The Deal., Topic Status: Private

[-Davina]

She had her men move him two doors down, only Logan and Rayighne were trusted to stand in the shadows she created at the front of the door and they were under strict instructions. No one came in unless she permitted it. She looked out the window and noted that nothing seemed amiss but still felt the nagging urge to run, with Raghnall down, there was nowhere to go. Part of her was tempted to simply wait for darkness and fly him out but the plan had too many holes and too many risks to his safety and that of the men they still had posted around the area. Shit

Logan, new orders. Everyone is to blend until further notice. When night falls I want everyone back to camp and away from the city we will follow when we can travel. They are not, I repeat, not to re enter the city unless myself or Raghnall directly orders it. The next camp will be at minimum three clicks east of the city, the first person to disobey this order will face me personally. she rubbed at her temple and looked at the still form in the bed. What else to do? She had a council for this... Normally there were 12 to 15 other people now it was just her.

She wasn't a healer, wasn't skilled but she sniffed the pots left by the priestess and found nothing that smelled bad so she left them be. She paced the room, drew the curtians then pulled them open then closed them again. She was afraid to get close, afraid to find him not breathing again. She cursed herself for a coward and threw the crown that had gotten in her face across the room.

You scared me today, next time it would be easier to just throw a building at them or something... the sound of her own voice broke the silence and startled her and the joke fell flat. I know we aren't supposed to like each other and all that but next time could you avoid trying to die. I am slightly attached to you.

She managed to make it over to the bed, perching on the edge so as not to disturb him she brushed the hair from his brow as her mom used to do for her when she had been ill. Mother used to say wolves mated for life, I always thought that was silly. I mean who picks one person for the rest of their lives? After all, we snore, have morning breath, and heaven forbid have to put up with silly men trying to order us to run away... She smiled a little But, I'd do it for you Immanuel. Despite your horrible morning breath, your bossy personality, you hog the bed, you wont give up nearly enough closet space... She felt her eyes start to go heavy, good Goddess she was tired. and I still think you need an attitude adju... She didn't even make it through the word before she slumped forward, instinct had her rolling into Raghnall's side and curling around him before she started to snore.

[-Roush]

Raghnall's eyes snapped open as he took a bit deeper of a breath. The extra stretching of his skin hurt him just a bit, but he felt like he was better off then he should have been. He never even expected to wake up...

The gem was gone. So there was that. Zara was alive. That was good. A quick scan of the area showed that his men were alive.

He had succeeded. This was a victory.

He moved his hand around Zara, tilting his head slightly so he could smell her hair. It was comforting, even though the pain of exhaustion and small patches of half-healed skin was present.

What of The Marquis? What of the Beggar? He hadn't killed him. Had he forced him to run? Perhaps the Marquis had stepped up. Perhaps Zara some strength that he didn't know of. For now, he was exhausted. He would wait until Zara woke...

[-Davina]

Perhaps it was the secrets she held.

Perhaps it was a side effect of the terror she inflicted on the Beggar.

Perhaps it was a mix of too much combat and not enough sleep.

Maybe it was just her turn in the way of all mortals but Zarafey dreampt in harsh terrors.

Her physical body didn't move, she didn't make a sound but those tethered to her head... Those who were linked were in for a rude awakening

The doors closed on Star, heavy steel thudding around his solid form with a sickening thud and a bone jarring crunch that echoed through the hall. She heard it a bare second before she heard his scream from her shadow. She whimpered and tried to move to him only to be cut off by Raghnall.

The I love you was a mere whisper before the ball of fire and light exploded from his body even as he launched at the grinning face of the Beggar. The Marquis sat idly by studying his nails and even as Zara pounded what had now become a prison and screamed at him to help she realized she had become mute. Her fists bled as she pounded against the shadows and watched her lover burn then she was suddenly free.

Free was bad as it turned out, she fell forward into a river of blood, Raghnall's blood. She screamed his name even as the pain hit, the sharp cramp and the wet heat sliding through her own body. Her screams continued to echo in her head as she listened to the Beggar laugh maniacly in the background.

She didn't make a sound, as though even in sleep she knew that she wasn't safe, but the tears flowed hot and heavy as she dreamed of the carnage that was their death even as Logan's voice tried to break through her terror.

Her eyes opened as consciousness came in a rush, even seeing Raghnall breathing couldn't erase the image of his body, of the blood.

[-Roush]

He saw her eyes open, and a grin crossed his face. He shifted, which in and of itself was slightly painful, to look her in the eyes.

"Hey."

He ran his fingers through her hair, his own eyes misting over.

"It's good to see you. I guess we lived."
He kissed her forehead.

"Where are we? And what of the Marquis? We still have business to do, after all."


OOC:
Sorry for the short post. Not much to say. I think we're ready to get up and find the Marquis again. Feel free to move us.

[-Davina]

The dream merged with reality, blood with tears and with flesh and it took a few blinks before she could clear it all. His voice had her eyes closing against the flood of emotion. She had lost him today and the image of him laying on the floor encased in ice still stood stark in her head.

His last question broke through and let the rage flow. Business? He spoke of business after everything that had... She conveniently forgot about the small talk she had with the Marquis as Raghnall had been moved to these chambers. Females are fickle creatures when under extreme emotional pressure.

She straddled him and thumped his chest, a full blown girl hit that showed she had forgotten every lesson her father and brother had ever taught her about how to throw a punch. Then scowled at him for hurting her hand

No, I lived, you died. Don't you ever, ever do something so damn stupid again. I don't care if it was brave. Now I have to go kill a bunch of demons with our kids and do you know how hard that is going to be?

And do you have any clue what it looks like when a man looses his mind? Of course not because you were already a raging ball of fire when I made that mans mind break into tiny pieces... She thumped him again then stuck her knuckle in her mouth and took a deep shuddering breath as she attempted to again find control.

It came slowly and the only way to gain it was to stick her nose in the air and do as her mother used to call put on the princess.

Yes, we survived. Our people are in town and will move later tonight, far enough out to prevent this from happening again I hope. When the fight began I used magic to lock him out of what I felt would hurt you worst then got out of the way, though I stayed in the room rather than run.

When you launched your main attacks I chose to break into his mind and make him dream, only instead of pleasant I gave him his worst nightmare. It broke his control over the demon gems he carried. They locked him away and locked you down, by the time I was able to emerge from the shadows the Marquis had engaged in combat with the gems and it became a stand off.

Around that time you decided that you didn't need to breathe anymore and I became a trifle irritated with the whole situation. I informed the demon gems that it would be my life's mission to hunt them and kill them to avenge your death. One informed me this was unwise but also broke you free and restarted your heart.

She broke off again, attempting to control the flow of tears as the moments replayed.

The Marquis and I spoke after you were moved, we are currently a few doors down so as not to arouse suspicion from the Asier. The deal still stands, though we have the upper hand and while I should have set him on fire and caused him to jump to his own death for what he did to you... I understand where he was and I understand his remorse. I doubt he will ever do something this foul again. If you feel the need to do business just now I will have Logan find him. She made to get off of him.

[-Roush]

Raghnall smiled, reaching up and grabbing Zara's hip as a pained grunt passed through his teeth.

"Frozen... I think I remember that. I suppose I should should thank you for bluffing down demons then, right?"

He reached up and grabbed the back of her hair and brought her down for a kiss.
"You know I'm going to do it again. This is what I do. Worrying is what you do as a warrior's woman."

His hands fell to her thighs.
"I've seen men go crazy before. It's never really that pleasant."

He looked at the broken gauntlet, and just sighed.

"I lost the gem, but as long as I made it out with you and the men, I'm okay with it. The gem came to me randomly anyway, so losing it just as quickly gives me little to complain about. Besides, I've been worse off."

He reached up and stroked her face, his thumb wiping away her tears. He sat up and wrapped his arms around her again, pulling her close.

"I'm so happy your made it through without injuries."
He sighed and looked away.

"I do not believe The Marquis meant any ill will. And if we saved our men, it means we saved his, and most of his operation. He owes us now, and he knows it. Let's talk to him, see what we can broker."

He turned to put his feet on the ground as Zara moved to get up. A bit of dizziness hit him, but faded soon after.

Then his heart fluttered. It was odd, to say the least... He suddenly felt incredible. He put his arms over his head, grabbing his wrists and flexing upwards. As he let them fall, he rolled his shoulders forwards, moving his neck around.
"I actually feel really good, as odd as that sounds."

And then he realized it. He couldn't sense anyone anymore. He tried to push a whisper to Zara... And couldn't. What the hell had happened to him? His body felt incredible, but his mind was caged inside of the bone that protected it.

"Well... This is interesting."

[-Davina]

She didn't bother to look over, still miffed as she played through what he had said. Warrior's woman her ass. She started to mutter as she sorted through the things that Logan had brought over. Bluff... he thinks I was bluffing...I'll show him... Ought to ... She hucked the shirt and pants in Raghnall's general direction, the under garments were an after thought.

Lucky I put up with... The dark purple gown was a total loss as it had dried on her body and was musty so she threw that at him to with a scowl at his comment that he had never felt better. The temper she had been brewing had her forms shifting around and she finally stood as a hybrid, toe tapping and her ears forward as her eyes narrowed.

Her tone was pure princess to peasant, very reminiscent of the time she had pissed him off so badly the day they had met And what, pray tell, has your interest this time Immanuel? Underestimate her, bluff her fluffy tail.... By the Goddess she was going to thump his ass...

[-Roush]

"I feel stronger. But at the same time I've lost my psychic abilities. Maybe they were connected to the gem somehow, or maybe having all that arcane energy was holding me back. I don't know."

Oh, he didn't have a shirt on, did he? He quickly got dressed, trying to look as presentable as possible, although the current situation gave him an excuse.

She was annoyed with him, so it seemed. He guessed she was more of annoyed with the situation. He might be the same way had she been the one injured by the Beggar.

"Ready to finish our meeting and get out of here? We need to go to Anur as soon as possible."

[-Davina]

As she managed to get back into her elven form and turned to find her brush she tugged a teal gown into place. Then wanted to bounce her head off the wall, how could she have found herself with a male so dense? Good Goddess... She sighed and linked him into the network. Well, atleast I can serve some purpose beyond sitting beside the fire worrying about my warrior. Her tone dripped with acid as she tossed the brush at the desk.

Detect had her locating her target quickly enough and scanning the area for any other potential targets. Nothing would give her more pleasure than to show her man just what the little woman was capable of. Unfortunately there was only the Marquis and she couldn't bring herself to bring him to his knees, despite the fact that he might deserve it.

She didn't do more than send a quick look over her shoulder, if he wanted a meeting he'd get it. She'd finish explaining what had her mad when she could speak without the urge to choke him to death with his tail. Were all men so incapable of seeing past her size and sex? Or was it simply the men in her life? Her father, her brother and now him... Damnit.

She stalked down the hall, elegant and graceful, every inch the predator and the stairs barely hitched her stride. She moved left and smiled brightly into the eyes of a guard who blinked a few times then swallowed hard and moved out of the way.

The Marquis sat at an elegantly appointed bar and she couldn't blame him, she suddenly wanted a stiff drink herself. She resisted, barely, asking him for the bottle and an hour by herself with someone he didn't care for. Instead she smiled brilliantly and held out a hand in greeting.

Stupid fucking men. Marquis, please excuse our interruption of your time. The Alpha felt rested and was in a hurry to conclude our business. We know it's an imposition but if we could speak now or perhaps set a time for soon... It would be best to get out of here before we are detected.

Self serving sons of bitches. Her smile held but her eyes were hard.

[Siege]

"That isn't much more to discuss, the terms were agreed upon. Though the situation was tragic I would rather have the gem in the hands of someone I want to kill rather then someone I can't kill," That said he tossed a glance at Raghnal who had followed the woman, he knew he couldn't touch the lycan if the gem had taken control of him like Morganus's did to him the Marquis couldn't do anything about it since him acting would of strained relations, especially with his hot headed companion. the Marquis then turned his attention back to Zara and forced a smile before going back to his glass and taking a swig, it had been a short time since her spouse had been nearly killed and the Marquis really doubted she was as happy as she seemed.

"I said we can discuss pricing later, the land on the curry plains is yours if you wish I can get you a copy of the paperwork, other then that the discussion on prices for the land in Northcliff can wait, I kept the soldiers at bay with the truth about you being my men who I ordered to go and retrieve a artifact from Akara, the artifact was suppose to be a gift for the Aesir to show our allegiance but before I could get a hold of it a man garbed in black wielding two demon gems assaulted you and stole it," he paused and took another sip from his mug before passing it to the barkeep for a refill. He turned his head and offered Zara a slight wink, that was the story and it was best they remembered it when they left the city in case the Aesir forces stop them.

"You are welcome to remain in Alegrarse for a bit longer if you wish but I won't stop you from leaving, now if you have anymore questions I am all ears or you can grab a seat and drink with me I imagine we all needed it."

[-Roush]

That first sentence was an interesting and amazing vote of confidence. Raghnall had to wonder if it wasn't just flattery, though. This man was a businessman, after all. It didn't matter; the deal had gone well, all things considered. But the Beggar... He would be a problem for another day.

"I'm glad you weren't assaulted by the Aesir's men. It's a good thing they were open to reason."
Raghnall smiled back at the Marquis.

"I think we're finished here if things are set. Someone will retrieve a copy. I wish things would have gone a bit smooth, but thankfully we all walked out of the room, lives and operations intact. I think we'll leave now; Home is calling me. May our future business be more peaceful."
He chuckled and looked over at Zara, ready to get going.

[-Davina]

Zara didn't bother to watch her mate leave, he was currently in the dog house so to speak but there was no need for the Marquis to know that.

Her inner sigh was one of both temper and she wasn't sure if it was tears or just.. Frustration? He thought it was about him, the danger had upset her yes.... But he failed to see his obvious disrespect of her on so many levels. Her chin lifted as she realized she would have to remedy that or they would kill each other soon. She put it aside and managed to not make a face when a glass of blush colored wine was set in front of her.

I wont apologize for him, but as an...she broke off with a laugh As the only Ambassador to Anur I would like to assure you, she doesn't come to this deal empty handed and begging. We have some of the finest weapon smiths in the worlds, as you've seen. Our forges are yours as long as we are partners, our warriors have heart that cannot be conquered and they just will not die, nor do they surrender. Those also are at your aide.

She sipped, atleast it was of good vintage... Her tone was a little distant and very thoughtful as she pondered her next words carefully Raghnall is a warrior and new to leadership of this sort, he didn't intend... She broke off again and shook her head.

The next question would answer everything for her as far as the next deals to be made. So, she was careful in her phrasing Tell me, Marquis, what do you see when you look at me? This wasn't a standard does this dress make me look fat or a fish for a compliment. She was looking to see if he was perceptive, there was little use in getting her colony involved with humans if they were dense.

The Drow were secure... Besides, despite asking her opinion, despite asking her to speak for the people Raghnall had brushed her off and ignored her anyway when it had come time to do her job. Temper heated her eyes again as she replayed the seconds where he had simply shut her out but she kept them on the glass and wished for whiskey instead of the flat girl drink.

[Siege]

The Marquis remained silent as Raghnal left, shooting the man a look, not one of distaste, maybe slight annoyance. Then came Zara, she took his offer for a drink, a good sign if anything though she almost immediately went back to business. The Marquis downed his recently refilled mug as he listened, the mug being immediately refilled whenever he set it down.


"He sees another pair of tits that might be his tonight," The comment came from a bartender, she was tall, slender in form, elven blood due to the slightly pointed ears though one could assume she was only a half blood. Clothing was nothing spectacular, sleeveless white silk dress, a pair of sandals and studded earrings, emeralds set in each. She walked by them, twirling her long white her with a finger while going about her business behind the counter she could read the mood and though she knew it wasn't the best time to crack jokes she knew that the Marquis and the drow were ruining the mood of her counter. The Marquis shot her a look but all he got in response was a shrug as she strutted towards the back to restock what the Marquis had already gone through.

"I will speak to her later," said the Marquis, burying his face in his mug to hide the smile that crossed his face, setting the mug back down he turned to look the little lady in the eyes. He took a moment before responding, he wasn’t quite sure what she was asking, and due to him being slightly intoxicated he wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Thus he decided to wing it.

"I see a woman, strong willed, caring towards those she deems worthy."

"You are describing all women Marcus."

A yell from the back room, the bartender was obviously ease dropping and the Marquis couldn't help but let out a deep chuckle at this point, though he did get back to the question at hand fairly quickly.

"You are a woman of nobility, thus you deserve a form of respect, you are also in my city which is known for getting people away from their tiresome lives thus I can't treat you as I would treat you in your own city, I must treat you as a guest. Personally I do not know what to think of you because I do not know you. I know some drow elves, I know some nobility, but anything I put on you now would just be my opinion of the two of them pieced together."

The Marquis slid his mug away as he laughed at what he just said and what he thought a drow noble would be like, to be honest Zara didn't fit the bill, not a large enough ego. It was about this time the bartender reappeared to pour the Marquis another mug, he had been drinking a rum, a rather rare rum though the way it was vanishing and reappearing one would assume he had his own private stock in the back.

"Sorry for the rude comments earlier hun things just seemed a bit, cold and though that temp is my specialty I don't really enjoy the mood being as such," said the bartender as she took a seat behind the bar infront of Zara with her own drink, salted rim, a slice of lime, everyone knew what it was. Though to show what she meant, Lena touched the side of the glass and almost instantly the liquid inside became icy, not solid but cold enough to add some texture.

"I am Lena, one of the barkeeps here, my sis is out on a errand maybe you can meet her next time you're around."

"I personally think it is for the best that she doesn't."

A pause as Lena brought a finger to her lips to consider what was just said, a gentle laugh before replying.

"I guess you're right."

[-Davina]

Zara considered the stock answer, sighed when she found it lacking and then started laughing. It's true I have exceptional tits, however the Marquis will not be getting his hands on them. She looked at the wine then the woman's drink and grinned as she took it carefully.


She took the shot in a swallow then licked the rim without breaking stride, biting into the lime and sucking it dry before laying it neatly beside the glass.

You know, had you served this earlier I would have been impressed. Also, your answer is bullshit. You form an opinion as soon as a person walks into a room, it adjusts with each word they speak and each move they make. Case in point, Lena. Nice body, could show more chooses not to because she gets more tips this way. Smart, sexy, cool and casual.

Opens her mouth and backs this up with comments that could get her into trouble and has enough brains to half apologize just in case. So, given our very short meeting I'd say... First impression is correct and someone I don't want to fuck with... Atleast not in a fight. Her smile glittered a little and she winked at Lena.

[Siege]

"You ever think that I spared my immediate impressions for the sake that I don't wish to upset my guest."

"You were thinking of Ilm'ira weren't ya?"

The Marquis glanced at her and then thought about it, drow noble, strong personality, deceptive, honestly he kept her around as someone who would keep him in line but still expected a knife in the back some day. He then laughed; Lena hit that right on the nose.

"I guess so. Though I doubt Zara has her spunk."

"Well she definitely doesn't have her body, cute little thing that Il."

Now they were just teasing her, sorta. Zara didn't know that Ilm'ira was an adult drow stuck in a child's body, Lena did and was tossing the misleading comments as a joke. The Marquis knew this and could not help but smile, it had been awhile since he could rest, no Morganus and soon no Aesir for a deal unknown to the wolves, a deal he wished to keep secret.

"Jokes aside thank you for very accurate judgment I’ll considered taking you up on the rest later."

The Marquis snickered into his mug at the comment, as true as the comment was the woman really didn't need a bigger ego. Putting the mug down he looked at Zara, it was becoming obvious that he was finally giving in to the alcohol, his cheeks were starting to become a bit rosy and though he moved just fine there was a slight waver each timed he turned to look at someone.

"Well then what did you think of me when we first met?"

"I thought you were a muscle-headed fool who loved women a bit too much and thought he could buy anything."

A pause, The Marquis looked at her and Lena looked at him before they both laughed. She stood from her chair to turn around and make herself a drink while still listening to what Zara had to say. Lena wore a gentle smile now, everyone thought the Marquis was a barbarian and a fool but to the women here he was a man overflowing with kindness though the reasons were not obvious to all.

[-Davina]

Zara thought for a moment, bristled only a little at the comment about her shape and realized she hadn't eaten. Her tummy went warm. Nice feeling. Then she decided if they didn't like this one, she had others.

There was a quiet popping noise as her bones reformed into her hybrid shape. Her curves were more lush, her body longer, the thick mane of hair became a pelt of fur that was silver tipped with gold. The elven blood made her face almost fox in shape rather than dog, more refined and her ears were a large bell rather than the typical longer point. Her tongue lol'd out in amusement before she spoke.

Perhaps you prefer this? As for first impression... You looked like you wanted to throw up and you made my girl parts antsy. I didn't trust a word that came out of your mouth and felt like you were more trapped animal than man. I felt bad for you. The second drink made her hiccup and wish for a steak. You handled a sword like a lover, sat idle while a bird made an ass out of my mate or my mate made an ass of the bird... She frowned. There was an ass made in there somewhere. But in the end you stood and you put your people first so... You're not a total asshole.

She shrugged and another pop had the elf back in the seat rather than the hybrid. You'll do.

[Siege]

The Marquis couldn't help but glare, he knew what he was like and he really didn't like hearing it said aloud. A shake of his head and he looked away pushing his mug towards Lena for a refill. He listened quietly to what else she had to say, it was obvious she was better at reading people then most, luckily she wasn't perfect at it.

"I'll take that as a compliment," he said, snatching the mug from beneath Lena's pitcher, causing her to spill some of the alcohol on the counter. Lena frowned slightly, a look of sympathy for a man. She then looked at Zara and forced a smile before shrugging.

" He is a touchy sort when drunk."

Not completely true, he just lost some of his ability to cover things up. Luckily he had the home field advantage and people to cover for him if he made a fool of himself, probably one of the reasons he didn't drink heavily away from the tavern. It was then Tiffania made another appearance, followed by two elves. The eves were nothing special, they were adults by human standards but by elven they were but children and their bodies showed it, not completely developed yet they held themselves with a certain grace, both following closely behind the playful "child". Their emerald eyes scanned the room, falling onto the Marquis and his guests before they both giggled and turned their attention back to Tiffania who had turned around and began to tug at their white dresses since their pace had slowed.

"Nice to be young," said Lena her eyes looking past Zara at the three children, a gentle smile crossing her face.

"They wouldn't of had much a chance in the world though, abandoned young due to the wars, spent much of their lives on the streets of Nazca. Were little skeletons when we found them, or rather Marcus found them. Most of the women here were like that, nowhere to go, forced into poor situations. Where others saw worthlessness the Marquis saw potential and the rest is common knowledge."

"I saw a good bodies and rare features, nothing more. Few men can say they possess such treasures."

That got him a look from Lena though it was one normally used by mothers when they were scolding their children. The Marquis sighed quietly before going back to his drink letting the women have their conversation in some form of privacy. Though Lena couldn't help but slip in a hushed word from her curled lips.

"Poser."

Behind them the three new arrivals took a seat at a table or rather they began to rearrange the chairs so that Tiffania could sit behind one of the elves and braid her long golden hair while the other went to fetch them drinks from behind the counter.

[-Davina]

Zara's heart melted when the children tumbled in, her hand passed over a bright head but her eyes narrowed sharply at the Marquis for a moment when the body comment was made. They were children, the ages were of little matter the bodies showed the immaturity and her eyes were hard but her body stayed relaxed as she studied him. Did he deal in child whores?

It was the tone he used that told the story. Moron.

So, it's all just business hmm? Her smile was smug and female as she looked over at the girls. They were happy, well fed and cared for, no one was laying any hands on these children. He was full of dung.

There is a boy, David, who is currently acting as my aide. He was born mute but his mind is like mine, very strong. He wants to be a warrior, his parents were killed by demons years ago... He was very impressed with meeting such a powerful man by the way.

She winked at Lena before continuing I'm having issues convincing the boy that his brain is better than his brawn... She shrugged then frowned as she studied the next drink and realized she was cruising to drunk. How about I buy everyone dinner?