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Into the Icy Darkness II: The Next Generation
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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1607974" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>“C’mere ya little pretty!”</p><p></p><p>Rose Dice spun around, her green eyes flaring with anger as she felt a large and rough hand grab at her rear. Her delicate nostrils flared, and rather quickly the drunken miscreant was laying on the tavern floor, a red mark that copied Rose’s series of rings imprinted on his now swollen cheek.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t screw with the daughter of the owner!” she snarled at him. Her eyes then flashed a ferocious stare at the other five greasy men gathered at the table, daring any of them to look at her cross-wise. All five sank into their seats.</p><p></p><p>Rose Dice, twin sister to Raven, was not as fortunate as her sibling. While Raven had recieved an offer to study at the Imperial Academy of Magic in Iskeldrun, Rose had barely missed the cut. And so here she was... still in Kulloden...</p><p></p><p>“I can’t take it! Gah! Drunken fools!” Rose growled a few minutes later when she’d returned to the kitchen area of the <em>Pony Alehouse and Eatery</em>. Some years ago, Rose’s father, and old man Baradur, the dwarf that used to run the place, agreed that <em>Drunken Pony</em> was not a suitable name for an establishment that was more than a tavern. </p><p></p><p>As the shouts of glee from several game tables in the back echoed into the kitchen, a small halfling looked up at his boss’ daughter and laughed.</p><p></p><p>“You’ll get used to ‘em,” Geoffrey chuckled. “After a while, some of the regular drunks become endearing!”</p><p></p><p>“Only five more days,” she groaned, setting down empty ale mugs for cleaning, “then Pricilla returns, and the little gathering of the Woodcutter’s Guild will be over! You know, Geoffrey, that’s the <em>fifth</em> fool that’s grabbed by behind today! Gah!”</p><p></p><p>“That just means you need to be quicker... look at Ilene out there,” Geoffrey pointed. As they watched, several other men who had exceeded their tolerance levels reached out to try and grab one of the usual ‘maids. Deftly she evaded his grasp without even blinking or changing her smile towards the more sober group she was serving, and the drunk sprawled on the floor. The rest of the crowd seemed not to notice, as the loud noise of Rose’s brother, Shawn, rose above the din in song.</p><p></p><p>“Geoff, I know dad put you in charge, but <em>please</em>, can I teach one of those fools a lesson? Magically?” Rose complained. “If someone screwed around in the magic shop, mom would’ve let me teach them some manners!”</p><p></p><p>The halfling laughed. “Fine. I’ll get Erny out there to take some orders... no doubt there’ll be alot of upset customers at seeing his ugly mug compared to your pretty face!”</p><p></p><p>Rose gave a slight grin at the compliment. “Thanks, Uncle Shorty,” she smiled, using the family nickname for the mischevious halfling. When their father had first met him, Geoffrey had been an unemployed, drunken messenger for an assassin. After some 17 years, he had sobered up, and become not only an excellent businessman, but one of the best bartenders in the region.</p><p></p><p>“It’s nothing, darlin’,” he reached up to give the girl a pat on the shoulder. “Now, if you would do me a favor, go check on Ari and yer mom. See if they need anything?”</p><p></p><p>Rose gave a quick nod (despite the fact her mother was also out of town), and gave a slight laugh of joy as she dashed out of the back door of the building with a wave to Geoffrey. Ari was one of the few distractions to the monotony that Rose felt her life in Kulloden had become. </p><p></p><p>Up by dawn, open and run her mother’s magic shop. At noon, close the shop for two hours for lunch with and magic lessons from the new head of the Kulloden Mage’s Guild... her mother. Turn over shop to her mother’s apprentice Crakin afterwards, and finish the day until dinner-time with practice. Go home, eat supper, sleep. The rountine had only been broken this week when the shop was temporarily closed for a few days, and her father had asked for Rose to help cover in the tavern.</p><p></p><p>Ari, however, had arrived only about a month earlier, and was stinted to stay with them for another four months before going back to Iskeldrun. He was excitable, and curious about <em>everything</em>, from the hierarchy of city government, to why Rose’s mother had young mages go to caves looking for bat excrement (that had been a fun lesson... too bad her dad’s favorite chair had been burnt to a crisp when things went awry).</p><p></p><p>It was a welcome break, especially when every week or so, she got to take him to the country, where he could relax with no disguise, and be merely himself; still rambunctious, still insatiably curious.</p><p></p><p>As she cut through the early evening streets of Kulloden, she heard the trundle of a heavy cart behind her. Such things were normal; the city had a relatively large and lush wood to its immediate east, and further east were the iron, coal, and copper mines. Carts carrying lumber or metals were not an unusual sight in the city, most headed to either sawmills or smelters.</p><p></p><p>So she paid this cart no attention as it rattling noise grew louder, and it eventually passed her. Her suspicions were confirmed, as stacks of logs hung out of the carts back. The figure on its back was bent over, doubtless tired after a long run.</p><p></p><p>The cart surprisingly turned left, onto the same street that Rose was headed. To her knowledge, the area of the city he was headed was only residential, with only a few shops and smithys to break up the constant rows of houses. </p><p></p><p><em>He’s probably visiting his family before delivering his load or something,</em> Rose reasoned as the cart clattered onward, and surprisingly turned onto the same street she was headed to...</p><p></p><p></p><p>“Feeling any better?” Lucius’ voice washed over Siabrey’s ears. While his tone was mocking, she knew him well enough to tell that there was deep, genuine worry in his voice, a worry he was trying to cover up.</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” she sat up, usually her good arm to prop herself. Her shattered shoulder and arm was healing nicely according to the healers and clerics of Honoria, but as a precaution, it was still wrapped up in bandages and slings. “Much better, thank you,” she stuck her tongue out at his mocking tone.</p><p></p><p>“Good,” his voice expressed genuine relief, and he gently gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he whispered quietly, before the smirk came back to his face. “And I know you’re feeling better, considering you’re smart-aleck manner!” he said louder for the benefit of the little audience the two had.</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, when mom gets sharp-tongued or starts mocking, she’s fine,” Valaron echoed his father’s sentiments, arms crossed. His sister nodded in agreement, as the two approached the bed where they’re mother was confined for at least the remainder of the day.</p><p></p><p>“Wait till my arm is healed,” Siabrey gave them a mock look of severity, before finding herself corralled by hugs from her two oldest children. A smile crossed her face as her mind was washed over with memories of what had transpired only the previous night... of how her two children had stepped up to defend her. “Then... I’ll find that punk and Kelir will have a field day!” she smirked, trying to make them feel better with some more bravado.</p><p></p><p>“Well, we know who it was,” Luke started, and he explained what they already knew. How it was House Erelion for sure, with the likely backing of unknown others. Of Diogenes’ dragnet coming up empty, and the attacks on Raven and Royukgan... and how those two were current on the streets, incognito, trying to dredge up some information with a clandestine guard escort.</p><p></p><p>“Hmm... figures,” Siabrey growled upon hearing House Erelion had committed the crime. “When do the armies march?” she asked dryly, “I want to be the first to plant a sword in the back of Baron Valdemar,” she said.</p><p></p><p>“Not for a while,” Vintressa replied, “we want to find out who else is involved.”</p><p></p><p>“And let them get away?” the Empress replied, a little bit of annoyance dripping from her voice. Her face went into a scowl at the mention she would not be able to march out to find who had threatened her, and more importantly, her children.</p><p></p><p>“No,” Vintressa smiled, “your daughter is more clever than that. We’ll follow them, once we find them... and they’ll lead us to the Fire Stone, as well as whoever else is involved. With our revised orders, the dragnets running through the city now should shortly find some of their underlings dashing about. Panicked people tend to be more careless,” Vintressa explained.</p><p></p><p>“Well, maybe its a good thing I’m out of commission for a bit then... maybe your subtlety might do something,” Siabrey admitted, “but when the troops move out against the sons of bitches,” her voice changed to a satisfied snarl, “I want to be in the lead!”</p><p></p><p>Lucius looked at his wife, remembering images of her over 16 years ago... and how she’d hardly changed in many ways. <em>A mother tigress, always viciously defending her cubs,</em> he gave a slight smile, thinking how he, too, had counted as a cub once. </p><p></p><p>“I don’t know if that would be wise,” Lucius said softly, and he watched her face fall in frustration. His slight grin grew into a smile, and he ran a hand gently along her face, “though I’ll see what I can do.”</p><p></p><p>“Raven and Royukgan are already out canvassing for information quietly. Sadly, some of Diogenes’ folks are out there not being as subtle,” Vintressa volunteered. “Hopefully, we’ll get information you can act on.”</p><p></p><p>“Royu-who?” Siabrey asked, confused. Immediately, Vintressa’s face turned a deep red.</p><p></p><p>“Her friend Royukgan, from the Academy,” Luke replied with the information he knew. “He and Raven were attacked by assassins the same night you were.” </p><p></p><p>To Vintressa’s relief, neither parent seemed to notice her embarrassed face.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>“Bastards!” the old crone snarled in Raven’s face, her breath foul and sharply smelling of onions. The lady gesticulated wildly towards her small cart, upon which rested several ornate and well made pieces of pottery. “Came charging out of that gate,” she pointed across the street, towards a rather large mansion, “with no regard for life or property! Several of my customers were almost run over!”</p><p></p><p>Raven nodded in understanding, as her mind processed the information. As the old woman ranted an railed, Raven’s eyes flicked towards the building in question across the road, taking in its layout. </p><p></p><p>It was not a massive edifice, like the Cotrolia family manor, or House Belges mansion. Nonetheless, it was large, with ornate decorations of white serpents along its exterior as coloumns... symbols of wisdom in the eyes of some. </p><p></p><p>Unlike other neighborhoods where the wealthy lived, here, in the older quarters of hte city, these mansions were clustered close together. An archway underneath part of the mansion’s second story allowed access to a backyard, small by noble standards, but enough for a well tended garden, and a stopping area for carriages.</p><p></p><p><em>So the carriage careened past here... and it almost tipped over, according to the crone,</em> Raven’s mind processed. <em>In order for it to almost tip on her items, it would have had to be headed... east...</em> she looked up the street in that direction.</p><p></p><p><em>Toward Comnitas,</em> her mind placed a few seconds later. She’d have to ask Royukgan what information he’d gotten while asking people further down that way what they’d seen. <em>His human form’s handsome features should get some of the ladies to talk rather freely as to what they saw...</em></p><p></p><p>“M’lady, do you remember anyone else coming out of that manor?” Raven pressed softly.</p><p></p><p>“Well, I do,” an young man stuck his head out from the well maintained shop behind the old crone’s wares. He looked at Raven with a smirk. “Why you askin’ ‘round ‘bout them, anyways?”</p><p></p><p>“Business,” Raven said bluntly. “What did you see?”</p><p></p><p>“Well, I don’t quite seem to remember. Perhaps if you come inside the shop, I could jog my memory?” the man raised an eyebrow suggestively. Raven felt like shooting him back a look of death, but she forced herself to look pleasant. <em>He might know something of interest...</em></p><p></p><p>She turned to the two hooded figures beside her, and whispered to them to watch the door and outside. Running a hand reassuringly over her nagiaka under her robes, she then nodded to the young man. </p><p></p><p>“Of course, good sir,” she carefully threw some shyness into her voice... maybe even a slight blush. <em>Loosen up his lips...</em></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>It took a few minutes of pleasantries that Raven abhorred, but she learned that the young man’s name was Ulric, and the fine coffee and chocolate shop they sat in was his father’s. She also learned that he liked cats, a fine blend of coffee, and fancied women. And for the classy place his father ran, he was rather lewd at times. Raven gave him a fake name, though she did tell the truth that she was a student at the Mages’ Academy... in case he questioned more, she did not want to be found to be lying about something he knew well.</p><p></p><p>“So, tell me. Why is a beautiful, magically gifted young woman like yourself interested in that loud, raucous family there?” he said with a leering smile.</p><p></p><p>“Well, to tell you the truth,” she gave slight sigh, preparing to lie, “they owe my father a great deal of money. See, he gave them an invaluable amount of magical service, and they haven’t paid up,” she mentally winced at the direction her on the spot lie had taken.</p><p></p><p>“Ah... well,” he raised an eyebrow, his hands stretching across the table slowly, “I might be able to help, should you require it?”</p><p></p><p>“Oh yes, I would appreciate any information on them!” she said breathlessly, trying to sound as helpless as possible without rolling her eyes like she wanted.</p><p></p><p>“Well, that house belongs to Lady Eyrna Erelion. She maintains it for her uncle the Baron... and last night, into this morning there was some really interesting things going on over there. My guess is they heard you were coming. You must’ve done a job on that one guy that made it back there,” the young man smirked. </p><p></p><p>The lewdness in the gaze made Raven wince... he’d expressed a liking for ‘rough women’ as well. Which, Raven’s mind guessed, meant this man was likely no slouch in combat himself. <em>Watch yourself.</em></p><p></p><p>“What guy made it back there?” she took the little bauble his question posed and ran with it. “I thought I caught all of them!” her face feigned disappointment. <em>Hemmel probably... here to spread the alarm!</em></p><p></p><p>“Well, he was limping and all... you likely did a real number on him I’m guessing!” the young man gave a chuckle. “After he arrived, there was all sorts of shouting and yells from over there, and noise like people were packing up. I think they skedaddled! You’re out of luck!”</p><p></p><p>“When did they run away?” Raven asked. “Where?”</p><p></p><p>“Oh... you’ll have to agree to see me later if you want that!” Ulric smirked.</p><p></p><p>“I’ll... be very much in your debt,” she tried to put shyness into her voice, and she glanced downward towards the table. <em>He’s not going to buy that... a rough and tumble person this shy? Raven, your lies and compounding on top of themselves like oil on water... its all going to fall apart!</em> she winced.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, I have no doubt you would be!” Ulric laughed. “Well, a bunch of folks, clad mostly in brown and green robes dashed out just before dawn... all sorts of noise. Soon afterwards, a carriage dashed out towards the east, and then two people on horseback dashed out towards the west.” </p><p></p><p>He then gave another slight laugh, “Well, ‘dashed’ isn’t likely the best word. ‘Limped’ is a better one... I’ve never seen such horrible nags in my life!”</p><p></p><p><em>Two people on horseback? Nags?</em> Raven’s mind jumped. <em>Sounds like our two people...</em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1607974, member: 15043"] “C’mere ya little pretty!” Rose Dice spun around, her green eyes flaring with anger as she felt a large and rough hand grab at her rear. Her delicate nostrils flared, and rather quickly the drunken miscreant was laying on the tavern floor, a red mark that copied Rose’s series of rings imprinted on his now swollen cheek. “Don’t screw with the daughter of the owner!” she snarled at him. Her eyes then flashed a ferocious stare at the other five greasy men gathered at the table, daring any of them to look at her cross-wise. All five sank into their seats. Rose Dice, twin sister to Raven, was not as fortunate as her sibling. While Raven had recieved an offer to study at the Imperial Academy of Magic in Iskeldrun, Rose had barely missed the cut. And so here she was... still in Kulloden... “I can’t take it! Gah! Drunken fools!” Rose growled a few minutes later when she’d returned to the kitchen area of the [i]Pony Alehouse and Eatery[/i]. Some years ago, Rose’s father, and old man Baradur, the dwarf that used to run the place, agreed that [i]Drunken Pony[/i] was not a suitable name for an establishment that was more than a tavern. As the shouts of glee from several game tables in the back echoed into the kitchen, a small halfling looked up at his boss’ daughter and laughed. “You’ll get used to ‘em,” Geoffrey chuckled. “After a while, some of the regular drunks become endearing!” “Only five more days,” she groaned, setting down empty ale mugs for cleaning, “then Pricilla returns, and the little gathering of the Woodcutter’s Guild will be over! You know, Geoffrey, that’s the [i]fifth[/i] fool that’s grabbed by behind today! Gah!” “That just means you need to be quicker... look at Ilene out there,” Geoffrey pointed. As they watched, several other men who had exceeded their tolerance levels reached out to try and grab one of the usual ‘maids. Deftly she evaded his grasp without even blinking or changing her smile towards the more sober group she was serving, and the drunk sprawled on the floor. The rest of the crowd seemed not to notice, as the loud noise of Rose’s brother, Shawn, rose above the din in song. “Geoff, I know dad put you in charge, but [i]please[/i], can I teach one of those fools a lesson? Magically?” Rose complained. “If someone screwed around in the magic shop, mom would’ve let me teach them some manners!” The halfling laughed. “Fine. I’ll get Erny out there to take some orders... no doubt there’ll be alot of upset customers at seeing his ugly mug compared to your pretty face!” Rose gave a slight grin at the compliment. “Thanks, Uncle Shorty,” she smiled, using the family nickname for the mischevious halfling. When their father had first met him, Geoffrey had been an unemployed, drunken messenger for an assassin. After some 17 years, he had sobered up, and become not only an excellent businessman, but one of the best bartenders in the region. “It’s nothing, darlin’,” he reached up to give the girl a pat on the shoulder. “Now, if you would do me a favor, go check on Ari and yer mom. See if they need anything?” Rose gave a quick nod (despite the fact her mother was also out of town), and gave a slight laugh of joy as she dashed out of the back door of the building with a wave to Geoffrey. Ari was one of the few distractions to the monotony that Rose felt her life in Kulloden had become. Up by dawn, open and run her mother’s magic shop. At noon, close the shop for two hours for lunch with and magic lessons from the new head of the Kulloden Mage’s Guild... her mother. Turn over shop to her mother’s apprentice Crakin afterwards, and finish the day until dinner-time with practice. Go home, eat supper, sleep. The rountine had only been broken this week when the shop was temporarily closed for a few days, and her father had asked for Rose to help cover in the tavern. Ari, however, had arrived only about a month earlier, and was stinted to stay with them for another four months before going back to Iskeldrun. He was excitable, and curious about [i]everything[/i], from the hierarchy of city government, to why Rose’s mother had young mages go to caves looking for bat excrement (that had been a fun lesson... too bad her dad’s favorite chair had been burnt to a crisp when things went awry). It was a welcome break, especially when every week or so, she got to take him to the country, where he could relax with no disguise, and be merely himself; still rambunctious, still insatiably curious. As she cut through the early evening streets of Kulloden, she heard the trundle of a heavy cart behind her. Such things were normal; the city had a relatively large and lush wood to its immediate east, and further east were the iron, coal, and copper mines. Carts carrying lumber or metals were not an unusual sight in the city, most headed to either sawmills or smelters. So she paid this cart no attention as it rattling noise grew louder, and it eventually passed her. Her suspicions were confirmed, as stacks of logs hung out of the carts back. The figure on its back was bent over, doubtless tired after a long run. The cart surprisingly turned left, onto the same street that Rose was headed. To her knowledge, the area of the city he was headed was only residential, with only a few shops and smithys to break up the constant rows of houses. [i]He’s probably visiting his family before delivering his load or something,[/i] Rose reasoned as the cart clattered onward, and surprisingly turned onto the same street she was headed to... “Feeling any better?” Lucius’ voice washed over Siabrey’s ears. While his tone was mocking, she knew him well enough to tell that there was deep, genuine worry in his voice, a worry he was trying to cover up. “Yes,” she sat up, usually her good arm to prop herself. Her shattered shoulder and arm was healing nicely according to the healers and clerics of Honoria, but as a precaution, it was still wrapped up in bandages and slings. “Much better, thank you,” she stuck her tongue out at his mocking tone. “Good,” his voice expressed genuine relief, and he gently gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he whispered quietly, before the smirk came back to his face. “And I know you’re feeling better, considering you’re smart-aleck manner!” he said louder for the benefit of the little audience the two had. “Yeah, when mom gets sharp-tongued or starts mocking, she’s fine,” Valaron echoed his father’s sentiments, arms crossed. His sister nodded in agreement, as the two approached the bed where they’re mother was confined for at least the remainder of the day. “Wait till my arm is healed,” Siabrey gave them a mock look of severity, before finding herself corralled by hugs from her two oldest children. A smile crossed her face as her mind was washed over with memories of what had transpired only the previous night... of how her two children had stepped up to defend her. “Then... I’ll find that punk and Kelir will have a field day!” she smirked, trying to make them feel better with some more bravado. “Well, we know who it was,” Luke started, and he explained what they already knew. How it was House Erelion for sure, with the likely backing of unknown others. Of Diogenes’ dragnet coming up empty, and the attacks on Raven and Royukgan... and how those two were current on the streets, incognito, trying to dredge up some information with a clandestine guard escort. “Hmm... figures,” Siabrey growled upon hearing House Erelion had committed the crime. “When do the armies march?” she asked dryly, “I want to be the first to plant a sword in the back of Baron Valdemar,” she said. “Not for a while,” Vintressa replied, “we want to find out who else is involved.” “And let them get away?” the Empress replied, a little bit of annoyance dripping from her voice. Her face went into a scowl at the mention she would not be able to march out to find who had threatened her, and more importantly, her children. “No,” Vintressa smiled, “your daughter is more clever than that. We’ll follow them, once we find them... and they’ll lead us to the Fire Stone, as well as whoever else is involved. With our revised orders, the dragnets running through the city now should shortly find some of their underlings dashing about. Panicked people tend to be more careless,” Vintressa explained. “Well, maybe its a good thing I’m out of commission for a bit then... maybe your subtlety might do something,” Siabrey admitted, “but when the troops move out against the sons of bitches,” her voice changed to a satisfied snarl, “I want to be in the lead!” Lucius looked at his wife, remembering images of her over 16 years ago... and how she’d hardly changed in many ways. [i]A mother tigress, always viciously defending her cubs,[/i] he gave a slight smile, thinking how he, too, had counted as a cub once. “I don’t know if that would be wise,” Lucius said softly, and he watched her face fall in frustration. His slight grin grew into a smile, and he ran a hand gently along her face, “though I’ll see what I can do.” “Raven and Royukgan are already out canvassing for information quietly. Sadly, some of Diogenes’ folks are out there not being as subtle,” Vintressa volunteered. “Hopefully, we’ll get information you can act on.” “Royu-who?” Siabrey asked, confused. Immediately, Vintressa’s face turned a deep red. “Her friend Royukgan, from the Academy,” Luke replied with the information he knew. “He and Raven were attacked by assassins the same night you were.” To Vintressa’s relief, neither parent seemed to notice her embarrassed face. “Bastards!” the old crone snarled in Raven’s face, her breath foul and sharply smelling of onions. The lady gesticulated wildly towards her small cart, upon which rested several ornate and well made pieces of pottery. “Came charging out of that gate,” she pointed across the street, towards a rather large mansion, “with no regard for life or property! Several of my customers were almost run over!” Raven nodded in understanding, as her mind processed the information. As the old woman ranted an railed, Raven’s eyes flicked towards the building in question across the road, taking in its layout. It was not a massive edifice, like the Cotrolia family manor, or House Belges mansion. Nonetheless, it was large, with ornate decorations of white serpents along its exterior as coloumns... symbols of wisdom in the eyes of some. Unlike other neighborhoods where the wealthy lived, here, in the older quarters of hte city, these mansions were clustered close together. An archway underneath part of the mansion’s second story allowed access to a backyard, small by noble standards, but enough for a well tended garden, and a stopping area for carriages. [i]So the carriage careened past here... and it almost tipped over, according to the crone,[/i] Raven’s mind processed. [i]In order for it to almost tip on her items, it would have had to be headed... east...[/i] she looked up the street in that direction. [i]Toward Comnitas,[/i] her mind placed a few seconds later. She’d have to ask Royukgan what information he’d gotten while asking people further down that way what they’d seen. [i]His human form’s handsome features should get some of the ladies to talk rather freely as to what they saw...[/i] “M’lady, do you remember anyone else coming out of that manor?” Raven pressed softly. “Well, I do,” an young man stuck his head out from the well maintained shop behind the old crone’s wares. He looked at Raven with a smirk. “Why you askin’ ‘round ‘bout them, anyways?” “Business,” Raven said bluntly. “What did you see?” “Well, I don’t quite seem to remember. Perhaps if you come inside the shop, I could jog my memory?” the man raised an eyebrow suggestively. Raven felt like shooting him back a look of death, but she forced herself to look pleasant. [i]He might know something of interest...[/i] She turned to the two hooded figures beside her, and whispered to them to watch the door and outside. Running a hand reassuringly over her nagiaka under her robes, she then nodded to the young man. “Of course, good sir,” she carefully threw some shyness into her voice... maybe even a slight blush. [i]Loosen up his lips...[/i] It took a few minutes of pleasantries that Raven abhorred, but she learned that the young man’s name was Ulric, and the fine coffee and chocolate shop they sat in was his father’s. She also learned that he liked cats, a fine blend of coffee, and fancied women. And for the classy place his father ran, he was rather lewd at times. Raven gave him a fake name, though she did tell the truth that she was a student at the Mages’ Academy... in case he questioned more, she did not want to be found to be lying about something he knew well. “So, tell me. Why is a beautiful, magically gifted young woman like yourself interested in that loud, raucous family there?” he said with a leering smile. “Well, to tell you the truth,” she gave slight sigh, preparing to lie, “they owe my father a great deal of money. See, he gave them an invaluable amount of magical service, and they haven’t paid up,” she mentally winced at the direction her on the spot lie had taken. “Ah... well,” he raised an eyebrow, his hands stretching across the table slowly, “I might be able to help, should you require it?” “Oh yes, I would appreciate any information on them!” she said breathlessly, trying to sound as helpless as possible without rolling her eyes like she wanted. “Well, that house belongs to Lady Eyrna Erelion. She maintains it for her uncle the Baron... and last night, into this morning there was some really interesting things going on over there. My guess is they heard you were coming. You must’ve done a job on that one guy that made it back there,” the young man smirked. The lewdness in the gaze made Raven wince... he’d expressed a liking for ‘rough women’ as well. Which, Raven’s mind guessed, meant this man was likely no slouch in combat himself. [i]Watch yourself.[/i] “What guy made it back there?” she took the little bauble his question posed and ran with it. “I thought I caught all of them!” her face feigned disappointment. [i]Hemmel probably... here to spread the alarm![/i] “Well, he was limping and all... you likely did a real number on him I’m guessing!” the young man gave a chuckle. “After he arrived, there was all sorts of shouting and yells from over there, and noise like people were packing up. I think they skedaddled! You’re out of luck!” “When did they run away?” Raven asked. “Where?” “Oh... you’ll have to agree to see me later if you want that!” Ulric smirked. “I’ll... be very much in your debt,” she tried to put shyness into her voice, and she glanced downward towards the table. [i]He’s not going to buy that... a rough and tumble person this shy? Raven, your lies and compounding on top of themselves like oil on water... its all going to fall apart![/i] she winced. “Oh, I have no doubt you would be!” Ulric laughed. “Well, a bunch of folks, clad mostly in brown and green robes dashed out just before dawn... all sorts of noise. Soon afterwards, a carriage dashed out towards the east, and then two people on horseback dashed out towards the west.” He then gave another slight laugh, “Well, ‘dashed’ isn’t likely the best word. ‘Limped’ is a better one... I’ve never seen such horrible nags in my life!” [i]Two people on horseback? Nags?[/i] Raven’s mind jumped. [i]Sounds like our two people...[/i] [/QUOTE]
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