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Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)
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<blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 2067767" data-attributes="member: 3285"><p><strong>Drinking Deeply from the Chalice of Midnight - Prologue</strong></p><p></p><p>Quintus sat rigidly at the table across from Ilmarė. They were the only ones in that corner of the taverna.</p><p></p><p>Vlad stumbled his way over to their table, rubbing his eyes.</p><p></p><p>“Rough night,” said Quintus matter-of-factly. He did not look up.</p><p></p><p>Vlad pulled up a chair. “You could say that,” he said, running one hand through his hair. “The note said to meet you here. Where are the others?”</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė arched an eyebrow. “I thought they were with you.”</p><p></p><p>Vlad shook his head. “The last person I saw was Kham. And I don’t think he’ll be joining us on any missions any time soon.”</p><p></p><p>“Don’t tell me…” said Ilmarė. </p><p></p><p>“He was named the Consort of Larissa,” said Quintus. “Great. We won’t see him for a week.”</p><p></p><p>“The good news is that I found the stolen blackpowder,” said Vlad. “It was part of Menu’s theft. I’m off the hook until the Duke needs me again. So here I am.”</p><p></p><p>“That doesn’t explain why Beldin and Sebastian weren’t invited,” said Ilmarė. </p><p></p><p>“I can explain everything, my friends,” said Decimus with a smile as he walked over to their table. He appeared no worse for wear from the Saturnalia, although they had all seen him indulging in wine, food and dance as much as the next follow. </p><p></p><p>Decimus’ usual smiling face was replaced by one lined with years of stress and responsibility. </p><p></p><p>“It has come to my attention that the man I have worked for since I was a boy is involved in plots, plots to which I can no longer turn a blind eye.”</p><p></p><p>“And who is your employer, Decimus?” asked Quintus. “I thought he was a senator, but lately I am not so sure. You’ve been keeping strange company.”</p><p></p><p>Decimus pulled up a chair and sat down. “A fair question. My employer is none other than Senator Dominarin val’Sheem. He is a powerful man, said to have the ear of the Emperor himself.”</p><p></p><p>“And he will not let you simply quit his service?” asked Ilmarė.</p><p></p><p>“One does not simply leave his household. You see, generations ago, my great grandfather came to Savona and incurred horrible debts; debts that he had no means of repaying. That was when Dominarin’s grandfather stepped in and paid off his obligations. In return, he purchased my family’s service until the debt was repaid.”</p><p></p><p>Vlad whistled. “That must be some debt.”</p><p></p><p>Decimus nodded. “Although I’m treated like a valuable assistant to the Senator, I chaff at being another man’s property, especially when my poor mother and siblings toil away in his manor and on his fields like common slaves. It has been years and still we have not paid off the debt. At this rate, we never will.”</p><p></p><p>“And you want us to find a means of repaying him?” asked Quintus.</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” said Decimus. “Something so valuable that he would free my family from slavery. But I must warn you: the object I require is in the demesne of a Devil Prince-“</p><p></p><p>“A what?” asked Vlad.</p><p></p><p>Decimus put up one hand. “Before you object, know that my information indicates the Prince is away from his fortress.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, that makes it much better,” said Ilmarė. “Not just a Prince, but a Devil Prince. Or is that a princely devil? Just how are we supposed to retrieve this object if he is not of this world?”</p><p></p><p>“I will arrange for you to be safely transported to and from his tower,” said Decimus. “You only need to make your way to his library, where he keeps the Chalice of Midnight. Once you have it in your hands, I will transport you back, safe and sound.”</p><p></p><p>“We are no longer in the val’Tensen family’s good grace,” said Quintus, peering into his mug. “I don’t see how this will help our plight.”</p><p></p><p>Decimus looked surprised. “Quite the contrary, I have heard only good things about you. The blame lies with General Menisis’ nephew, Gaius. I envision great things in your career, Signifer Quintus Aurelius Ignatius.”</p><p></p><p>Quintus’ eyes narrowed at the mention of his title. </p><p></p><p>“How much?” asked Ilmarė.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t have much to repay you with, but I will gladly give you my life’s savings.”</p><p></p><p>“How much?” Vlad asked, rubbing his forehead. Whether his headache was from the prodigious amount of drink from the night before or the business proposal before him was unclear.</p><p></p><p>“Three thousand Imperials,” Decimus said flatly.</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė froze. “Three…thousand?”</p><p></p><p>“It’s a deal,” said Vlad.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="talien, post: 2067767, member: 3285"] [b]Drinking Deeply from the Chalice of Midnight - Prologue[/b] Quintus sat rigidly at the table across from Ilmarė. They were the only ones in that corner of the taverna. Vlad stumbled his way over to their table, rubbing his eyes. “Rough night,” said Quintus matter-of-factly. He did not look up. Vlad pulled up a chair. “You could say that,” he said, running one hand through his hair. “The note said to meet you here. Where are the others?” Ilmarė arched an eyebrow. “I thought they were with you.” Vlad shook his head. “The last person I saw was Kham. And I don’t think he’ll be joining us on any missions any time soon.” “Don’t tell me…” said Ilmarė. “He was named the Consort of Larissa,” said Quintus. “Great. We won’t see him for a week.” “The good news is that I found the stolen blackpowder,” said Vlad. “It was part of Menu’s theft. I’m off the hook until the Duke needs me again. So here I am.” “That doesn’t explain why Beldin and Sebastian weren’t invited,” said Ilmarė. “I can explain everything, my friends,” said Decimus with a smile as he walked over to their table. He appeared no worse for wear from the Saturnalia, although they had all seen him indulging in wine, food and dance as much as the next follow. Decimus’ usual smiling face was replaced by one lined with years of stress and responsibility. “It has come to my attention that the man I have worked for since I was a boy is involved in plots, plots to which I can no longer turn a blind eye.” “And who is your employer, Decimus?” asked Quintus. “I thought he was a senator, but lately I am not so sure. You’ve been keeping strange company.” Decimus pulled up a chair and sat down. “A fair question. My employer is none other than Senator Dominarin val’Sheem. He is a powerful man, said to have the ear of the Emperor himself.” “And he will not let you simply quit his service?” asked Ilmarė. “One does not simply leave his household. You see, generations ago, my great grandfather came to Savona and incurred horrible debts; debts that he had no means of repaying. That was when Dominarin’s grandfather stepped in and paid off his obligations. In return, he purchased my family’s service until the debt was repaid.” Vlad whistled. “That must be some debt.” Decimus nodded. “Although I’m treated like a valuable assistant to the Senator, I chaff at being another man’s property, especially when my poor mother and siblings toil away in his manor and on his fields like common slaves. It has been years and still we have not paid off the debt. At this rate, we never will.” “And you want us to find a means of repaying him?” asked Quintus. “Yes,” said Decimus. “Something so valuable that he would free my family from slavery. But I must warn you: the object I require is in the demesne of a Devil Prince-“ “A what?” asked Vlad. Decimus put up one hand. “Before you object, know that my information indicates the Prince is away from his fortress.” “Oh, that makes it much better,” said Ilmarė. “Not just a Prince, but a Devil Prince. Or is that a princely devil? Just how are we supposed to retrieve this object if he is not of this world?” “I will arrange for you to be safely transported to and from his tower,” said Decimus. “You only need to make your way to his library, where he keeps the Chalice of Midnight. Once you have it in your hands, I will transport you back, safe and sound.” “We are no longer in the val’Tensen family’s good grace,” said Quintus, peering into his mug. “I don’t see how this will help our plight.” Decimus looked surprised. “Quite the contrary, I have heard only good things about you. The blame lies with General Menisis’ nephew, Gaius. I envision great things in your career, Signifer Quintus Aurelius Ignatius.” Quintus’ eyes narrowed at the mention of his title. “How much?” asked Ilmarė. “I don’t have much to repay you with, but I will gladly give you my life’s savings.” “How much?” Vlad asked, rubbing his forehead. Whether his headache was from the prodigious amount of drink from the night before or the business proposal before him was unclear. “Three thousand Imperials,” Decimus said flatly. Ilmarė froze. “Three…thousand?” “It’s a deal,” said Vlad. [/QUOTE]
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