Celeion

Celeion
"You too Claude." Caulden said, actually getting up so that the young man could get out of his chair.**** "If I am no longer needed." she conceded, rising and then, bowing to the waist before picking up her sword and re-sheathing it. "My Lady," she said and knelt, with her eyes down cast.****
(3/23/2009 11:41:19 AM): "Thank you for your service this evening." Elestra said, rising from her seat with a smile. "Please, both of you rise. Both of you are weary from your duties today. Please take this opportunity to eat and rest. I must speak with your commanders now about a few things."****
(3/23/2009 11:43:05 AM): Celeion rose and made her way behind Claude out the door. This had been a ridiculously long day, in her own opinion. ***
(3/23/2009 11:44:13 AM): Once outside Claude let out a long sigh. Like Caulden he too had blonde hair however, his was more of a yellow than a platinum and it was cut much shorter. He had brown eyes instead of green, the tone of his skin slightly lighter as well.
(3/23/2009 11:45:28 AM): His name was nothing unfamiliar to Celeion as she'd heard it once or twice in concjunction with Elestra's most famed military arm: The Silver Spears. Those seventy warriors had won her more battles than that main core of her army, Claude being one among the many venerated warriors.****
(3/23/2009 11:47:08 AM): "Would you like a piece?" she asked, pulling her piece of bread out of her pocket and rending it in two. If his day had been anything like hers a snack would be welcome.***
(3/23/2009 11:48:45 AM): "Yes, thank you." He said, taking the piece of bread in his mailed hand. He'd been wearing full combat gear, the burnished armor fitting him well as he strode along beside her. I twas meant to defend all the vital areas while leaving the owner free to move about which was important when wielding the lance that was slung around his back.****
(3/23/2009 11:51:38 AM): She walked in silence, with her mouth chewing her own piece. The solid pace of their boots hitting the pavement, the only noise to fill the hallway.***
(3/23/2009 11:53:43 AM): Claude stiffened immediately when something caught his attention, the bread crust dissapearing into his mouth as he dropped back into a fighting stance and pulled his weapon out with a flourish. The straps that held the lance on him seemed to fall away,t he weapon glimmering as he levelled it at the point where the curve in the staircase lead out of sight.
(3/23/2009 11:54:44 AM): "There is no need for that." The voice was new to her, the speaker's tone flat as a figure emerged from the gentle shadow that'd masked his presence before. It was one of the twins that had been guarding the Chancellor, the one that she'd thought to kill when he seemed to be reaching for a weapon beneath the table.****
(3/23/2009 11:59:44 AM): With a mouth full of bread in mid chew, she stopped. She didn't bother with her own sword, just releasing the handle on the throwing knife she had sheathed in her sleeve. In a space this small, one sword was plenty. She watched, slowly swallowing her hardly chewed bread, waiting.**
(3/23/2009 12:02:35 PM): Claude's eyes had hardened to the point where the brown in them resembled finely polished wood. She'd seen members of the silver spears in action and knew that, without so much as a breath, he could use the weapon in his hands to kill the man before them unless he were at least as skilled as she.
(3/23/2009 12:03:38 PM): "I was simply asked to wait and give my master's gratitude to your commanders and your lady." He moved to where they could both see him more easily, holding up his hands to show that he was not armed. His armor had been removed as well so that he was left in a plain cotton shirt with canvas slacks and heavy boots meant for marching.*****
(3/23/2009 12:09:24 PM): The thought to turn back around and go back and wait as an escort seemed like a good one. This was unorthodox. ***
(3/23/2009 12:10:16 PM): Claude did not move, his armored profile in conjunction with her own forming an effective barrier against the lone twin. He could not get by the two of them so long as they retained thier positions.
(3/23/2009 12:10:50 PM): "I really mean no harm." The twin said, sighing as he finally let his arms drop to his sides. "Can we at least discuss this?" He looks to Celeion. "Keep the weapon pointed at me if you must but I'm not here for a fight with you two."****
(3/23/2009 12:12:05 PM): "Please go back the way you came. We will make sure your message is delivered." His pleading eyes meaning nothing to her. He would not pass. ***
(3/23/2009 12:13:15 PM): "That would mean going back to the conference room. Interupting whatever discussion must be going on within now would be rude. I severely doubt I would be heard out. More likely I would be accused of spying."****
(3/23/2009 12:18:09 PM): "Where are your lodgings? We'll escort you there and then return to deliver your message." Celeion conceded, while considering where the other twin might be.**
(3/23/2009 12:19:28 PM): "We are currently being given the use of one of your barracks down on the first level of your courtyard near the gate where we were admitted." He says, folding his arms behind his back. "It is on the other side of the palace."****
(3/23/2009 12:21:53 PM): "After you." Celeion urged, with a glance at Claude. The hairs on her neck stood up***
(3/23/2009 12:23:04 PM): Claude's eyes flickered to her as he backed up slightly to allow her past him. It would be a good idea to leave an avenue of attack if she were going to be leading with him following behind. If he were to strike out it would be fast and hard, the lance's reach allowing him to kill the twin from a much greater distance than he sword.****
(3/23/2009 12:26:15 PM): "Forgive my friend, here. We don't really care for those who stand in shadows." Celeion said with a small smile, the knife's handle firmly in her hand. She had another in her belt but it'd be too obvious to get to. "Where is your twin? I'd hate to leave him behind." ***
(3/23/2009 12:28:16 PM): "He is with the Lord Chancellor. We're his bound guard for the duration of this expedition. At least one of us must be with him at all times." He says, shrugging as he steps back and allows Celeion to approach. "They took my weapons and armor when I was asked to remain behind."****
(3/23/2009 12:29:53 PM): "Our hosptitality here is a little restrictive, but the weight of not having your armor I'm sure is a welcome relief." she replied, knowing for every ounce she was worth that he was not the least bit comfortable or relieved.***
(3/23/2009 12:31:32 PM): "I will admit to being ill at ease with no means of protecting myself." He answers honestly, his eyes finding hers and locking her gaze. "However, I can understand the conditions. I cannot be seen to pose any threat to your matriarch or high commanders."****
Celeion waited for him to begin their walk. She would not walk in front of him. ***
(3/23/2009 12:34:52 PM): He turns his back to her, beginning to stride slowly down the stairs. It's then that she notices a metal band around his neck with symbols carved into it. She'd seen one before. It was an item with magical properties, one of the few that were still in common usage as they were hard to acquire. They forced the wearer to tell the truth no matter what question was asked.
(3/23/2009 12:35:05 PM): "Do you want me to wait here?" Claude asked, weapon still poised for a killing strike.****
(3/23/2009 12:36:56 PM): "I think it would be a relief to our guest to know that his message was delivered promptly." She said, knowing he'd get the other message of "Go back and check on the others." ***
(3/23/2009 12:38:22 PM): Claude nodded quietly, the weapon snapping back in his hands as he removed the point he'd been aiming at between the twin's shoulder blades. "I will deliver the message quickly. Please escort our guest to his chambers."****
(3/23/2009 12:40:50 PM): "After you." Celeion urged again, with an open palm towards the hallway***
(3/23/2009 12:42:46 PM): "Of course." He said, smiling as he made his way down the stair case. Each move he made seemed to be carefully calculated and executed with a grace that spoke of extreme muscle control. Whoever this twin was it was obvious that he'd seen extensive training. There wasn't an ounce of body fat on his lithe form, the loose clothing going a long way to hide what Celeion was sure would be hardened muscle. The fact that he was trim and slender meant it would all be compacted. Hitting him would be like hitting a stone wall.****
(3/23/2009 12:46:49 PM): She slid her arms together behind her back and casually looked as if she were just holding her hands behind her. she was actually holding the blade and handle of her knife. stairwells were always a tricky situation.***
(3/23/2009 12:48:12 PM): "I do not know why the two of you are so tense. The other man could have killed me with a mere flick of his lance and the throwing knives you currently have in hand would make it just as easy for you to end me."****
(3/23/2009 12:51:50 PM): The urge to throw it and bury it in his back was high. "Old habits die hard." was all she said. Anybody who made those kind of remarks had not led a soldier's life and wouldn't understand it.**
(3/23/2009 12:54:10 PM): "Yes they do." He said, reaching the bottom of the stairwell and proceeding down the long hallway that would take them to the stairwell that lead into the main palace proper. Thankfully, they'd only been halfway up the tower or else it would've been a much longer walk. "I can see that you've been in service some time."****
(3/23/2009 12:55:57 PM): "You're observant. What else do you see?" she mumbled under her breath. ***
(3/23/2009 12:57:32 PM): "You are very tired so I would assume you have been on duty the majority of the day. Your body is stiff and sore so I would assume you have had to stand at attention for long periods of time." He looks back over his shoulder at her, eyes picking her apart piece by piece. "You've seen around twenty five summers, your armor needs repair and you are very well armed."****
(3/23/2009 12:59:44 PM): It was hard not to get blown away by that level of information. "Keep your distance." she said, weary. Tired or not, she'd kill him if necessary. She was very good at hiding her personal weaknesses. It was unnerving to have them pointed out one by one.***
(3/23/2009 1:02:04 PM): "You asked me what I see and I told you. Nothing more." He says, turning away from her and continuing on at a measured pace. "It is what I have been trained to do since I was old enough to understand what those around me were trying to teach me."****
(3/23/2009 1:02:58 PM): "Is that how long you've had your band?" She couldn't help but asked, still thrown off by the first land mind.
(3/23/2009 1:03:00 PM): **
(3/23/2009 1:04:42 PM): "So you noticed. Yes, I was given this when I was very young. It was so I could never lie to the King nor any I was placed under to serve. I am bound to answer any question truthfully as I'm sure you know being as how you recognized it immediately."****
(3/23/2009 1:06:11 PM): "It makes you a liablity. You can't lie to anyone." ***
(3/23/2009 1:07:09 PM): "When you've lived with something like this for as long as I have you learn that there are ways around it's abilities. It's a training method as I will have it removed someday soon. All the members of my order must go through it."****
(3/23/2009 1:09:28 PM): "And your twin?" she asked - realizing it was rude, but not able to help herself.***
(3/23/2009 1:11:23 PM): "He is bound in the same manner though we're both being taught completely different arts." The twin smiles, turning back to look at her. "Complicated yes?"****
(3/23/2009 1:12:34 PM): "What is your art?" she asked, ignoring his question - knowing it was self evident.***
(3/23/2009 1:15:08 PM): "Then name would mean little to you so I'll simply describe it as a mixture of extremely efficient martial art and weapons training. By the time I am finished I will be expected to be able to defend myself with anything I am able to obtain."****
(3/23/2009 1:20:58 PM): She kept her own thoughts about that. That was useful information to know. She continued in silence.***
(3/23/2009 1:25:19 PM): "I find it interesting that your two commanders can be so calm around one another." The twin said off-handedly, lacing his fingers behind his back as he kept walking.****
(3/23/2009 1:26:24 PM): "That's an interesting remark, why do you say that?" ****
(3/23/2009 1:27:31 PM): "They are in love." His tone was flat, making it clear that he was simply relaying information that he assumed she probably already knew. "I am surprised that your Matriarch has not noticed it as it was a hindrance to the two of them during the meeting."****
(3/23/2009 1:29:42 PM): "Is your twin and your superior as asute as you are?" she asked sharply - alarmed that even she had missed that piece, but then she hadn't been looking.***
(3/23/2009 1:30:40 PM): "The Chancellor has no idea. He is too concerned with the negotiations and his own interests. They are a hindrance to him. I am sure my brother came to the same deduction though it is possible he may have missed it as I have had more training than he."****
(3/23/2009 1:32:35 PM): "And what will you tell your superiors when they have you review your time here with us?" she inquired yet again. It was hard to get a bitch to heel when there was the smell of blood in the air.***
(3/23/2009 1:35:34 PM): "I will tell them whatever they ask me to tell them." He answers simply, a shrug of his shoulders making it obvious that he considered that to be common knowledge.****
(3/23/2009 1:37:07 PM): She let it go. Continuing her walk in silence. Somethings were always unclear. She would ponder this affection in her own time. Getting distracted now would not be in her best interests. ***
"I will tell them whatever they ask me to tell them." He answers simply, a shrug of his shoulders making it obvious that he considered that to be common knowledge.**** She let it go. Continuing her walk in silence. Somethings were always unclear. She would ponder this affection in her own time. Getting distracted now would not be in her best interests. ***
(3/24/2009 11:16:29 AM): The rest of the walk was made in silence, the twin keeping his comments to himself until they were standing just outside the barracks where the rest of his retinue were currently quartered. There were guards everywhere, all of them in full battle dress and armed to the teeth.
(3/24/2009 11:16:52 AM): "This is where I leave you." He says, turning to give her a smile. "Have a pleasant evening Celeion."****
(3/24/2009 11:19:59 AM): She doesn't flinch, but has the urge to. "You as well." Resisting the urge to stare at him, and glare at him in warning, she begins the walk back to her own hallway.****
(3/24/2009 11:21:03 AM): On the way you run into Rena, your commander looking as if she'd been waiting for you for awhile by the way she is leaning against a wall and watching the hallway you had to pass through to reach the Lady Knights' barracks.****
(3/24/2009 11:22:11 AM): "Captain." Celeion acknowledged, with a modified bow. Wondering what the need to wait around was for.****
(3/24/2009 11:24:50 AM): "Claude came and told us what happened. I am here to make sure that you are alright as well as find out if you managed to pry any information from the man while you escorted him back to thier quarters. To be honest we're more concerned about those twins than we are the Chancellor himself. He's not anywhere near as dangerous."****
(3/24/2009 11:26:32 AM): "No information that was useful. He's very observant with a very acute sense of things he comes in contact with. He noticed our mannerisms to be heavily armed and commented on it." Celeion said casually.
(3/24/2009 11:26:34 AM): **
(3/24/2009 11:31:41 AM): "Well yes, of course he would. We're being far more heavy handed than they probably think is necessary. However, this is because we won't tolerate even a small window of opportunity to be opened on Elestra's life while they're present." She sighed, uncrossing her arms and pushing away from the wall. "While I do not believe that Thrane's king would be foolish enough to attempt to assasinate our Lady I do not wish to leave things to chance. Those two, the twins, are both part of the Assasin's guild. How King Fayne got his hands on them is a mystery as the Guild has never allowed anyone to enlist the services of thier agents on such a permanent basis. The fact that the two are in training still make it all the more curious."****
(3/24/2009 11:33:24 AM): "The one twin is being trained to be lethal with anything he comes in contact with. The other, I assume a similiar art. The band prevents untruths to any and will come off once the training is complete."***
(3/24/2009 11:36:57 AM): "That does not mean that he is telling you the 'truth' though Celeion." Rena said, her brow furrowing as it did every time she was worried about something. "No one knows much about the Guild itself aside from the fact that thier prices are exorberant and thier agents have never failed. Thier policy to never be involved in matters on a royal scale is the only thing that saves us from thier assasins here in our own walls. The only way to stop one of thier members is to hire another or pay them more than whoever hired the original agent and buy out the contract." She shook her head. "I can guess at the purpose of the bands. They are made to tell the truth always but it's an exercise in circular speak. They only tell you what they want you to know. It is a dangerous but effective way of
(3/24/2009 11:37:04 AM): sharpening the mind and the tongue."****
(3/24/2009 11:40:16 AM): "I understand that." She replied, noting that she didn't push where it wasn't necessary. Hopefully, they'd never find out their purpose.**
(3/24/2009 11:44:34 AM): "Those two are extremely dangerous. When we found out where they'd come from it was a difficult decision to let them anywhere near the Lady. However, we couldn't deny the Chancellor his chosen guard which was why you and Claude were brought into the meeting as well. It was our hope that in a contained space like that one, with all four of us to guard her ladyship, that we'd be able to stop the twins in the event that they tried to kill Elestra."****
(3/24/2009 11:47:52 AM): "The one twin is aware I throw knives. He is also aware of my name. I don't mistake either one of them as being underestimated."****
(3/24/2009 11:51:20 AM): "I am sure he was more than aware of all the weapons we carried. It is what I am sure they were trained to do. The guild posesses the best spies in the world as they would have to seeing as how the deal in information as well. It seems there is nothing they are not able to find out. Aside from our own forces I would have to say that thier ranks are the most dangerous in the berth of the known world. No one, not even the lady and the other nobles that rule over the twelve kingdoms, would dare take military action against them. The last force that tried was decimated to the last man in the course of a week. It was an effective display of power as no one has made a second attempt in almost a hundred years."****
(3/24/2009 11:52:22 AM): "And the chancellor felt it necessary to bring two of them as his own personal guard? I find that telling."
"I am sure he was more than aware of all the weapons we carried. It is what I am sure they were trained to do. The guild posesses the best spies in the world as they would have to seeing as how the deal in information as well. It seems there is nothing they are not able to find out. Aside from our own forces I would have to say that thier ranks are the most dangerous in the berth of the known world. No one, not even the lady and the other nobles that rule over the twelve kingdoms, would dare take military action against them. The last force that tried was decimated to the last man in the course of a week. It was an effective display of power as no one has made a second attempt in almost a hundred years."****
(3/29/2009 5:39:44 PM): "And the chancellor felt it necessary to bring two of them as his own personal guard? I find that telling."***
(3/29/2009 5:42:41 PM): "It's a simple show of force. To have two fledgling members of the guild in his service than thier patriarch has obviously made some sort of deal. However, it is unlikely that they were ever a real threat. They do not involve themselves in political asassinations. I have never heard of royalty being slain by them."***
(3/29/2009 5:48:32 PM): "I wonder what the motivation is. Is there anything else I can do for you, before I retire?" Celeion asked.***
(3/29/2009 5:50:06 PM): Rena shakes her head, frowning for a moment before giving it a final shake and motioning for her to continue onwards. "No. You've earned your rest. Thank you very much for your help today."****
(3/29/2009 5:56:15 PM): "Enjoy your night, Captain." Celeion bowed and continued to her quarters. A glass of wine, a full stomache and a good hot long soak the only things she wanted before sleep.***
(3/29/2009 5:58:26 PM): The mess hall was emptied of all but a few of the other female knights when she arrived. There were one or two that she knew from her other duties around the palace sitting nearer to where the food was being served from behind a long table. The aroma was practically mouthwatering as they were serving beef stew along with thick hunks of bread.****
(3/29/2009 6:01:49 PM): She couldn't have been more thankful that it was piping hot. She took the offerings and made her way back to her quarters, not wishing to seek anyone's company for the remainder of the evening. ****
(3/29/2009 6:05:26 PM): No one bothered her for the remainder of the evening, her private quarters ensuring that she could be alone for as long as she wished it. The light outside was fading into darkness by the time she was finished with her meal, the final chimes sounding before she knew all the gates would be closed and the guard set up for the evening.****
(3/29/2009 6:14:34 PM): Celeion pulled off her armor, cleaning each piece meticulously before resigning herself to replacing the worn pieces mentioned by the Twin earlier. (I'll wait until then.) A bath the next order on her list.****
(3/29/2009 6:15:31 PM): Replacing the parts on her armor that were beginning to show signs of wear was not going to be an easy feat. She'd have to go to the armorer to get it done, the intricate design and make of the pieces she wore having been specially hadcrafted for her.****
(3/29/2009 6:20:48 PM): She sighed, her knee and lower back complaining. She sank down into her chair, pulling the leather boots with her, to polish them while elevating her knee. Her goblet of wine full and waiting, once she was finished. ***
(3/29/2009 6:25:13 PM): The boots were an easy task as she hadn't done much to scuff them up during the day. The wine was a deep red that she'd requested a month back and had just recently recieved. It had a deep and slightly dryer flavor to it, only a quarter of the bottle having been used including the glass she was planning on consuming.****
(3/29/2009 6:39:36 PM): She gathered her things, and made her way to the baths. (Not sure where to go from there )
(4/2/2009 10:52:44 AM): The baths in the female wing of the palace were rumored to be the best, seconded only to the private bath that Elestra reserved for herself. However, she had been known on occassion to join the Lady Knights for a soak every now and again which was why the bathing facilities were maintained to such a high level. Yes, they were warriors, but it was good to have some place to relax at the end of the day.****
(4/2/2009 10:54:45 AM): Celeion regarded the baths as something of divine. It didn't matter how hard the day had been, how long the night had been, when she got time to herself, the water soothed and washed away the majority of what taxed her. She welcomed the healing, the rest.***
(4/2/2009 10:56:09 AM): The changing areas provided cubbies that could be used to store armor, equipment and clothing while the occupants used the white robes and towels that were laid out for them.
(4/2/2009 10:56:15 AM): *****
(4/2/2009 10:57:59 AM): She stripped and unwound her braided hair, from crown, unbraiding the long tresses so that it hung wavy and unbound to the small of her back. *
(4/2/2009 10:58:00 AM): **
(4/2/2009 10:59:19 AM): The wash room was all but empty when she entered. It was a small stone chamber that was constantly filled with steam, water running through troughs set along a low wall that had stools and buckets sat before it. There were also bars of soap stacked neatly on wooden palletes for the general use.****
(4/2/2009 11:05:36 AM): She collected a cake of soap and filled a bucket with water. She began the process of cleaning herself by first lathering the soap on her arms.****
(4/2/2009 11:08:20 AM): It wasn't until she entered the ornate chamber designed for soaking that she noted something was amiss. There was steam in here as well though much less as part of the room was open to a private balcony that overlooked the kingdom. The glass pained doors were all currently open, the sheer curtains billowing with a slightly cool breeze that did little from where she stood to cool the warm room. Even the smooth marble flooring was warm, the deepset pool fed by a series of minature canals that brough the hot water up from wherever it was being heated. The smell of herbs permeated the air.****
(4/2/2009 11:12:27 AM): The sudden thought of being cooked like a chicken came to mind, a small smile came to her lips and vanished as quickly as it had come. She could see the stars peeking through the doors, and wondered briefly if the doors were open on purpose or if they were forgotten. Perhaps getting to soak alone was not going to be an option.****
(4/2/2009 11:15:23 AM): It was then that a shadowed figure caught her attention, light casting it's revealing brillance on an all too familiar face as the twin she'd spoken with earlier emerged from his poorly concealed hiding place. This alone meant that he'd wanted her to see him. "It took you more time than I thought to arrive here." He put his hands on his hips. Unlike before, he was fully armed and dressed in combat attire. "However, before you scream for help or try to run please know that I'm not here to hurt you. I have something important that I need to discuss."****
(4/2/2009 11:20:14 AM): Celeion glanced back to the doorway she'd come through. Her throwing knives were laying in the cubby with the rest of her armor. She looked back to the twin with a netural face, knowing he'd seen the look of surprise and hating it. She didn't step away from him, didn't move to even cover herself, should it be seen as a threat.
(4/2/2009 11:21:32 AM): "Good evening. I believe you've lost your way." was all she could respond with. Having a male in the baths was such a remote possibility she never carried her armor with her. Having a threat of any kind in the baths was unfathomable.***
(4/2/2009 11:23:12 AM): "No. I believe I am exactly where I intended to find myself if not exactly the point in time that I'd previously conjured." He said calmly, his hands purposefully kept away from his weapons. "I will not take offense if you wish to cover yourself." He motions simply towards a discarded robe that laid across one of the many stone benches meant for relaxation. "In fact. If you wish I can turn away."****
(4/2/2009 11:25:52 AM): "There's no need. I thank you for your chivilary." She said, having to admit that that the offer was remarkably generous and unexpected. No need to make demands of the male who'd obviously gone to a great deal of trouble to come here. She knew no one had seen him enter. Guessed that answered the glass door question.
(4/2/2009 11:27:09 AM): She walked casually to the robe and picked it up, sliding it on her arms and slowly wrapping it around herself. Unhurried, unthreatening and completely and figuratively naked. A lesser knight would have died. ****
(4/2/2009 11:28:59 AM): He waited until she was dressed before reaching for the clasp of his belt and undoing it with several swift motions. It seemed that there was only time for her to breathe once before, he too, was unarmed. "As you can see I am not here to kill you." He motioned towards the weapons he'd left behind, the twin having moved far enough away from them that Celeion was sure she could reach him if he tried to bolt for them. Sure she could reach him under normal circumstances anyways as he was probably many times faster.****
(4/2/2009 11:33:03 AM): "You understand my concern, Twin. I'm not sure what help I can be to your cause, but I do wonder why you want me." She said honestly. It did no good to panic because you were unarmed, trapped and no one knew where you were. She'd be accomodating to the extent that she could.***
(4/2/2009 11:36:03 AM): "I have a name, but since I haven't given it I can't fault you the title." He frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. "So simply call me Aomon for now. It's a name that will suffice for the moment."****
(4/2/2009 11:39:28 AM): "Aomon." she acknowledged, with a tilt of her head. The same curtesy she'd applied to any other countless faces. ***
(4/2/2009 11:40:29 AM): "I am going to be very brief. Your lady Elestra is in grave danger at the moment."****
(4/2/2009 11:42:34 AM): "Are you the source of this danger?" Celeion asked in her most unthreatening voice. She knew there was nothing she could do as long as she was here. ***
(4/2/2009 11:48:10 AM): "No. It comes from two fronts." His eyes harden. "My brother was given orders to terminate your commanding officer. Unfortunately, this places your matriarch and Commander Caulden in the line of fire. They will inevitably try to protect her which means he will have to kill them too if there is no way around it." She can see the apprehension in Aomon's face, something she is sure he is giving away. "There is also a small strike force coming in from Thrace. It will pass unnoticed as they are using magical means to keep themselves out of sight. How this artifact was acquired I don't know but they will be here in two nights time. Thier objective is, of course, to kill Elestra herself."****
(4/2/2009 11:50:19 AM): "If you aren't here to kill me, why tell me?" saying out loud that she was going to report this conversation to others was blatantly understood so it went without saying.***
(4/2/2009 11:52:42 AM): "I should have though that would be obvious." He said, mouth flat-lining as he fixed her with a disapproving stare. "I am limited here within the confines of the palace. I am bound to stay with the chancellor when my brother is not protecting him and am confined in barracks that are as far away from your matriarch and her guardians as is physically possible." He put his hands on his hips. "If she were to be killed by a group of asassins who were magically assisted what do you think that would look like?"****
(4/2/2009 11:55:55 AM): "Like your twin fufilled his contract." she replied cynically. "What is your contract?"
(4/2/2009 11:55:57 AM): ***
(4/2/2009 11:57:19 AM): "It would implicate our organization in the killing of a monarch. That cannot happen." He shook his head quietly. "We do not get involved in politics on such a level. It is a standard we have always upheld as to do otherwise would mean having to take sides. I am here under contact to protect the Chancellor's life. Nothing more."****
(4/2/2009 11:58:58 AM): "Then why are you here?" she asked, motioning to the room they were standing in. Why tell her? ****
(4/2/2009 12:01:44 PM): "Because Elestra cannot be allowed to die at this moment in time. Especially not by the hands of some underhanded attempt designed by Thrane's patriarch. To allow ourselves to be implicated would be shaming to my twin and myself. Also, I am of the firm belief that he will not find another way to go about completing his mission and will have to go through both Caulden and Elestra. Having her die by our hands would be even worse than the implication."***
(4/2/2009 12:03:41 PM): "A house divided? Surely your twin knows the implications, upholds the same code of behavior. He wouldn't kill a monarch to accomplish his task."****
(4/2/2009 12:06:51 PM): "Monarchs have died by our hands before but only when they threatened out lives beyond any chance of a different outcome." He shakes his head, a dark look taking him. "They've also died when they presented themselves as an impasse."****
(4/2/2009 12:11:04 PM): "I will not let your twin near my Queen. I also can not let your twin have her guard either."***
(4/2/2009 12:14:10 PM): "It would be counter productive at this point." He crossed the room, coming to stand in front of her. "In situations like these it's acceptable for us to abandon a contract. However, I don't know if my twin will do so. I will attempt to make him see reason." He was studying her very closely now.****
(4/2/2009 12:20:02 PM): "It strikes me as odd that you would simply hand over your Twin's ulterior motive and then tell me assassins are on the way for my Queen. Why tell the enemy what you're doing, unless you're planning to kill them when you're finished?" she wondered aloud, not the least bit concerned with his stare. She held her own. It unraveled weaker men.***
(4/2/2009 12:22:38 PM): "You and your queen are not my enemies. We're a neutral party and I am a man of business. If I am paid to kill someone that is what I do. I do not feel one way or the other about it as it is simply the business into which I was born and raised. Likewise I do not feel anything for those around my target. I have no enemies and no allies. I am giving you this information because, for the time being, the events that have been set in motion cannot be allowed to come to fruition."****
(4/2/2009 12:25:52 PM): "I thank you for your information. It will be given it's due attention. I would argue that your twin is not a netural party and as such, with his agenda, is considered to be the enemy. If you say that you are not the enemy, I'll consider you to be netural, but your twin is not."****
(4/2/2009 12:26:57 PM): "No, not currently. However, in the fight against the small group coming here to kill your queen he would be considered an ally as he would stand just as readily to make sure they don't make it to her alive. That, we both agree, musn't happen."***
(4/2/2009 12:32:13 PM): The need to have their talent here was undeniable, especially with a direct attack to the queen. But having the twin's here posed a huge threat. She said nothing in response, her mind churning over the information. She assumed the reason he found her was only because he'd never get to the queen herself and Rena obviously must have been in the company of others. "Is there anything else you wish to tell me?" ***
(4/2/2009 12:41:12 PM): "The scar below your left breast." He said, eyeing the fabric that now covered the afforementioned spot. "I want to know how you survived taking a spear to the heart." He frowned. "The width of the cut suggests that the blade went in deep enough for a killing stroke. I am simply curious."****
52:52 PM): She thought back to when it'd happened. She wanted to say that it was because she had refused to quit breathing. All she could say was, "The Mortori didn't want me." (Mortori = fade = afterlife = Gods)
(4/2/2009 12:55:54 PM): "I see." He nods, giving the area another cursory glance before letting his eyes tack back up to her face. "I hadn't expected so many scars. I was surprised as I thought your range of service extended only as far as the castle walls."****
(4/2/2009 12:58:30 PM): "If that were the case, I would not have been present for the meeting with your twin, yourself and the Chancellor."
I see." He nods, giving the area another cursory glance before letting his eyes tack back up to her face. "I hadn't expected so many scars. I was surprised as I thought your range of service extended only as far as the castle walls."****
"If that were the case, I would not have been present for the meeting with your twin, yourself and the Chancellor."
***
: "Perhaps, but you'll often find that nothing is always as it is made to appear." He smiles, pushing away from where he'd been standing and moving powerfully to stand a bit closer. "You should be very careful for now Celeion."****
She resisted the urge to step back, along with the urge to reach for things she didn't have on her person. "Thank you for the polite suggestion." ****
: He nods, turning slightly to examine the room. She'd known the intesity of his gaze personally, the dark orbs seeming to see through the shadows and the stone around them. "You're in a very dangerous position. It is not a polite suggestion. It is a warning and, quite possibly, a threat as well."****
"I am a soldier. If the Mortori want me, all is left is to take. I'd prefer not to die naked but if I must I'd rather take someone with me." she replied, bristling even more from the implication. She had already ransacked the room with her eyes. She missed little. ****
: Aside from the twin's weapons that lay behind him, placed carefully against a pillar still hopelessly out of reach there was nothing for her to use. "The threat to you isn't me." He smiles mirthlessly, his posture stiffening. "If anything I may be the difference between life and death to you. Just remember that when the fighting starts. Also, do not get in my twin's way. He will kill you if you do."****
"May I escort you out or would you prefer to come the way you arrived?" she asked, leaving his cryptic message to hang in the air. Her hope for a relaxing bath vanishing into thin air. Maybe sleep would claim her before morning did.
****
: "No. If I am not mistaken I will be killed on sight within the confines of this particular wing of the castle whether you are in my company or no." He shakes his head. "It wouldn't do well as I am required to defend myself whenever attacked. " He moves liquidly, spinning on his heels and returning to his weapons. "I will leave you in peace now. Nothing will happen this night so enjoyr your bath and rest well." He grins. "Or perhaps I'll come and visit your room to prove a point about our skills."****
The idea of the enemy making it into her bed chamber set every fiber of her being on edge. "Have you such a strong habit of underestimating your opponent, then?" she asked - already gauging in her head the necessity to find other lodging. And to reconsider ever being unarmed again. She made no move to go back the way she came, it better for he to leave than she. ***
: "No, which is why that was a jest more than anything else as I don't know where it is you keep yourself lodged." He gives her the smile again, re-arming himself with ease. "You should relax. I am leaving and, as I said before, I am no threat to you."****
She waited, watching, with that all consuming stare of hers. It occured to her that she should have had some level of modesty, some sense to be overwhelmed by this whole exchange. Should have had some level of helplessness or outrage at being found literally and figuratively naked. It also occured to her that other women would have ran and whimpered.****
"If I were worried about merely one man's attempt at my life, I'd have stayed a Lady's maid." She said, her muscles remaining coiled and tense. Her body so badly wanting to reserve energy and heal itself from it's brutal day. ****
: "True, though I do wonder what you would have been like then." He winks, casting himself out of the window and out of sight. The bath chamber stands empty, the wind the only thing disturbing her peace now.****
She followed, sprinting across the stone floor to see where he went. Just because he was first to leave, doesn't mean he'd get privacy about where he was going. The bath forgotten, and the cost of time to go get her knives was too extreme, he'd be vanished by the time she got back to the doors.***
: She got to the window just in time to see the asassin catch hold of a rope that had been bound around one of the lower columns out of sight. He gave her a wave as he swung away, catching hold of the bare castle wall and climbing down it quickly. He'd chosen an area that was completely in shadow during that time of the night with the moon out. The clothes he wore made him invisible as he went down the sheer stone wall. He'd free climbed the space between where the rope was tied on and the blacony on which she now stood. It was no mean feat and would've required an intense amount of skill.****
The urge to be an archer and shoot a flaming arrow at him was overwhelming. Along with the want to see the rope burn and the wall lined with Knights. She had to settle for locking the doors to the baths from the inside and with a longing look at the baths, made her way back for her clothing and her knives. After all of the day, she couldn't bring herself to do anything more than find her bed. She'd be no use to the Rose half alert.****
: True to his word the twin didn't interupt her sleep that night, no alarms being raised either. It seemed that all was at peace within the fortress. It wasn't until the morning that her sleep was ended abruptly by a gentle knock on her door.****
"Who knocks?" she called, trying to peel her eyelids off of her eyeballs. Sleep thick and heavy in her voice***



rellandros: "One of them warned you? When? Why?" She crossed her arms, looking down at the floor. "They're brothers. Why would one tell you what the other was up to?"****
"They are assassins. And with the force on the way, it henders the ability to complete the task without being implicated in the attempt on Elestra.***
: ooc lol
: "We knew they were from the Shadowed Guild but...." The color in Rena's face paled, the Captain Commander suddenly looking like she felt extremely ill. "I never imagined one of us was the target or that Thranen would be so foolish as to send an attack force."*****
"Cut the head off of a snake, and the body will not be able to function. It's completely reasonable to expect to be the target, at your level. It's foolish not to, actually." Celeion frowned, as she braided her long tresses and began winding them around her crown. ***
(please send me the last transmission for our game so I can save it.)
: Rena frowned, obviously not appreciating the way she'd chosen to word her statement. "It seems you have a lot to understand about the Shadowed Guild. Paying them to kill anyone, especially someone at my 'level'." She glowered, crossing her arms beneath her breasts. "Is more expensive than most monarchs are willing to give. Thranen may be a more wealthy nation but thier king doesn't have the funds to go throwing around in such a manner. No, I want to know why he'd want me dead specifically. It makes little sense."*****
"Forgive me for not getting the `why' when I was presented with the `what'." Celeion said dryly.
***
: "The 'why' is everything to these people because my death is probably not the only agenda those two have here. We have to figure out what else they're or it could cost many more lives."****
"I'd recommend removing to the Summer house with Elestra. It's long past time we did anyway." Celeion suggested, considering what Rena implied. An alternate agenda, a duel agenda - she'd missed that.
**
: "It's less defensible and the ride there would put us out in the open for at least a week or morel." She shook her head, obviously not pleased about the situation. "It wouldn't matter how many guards we took with us at that point. Too many would make us no better than a glowing beacon in the night. Too few would make us vulnerable to attack. Either way I believe our best option is to stay here for the moment."****
"Staying here and allowing the Guild's two pets time and leisure to get familiar with the place is not wise." Celeion countered thoughtfully. Her forehead crinkling in thought***
: "They've been here long enough now for that anyways." Rena said, pinching the bridge of her nose as she racked her brain for something that could be done about the catastrophe that was unwinding itself around them. "However, that doesn't mean we can't make certain points defensible beyond penetration. Also, now that we know about the assasins being sent we can make plans to lay in wait."****
"What do you suggest regarding the Twins?" ***
: "What is your honest assesment of them? I could have them both killed with a word." She straightens up, the color having come back to her face with interest as it was now clear she was very angry. "Considering my own stake in all this I probably should."***
"You can not kill them both. Only one of them has the agenda."***
: "Which one has the agenda then? They both look alike to my eyes."***
"Armon is the name of the one without the Agenda." ***
: "You trust this information? You are willing to put the lives of everyone around you at risk based on your assesment?" It was clear that if she said so that Rena would believe her and go with whatever she was telling her."****
"His agenda is not the death of you or Elestra. I can not say he has no agenda."***
: "What about Caulden?" The question was simple, not even the barest hint of emotion or telling inflection in her voice. How Armon had been able to tell that she was in love with the man was beyond her.****
"I was not able to asertain whether or not that'd be an option."
She should have been impressed by her restraint but you didn't get that far without knowing something about keeping things to yourself.***
: "The next chance you get I want you to ask your informant any question you can think of. Be direct and forceful as anything less won't get you the answers you seek." She sighed, gritting her teeth. "I am going to talk with Caulden about this and then we will have to report to Elestra. You must set up a meeting with the assasin that seems to be on our side."****
"I can't directly corner one without note to the other." Celeion objected, as if that were plain to see. "That would most certainly speed up a slow game." ****
: "Perhaps that is what is best at the moment but, nevertheless, I trust in your skills. I am sure you will find some method of drawing Armon out away from his brother so that you may speak with him."
: ****
Celeion supressed the sigh with a grit of her teeth. That was MOST certainly NOT a good plan. And one she would not attempt. She'd think of something else. "I'll see what I can do." was all she committed to.***
: "I don't care how you do it Celeion. You're resourceful so I'm sure you'll find some way of speaking with him." She pushed herself away from the door, turning to let herself out. "I will see you
"Captain." she said absentmindly. "It would be in your best interests, to have a guard with you, on your visit to the Captain. If he is the alternative agenda, it'd be too easy to take out both of you, if it's a closed meeting."***
"He will have brought Claude with him and I will pick out an ensemble on my way out of the barracks. There are plenty of other soldiers who are more than capable of defending me." She smiles, closing the door behind her as she says, "I would take you but you've a task to accomplish."****
"Many thanks." she grumbled tucking the last pin in her hair to hold the braid. She took a moment to look at herself in the mirror, pondering what would have been different if she hadn't been a Knight. The scar on her hand wouldn't be there. Neither would the brand on her shoulder blade. *****
By the time she finished dressing and preparing for the matters at hand Rena was long gone. Only the standard guards patrolling the corridors were present, most of the other lady knights already on duty or still sleeping. Breakfast was not for another hour at most.***
Celeion made her way down to the stables to check on her horse. The Amory wouldn't be open for business before breakfast but at least she could be ready to go shortly following, to get the repairs and replacements order underway.***
: The cream colored gelding was in her stall, the trough having been recently cleaned and filled with fresh water for the beast. It was from this that her mount was drinking greedily when she entered the well-maintained stables. There were no hands available yet, the early morning hours seeing even the most dutiful of servants within the palace confines still asleep in thier beds.****
She tsked to the animal, bringing an apple from the confines of her person. "Greetings mon amie." Celeion cooed, stepping up onto the haybail and leaning into the stall towards the horse. "You're getting fat." She noted, waiting for the horse to come to her.****
: The gelding made an affectionate noise, coming over immediately to begin eating the apple she'd offered it. Apparently the stables hands were feeding her a bit too well from the looks of things. Either that or she wasn't getting as much exercise as she should.*****
"They've asked too much of me lately and apparently not enough of you, I see. Have you missed me?" She asked softly, carressing the soft hide behind the horse's light brown ears. "I've missed you." she offered freely. Talking to her horse, it was just the two of them. Talking to the rest of the world, made it complicated. ****
: The gelding nickered quietly, moving forward to accept the attention and to start absently chewing on her hair. Apparently she was still hungry.***
"Shameless." She sighed and went to retrieve her horse some oats. "We're going for a run directly following this mon chere, you won't get out of it." she lectured, coming back with a bag and putting it in easy reach of Molaya's muzzle.****
: Molaya let out a pleased noise, immediately sticking her muzzle inside the feed bag and beginning to munch on the contents before Celeion was even able to get the fastenings done.
: "I see she's beginning to show." A voice behind her stated, the owner quickly striding into view. "I was wondering when someone else was going to notice." The younger man gave her a small smile, the dual colored eyes that watched her for a moment seeming to glow with the early morning light. "Is she yours?"*****
"Wretch." She immediately said to her horse and turned to see who was speaking. "It's more like I'm hers." Celeion corrected, squinting towards to sun filled doorway. ***
: Upon further examination she realized that she recognized the man. Vaguely she recalled that his name was Sorrin and that he was one of the Stable Master's apprentices. He was, if she remembered correctly, also in charge of the stable in which she currently stood.
: "That's the way of it most times." He had an easy manner about him, the sleeveless tunic he wore depicting lean and hard muscle in his arms as he went about various small tasks. Apparently he was the first one up which, given his position, was to be expected. He had caramel colored skin and a messy of rich brown hair. His eyes were a curious combination, one being an olivine green while the other a cinnamon brown.****
"Who is the stud and who is its owner?" she inquired, gently, as if she had no care for the answer. ****
: "The stud is Mazam, mount to Major Temes of the 1st Cavalry. I am sorry for the inconvenience. The fault lies with one of our more recent additions to the staff. He was given Mazam to tend out in the pens but was not ready for the strength that beast can exert when the mood takes him. Suffice to say he managed to free himself and make his way into the area where your gelding was being allowed to exercise herself."*****
"Was the hand discharged after learning of the consequences?" Celeion asked casually, remarkably calm but seething inside. Her horse had been rendered useless.
***
: "He was punished for his infraction but, as the boy is only thirteen summers of age, he was allowed to retain a position within the stables. It will be years yet before he is trusted with another mount however." Sorrin came over to stand beside her. He was shorter than her by a faint margin, the fact that she was tall making it not an uncommon instance. It seemed as of late that only Caulden and the twin were as tall as she. "She will give to foal in another couple of months. I think it will be a fine birth with good results. Both parents are of good blood."****
"You wench." Celeion accused Molaya sternly. "You're a fair pony. Such an end to your life?" she turned towards the man beside her. "I am Celeion. I believe that I'd like you to show me to the stud please. I'd like to look him over." ****
: "Not an end. She will be fit for duty again after the birth." Sorrin chuckled. "Having a foal does not mean a mount becomes useless." He motioned for her to follow him. "He is in another stable. Given the early hour it should be possible for you to do as you like before the others come to feed and groom the residents."****
"She's useless until she births. And that is most inconvenient." Celeion stomped off of the haybail and followed. "I'll need an alternate for a small ride to the amory, at your convenience." Celeion implored, knowing being polite had nothing to do with his need to be prompt. ***
: Sorrin was only a year or two younger than her, matching the faster stride she set as he lead the way through the maze of fenced avenues that lead to the different pens and the center ring situated in the midst of the four stables used to keep mounts in.
: With him guiding her it took them almost no time to reach the stable that housed Mazam, the stud turning out to be a great beast of a horse. Standing taller than she by a great deal he was massive, the chocolate colored quarterhorse coming over to observe them for a moment before turning his attention back to his trough. "He's by far one of the largest we've got. Strong, intelligent and well formed I couldn't think of a better culprit. The foal to be produced will surely be something amazing."****
"Let's hope it has better manners." Celeion muttered dryly before swinging a leg over the log fence, the gate being on the alternate side. She landed on the otherside of the stall wall within full sight of the horse. Do you bite, Mazam? she inquired in her head. ******
"He usually doesn't, but sometimes the mood does strike him. He's a war horse and, like most, he's only completely comfortable with his rider. Everyone else just has to be careful around him." Sorrin said, coming to stand at the head of the stall. "If he looks like he's going to bite then just back away and it'll be fine."****
"I'm not the offending party." she reminded the horse and began to pat him down, as she walked around him, to get a look at him completely. She kept her hand on him, so he'd always know where she was and she stayed soft and quiet. To introduce herself, she pulled sugar cubes from her pocket and held them out for his inspection.****
: Mazam quickly began to nibble at the sugar cubes, regarding her warily as she made her inspection. He was extremely large, having been bred obviously for war. There was strength in his body, the muscles in his legs alone hinting of speed and deadly strength.
: "He's used to wearing armor and carrying a cavalier's weapons. He'll run down even the most heavily armed footman."*****
"Molaya broke two of my ribs kicking me off of her once, out running an army. I'd hate to see what this one can do." She admitted, completing her inspection and regarding the horse as not a complete loss. "At least there's hope." she concluded and let herself out through the gate on the other side. "Thank you for your company. My horse?"***
: "She's being well tended. If you wish to exercise her that's fine." He said, pulling aside the gate so that she didn't have to climb out this time. "She's not so far along that she's going to need rest and I'm sure she'd be glad of the attention."****
"If you'd be so kind to have the traitor saddled, I believe we could use the ride." she sighed, wondering whether or not this was a sign of things to come for her. ***
: "Of course Lady Knight." He bowed, moving ahead of her so that he disappeared inside the stable where Molaya was being kept. By the time she'd reached her stall Sorrin was already tightening the final fastenings on her steed's saddle. Apparently there was a good reason he'd been made a Stable Master.*****
"Much obliged." she took the reins and lead Molaya out into the yard, vaulting into the saddle and taking a slow gander down the lane.***
: The ride was a bit rougher than she remembered, Molaya of course being encumbered by her pregnancy. Still, she seemed to handle being ridden as well as always even if she wasn't as fast or as smooth as before.
: After awhile she noticed that Sorrin had come out to watch, several other mares trailing behind him on leads that were held securely in his hands. He gave her a warm smile, giving a faint wave before allowing the mares to run freely about the pen. It seemed Molaya wasn't the only one who needed exercising.****
Celeion reconsidered the last day's intercourse and this morning's brief encounter. She knew the Knights would be training and that Elestra had been informed of all that was current. The only thing she didn't know, was how she was going to get more information and what purpose would it serve. ****
: Caulden and Rena would be able to handle themselves, especially now that Rena knew of the threat against her life. Even Elestra was not without her own skills, all the magic that she posessed as one of the royal line giving her powers that no asassin could hope to match.
: However, it was still unclear exactly 'how' skilled the twins were. She had not been given much information regarding either (insert the alias her twin is using) and his brother's skill. She also hadn't been told exactly how large the force being sent after Elestra was.****
"I could have been a Lady's maid." Celeion pointed out to Molaya, coming up to the merchants' row. She wondered whether Rena had been in recently to see to her own armor.***
: The palace commons was just beginning to come to life when she arrived. Merchants, tradesmen and peddlers from all over came to the commons to do trade and conduct business. It was where she had gotten her armor repaired and remade since she'd been old enough to make the decision herself. The tradesmen were always more skilled than the blacksmiths and armorers employed by the crown.****
Celeion dismounted from Molaya with a pat and felt her stomach protest at the empty state it was in. ***
: There were food vendors aplenty in the commons, the smells of thier wares wafting through the air around her.****
She haggled with the farmer whose slices of watermelon and cantalope were the freshest she'd had in weeks, prime and perfect. The merchant with the bolts of fabric inquired about the next masque ball and if she'd had her gown in mind. ****
: The next such event wasn't for another month. However, as she was a Lady Knight is was well within her rights to attend if she wished it. As far as she knew she wasn't on the roster for guard duty as of yet.****
She bade the milliner a good day and continued on her course. ***
: As she mills about the crowd she notices a familiar face in the distance, her twin's eyes roving the crowd as he moves swiftly amongst them.****
She ducked back into a shadow inside one of the shops just to see where and what the twin was up to. ***
: As far as she could tell he was merely browsing the various goods and stalls that had been set up, his bevhavior seemingly innocent.***
She continued her survaillance, aware that looks weren't always as they appeared. That he was alone, in the market, was uncommon and out of place. ***
: He paused at a clothier, taking a long moment to examine a length of silk. It wasn't until the shop keeper came up that the instance slipped from ordinary to suspicious. The two were obviously talking, the way they had thier back positioned to the open market making it obvious they were hiding thier discussion.****
Celeion wound her way around the various booths and found herself on the side of the shop closest to the discussion and out of sight. She feigned interest in the various hides being displayed, but out of sight from the two.***
: From her vantage point she wasn't able to hear what they were sayin but she could see that they were discussing something very seriously, the conversation having become slightly animated.****
She concentrated on reading their lips and body language for clues to the conversation, irritated that she couldn't get closer without drawing attention to herself.***
: Her skill in reading lips, while considerable, was not enough to discern whatever the two were talking about. However, by concentrating on her body language she could tell that whatever the twin was saying was something that the merchant definitely didn't like.
: ****
She made busy with fiddling with her boot strap until she could hide behind a few tables closer towards the milliner and the twin. Thanks to the bolts, she remained hidden.****
: They were arguing, of that much she was sure as she drew closer. The twin was making what sounded like empty threats in regards to the stand the man was running. She could hear familiar names being mentioned, Elestra's being brought up more than once but she still couldn't hear exactly what was being said.****
She didn't risk going any closer. She didn't want to be seen and knew she wouldn't be. Patience in this game was paramount.***
: She continued to listen, thier whispers continuing to be devilishly hard to decipher. They were speaking away from her, that fact alone having made it nearly impossible for her to make out what they were saying in its entirety.
: The clothier was obviously more than he seemed, the twin obviously having had dealings with him before. The thought occured to her that it was possible that the man could be an agent of the Shadowed Guild.*****
The idea that there was more and more dealings made her blood run cold. Who else was here and why? She immediately retreated, seeking shadow and camaflouge until she was clear of the markets and found Molaya, urging her to a steady fast walk back to Rena***
: The stables were fully alive when she returned, all of the stable hands busy with thier work as she rode back into the stable. As before, Sorrin was present though he didn't come to intercept her this time. It was another, much younger, boy that took the reins to her steed.*****
"Keep watch." Celeion called to both the boy and to the Stable keeper. It alarmed her greatly that the twin would have anything to do with the milliner. And the fact that they knew each other well enough to be animated chilled her. ****
: The boy, no more than eight or nine summers, looked at her puzzedly.
: "He's deaf." Sorrin explained, coming over and taking the reins. A quick series of hand signals had the boy nodding, scurrying off to take care of something else. "Is there something amiss?"****
"There is reason to suspsect activity in the next few days. Keep watch." She called as she hurried to the manor lodging to find the Captain.***
: The palace was quiet compared to the commons, the halls lined with the normal morning guard. At this hour both Rena and Caulden should be in the war room with Elestra.*****
"Excuse the intrusian but I have reason to believe it's worse than we thought." Celeion announced upon seeing Rena, Claude and Elestra. She knelt and wasted no time waiting for a reprieve. "What do we know of the milliner?" ***