players: Satine, Alessio
Summary: Romance blossoms between Satine and Alessio in the dreamscape, and Satine finally releases him into reality.

A young elf maiden is seen meditating peacefully as she reaches out to the mind of a man..."I wonder why his mind has wondered today." As she looks into his mind she find a familiar room. She looks around the familiar chamber. She scans the room, with its circular structure, the walls lined with volumes of old texts. As she continues studying the chamber she wonders why Alessio is here. "Alessio. I know you are here." [Satine]

The Marquis was present, but distracted, as he thumbed through one of the many dark texts. "So this is what he has been up to," Alessio wondered aloud, glancing at the words but not understanding them. He could tell that the text was written in the drow tongue, but nothing more. "Yes, I am here," he responds at long last, making little effort to find the woman to whom he spoke. [Alessio]

She slowly walked up behind him wondering what he was up to. "Marquis what are you doing? And where are we exactly?" She observes him carefully, even though in reality he is asleep, he appears to not have rested in weeks. He looks a wreck. "Alessio?" [Satine]

"I am reading. Surely, you could tell," Alessio responds, his words drenched in sarcasm. Turning another page, he looks at more drowish. He then begins to turn the pages more frantically, as if searching for something. "Damnit! The Gods be damned!" he shouts as he throws the volume. Its pages flutter as it flies toward its target, and it strikes true with a loud thud against the shelf from whence it had been pulled. "Gods be damned!" he shouts again, before his eyes make their way to the slender form of the elven woman who had been his keeper. "You! Don't play this game with me! You know where we are!" he yells at her, waving his hands wildly. "We're in your master's chambers. Don't you recognize this place? I suspect that you likely helped him furnish it!" [Alessio]

She winces slightly at the tone of voice but that soon changes as her temper flares. With a flick of her hand the Marquis' form is pinned to the wall. "Are we really back to this AGAIN Alessio?" But she quickly releases him, he just wants answers who could blame him after all. "Why would I hold you here, I'm the one trying to free you remember?” [Satine]

"Oh, I remember. I remember your teasing me, and then withdrawing before I had my chance to make good on the offer! I recall your incessant denial of knowing anything about my Trademeister, and I remember well your promise of my release." Looking toward Satine, there is nothing in Alessio's eyes but rage. "I remember it all, and I will never forget it. I also remember the night that you gave me this." He traced his finger along the scar across his cheek. "I can never forget you. You are the woman who spoiled my visage and ruined my mind. I wonder only when you intend to finish this sick game of yours and end me!" [Alessio]

Instead of lashing back at Alessio she simply waits. She waits for him to finish venting his anger and frustration to get it all out of his system. She simply watches him and waits.. [Satine]

"Damnit, woman! What is it, then? Do you intend to kill me, or..." the Marquis stopped, turning his back on Satine. He had been down this road before, and to no avail. This was not a place to which he had any desire to return. "Tell me, Satine," Alessio struggled to keep his tone even, diplomatic, "What is your plan for me?" [Alessio]

She watches him, sympathy showing in her eyes. "Are you quite finished Alessio? Think I might be able to say two words now?" She folds her arms in front of her chest waiting for him to calm some before she continues. [Satine]

He waved a dismissive hand at the woman who stood behind him. He knew she was dangerous, but there was little she could do to him now that would harm him. "Speak your piece, but know that I am done with lies. You'd best be sure that you speak the truth to me or not at all," Alessio responds. [Alessio]

She sighs softly, "Alessio, look at me in the eyes and tell me what you see. No hatred no crime against you. I care for you but every time I get close to you, you push away just like this. I came today to tell you I am close to finding a way to free you, yet you refuse to believe that. And as for your scar..." She slowly reaches out a hand to caress his face. "I'm truly sorry but was the only way to prove to you." [Satine]

The Marquis of Irae had known the touch of many women, but hers alone could incite such a reaction as it did. He felt warmed, his anger fading, but at the same time he wanted to recoil and to cringe. Who was she? He could never know. Not here. "How long?" Alessio asked, his eyes leveled with hers. "How long until I am free?" [Alessio]

Satine smiles softly. "I will need a day to prepare myself, the power that has you asleep is quite strong but I need to do it as soon as I am able. Your physical body cannot stay in this condition much longer." She leans towards him, and her lips brush his lips softly. "I worry for you." [Satine]

A million thoughts and instincts invaded the mind of the Marquis, but only one prevailed, as the woman kissed him. He leaned inward, enjoying the moment for a few fleeting seconds, before grabbing her hard by the shoulders and forcing himself back from her. "Not now. When I am free, perhaps, but not now. Not here," Alessio spoke in a hushed tone. [Alessio]

As if she was slapped in the face, Satine merely stands stunned. 'I...but...I thought..." She is unable to formulate the words to describe what she means to say. "I thought that you wanted that, I thought..." She isn’t supposed to care, stupid girl. She wasn’t paid to care, but rejection is not something she cares for at all. [Satine]

The human was confused, but not heartless. "I do, Satine. But not now, and not here. This place is one of evil. It is here that my Trademeister, Jurevicus, brought me on the night that he abducted me from the comfort of my chambers. It is here where..." Alessio turned away from her again. He hadn't the stomach to explain. "It is something I may tell you when I myself understand." [Alessio]

Satine hopes she finds that this is the right time to do this. If it wasn’t, she would lose him. "You will be very weak when you awaken, Alessio. You haven’t had food or water, so your body will be exhausted. So don’t try to get up right away, understand?”

The Marquis could only nod to the woman then, his own mind lost deep in thought as a hundred possibilities swirled about. Was he finally being set free? What world awaited him, outside of these dreams? Looking toward Satine, his eyes betray his deepest concern: would she be there when he returned? [Alessio]

As if reading his very thoughts, she replies, "I will be there but it will take me time to recover, as I said strong magics hold you here sir. But I will be with you the whole way, no need to worry." She runs her hand through his hair softly. "After you awaken though I'm not sure you'll still want my company. What if you were just using me to escape?" [Satine]

"You will need to trust me, Satine, as I have trusted you. We have spent enough time in my mind. Let us spend it together in reality," Alessio responded, his hand reaching for hers. "Let us spend it together, and hunt down the man who put me here. And when we are done, you and I will have all the time in the World." [Alessio]

Satine smiles softly wishing such a dream could come true. But that’s all it was, just a dream. She nods. "I do trust you Alessio. When you awaken I won’t be there but I will be close. For now I reside at the Inn. When you wake you can find me there."

The Marquis nodded. "I will find you. We will be together again." Looking around once more, Alessio exhaled loudly and closed his eyes. "I'm ready." [Alessio]

Satine smiles at him. "Ready to go home my Marquis?"

The Marquis smiled and nodded once again, never opening his eyes. He longed to feel the warmth of his chambers, the caress of his bedsheets, and the sound of the fountain in the courtyard below. And almost as much, he longed for the first real kiss that he would share with the woman who, even now, offered him salvation. "Send me home." [Alessio]

She closes her eyes deep in concentration. Slowly the chamber around starts to dematerialize leaving nothing but darkness. It feels cold, dark a feeling of despair. She refocuses herself as a white light engulfs them both as she releases them both from his mind. Her conscious mind returns to her body as the grip on Alessio's mind leaves. He is free now. Satine lays unconscious in her bed back at the Inn. Sweat was forming on her brow as she remains asleep, physically and mentally exhausted. A small smile touches her lips as she thinks of Alessio being free in his city once more. [Satine]

Newfound Foes
Dec. 12th, 2008
Players: Kataplexi, Jurevicus
Summary: Jurevicus wears the crown of Irae for the first time, and a clash of egos sets a rivalry between himself and Kataplexi into motion.

The opulent dining chamber of the Canto Rosa home was all that had been advertised and more. Spacious and well-decorated, it couldn't possibly fail at impressing even the most tasteless of souls. The best wines from orchards domestic and foreign are stored in finely-carved wine racks along the eastern wall, while a massive table, playing host this evening to a veritable feast of pheasant and the expected accoutrements. Sitting at its head, in the finest of fine chairs arrayed about the table, is the grinning Trademeister and would-be usurper of Irae, Jurevicus Galilee. [Jurevicus]

Kataplexi slowly walked silently into the room, her blue dress waving around her feet, even in near dead air. She smiles to herself, she could feel the love of her followers even now, miles from their encampment. Now she had the power, that she lacked the first time she met this wretched creature. Now she had the power of suggestion even over the most powerful mind... and total control of the weak. It would not be long now. [Kataplexi]

The gith grimaced as he tore meat from the bone of the bird that had been set out before him. "Miserable creature, whose meat runs red with blood and tastes bitterer than a thousand foul berries! I would know what servant of mine prepared you, so I could cut his throat and do away with such horrid food!" the gith announced, drawing a thin knife from his boot and burying it time and again in the untouched breast of the pheasant. "Cursed thing! A wretched meal better suited for the vagrants of the Moon Raven!" And suddenly, a grin twisted the ugly features of the Trademeister. He leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin. "Yes, the Moon Raven." His eyes narrowed as he thought back again on that hateful place. [Jurevicus]

Kataplexi stands quietly near the door, her skin so white she looks like she is glowing. She speaks, her voice much stronger and powerful than her frail look would have one expecting, "You request my presence, yet do not even bother to have someone greet me properly... that is no way to treat a Goddess, Jurevicus." [Kataplexi]

"And you fail to address me by my proper title, Goddess. No living creature calls me by my name. I am Jurevicus no longer, but the Marquis of Sanctus Irae!" the gith responds excitedly, stroking the cold metal of the crown that sat upon his head. Looking back toward Kataplexi, he snickered, adding, "Though I suppose it is an excusable offense for one as powerful as you. Please! Have a seat. Have some pheasant! It is most delicious." A ring-adorned hand is waved above the bird carcass before retreating to its place upon the belly of the Trademeister. [Jurevicus]

Kataplexi sits slowly, she had not heard of the departure of the weak minded one. This could make things easier in the long run, this one is stronger, but not nearly as bright, and a miss-matched ego. She sits with her back straight, her legs closed, her posture reserved, taking on the appearance of the child she could be. "You must be very proud of yourself, illythid." [Kataplexi]

Galilee laughed as he pulled some of the barely-roasted meat from the bone and suckled the blood from it. Once it was dry, he cast it into the burning hearth. "Oh, I am proud, but not of the position. It is the power which I have sought! Enough to return to Teracchei and to take what is mine by right!" Laughing maniacally, Jurevicus' black orbs burn with hatred. "Enough to level the great army of the Gralthai and to claim my place upon the throne of my people. And then, I will unite the two mighty territories into one, and I will claim lordship over this world and all others!" Glancing across to Kataplexi, he adds, "This is why I have summoned you. Not to gloat, but to enlist. Surely you could find power about which you could only dream!" [Jurevicus]

In her mind Kataplexi cringes with disgust as the creature feeds upon the bird. These mortals and their disgusting bodily functions. She casually moves her hand forward, running it along the grain of the wood in front of her. "What shall you do with this power, gith? Seek more? Seek revenge on those who have done you wrong?" She stands up, slowly pacing near the fire, careful not to cross into the path of the discarded flesh. "Surely you have though ahead, more long-term goals?" She slowly walks back towards him, "Now that you control this city, how will you seek more power? With wars? The people you command are not a fighting breed, though passionate, and loyal." She smiles, yes, she would give them that. The servants she had acquired in the poor district may not be the most but they loved her with all their hearts, minds and souls, true power. [Kataplexi]

"The ultimate goal is to dominate the Realms. Irae is just a means to that end, its people simple pawns in my elaborate scheme," Jurevicus responds, as if the answer were obvious. "Whether ten thousand of them die at the gates of Teracchei, or they all survive to the end of my bloody campaign, it matters little to me. I will have my place in the annals of history as the most tyrannical of tyrants ever to have walked this Earth." [Jurevicus]

Kataplexi smiles, sitting back down, "Terachhei, you will begin your domination with your home? Poetic in a way... tell me more of your plans."

The Usurper nodded. "Gladly," he spoke with more than a hint of self-assuredness. "The first part of my plan, to break the Marquis of this city and to supplant him, is already in action. I will officially hold this city in my grasp in a month. Possibly sooner." Rising, Jurevicus' hands are clasped behind his back and he strides confidently to the wine racks. "Once the city is mine, I will order the Arms Master to commence the training of our guard into a fully armed military force. At five hundred strong, it is a fair beginning. I will use an external threat, such as the rise of the pixies under their 'Doom King', to encourage enlistment among the populace. I will incite fear by employing terrorists. And when the city is in the grip of fear, many will come forward to defend it from the evils that lurk beyond our walls. They will be armed and they will be trained, and then they will march alongside myself to the home of the Gith." Nodding, Galilee pulls an older vintage Pinot Noir from the rack and blows on the bottle to dispel the dust. "I will watch the home of my people burn." [Jurevicus]

She smiles, the destruction of his home, how stupid this man was. To spread such a weak force that thin, simply for poetry, and anger. Far from a tactician, she will have to find another to command her military. “Why have you interrupted my sermons sir? I was in the city preaching to followers, are you going to squash my preaching within your city walls? Before you even have the power to do so?” [Kataplexi]

The gith laughed as he returned to the table and opened the bottle, pouring himself a taste of the drink. "My dear Goddess, why would I interrupt the preaching of my greatest ally?" Jurevicus asked, a hint of a threat masked thinly by his malevolent tone as he raised the glass to his lips and drained it. "You represent faith, and faith is an important tool for any would-be dictator. One which I intend to harness, whether you will it or not." The firelight danced dangerously across the black eyes of the Usurper then, as he poured himself another glass of wine. [Jurevicus]

She blinks, her blue eyes bright, "How, exactly, do you intend to harness this power... my power, and what do you really think you could do if I chose not to back you?" She stares at him, "What stops me from simply going to the unstable one, warning him of your plans and gaining favor from those already powerful?" [Kataplexi]

"A wise man once told me that I should never underestimate the power of determination. A lot can be done through sheer force of will, Goddess," Jurevicus spoke, setting the glass down on the table and bringing his palms together. He closed his eyes then, focusing on those clasped hands, and when they opened once again an orb of fire had manifest. "That man was my father, and those were his final words, before my knife stole away his last breath. I would hate to have to strike down those men who so blindly worship you." [Jurevicus]

The girl smiles, "You speak of the power of will, my people believe in me, and in my power. If you tried to take on my forces now, you would kill your dreams where they stand... and you would only be a fly upon my back." She stands, "I have no problem working towards a common goal, Gith... but you have much to learn." She stands and begins walking towards the door, "Months mean little to those who cannot die... I will have many opportunities to attain my rightful place in this world. You however, may only have one chance..." She chuckles in her mind... and its walking right out the door. [Kataplexi]

The Trademeister's upper lip furled with anger as the girl turned to leave. Closing his hands once more, the flame dies as quickly as it came to be. "You will work with me, or you are my enemy," Jurevicus growled. "I killed my father not because he was my enemy, but because he was in my way. You would hate to see what becomes of those who give me good reason to strike them down." [Jurevicus]

Kataplexi turns quickly, her face displaying an uncharacteristic grin, "Jurevicus... the last we met, I was weak, I had been hiding for along time, I was malnourished from the decades." Her smile fades to her usual sweet look, her calm returning, "You forget all I need do is speak to the real marquis, and regardless of whether he kills you, your chance will be gone." She stops, as if something has just occurred to her, "If you should like, Gith, you can attempt to prevent me from reaching him... I have not felt this strong in
generations, I would love to feast upon your soul." Smiles the smile you expect from your three year old niece when you buy her first horse, its hair braided with pink ribbons. [Kataplexi]

"I bid you good luck in finding the Marquis. What is left of him will do you little good," the gith retorts, turning his back to the self-proclaimed Goddess and taking up his wine once again. "You can continue your damnable sermons," Jurevicus offers, "so long as you stay out of my way." [Jurevicus]

Kataplexi pauses and laughs, "I do not need his mind intact, friend, nor do I even prefer it." With that she looks back to the hall and walks out the door. As soon as she arrives in the street she closes her eyes and begins feeling for that wondrously broken mind. [Kataplexi]

Tentative Allegiance
Jan. 2nd, 2009
Players: Alzeria, Satine, Zetheril, Jurevicus
Summary: The drow queen and her husband arrive in Irae to strike an allegiance with Jurevicus.

It was a relentlessly cold and ridiculously bright winter's day, the sun casting a deceptive curtain of blinding light upon the winding roads of the Realm, and the snow underfoot amplifying those cruel rays one hundred fold. Days like these were best spent indoors and before a blazing hearth, and yet the self-proclaimed 'Interim Marquis' found himself before the gates, inspecting the guards who monitored the coming and going of what few travelers there were in this part of the world at this particular time of the year. "No, no! That simply will not do!" complained Jurevicus as he crossed to the nearest of the pair of guards, smacking him on his shoulder to grab his attention. "You must check their papers! Their traveling documents! Verify that they are who they claim to be!" [Jurevicus]

A young elf walks along the path. Her mind seems focused elsewhere and is startled when she hears the "Marquis" telling off his soldier. She decides to stay and watch a moment, wondering what all he was up to this time. [Satine]

Zetheril moves slowly, leading a pale white stallion along the path upon which sat his queen and Wife, as he moves along his eyes narrowed beneath the hood of his cloak as he stares toward the horizon. The gates of Irae no more then a few hundred yards away the sights of the battlements much like any other port city, the normal hustle and bustle of the guard as the watch the faces of each citizen as they pass through the gates. [Zetheril]

The guard, not willing to lose any ground to this impostor, turns on him and growls, "Oi been doin' moi job fer two years, helluva lot longer than you's even been in the city! Oi know wot oi'm doin'!"

His insistence on carrying on with his duties only irks the gith, whose sunken, black eyes narrow with each passing word. "Damn you, man! Times have changed! The world is at war, you see, and who knows what sort of spies may come to our city!" Reeling in his temper, Jurevicus leans in toward the guard and hisses, "would you want them to see our weakness? Would you want them to attack us while we are in such a situation?" [Jurevicus]

Satine smirks as she watches him with the guards, her eyes sparkle with amusement. Her attention is drawn by the two approaching the gates. "Hmm...newcomers" she thinks to herself as she watches them.

A black veil of magic guards the eyes of the slender drowess that rides atop the white stallion. An ebon cloak matches with her jet black leather leggings and black leather corset. Her hair is a shocking white-blonde set of waves that flatteringly frames her angular face, lips tugging to a smile that is more of a grin as they approach the gate. She says not a word as she doesn't bother to do anything but ride...after all, Zetheril holds the reigns. [Alzeria]

Zetheril moves more rapidly as he walks toward the gap in the gates, his hand holding tight to the reigns as he keep his eyes aimed toward the horizon, his words pushed into the mind of his queen, -let me handle these interlopers, My love, I will try not to kill them, however, keep your defenses up, for we never know what might await us on the other side of the gates. [Zetheril]

Even as the usurper continued to rave at his partner, the second guard moved to block the passage of the two drow, holding his pike in a defensive stance. "Hold! I'll have yer names, occupations, and travel papers!" He set his feet defiantly and glared at the pair through icy grey eyes. [Jurevicus]

Zetheril closes his eyes as the guard speaks, "I am The Meth'uri, lord of the underdark, I escort my queen, That is all the information you need.."

Though she nods faintly and sends back the thoughts -Of course....after all, deaths would do nothing good for our strategic relationships-, Alzeria's eyes narrow faintly behind her magical veil of darkness, her lips pursing faintly. Her anger at the guard's brashness is pushed aside though as she keeps her straightened position atop the horse. [Alzeria]

"Meth-wha?" inquires the guard, stepping back a half-pace and lowering his pike a touch, preparing for a fight if need be.

But there would be no need, because at the mention of the woman's title, Jurevicus Galilee turned his attention away from the protesting first guard and shoved past the second. "Greetings, Meth'uri," he speaks, in as warm a tone as he could manage, and taking great care to use the same inflexion on the foreign word as the drow who had originally spoken it. "I am Jurevicus Galilee, Marquis of Sanctus Irae, at your service." Dipping into a low bow, complete with the flourish of his right hand, the gith concluded, "May I ask why you've come?" [Jurevicus]

Zetheril looks toward the second speaker, the yellow skin of a gith obvious, "If you are the lord of this city, then perhaps you would let me pass, and speak of our needs in private, for even the trees have ears."

Though her eyes are nearly hidden by the magic of her protective veil, the Valsharess's violet eyes gleam faintly as her head turns from side to side briefly to scan the area. The aura of magic is probing, almost curious as the invisible tendrils comb the surroundings, but clearly not a threat. The grin shifts to a calmer smile as Alzeria nods faintly to the Marquis. "My husband speaks as I would have him to. Take his word as my own unless I protest it otherwise. Privacy for conversation would be preferred as he requested, Marquis." [Alzeria]

"Privacy can be arranged, of course," the Marquis responds with a nod. Turning, he commands the two guards to step aside and allow the pair of drow their entry into the city, and moves along himself.

Staring incredulously at his partner, the first guard claims, "Ain't that just poetical. He rips me up 'cause oi'm doin' my job, and then he has the nerve to ignore his own rules?" Grumbling, he shambles off to the gatehouse, leaving his partner to watch the road alone. [Jurevicus]

Zetheril nods quickly, "Then let us press on."

It took little time for the gith to lead the pair of drow to his office, located in the Inn of the Singing Rose. Every piece of furniture was polished meticulously and shone brilliantly in the light provided by a pair of windows and a roaring hearth. "Allow me to extend my welcome once more," Jurevicus says as he takes a seat, gesturing to a pair of chairs on the opposite side of the table which had been set out for guests. "Please, take a chair." [Jurevicus]

Wordlessly, Alzeria crosses the room as she nods again to Jurevicus, though clearly doing little more than acknowledging his words despite her pleasant smile...well as pleasant as a drow's smile gets. She settles smoothly into a chair, her leather-clad legs crossing casually even as she sits with regal posture. Her gaze doesn't even avert to her husband as she speaks to his mind -Let us hope to be persuasive enough to gain their voluntary assistance, husband.- [Alzeria]

Zetheril stares down toward the chair, before he shakes his head slowly, and remains standing behind his wife, "Your welcome has been recieved, Jurevicus, Though I prefer to stand."

The gith bowed his head in respect of the Meth'uri's decision before averting his gaze to the woman. He addresses her bluntly, disposing of any sort of pleasantries: "Why have you come to Irae?" Placing his chin in his hand, Jurevicus contemplates the pair of drow in silence for a moment before adding, "The drow do not often visit foreign places or come out of the Underdark, so I am intrigued." [Jurevicus]

The veil remains in place even when inside...the brightness of the sun through the window and reflections from snow being sufficiently irritating for one of her decent. Alzeria laughs softly and the smirk once again replaces her smile. She does not speak aloud...instead canting her head to one side, gauging the gith's reaction as she pushes her thoughts directly into his mind with a singular clarity, her voice just as it had been when she'd spoken aloud -Why do you ask me, did I not say that my husband would speak for me? Perhaps now you understand that I need not respond commonly for him to say what I might request. But all the same, we seek alliance in these times of trial. A mutually beneficial arrangement, if you will.- [Alzeria]

Zetheril forms a smirk upon his lips as he speaks to the man, "If you must ask why we are here, after stating the obvious...But no matter, We seek an Alliance in this time of war, A mutually beneficial arrangement if you will..."

Galilee laughs heartily as the Meth'uri finishes his statement, looking from Alzeria to him and back again. "Yes, as your Queen was just informing me. Fascinating, that little trick of yours. One day I should work out the secret to that." Then, addressing Zetheril, he adds, "Forgive me if I'm a little skeptical, but since when did the drow ally themselves with, well, anybody?" [Jurevicus]

Alzeria chuckles to herself, remaining fully silent now to the gith as the smirk remains attractively affixed to her lips. Her mind now only speaks to Zetheril -This little performance is now yours, my husband. You can't blame me for enjoying a little showing-off for the surfacers though.- [Alzeria]

Zetheril looks toward his queen with a grin as he speaks, "None of the magicians you hold within this city can teach you to speak with such clarity through thoughts, however I digress. We have come because in these times of a united empire and war. If the Underdark is to remain inhabited and strong, we will need supplies." [Zetheril]

The gith's black eyes sparkled as the opportunities unfolded in his mind. "Oh, you will most certainly need supplies," Jurevicus replied, acting as though he had no idea where this conversation could be going. "Supplies, and if you are to stand against an entire empire, soldiers too, yes? But from where will these items and bodies come?" [Jurevicus]

Rolling her eyes behind her blackened magic veil, Alzeria suppresses the urge to groan. -He's going to play /this/ game, hmm? I should have known we'd be here a while. I guess I might as well get comfortable.- She uncrosses her legs and recrosses them with the other on top. [Alzeria]

Zetheril shakes his head slowly, "Bodies we need none, Supplies and supplies alone, and if it is not obvious where we wish the supplies to come from by our presence within this city, you are more of an idiot than the guard whom you berated for not checking travel documents." [Zetheril]

The gith chuckled for a moment, pointing toward Zetheril, though the curve of his brow betrayed the anger that simmered just below his passive facade. "You! You are painfully blunt, you are!" he exclaims in a jovial manner, but the laughter stops quite suddenly and his eyes narrow into tiny slits. "Perhaps too much so, given that you come to beg for the scraps from my table, drow. Now, be a good mutt, and sit pretty!" [Jurevicus]

Even behind the veil, Alzeria's violet eyes now glow with anger of her own and she stands with a grace that is surprising for a mage, her hands unclasping and fingers spreading as they crackle with contained energies. Her voice is raised as she speaks to both, "ENOUGH OF THIS!" Tone growing sharp, she dismisses the veil with but a blink of her eyes as she stares at one and then the other, "Zetheril, since yours was the least offense, I will address it first. Diplomatic relationships are to be maintained and that was uncalled for." -But true- she adds without missing a beat as she continues, "Now ... 'Marquis' Jurevicus, I believe that is a slight that I cannot overlook. We are no mongrels to whimper or beg at your feet. We are a capable nation...a powerful one. Our gold is just as good as any other nation's. The only problem is that those other nations just happen to be weak enough to submit to some half-pint burnt fleck of a pixie. Now unless you wish for both of our nations to become among those subdued by the maddening mosquito-people, I suggest that you cooperate and that we find common ground. You will /not/ speak to us in such a manner again." Her eyes flash once more as she looks towards Jurevicus as if to ensure that he would understand. [Alzeria]

The Interim Marquis grinned. "Weak enough to submit to him, but strong enough to pose a threat to the drow? And what should that tell me of your people's collected strength?" Feigning concern, Jurevicus leaned backward in his chair. "Dear Gods! If you don't find your supplies somewhere, your entire race could very well be," glancing at Zetheril again, he concludes, "eradicated." [Jurevicus]

Zetheril eyes narrow as his hand drops to the ebony handle of his wand, as it is yanked from its bone sheath he speaks, "The Spider Queen would never allow her chosen to submit to the will of a delusional troll-snack and live to tell the tale, and nor would I allow my WIFE to submit to such a pathetic race.” [Zetheril]

"We will find supplies, one way or another. But if you wish to have assistance when standing against the combined armies of those who have fallen to the annoying fleas, I suggest you listen. In fact...you should listen regardless. We are visiting royalty and yet you have already mocked us and called us dogs...actually on second thought, perhaps we should just find a way to get what we need elsewhere. After all...I'm sure the city has plenty of gold...and they seem so sure that they can fend off the empire," Alzeria's voice drips with sarcasm towards the last as she glances with faux innocence to her husband. [Alzeria]

"Oh, no. I am far too clever a creature as to let such a golden opportunity slip through my fingers. Tell me, what is it that you need, and what do you have to offer me in return?" Jurevicus responds, his tone betraying a touch of desperation. He did need to find allies if the city were to retain its sovereignty. [Jurevicus]

Zetheril stares at Jurevicus, "All we need is armaments, building supplies and foodstuffs."

Alzeria nods agreement to Zetheril, "My armies are best left to training rather than working the rothe herds at this time. Food can come more easily from outside sources. Money is more quickly replaced than an army. As for what we can offer in return...there is always gold, of course. Depending on how helpful...perhaps a bit more support than you would think. They have races such as ourselves who prefer the nighttime to fight. It would be more beneficial to fight side by side. Also...if you are /extra/ helpful, perhaps I will ask my husband to help teach you this...'nifty trick' so that we can communicate more easily when not present." [Alzeria]

Zetheril glares toward the gith slowly, knowing his teachings could be used for ill deeds...

The Usurper's interest was caught as soon as the drow mentioned gold, but the promise of consolidating his power with another talent for his arsenal was too much to resist. "You have a deal, then. We will supply you with our overdraft of weaponry, as well as what stone and food we can spare. Lumber will need to come later, as it becomes more readily available to us. Fair?" [Jurevicus]

Zetheril nods softly, "we have a deal, Jurevicus."

A slender grey fingertip toys with the drowess's lip, very much the look of moving stone before she grins and gives a slight nod as well, "A deal. Remember well...we are not ones to be crossed, but we can be reliable allies to those who are useful." Her eyes glimmer as she takes the two steps it takes to reach her husband, her fingertips lifting to drum once lightly on his shoulder. "Now love... think he can also provide us with somewhere to stay that is a bit less....glaring?" Her eyes blink once more and are again covered by her dark magical veil. [Alzeria]

Zetheril looks to his wife briefly, then back to the Marquis slowly, "I'm sure The Marquis can arrange something to our liking for a royal family."

The gith grinned. "You would be surprised, but the nobles who left this city some time ago were a queer folk, always huddling in the dark and keeping their houses filled with caskets. Perhaps I could have one of those darker homes emptied out and refurnished to your liking?" [Jurevicus]

Zetheril nods quickly, "One of those domiciles will suffice quite well..."

"Quite sufficient, yes," Alzeria agrees as the eerily contented smile replaces the grin once more and she hrms softly, "I believe we've a few directives to pass back to my stewards then. Let us find somewhere quiet?" [Alzeria]

Zetheril nods quickly toward his wife, "Let us depart for the darkest place we can find."

Bargaining for Land
Jan. 8th, 2009
Players: Tsaen, Jurevicus
Summary: While Jurevicus and his scribes prepare to zone the land which had been the Sera River Winery for housing, they are happened upon by Tsaen. A deal is stricken which makes Tsaen the latest owner of the Winery of Irae.

A pleasant evening in the City of Lions arrives, the sun setting to the west leaving the sky a blend of reds, oranges, and violets. The vineyards rustle with the brisk evening breeze, the scent of fresh soil and berries filling the air. As the sky darkens, a shadow-clad figure walks the land, touching the plants and smelling the air with slow breaths, muttering to himself as he ponders. [Tsaen]

That figure was not alone on these particular lands, however. Not far from where he walked, a strange party paced the vineyards, carrying a number of papers and scribbling on them intermittently, seemingly at the prompting of a singular individual who stands among them. This creature, his skin a sickly yellow as if jaundiced, is dressed in the finery of a nobleman and anybody who had been informed as to the happenings of the city would recognize him immediately as the most powerful of those within the city walls: he was the Marquis of Irae, for what that title was worth in these times of turmoil; he was the singular symbol of the power of the nobility within the city. And he was preparing the land for development. [Jurevicus]

Ears perking at the sound of quills on parchment, the figure turned without missing a step to intercept the group. All smiles and warmth, the drow man pulled his dark red cloak open and hailed the group. "Pardon, Good Sirs, I have an interest in these lands. I knew one of the old owners and, having found them long gone, I wonder what is to become of this fine winery." [Tsaen]

The Marquis of Irae had not stolen his crown without some degree of intellect. He had been known as a shrewd negotiator, and one who could always find the best of any sort of deal. This is what had won him the position of Trademeister, and what put him in the place he needed to be to execute his brilliant coup. And now his black eyes were focused intensely on the drow who had, seemingly, appeared from nowhere. "It is to be closed, and the land is to be developed into additional housing," Jurevicus spoke, blinking. His scribes scribbled down that comment before he adds, "Or, that was the purpose of this expedition, anyway. To determine what land was of use for the aforementioned cause, and what land would be sold to aspiring entrepreneurs." [Jurevicus]

Tsaen flashes his most charming smile. "Well I'd be happy to apply as an aspiring entrepreneur in order to save this vineyard a demolition. Goodness knows I've tasted its fruits often and found them too delightful to see lost so soon. I would hate to see something so filled with history and promise destroyed. The lands are rich, the fields strong. Perhaps we could speak on its changing hands from the City to myself? I'm sure we can come to some equitable agreement." [Tsaen]

Jurevicus Galilee smiled. This drow was quick on the uptake, and he spoke the right language. The gith couldn't give half a damn about history, but when there were profits to be found...

"I am listening," he said, his tone inviting the drow to continue his diatribe. His scribes struggle to recall the conversation in full, themselves placing it on paper. One of them even begins to sketch up a rough contract. It never hurt to be prepared in advance. [Jurevicus]

Tsaen nods and smiles. "Well, Good Sir, I have an interest in the lands and while I'm sure you would find good use from them..." He tilts his head, thinking. "I'm sure you'd benefit more from its continued operation in my hands." A small grin creeps onto his face, "The sale of alcohol will always be in demand, and a steady hand on the tap can urge a bit more coin for the drink." [Tsaen]

The gith grinned. "You are most astute, drow. And for that alone, I should think that our agreement could only serve to benefit the crown of Irae," Jurevicus spoke decisively, with much flourish; these theatrics were the makings of tomorrow's news. Stepping toward Tsaen, he leans in and whispers, "People will most readily purchase alcohol during tougher times, such as these." Stepping away once more, Galilee struck a pose, a hand clasping his chin and the other clenched behind his back, as if he were in thought. "Very well," he nods, "the lands are yours, and twenty-five per cent of all profits belong to my council. Fair?" He knew the deal was ludicrous. He had always believed in starting with a number higher than he truly wanted. [Jurevicus]

Tsaen flashes his grin, nodding. "Tough times call for tough drink." He thought a moment and frowned. "Twenty five percent? I believe twenty would be fair, if you promise to keep your guards from my lands. I can police my own lands, and you will be better compensated for your discretion." Another pause, a moment of silence, and Tsaen turns to look Jurevicus over. "One fifth of my profits, you keep your guards from my fields, and I'll even send you three bottles of the best I produce every month." [Tsaen]

Galilee played the businessman, hmming and hahing over the offer for a few moments. Secretly, he was sold: the deal was far more generous than he had expected. He would have settled for fifteen percent, given the fact that he could cut the cost in guards from the Barracks. Still, the scribes had to believe he was considering all of his options. At long last, he nods. "Fair enough. We, good drow, have a deal." Offering his long, slender hand, he asks, "and your name?" [Jurevicus]

Tsaen grins and takes the hand firmly. "Tsaen Shadowheart." His thoughts raced with the possibilities, his mind leaping between numbers and names. "Good to be in business with you, milord."

The Wayward Protege Returns
Jan. 8th, 2009
Players: Alea, Jurevicus
Summary: Alea returns to Irae a married woman, and seeks out Jurevicus to return a book he had given her. The two reminisce before parting ways.

The office of the Marquis was an imposing room, much like the man who occupied it. Furnished with furniture carved of mighty oak and its walls emblazoned with the standards of every man who had ever held the post, the room would be impressive enough. Add to this the many cases of weapons and the wine racks stocked with the finest drink and the place bordered on excess. Seated within this chamber and perusing a rather large pile of notes sat Jurevicus Galilee, the city's latest leader. A gith of tremendous vision, or so his scribes would claim; a creature with a great mind for numbers and anything else which mattered. [Jurevicus]

Nervous a bit from her last meeting with this man, Alea finally builds up enough nerve to knock timidly on the door. Trying to keep the volume he gave her hidden under her cloak. She's curious what he will show her next, but is patient to see. A lot has happened recently, with the disappearance of Alessio and his new replacement. She quietly knocks again waiting for an answer. [Alea]

Jurevicus Galilee was not a man to be disturbed. Looking up from his papers, his expression is sullen. "Enter," he speaks, his tone betraying a touch of the anger within. 'This had better be worthwhile,' he thinks to himself.

Alea winces at the tone of voice, perhaps this was a bad idea. She takes a deep breath before entering the office. She timidly looks up to the man at the desk. "I..I've come to return you're book m'lord." She gently sets the ancient volume on the desk.

The curved brow of the Usurper turned upward slightly as his one-time protege entered the chamber. "Ahh, Alea!" he exclaims, rising from his seat. "My apologies for my initial tone. I've been rather busy, and a particularly annoying servant has not let me be for more than five minutes at a time." Looking toward the girl, Jurevicus smiles. "And the book was a gift. I try not to lend them, but to give them. An old superstition, you see." [Jurevicus]

Alea seems taken aback a moment at the sudden change of tone, its like he's a new person. "But I thought you would have wanted it back sir, its looks very old. I thought it belonged in that chamber." She continues watching him curiously.

"Yes, well, it is an old book. That much is certain. But what use is a book that is never read?" Jurevicus replies, shaking his head. "I insist that you keep it. It is a fine volume. Did you have time to read it through?" Returning to his desk, the Marquis stands behind it. "Did you enjoy it?" he adds, assuming the answer to the first question is a 'yes'. [Jurevicus]

Alea nods. "It was quite interesting. Very interesting indeed.." Her thoughts drift for a moment. "I didnt understand some of it but I tried to figure out all that I could. It was difficult keeping it from Tarmalon, but I no longer reside at the inn."

"Oh? A tragedy. Why have you left the Moon Raven?" Jurevicus asks, a hint of genuine concern behind the questions. "Did he terminate you, or have you finally saved enough coin to afford a home of your own?" [Jurevicus]

Alea smiles softly. "I still work there. But I got married. No point living at the inn now I have a husband to take care of." Her thoughts drift to all the events that have happened to lead to that and smiles to herself.

Jurevicus appeared to be genuinely surprised by this latest revelation. "You have been wed? To whom, and why have I not been informed?" his chin in his palm, he wonders aloud, "In Irae?"

Alea shakes her head. "No not in Irae. I married Tsaen Shadowheart. I wasn’t aware I had to inform you sir." She takes a seat in one of the wooden chairs in the office in front of the desk.

The gith chuckled as Alea took a seat. "You would never have to do anything, dear girl," Jurevicus comments. "But I would have thought... we are friends, yes? I would have thought that, as a friend, I would have been told beforehand." Shrugging, he moves to one of the wine racks and withdraws a fine vintage. "Some wine, to celebrate the occasion?" [Jurevicus]

She chuckles as she watches the man. "It wasnt exactly a well planned affair. I didn’t know until the day of myself. And yes some wine would be wonderful." She glances around the office seeing how different it is from when Alessio was here. "You've moved up in the world I see m'lord. Seems I've been out of the city too long." [Alea]

"It is the way of things. Alessio fell ill and then disappeared for some time. Given that he had no heirs, I was the natural successor. The people actually requested that I be the next Marquis. I suppose I made some impression as the Trademeister," Jurevicus explained as he filled a pair of fluted glasses with the vintage muscat wine. "He was unfit for this office, anyway. He had no mind for numbers and no sense of decency. It was almost an act of mercy, my replacing him." [Jurevicus]

Alea plays with her hair a moment while thinking. "If you are Marquis now, will you continue teaching me still. Or is it not proper for you to be doing that sir?"

Jurevicus chuckled. "Why would it be improper? I've given you a tome to study, and you have done so. I have made a promise to teach you true power, have I not?" Black eyes unblinking, the Usurper adds, "You do still wish to learn?"

Alea nods eagerly. "Yes my lord I do intend to learn. As much as I can from you. I told you I was very curious and that volume you gave me fascinated me. I just wanted to make sure you still wished to teach me."

The Marquis was all smiles. "Of course I am still interested. You would understand, however, that my new office as Marquis of this city places a sufficient amount of pressure on my shoulders. We will need to work around my schedule." Seating himself, Jurevicus sipped at his wine. "It is a rather fine wine, is it not? It was purchased from our very own winery, here in Irae. Speaking of... didn't you say you were married to Tsaen?" [Jurevicus]

Alea sips the wine tasting it, savoring the flavor. "Its very fine wine. And yes I am married to Tsaen. Why do you ask?"

Jurevicus nodded, smiling. "Have you spoken with him recently?" Filling his glass again, he extends the lip of the bottle toward Alea, offering to top her own glass off.

Alea nods. "Yes he was on about something to do with the winery. But I was in a hurry to catch you here that I only caught part of what he was saying. I figured he would fill me in when I returned home."

"Yes. Your husband, Tsaen Shadowheart, is the latest owner of the Sera River Winery and Yards. We worked out a deal for the land, one which is mutually agreeable for the both of us," Jurevicus explained. "I must say, you have selected a fine husband for yourself. He has great promise." [Jurevicus]

Alea raises her eyebrow. "You really think so? He seems logical. Uses his mind instead of blind emotions. None of this irrational impulsive stuff. He thinks things through." She continues sipping her wine gently.

"Impulsiveness can be both a blessing and a curse, Alea. This is something you will learn with time, I am certain," said the Marquis with a smile. "And isn't it of some comfort to you, that he is a stable fellow? He is a rock for your strange world. Somebody to keep you firmly on the ground." [Jurevicus]

She stares blankly ahead a while before returning to the conversation. "Yes it is nice to have someone stable. He's dependable, a man of business. Much like yourself sir." She finishes off her wine and sets the glass down on the desk smiling happily. [Alea]

Galilee nodded. "That he is. And that is probably why I like him as much as I do." Standing once more, the Marquis corked his bottle of wine and returned it to the racks. "Now, Alea, is our business concluded? These papers are incredibly important, and I would be lying if I said they were none of your business. They are the final draft of the agreement between your husband and I." [Jurevicus]

Alea frowns slightly. "Oh thats all? Well I guess you are a busy man these days..I just thought..." She shrugs her shoulders and stands and gets ready to leave.

The Marquis spoke decisively. "It is all for now. We will resume your lessons soon enough. You will be contacted by one of my more trusted servants. I trust that he will be able to find you at the Winery, yes?" While he waited for a response, Jurevicus drained his glass. [Jurevicus]

Alea quickly nods. "Yes we will be moving back into the city as soon as possible. So I will be found at the Winery. Thank you for the wine and I hope to see you again soon m'lord." She curtsied gracefully for him.

Jurevicus nodded. "You will see me again, very soon. And tell your husband that I wish him well with his endeavour." Returning to his desk, the Marquis loses himself in his papers once again.

Interlude
Jan. 10th, 2009
Players: Satine, Alessio
Summary: As the romance between Alessio and Satine continues to blossom, a darker side of the Deposed Marquis of Sanctus Irae surfaces, and it vows vengeance against the Usurper.

A small room is seen here. It seems almost bare as if no one lived there at all. The only furniture in the room is a bed and a night stand, on the wall you see a finely crafted mirror. On the bed a young gith is laying her eyes shut, she appears to be in a deep sleep. Dressed in a form fitting black dress, she seems peaceful yet something troubles her. [Satine]

The Rightful Marquis of Sanctus Irae had told Satine in his dreamscape that he would come to find her, and it was a promise he had meant to keep. But his travels to the Singing Rose, where she had said she was staying, were not uneventful. In spite of his haggard appearance and the cowl which he kept drawn up and over to conceal his face, it did not take long for the people to recognize the missing nobleman. Reaction had been mixed, with some cheering and much harassment from all parties. 'Where have you been?' was the most common question asked of him, and 'You abandoned us!' was almost as frequent. If nothing else, Jurevicus had handled his coup incredibly efficiently. Now, he had arrived at the Inn, and having asked the keeper as to the whereabouts of Satine, he found himself rapping on her chamber door. [Alessio]

Her eyes snap open at the sound of someone knocking. "Who is it!" Satine quickly stands and checks her appearance in the mirror if nothing else she would at least appear decent for whoever had the nerve to disturb her. "Well?" [Satine]

"Alessio di Rossetti, in the flesh and come to keep a promise," the deposed man spoke, a hint of trepidation staining his tone. Raising a hand to his face, the Marquis traced the long, thin cut he had along the side of it; the scar which had been given him by the lady whom he was presently visiting. [Alessio]

Satine's eyes light up at the voice. "Alessio? Is it really you?" She hurries towards the door opening it carefully. Peering out to see if it was really him or some intruder.

And it was him, at last. Alessio looked at the woman who had stayed with him in his dreamscape with a hint of admiration, and perhaps something more, before his view strayed into her room. "May I enter, Satine?" he inquires, looking either way along the hall off of which her chamber had been built, assuring himself that it was quite empty. [Alessio]

Suddenly feeling unable to speak she simply nods and opens the door to admit him. After he enters she quickly looks out the door making sure it was clear before closing and locking the door. She simply stands there watching him waiting to see what he will think of her now. [Satine]

Alessio looked the elven woman over again, and smiled. "Still as beautiful as you were when last we saw each other, and real, too." Nodding, the Marquis moved to the mirror and looked into it, seeing a very different person staring back at him. "Dear God, how long was I trapped in that place?" he wonders aloud. He already knew that his face was marred with the scar from Satine's kick, but his beard had grown rampant and his hair unkempt. He was a mess. [Alessio]

The elf smiles softly at him. "You look wonderful Alessio. And to answer you have been gone a good many months I think. A lot has happened in your absence." She crosses the room to him and caresses his face. "And yes, I am real this time." [Satine]

The Marquis backed away from Satine for a moment, still staring into that mirror at that dreadful version of himself. "What do you mean?" he asked, running his fingers through the thick and tangled beard which he now possesses. "What has happened to my city?" Alessio presses onward, fearful of the response. [Alessio]

Satine sighs. "You aren't going to like this Alessio. I don’t even like this. The people believed you had abandoned them and now Jurevicus has stepped in as Marquis." She stands back as she tells him this not exactly sure on his reaction.

"WHAT?" the rightful Marquis screams, surging forward and grabbing Satine by the shoulders, hard. He shakes her a moment, adding, "That slimy bastard!" Releasing her with a final, violent shake, he turns toward the mirror and roars, "He would imprison me and play innocent, stealing the hearts and minds of my people? That devil!" Growling, Alessio lashes out at the mirror, smashing it with a firm punch, breaking through the backing and hitting the wall with a sickening crunch. Withdrawing his fist, he pulls the shards of the mirror that remained from it as he continues to mutter. [Alessio]

Satine winces as she hears the smash. "Alessio..." She quickly finds some cloth and rips off a piece. She rushes forward and takes Alessio's hand, she mutters a few words as her magic weaves around his hand to ease his pain. She then wraps the cloth around his hand and ties it gently. [Satine]

Alessio continues to mutter as Satine wraps his hand, the blood rushing from it and staining the cloth a deep shade of red. "I swear on this ruined hand, on the blood that runs from it, and on the honor of my family... I swear that the man who has stolen my station will die. If it should cost me everything I have; if I must sell all of my lands and give away my very soul to have my revenge, it will be mine." Looking downward at Satine, his eyes burn with rage and with passion. "And you will help me. Gather your things. You are coming to live in my Villa." [Alessio]

Satine looks up at the Marquis. "What can I do? I’ll go with you but not sure how I can help you." She quickly glances around. "I don’t really own anything other than the clothes on my back." Her cheeks redden with embarrassment. "This is it."

Her confusion enrages him all the more, and as his anger grows, he finds himself drawn closer to her. Finally, Alessio takes her face into his hands and presses in for a single, passionate kiss. If he couldn't have his hands around the throat of Jurevicus, he would have her, instead. [Alessio]

Shocked by his sudden action, she steps back. "If we must go Alessio, I suggest we go. I will help you in any way I can but let us be off." She quickly gathers what little things she has, her face reddened by the attentions of Alessio but she simply brushes it off and finishes gathering her things. [Satine]

It was his turn to be confused. Mind reeling with the shock of rejection, Alessio views Satine in a new light. Was she teasing him, or did she truly feel something? Her face had taken on a deep shade of red, one which could mean anything. "Fair enough," he speaks, his tone conveying his inner turmoil, as he moves to the door and exits. "I will be waiting in the common area." [Alessio]

The One, True God
Jan. 24th, 2009
Players: Kataplexi, Alessio
Summary: Alessio is visited by the peculiar Kataplexi, who claims to be a living God. She comes bearing tidings of a distant threat, and the promise of the strength to lead Irae through the troubled times ahead.

Dusk had arrived over the rooftops of Irae, a pretty pastel sky overhanging a blanket of white. There was a chill to the air, but nothing near to the vicious cold that had bitten at the bodies and the hearts of the citizens of the City of Lions these past few months.

From his balcony, the deposed Marquis of the city overlooks the array of buildings and the once-splendid gates beyond, dressed in little more than his bathrobe, hands clasped behind his back. He was deep in thought, attempting with little avail to plot his return to the throne. [Alessio]

Kataplexi gazes at the view from the balcony. Impressive, if she could secure a strong religious following in the city, there would be no stopping her influence. She smiled an innocent, child like grin, soon she could go home. Spying a chair in the corner she silently floats herself into it. With the human following growing strong, staying hidden didn't even take the slightest amount of concentration any longer. She watches the glum fellow for a moment.

Was she doing this to spread another tendril, or because she spited the wretched gith and his ego that much? She cocks her head and shrugs, what did it matter? All pathes lead to one. She speaks first, as to draw his glance, "Marquis Alessio." as she slowly fades into view, first her figure and colors, then detail and an uncharacteristic cockiness in her smile, "The Kataplexi, humbly seeks an audience." [Kataplexi]

The human spun about suddenly, his eyes betraying an inner sense of surprise, perhaps stained with a touch of fear. In the past, he would have been scared witless, but not now. Having survived no fewer than three attempts on his life, Alessio di Rossetti had discovered a new strength within himself. Or perhaps it was a further depth of insanity.

The first words he manages to string together are spoken in a sardonic manner: "The Kataplexi? The one and only? Truly, I am the one who is humbled!" It hadn't yet dawned on him that this individual had quite suddenly and miraculously appeared on his balcony just yet. He had assumed that she had let herself in while he was lost in thought. The guard just didn't seem all that interested in protecting him, these days. [Alessio]

The cockiness gone, she smiles sweetly, her power of emotional suggestion even stronger than the previous night already, The Kataplexi was nearly affected by her own 'fuzzy' feelings. "How sweet you are, for a man in such turmoil. I truly feel such pity that you've had to live through such desperate times..." she pauses, still smiling at him as a mother at her newborn. [Kataplexi]

The Marquis felt a sense of warmth reaching out toward him, and enveloping him wholly. It was a sensation he hadn't known in quite some time, and had he been any less determined -- or better yet, hell-bent -- on this latest crusade against the usurper Jurevicus, Alessio may have been held completely by the Kataplexi's spell. "Why have you come?" Alessio asks of her, though even as he finishes those words, the answer seems almost insignificant. [Alessio]

Her look saddens slightly and she gestures towards the other chair, "Sit... I am here for different reasons. But most importantly, I am here for you, my sweet. I am here to help you." She reaches out to the table running her hand over the book, and she looks to Alessio her eyes slightly widened, "Your world is in turmoil. Life as you know it threatened. Your people commandeered by a very dangerous man, who cares not for anything, except his own hide. Worse yet, my brother's armies are upon the horizon..." [Kataplexi]

"Your brother?" Alessio inquires as he takes the seat which she had offered. "And just who is your brother?" It was moments such as these where he realized how isolated he had been over the past few months. Perhaps these armies were the reason for the surge of immigrants and refugees flooding through Irae's gates of late. [Alessio]

She looks out towards the city, her eyes glaze over as if she were seeing something else, "Why the inexorable Pixie Doom King Vermicio of course..." Her eyes return to normal and she looks over the Marquis, sensing the thought process, "it just gets so complicated explaining the relations of our kind to mortals. We do not have blood families as you..." She pauses, forcing herself to return to the important details, "Vermicio intends to rule all this realm, Jurevicus will have your people either allied with his armies, or die clashing futilely against his combined forces. Most have already fallen, Irae has luckily escaped his lust until now... with so many survivors turning to Irae for protection, his torches will burn the city." [Kataplexi]

Alessio laughed. This one was a piece of work, certainly. "For a creature who claims to be a God, you certainly underestimate the City of Lions and her formidable defenses. Surely the gith hasn't managed to utterly destroy them in his brief tenure." Shaking his head, the deposed Marquis looks outward over the city again, as if lost deep in recollection. "There are wards, magical in nature, to go along with our military and those mages of Valdislav who would fight alongside them. And the thieves in our Poor Quarters could likely be trusted if their livelihoods were threatened." [Alessio]

Kataplexi looks Alessio directly in the eyes, "Under Jurevicus, Irae will fall, regardless of their unity. They may put on a good fight... but in the end, that just speaks for how many will die... eventually Vermicio will fall, it is destined, as is his success. But only those with true faith will survive to see it... I can only protect those who love me, and will accept my love in return." [Kataplexi]

Di Rossetti had never been a particularly religious man, speaking only to the Gods when he was experiencing great pain or great pleasure. And now this woman was claiming to be a God incarnate. It all seemed a little overwhelming. "So, what, do I drop to my knee and offer to wash your feet?" Alessio offers, sarcasm dripping from every word. "Or would you rather I sacrifice a thousand virgins in your name?" [Alessio]

Kataplexi smiles innocently. The look of her so typical of a child, one would almost think her unable to comprehend the implications of the conversation, but the look of her eyes momentarily holds the experience of a thousand lifetimes. "I must admit, of you I ask more than others... all I ask of many is to recognize me as their god, and accept my love, my protection... my gifts. For you, however, there is a price." [Kataplexi]

There was a loud trumpeting in the distance as the guard changed over. The night shift was moving into position. As Alessio watched the gleaming metal armor of one guard, departing from his post along the ramparts, he smirks. "A price? Tell me what the reward is, first, and then I will consider payment." [Alessio]

Kataplexi shakes her head, her eyes sparkling, "First, Do not talk to me as though I am a politician to be bargained with. You have already accepted, this polite conversation is merely to inform you of the terms of our friendship. My presence on this balcony should confirm this..." She stands quietly and begins to pace, her tiny frail frame seems to glow with moonlight, "The rewards are simple, and irrefutably beneficial... and trivial. The price is simple as well, you will represent me to your people, you will spread word of my love to all your people, and as far across the realm as your influence. The last, will be trickier... The great Marquis of Irae, and my emissary cannot lead from this villa, and nor can he allow that wretched soul to dominate him in his own city. We must destroy Jurevicus." She stops pacing and looks to Alessio, "How we do so is irrelevant, I do not care whether he lives or dies, as long as he is gone..." she smiles, "and suffers... I am a peaceful god, nevertheless, I am what I am, and there is no greater no greater sin than to defy a god, and no greater force, than the wrath of a god... except that of a goddess." [Kataplexi]

The deposed Marquis watched the self-proclaimed God through narrowed eyes as she spoke. She seemed too young to harbor such malice, and yet there it was. And Alessio di Rossetti would be lying if he claimed that he bore no ill will for the usurper, Jurevicus. "You would make me a missionary of your faith?" he wonders, a single brow arched with curiosity. "I have intended to kill Jurevicus since my return. That is not an issue. What is an issue is your insistence on my spreading of your message. Just what sort of God are you? What sort of things would you have me preach?" [Alessio]

Kataplexi looks surprised, "Preach nothing that you do not believe, tell them that I will love all who love me, and I will protect all that I love from Vermicio by all means necessary."

It was a small price to pay, for his chance at vengeance. And if this Vermicio creature proved to be as dangerous as she claimed, Irae could use whatever help it could get. Alessio reluctantly extended his hand, offering it for the shaking, as he plainly states, "The Kataplexi has herself a deal, then." [Alessio]

Kataplexi takes the hand and smiles her motherly smile once again, "Don't look so glum, child. You're about to get revenge, and become a hero to your people... possibly the entire realm." She looks off at the starry sky over the City of Lions, "Not to mention, everything feels far better with me in your heart... Following a path of righteousness, and knowing you are doing so, is more than most could hope for... and who says you should have to wait for the afterlife to reap the benefits?" [Kataplexi]

[ 84] Alessio: Revelations II
Fri Jan 30 23:47:15 2009
To: Readers

The Deposed Marquis of Sanctus Irae had found his fortunes changing for the better of late.

It had all occured on that fateful eve, those short nights ago, when the self-proclaimed God, Kataplexi, had made her appearance on his balcony. Her proposal was simple: trust in me, and speak of this trust with others, and you will benefit.

'What a load of rubbish!' Alessio had thought, but things were different now than they once were.

First, it was the roll of a die. To any skeptic, it would have been dismissed as a lucky bounce. But to Alessio, a man as desperate for trustworthy allies as ever there could have been, it was something more: it was divine. And it was a small fortune.

And then there came the incident in the alleyway. Confronted by a pair of greedy brigands who were seeking to murder him for his winnings, there seemed no possibility of survival. And as the man fell to his knees, he offered a prayer to every God he had ever known.

It wasn't until he had addressed her, the strange woman who had visited him on his balcony, that he had been saved. A swarm of beggars, cutpurses, and lepers descended upon the brigands, punching and kicking and biting and tearing. And even as Alessio watched on, he knew.

Even before they were finished, and the apparent leader bowed his head in a quick prayer to the Kataplexi, Alessio di Rossetti had become a fervent believer.

Here was a God whose work could be seen, and could be touched. Here was a God whose will was evident. Here was a god worthy of worship.

Rising from the ground, the Marquis felt no shame in the puddle at his feet, the one true mark of his fear. For fear was only Human, and he was undeniably so.

But Kataplexi was something more. Kataplexi was a God. And as he returned to his home among the slums, to clean and redress himself for the day ahead, he knew:

He would go to sing her praise. Not only to the poor and the diseased, to the weak and the dying, but to the upper classes and the aristocracy. He would spread her message throughout the City, and all would listen, for hers was a message worthy of listening.

Out of Exile
Feb. 1st, 2009
Players: Kataplexi, Tarmalon, Alessio
Summary: Two men find renewed purpose in the slums of Irae: Tarmalon Darkstone, owner of the Moon Raven, assumes control of the guard while Alessio di Rossetti, inspired by his God, sets his plan for vengeance on the Usurper of Irae in motion.

It was midnight in the City of Lions, the sun having long since been replaced by a veil of stars in the night sky. There was no moon this evening, casting an odd sort of shadow across the city's darkest alleyways. In one such niche, however, a crowd of people assembles, leaning curiously toward an animated man as he speaks of the love of his God by torchlight. The dancing flames cast his shadow in an otherworldly light, as if he were some sort of divine being in and of himself. [Alessio]

Tarmalon finishes buckling together his freshly inspected and polished armor. He breathes deeply before walking down the rickety stairs of the tavern. Once at the bar he drank four mugs of ale quickly, while he looked over the Moon Raven. He had to protect this.

The night was black, but he knew where he was going, one of the patrons slipped that Alessio had been hiding out in the poor quarters acting like a drunkard street entertainer. As he rounded the corner he was stopped in his tracks at the light show in the dark. He slowly crept forward, keeping a distance from the crowd but trying to hear. [Tarmalon]

"So you see, my friends!" the deposed Marquis speaks enthusiastically, his words frantic. "Had it not been for the intervention of the one true God, I would be a dead man today!" Motioning toward the crowd, Alessio singles out a fellow whose face is hideously deformed, marred with a dozen or more pockmarks and a handful of blisters. "Look! Look at this depressing creature! I was once a ruin, like he is now, though my scars were not as apparent as his. But she found me, and in exchange for my love, she offered guidance and life anew!" Pointing to a second man, he says, "You! I overheard a discussion which you were having with a pair of men, earlier. Did they not threaten to gut you like a fish?" The man nodded. "Aha! But if you were to give yourself over in devotion to her, she would protect you as she has done with me! No harm could befall you, but that which you bring upon yourself!" [Alessio]

Tarmalon's jaw dropped suddenly, he had seen the change in peoples’ eyes, but he hadn't known what it was. He shook his head; he couldn't think about this, he had a mission. Slowly he started to walk towards the crowd, his hands on his sword hilts. [Tarmalon]

Di Rossetti had caught sight of a figure on the periphery of his little group. The man was short in stature, and it looked as though he was keeping his weapons close at hand. Could this be an assassin, sent by Jurevicus to kill him? "You see, there are others who would make the same claim as the Kataplexi, but they are liars! I know that she is true, because she has saved my life, just as she will save all of those who believe in her, and who love her!" Grabbing the shirt of one of the assembled crowd, he shouts, "But there are those who would seek to silence her message of love, and of peace, and of truth. There are those who would seek to undermine her. They must be found, and they must be converted, or they should suffer the consequence!" Alessio shoved the man ruthlessly into the arms of the crowd as he finished, turning his back to them. "That is all, for now. Go, and spread the word!"

Tarmalon clears his throat, "Yeah, better clear on out before Jurevicus' guard finds ya’ll 'ere 'n handles yer little peaceful assembly." The dwarf pushes forward through the crowd, "Marquis, Ay be havin' a word."

There was a sudden gasp from more than one individual in the crowd as they overheard the title with which the ranting man had been addressed. Marquis? As in Marquis di Rossetti, returned at last? A number of them scurried off, this way and that, likely to spread the latest juicy gossip.

The deposed Marquis still did not turn, even as the dwarf sought to speak with him. He had met Tarmalon once before, and he knew that accent, but nowaday it was impossible to tell who was working with who. "What do you want?" he asks. [Alessio]

Tarmalon looks around, they were standing alone now, "Ay was comin'ter give yer a wake up call..." He walks up close behind the Marquis grabs, him by the collar and pulls him to the ground. With his free hand he produces a dagger. Tarmalon catches Alessio before he hits the ground, sliding the knife to Alessio's right tearduct. "See, I dono what be goin' on 'ere, all these people with that... look in da eyes. But I do know Jurevicus has to be dealt wit." [Tarmalon]

Alessio laughed hysterically as the dagger slid along his face, toward his eye. "Jurevicus?" he manages with great effort. "Jurevicus is nothing but a man, just like you or I. He can be killed as easily as you or I." Looking toward the dwarf, along the blade of the knife, he laughs again. "Please, spare me the effort and do the job for me?" [Alessio]

Tarmalon closes his hand over the hilt of the knife and punches Alessio in the right side of his face. "Yer see, yer the Marquis, and yer be letten that man masquerading as yer. Now Ay got ter come outter me retirement to fix yer mess. While yer sit 'ere and speal yer indoctrination." [Tarmalon]

The punch struck some sense into the man, his laughter coming to an abrupt and grinding halt. Reaching for his face, Alessio rubs along his jawline. "You could have broken something!" he complains, ignoring the dwarf's insults. "You could have mussed my face!" Growling, the deposed Marquis' eyes narrow as he glares at the dwarf. "What do you want me to do?" [Alessio]

Tarmalon glares at the Marquis with disgust, "Yer be Marquis, yer must expose Jurevicus as a traitor and take your position back. Ay be taken command of the guard. Be able ter hold Jurevicus under some control, an' help us when der pixie arrives." [Tarmalon]

Kataplexi steps out from a wall, and she speaks immediately with authority, "Now boys, quit this roughhousing."

As his eyes wandered to the sight of his God, Alessio broke into laughter once again. "You see? I told them she is a God! She has come now to offer me salvation and protection from the harm which you would bring unto me, dwarf!" [Alessio]

Tarmalon snorts laughter before punching Alessio in the face once more. He stands up and backs away from the Marquis and positions himself to be facing them both, "Ay said what Ay come ter say."

Kataplexi steps slowly towards Alessio, she kneels next to him and begins to heal his face, "The dwarf has a point, Marquis."

Di Rossetti's eyes betrayed his confusion as he listened to what his God had to say to him. "A point? What do you mean?" he wonders, even as the aches and pains of the dwarf's punching began to fade. "What could I possibly do to Jurevicus? This is the same man who had me abducted from my own bedchamber and then who forced me into a state of sleep for several months, is it not?" [Alessio]

Tarmalon watches the pair for a moment. Strange. Alessio would know where to find him, and he had more to do yet tonight. He quickly stowed away his dagger and headed off into the black.

Kataplexi smiles down at Alessio, "You're the rightful commander of this city. Expose him, and the people will do the work for you... people like that dwarf. Don't forget, you have me now as well."

Alessio nodded as his God finished, his confidence returning -- albeit slowly. "I will challenge him for the right to rule once again," the rightful Marquis spoke, forcing himself to his feet and away from Kataplexi's grasp. "Thank you."

Kataplexi nods, now standing. "See you soon, Marquis." She beams, and her eyes sparkle as she disappears slowly before his eyes.