Decadents and Dropouts IC

[DormantEvil]

"Ludul Olfstaff, at your service."

The man had helped her to her seat and then spoken to her, initiating the conversation. For now Relic could relax and just try to remain well mannered. She picked up the wine glass, and nodded to him before raising it to her lips and swallowing a mouthful. Putting the glass back down she took a quick glance at the man. He wasn't exactly someone she would find attractive walking the street, but that was mainly because she doubted he was much use on a hunt.

Although, he did carry a wonderful array of blades, and she found herself examining them with careful detail. But soon she returned her gaze to him. Under all that hair he was rather handsome. With a smile she replied.

"Nice to meet you, Miranda Rayen," she introduced herself, the alias was used often but not for at least three or four weeks. It was the first she had introduced herself since meeting Verialyn, Phyliss and Canut.

The food was brought quickly, and Relic forced herself to watch how the others ate. But she had a feeling that Ludul may have noticed. With a blush she apologized, "I have not been in the company of such finery and custom in many...years." It may have turned him off completely, but at least he would not assume her some mentally challenged invalid.

---

Marcus declared the meal over quickly, and pronounced that dancing should follow.

---

This caused Relic to stiffen, her ears standing up a little more. I should make myself scarce...before I embarrass Phyliss and myself with such foolery.

---

But as the table was cleared, Marcus stood up and moved off into the larger dancing area. A fire already burning in the corner and a grand piano was raised up on a stage at one end.

Upstairs, a servant boy knocked on Verialyn's door before entering. He spied her sleeping on the bed and stopped, wondering if he should return. "Your dinner and wine ma'am." He said after clearing his throat. Before placing it on a small table for her to eat as she wished.

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

"Ha, never mind that. I am used to a rough life quite myself. He took another bite of the meat and flushed it down with a giant goblet of red wine. He looked around, as Marcus declared that it was time to dance. Phyliss seemed to have been waiting for this moment because she got up quickly, her snakes wiggling in excitement, while she looked up to Aaron in an unmistakenly way.
Ludul looked at them and grined. "I am not such a good dancer like our financial advisor. But maybe you give me a little chance as well."

 

[Cherubian]

At the first accidental touch of one of Phliss' snakes Aaron was somewhat surprised, and withdrew instinctively. But his fright did not last long, and soon he was welcoming the exotic new sensation of the snakes lightly touching his skin. His spirits were lifted even further as the going got merrier. The gorgon seemed to be in a great mood.

Then dinner was over, and Marcus announced that the dancing was to begin. Aaron tok the first opportunity and asked Phyliss "Would you do me the honor and dance with me?"

---

Verialyn was awakened by the knock on the door. She must have dozed off to sleep after all, seeing how she was lying on her stomach on the bed, her head buried in the pillows. The music downstairs had intensified, seems dinner was over, the dancing had begun and it was probably time for her to gt into action.

Before she could reply, the servant opened the door and entered, carrying a tray with food and wine. "Your dinner and wine ma'am."

Verialyn lifted herself upright and turned to face him, saying "Thank you, put it on that table. And tell Mr. Farmintides that I should be with him soon". As she had finished she became aware of the fact that she was still stark naked and right now giving the servant a perfect view of her breasts.

 

[Belinda35]

Phyliss Ovida

Phyliss had to pull herself together not to jump at him. So she sighted simply "Yesss...", her eyes gleaming, while she stood before him.

 

[DormantEvil]

The servant that had just brought food to Verialyn was well aware of how exposed she was, however he was not allowed to do more than just look. And since she was so alluring he took his leave quickly. There was something needing to be done he could distract himself with. Soon he approached Marcus as he showed people the dancing hall, waiting patiently until he could speak.

"Mrs Diaron will be joining you shortly, would you like drinks to be served in the library after the dancing, or will you all be retiring sir?" As one of the lead servants he had grown accustomed to the men retiring to the library to talk business, but he also knew that with the women around he might forsake business talks for other negotiations.

Maruc thought for a moment, it seemed that Aaron and Ludul were already engaged in speaking with the female guests, and he was sure that the rest would probably be tired having traveled far that day. "Drinks can be served on request, otherwise we'll all find our own ways. Thank you."

As the servant began to walk to take his place by the wall, Marcus stopped him with a strong grip. "Fetch one of the Loria Lockets from the vault, and have to ready to present to Mrs Diaron later on."

---

Relic smiled as the man who in physical years offered her some respite from the standard higher class conversation. She was glad that he had a down to earth side, it made it easier to smile and talk. "I enjoy the odd hunt myself, and couldn't help but notice the quality of your weaponry, they are fine indeed." Relic fitted into the talk of her passions with ease, but still toned it down to seem more curious than highly knowledgeable in the areas.

Pushing her chair back she wiped her mouth and hands on the table napkin before finishing her glass of wine. Ludul offered the consultation that he himself wasn't as skilled in dance as Marcus or Aaron, but that he would still like to try. Relic nodded, and took his arm before getting led into the dancing hall.

 

[swordandsandle]

"Well Haerdon," Canut asked, tired of his sullen silence. " Shall we go? I can think of no better time then the evening to arrive."

 

[Cherubian]

As soon as the servant had left - he had quite the self control, Verialyn had to give him that - she got up and put on her dress, making sure it fit perfectly around her breasts and hips. Then she put a pair of filligree golden sandals from her backpack and put them on her feet as well.

Once that was done, she grabbed the brush that was provided, sat down before the mirror and spent a good minute to thoroughly brush her hair, untill it fell perfectly smooth around her shoulders. Verialyn almost never wore make-up or jewelry, both just did not match with her somehow.

Finally satisfied with what she saw in the mirror she went down the stairs. The servants greeted her, and after a short pause for dramatic effect she strode into the hall, now already active with dancing

---

Aaron was more than happy to oblige. Although he did not show it outwardly he was just as eager as the gorgon. He quickly took Phyliss' hand and led her to the dance floor, then took hold of her with both hands and started to dance.

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

Luduls dancing wasn't that difficult to follow after all. To be true, it was not really dancing, but more walking forward and backward very slowly with as much grace as possible.
"I do enjoy hunting, but I wear that weapons for my business trips in the less explored lands. There are places where no other merchant would dare travel, even around in this part of the country. On my recent trip I was cut off from most of my other men by a landslide. And, you don't believe it, a group of kobalds leaped onto us. They are cowards usually, but these one were ferocious, and they even caused the landslide. But with two of my brave men we slaughtered them all and could regain our goods and returned with the rest of our people, who dug through the landslide."

 

[DormantEvil]

Marcus' attention was immediately on Verialyn when she entered the dancing hall, his eyes had trouble not lingering on the sweet curves beneath her dress. So little fabric to cover her abundance of beauty, and he was but a man, almost at a loss for words when she approached. However his training in talking backed him up and he stepped forwards, taking her hand and placing the gentlest of kisses on it. His eyes rising to meet hers with much appreciation in them.

"You are a beauty not fit for such company, and I dare say you will have many a man courting you. Would you give me the pleasure of this dance?" she bowed down to her, before offering his strong arm.'

He would lift her off the ground if he could, planting her close to his body and lead her around the floor if she would allow it. He was under a spell, with lust and desire fuelling it.

He would have her, some way.

---

Relic took hold of Ludul's arm and shoulder, finding the strength he gave her very comforting. His hand at the bottom of her waist pulled her against him as they slowly made their way across the floor. The music seemed rather joyous, but slow enough to simply dance.

"I have traveled, but have never had to fight Kobolds, although the stories are of little devious thieves more likely to steal your pocket than to work a day in the forges or mines."

 

[swordandsandle]

"I have traveled, but have never had to fight Kobolds, although the stories are of little devious thieves more likely to steal your pocket than to work a day in the forges or mines."

Even from across the great distance, she could feel the air daggers fly towards her.

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

"Just to true. I hate thieves. Even a robber is better, at least facing his victim. But pickpockets... I hanged the last one i got hands on. I had hired him for my caravan, and he thought he could snatch my coins just behind my back." The merchant look fierce for a moment, then he grinned again.

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

"Well Haerdon," Canut asked, tired of his sullen silence. " Shall we go? I can think of no better time then the evening to arrive."

Haerdon paused. "There is just one problem. I don't trust you. I have seen you with those two. If you go alone, you will let your familiar here with me. If we go together, tell me how you want to get inside there first."

 

[Belinda35]

Phyllis Ovida

Phyliis danced with Aaron the way it always started in a reputable house... side by side, only touching on one hand. He was a fine dancer, and dancing always aroused her in some way. She hoped nobody would notice that her nibbles were firm already. It was no use to worry about that - she couldn't helped it. Then the dance changed, now getting close. She was completely electrified when Aaron pulled her close. She had to bit her lip not to utter a squeal of passion.

 

[DormantEvil]

It wasn't long before Marcus could not withhold his excitement, and he called over his servant who carried a deep red colored wooden box. Intricate details adorned it, and as it was opened for Verialyn to look at, a brilliant and expensive looking Loria Locket lay cradled in red satin lining. The Locket was said to have great healing abilities, although that was just a falsehood told to sell it quicker. But it did contain herbs or powders at the wearers discretion.

"I cannot wait any longer, please, calm my heart by accepting this small token. It is for your acceptance, your beauty and grace and I could not live knowing you were not always adorned in something that although beautiful cannot compete with your features."

The servant inwardly rolled his eyes, that is what he said last time. Or close enough.

---

Relic knew that she was treading dangerous waters, but for now she was content to just play herself off as someone who moved through towns as a hunter. But she did want to test this man's morality. "What are your thoughts on mercenaries?" The way she said this would indicate she wanted to know if he found them useful.

She squeezed her hand on his shoulder gently as they did a quick spin.

 

[swordandsandle]

The Narrator



Haerdon paused. "There is just one problem. I don't trust you. I have seen you with those two. If you go alone, you will let your familiar here with me. If we go together, tell me how you want to get inside there first."

"Fine, but I warn you." The fire in his eyes was unmistakable. "But I am going to warn you, she's pretty scared of you, if you diden't notice. And, if you lay one rough hand on her, you'll be in for a world of hurt so big it will make you're head spin."

"As for getting in, simple. If they're up there, and I send a message that I caught up, they'll let me in, simple as that. If they aren't there, I won't need to go in."

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

"Oh, mercenaries are something else. I did hire a few myself on some missions, still rely more on my own blades." said Ludul.

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

"Fine, but I warn you." The fire in his eyes was unmistakable. "But I am going to warn you, she's pretty scared of you, if you diden't notice. And, if you lay one rough hand on her, you'll be in for a world of hurt so big it will make you're head spin."

"As for getting in, simple. If they're up there, and I send a message that I caught up, they'll let me in, simple as that. If they aren't there, I won't need to go in."

Haerdon thought of this. There was the risk that the kobald would warn the girls. But he know he hardly had a chance to get in there unseen, even with his skills. The little kobald mage might have better chances. And with his familiar as hostage, he had to be careful.
"Allright, I wont touch or harm her in any way as long you do not try to doublecross me. But do not even think to trick me, or she will regret it. As soon as you get me these two evil wenches outside, our deal is done and each one goes his ways."

 

[DormantEvil]

The conversation was at least now something that she could work on. She wouldn't mention thieves again, and held back the urge to plant a knee between his legs. Instead she took a step closer, as though it was a misstep and bumped into him. She looked up embarrassed, and smiled. "At least we haven't stood on each other yet."

Looking over at Phyliss, she couldn't help almost shake her head. The gorgon was obviously a little overwhelmed with alcohol and sexual desire. And Marcus was claiming Verialyn as a goddess among women.

The music had slowed now, and it meant that she was able to press up against him more now without it looking out of place. Not that she really cared to much either way.

"I was trained by one of the Mercenary Guild around here, but work mainly on intelligence gathering. I'm better at the information finding than at anything more deadly. Although, a woman always has to protect herself in such a line of work."

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

"So, I guessed so in the first moment." he was grinning even more, in a bit unpleasant sleazy way. "I like women of the road, who know how to fight through their lifes."

 

[DormantEvil]

Shaking her head softly, Relic laughed at how he had suspected. Lucky in a way that it was that, and not her thieving background. Daggers were customary for the sneaky assassin, the scout and the thief. Hopefully with her sweetness and innocent appearance she could avoid that suspicion.

"Would you like to take a seat and have a drink? I would love to hear more about your travels, or would you prefer to retire early?" It was a sneaky way of gauging his interest.

Normally it could be taken that they would retire to separate quarters, but, if he was interested it could just hint to the other option. Otherwise she would prefer a quieter place, one where she didn't look so awkward circling the floor.

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

Ludul looked down at her, if checking. He found her still quite sober, but promising. They would see how the night would turn out. First, a little undisturbed conversation wouldn't harm, just to know her better. Maybe, if he found her promising in several ways, he might even hire her for his next mission...
"Let's sit down in the library, and have another drink." It was quite unusual to have women in the library, but nobody else was there yet, and he know that he could take some liberties in this house. He wasn't just anybody.

 

[swordandsandle]

The Narrator



Haerdon thought of this. There was the risk that the kobald would warn the girls. But he know he hardly had a chance to get in there unseen, even with his skills. The little kobald mage might have better chances. And with his familiar as hostage, he had to be careful.
"Allright, I wont touch or harm her in any way as long you do not try to doublecross me. But do not even think to trick me, or she will regret it. As soon as you get me these two evil wenches outside, our deal is done and each one goes his ways."

"I'll do it," he leaned down over Koeita for a moment. "Be a good girl for me and stay with the nice man, ok?" he spoke in a voice normally reserved for people not out of diapers, which if she had any she woulden't be.

Walking up to the main gate, he rattled the bars thoughrly, attracting the attention of a nearby guerd.

"What do you want," the human male pointed his spear at him.

"Easy, I'm just here to catch up with my freinds," he spread his hands to show he wasen't holding anything. "Just let Phyliss, Relic, and Verialyn that Canut is out here to meet them."

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

Haerdon watched the kobald from the bushes. His familiar sat there waiting, unpatient, a bit frightened. Haerdon spoke friendly to her, but he was on alert. He had no need to prove anything to her, but he would not allow her to ruin his plan. The kobald spoke to a gurad now.
"Never heard the names before." said the guard. "We don't want any beggars around here, turdface. Do you like to have a shashlik-experience?"

 

[swordandsandle]

The Narrator

Haerdon watched the kobald from the bushes. His familiar sat there waiting, unpatient, a bit frightened. Haerdon spoke friendly to her, but he was on alert. He had no need to prove anything to her, but he would not allow her to ruin his plan. The kobald spoke to a gurad now.
"Never heard the names before." said the guard. "We don't want any beggars around here, turdface. Do you like to have a shashlik-experience?"

Ok, so they weren't using their real names.

"I am not a begger," he glared with all seriousness. "I'm here to meet my companions. They're gorogon, drow, and human females. Send them down here, they'll know who I am."

 

[Belinda35]

The Narrator

"Hm, a gorgon, a drow and a human... They did arrive here. Wait here, and we will see." The guard spoke to another guard, who looked over to Canut. Then the guard went and dissapeared to the main house.

He walked up into the hall, until he saw his patron standing there, with one of the women who arrived today.
"Excuse me, Sir!"
"Mmmpph. What is it?" Marcus Farmentides, who was just holding a box, turned around. He didn't seemed to be to happy about this disturbance.
"I'm sorry sir. There is a kobald outside, who is seeking his companions..."
"A kobald?! Seeking his companions here? What is that nonsense?"
"He says that they are a gorgon, a female drow and a female woman, called Phyllis, Relic and Verialynn."