Post by Rae on Apr 17, 2016 15:06:23 GMT -5
17:41:41Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -Convincing Caim to do things outside his normal comfort zone had become something of a performance art for the small fae even knowing that if he didn’t really want to he never would give in, yet she had that one small thing swinging to her favor. The man loved her and not in the way of fleeting emotion or whimsical flowering dreams. <
17:41:53Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : It was the sort of thing that could weather the world, their mistakes, and their successes. She wondered if this is why Vera was keeping her distance, since the engagement party Raejissa had not been able to set eyes upon the woman despite her many efforts to do so. It was disheartening, yet there was only a desire for her to be happy and if such <
17:42:03Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : required a breaking away then she would not hinder it, though would always be steadfast in her support of the woman. Still it could be that their mistress was simply giving them a little time to settle, emotions weren’t exactly Vera’s strong suite. That aside, this venture was part of Rae’s crusade to make Caim a more likeable person. His <
17:42:10Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : proclivities often caused him barriers that had done much to set him aside from the people of the city, while her own often had her embroiled with every facet of the people within it. He steadied her, made her stronger, allowed her to be better then she was independent of him. There was then a desire to reciprocate and so she endeavored to bring <
17:42:19Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : him out and allow people even a small glimpse of the man she had come to know. Todd’s Whiskey provided such a place for such. She’d sent ahead that they were coming and given it was mae’s establishment and caim did go there, they would understand what it meant. Their table upon the upper floor ready when they arrived, pristine and clean.<
17:42:30Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : New bottles opened and drinks poured, raejissa had chosen to perch herself in the mans lap and was just then leaning forward to place a card upon the table with a sense of exuberant victory. Their play mates folding and for a time moving off to get fresh drinks courtesy of the winnings…you could beat people and still make them love you if you know<
17:43:03Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : how. She turned her gaze then to Caim that playful smile of exuberance on her face- “really caim, they’d not mind if you played too…”-she kissed the tip of his nose for affect and grinned at him. She had ensured the deck of cards was sparkling new too, well mae’s people had anyhow.- end-
18:09:00Caım Elfhiem : An outing to Todds, if anything spoke about the spades of affection Raejiisa was given it would be the fact that she had the uncanny ability to drag him out from the manor with out him kicking and screaming. No Social activities were not among his strongest suits. His own disorder made it near impossible for him to really have any sort of meaningful contact with people. There was always something, from the scent of their breath to the way they moved, or the god aweful need to shake hands. Caim truly <
18:11:00Caım Elfhiem : Was not fond of any of it. However It was in order to please Rae that he allowed himself to be brought through the city this day and did grace Todd's. Where he now was entered into a game of wits with several individuals who seemed to think that just because he was not the social type that he couldn't play cards. The Game rules were rather simple, The cards were some form of creature or another, a male and a female. The way to win was to find 'mated' pairs, or find breeds that could crossbreed. It was <<
18:12:38Caım Elfhiem : excitingly simple, but at the same time the game was similar in the way of hold'em in which their was a 'gene' pool one must play from in order to win. This was easy enough if one took the time to study the cards. however the hidden hands of the others, and the possibility of 'genocide' often times made one nervous. Caim played well in such games as he had no issue with 'poker' face. Which meant he could bluff as easily as a unic. Drawing in a deep breath Caim did capture the cards from around Rae's form<<
18:30:40Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -Often she strategically placed herself as a buffer between Caim and those around them in this type of setting. Allowing her to scoop up hands being extended out for a shake or to put a little physical distance between some whose scent was less pleasant then others and then her presence near him in these things seemed to…ease him. It gave<
18:30:46Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : caim the appearance of being social while still allowing him a sphere all of his own. It didn’t make it less uncomfortable for the man exactly, but it made it bearable and though such altered his image. It had already had some effect on those of this establishment even if it just meant they didn’t look at Caim quite so wearily. You can be feared <
18:30:54Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : and loved all at the same time and that in Rae’s opinion was the best method to maintaining control. It is what had gotten her to where she was. Keen eyes observed him as she shuffled the cards, he had a talent for trick shuffling. Many hours spent at a table conversing idly or watching the room…boredom or simple apathy. She recalled once<
18:31:01Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : having taught him fifty two card pick up…he’d seemed less then amused by it, but thought that when she had turned to view him from the corner of her eye, he had been smiling even as he’d had to stopped down to retrieve the pieces of paper. Why she had felt the need to torment him those many years ago she had never been sure, but it<
18:31:10Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : had been an addiction real as any opioid dependency. Drawn to him even if it caused them to spiral. Her head turned to peer at him as her fingers plucked the cards a cool upturn of lips.- “What, don’t you like sex Caim?”- she teased leaning in to press a fierce kiss against his lips leaving a soft bite upon the lower tress before turning her <
18:31:16Jennalyn¤Mae is away.
18:31:19Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : attention back to the items in her hand. Even upstairs one could hear the commotions below, the bell chiming as people came and went. Normally, the fae was down there, but this was more conducive to her lovers needs, which is perhaps why she had left a list of names with the bartender down stairs of known attendees of Todd’s to be given an<
18:31:30Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : invite to come up should they arrive. Thus as Charle’s sat down a well rounded woman approached him a smirk on her lips-“Skull Master, Raejissa isa’ upstairs…wanted you to know you have an’ open invite to join er’.”- there were subtle accents in her voice and the way she had said Skull Master indicated that she didn’t understand the name she<
18:31:40Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : didn’t understand the name she had been instructed to use, but was following the request no less. She’d slip off as she had come making her rounds. Meanwhile, Rae turned her head to peer at Caim her brow arching expectantly as if sincerely waiting upon a response.-end-
18:45:03Caım Elfhiem : It was some wonder why she felt the need to alter his appearance to the world. Caim was never one to care how he looked to others so long as his idea of how he was meant to look and what he was meant to achieve was looked upon favorably by the council. it was a thankless job, attending the accounts, fining, and acting as the basic judicial branch of the City, if it wasn't for the Knights he would admit that he may not have found himself working so well toward the future. his focus was draw from the card <<
18:47:50Caım Elfhiem : towards Rae as she made mention to his like or dislike of sex, his brow might have lifted was it not for the sudden press of lips to his own, which he did return his hand raising upward to clutch at the Rae's hair and tighten fingers within it. he'd cling there for a moment and growl against her lips, his head drawing back from the moment of contact his brow lifting slowly in thought " Now I didn't say that " he snorted " though until you came along I lived perfectly fine without it " his nails dragged <<
18:49:35Caım Elfhiem : slowly across the length of her spine and his eyes finally drew themselves from the woman seated in his lap towards the cards and the surrounding players. He'd nothing decent, at least not yet, two females typically mean a near win every time as you were almost always given a male in the river. But the game truly wasn't his focus, his focus lay upon the men that surrounded him. he was reading their faces, how they acted one of them he could tell had a sure win. Right off the bat and thus he was going to <<
18:51:21Caım Elfhiem : have to play the hand closely. Which meant he was going to raise the original bet. Which caused two other players to fold. " I'm sure there is a story behind your choices in cart partners. " he said absently plucking one of the cards from her hand to twirl it about his thumb with a flick of his index finger ' Possible employees? " he mused " Major players in the game of economy?" his brow lifted " Raise " he called the next line " I should hope so, I'd hate to have to buy their debts " -end-
19:15:48»Charles« : One eyebrow lifted as he was addressed as Skull master, and he laughed, shaking his head..."You see, next thing you know there will be a line of people wanting their own talking skulls...it will be the next big thing in fashion..." He quipped as he tucked his gloves into his pocket. The raven haired woman, drew his attention as she entered, and he studied her as she moved through the crowd, though he was not alone in doing so. The manner in which she moved and carried herself, spoke of confidence, -c-
19:20:13»Charles« : but as she drew closer, and he got a look at those mismatched hues at least a part of the source of that confidence became clear. Though he was not yet reached an impressive age, he was quite learned, a side effect of his passion for literature and knowledge of any useful form. What it was exactly the woman had partaken of, he could not be certain without closer examination, but the dilation of her pupils suggested something that relaxed the nerves. He appreciated her beauty, though perhaps in a bit -c-
19:26:30»Charles« : less carnal fashion than some of the others. She perhaps did not fit his conception of the ideal, it certainly was not because he did not prefer feminine companionship...As she settled at the next table over, he inclined his head politely, noting the fineness of bone structure, and the quite subtle nudge he felt against his senses, that he was quite familiar with. He rose, taking up his hat, just as another entered the tavern that he recognized...The place was getting heavy underfoot with the elite of -c-
19:30:29»Charles« : the city it seemed, but that did not matter here, unless much greater decorum became a necessity. He shouldered the strap of his bag and signaled the barmaid, as he moved toward the stairs, and spoke with that lovely one, placing a trio of crown in her palm as he indicated the raven haired one, specifying a drink should be delivered to her table, and the blame should be given to the rather hairy gentleman in the corner. He winked as he set foot on the stairs, and the barmaid went off to do as asked. -d-
19:35:20Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : (-It wasn’t necessarily about Caim that she felt the need to make him more socially acceptable and if she was being fully honest, Alistair had had a hand in nudging her that direction. Yet, she chose the path. Gaerdon was changing, the dynamics were altering. The core houses were not so clearly ahead of those that were established after and the<
19:35:25Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : minor houses had their hands firmly in the cookie jar now too. The city was growing and people were fickle things. It was better to hedge your bets then rely on standards and history alone. She might have explained it, might have tried to convince him, but could one convince a stone to weep? Of course it wasn’t all political maneuvering,<
19:35:30Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : she genuinely enjoyed it when he ventured out with her and felt the absence of his presence when he declined and had found herself staying in on more than one occasion to simply be with him. The door swung both ways and if any were to wonder about such things it was shortly put to rest by the way his hand coiled into the white tendrils <
19:35:37Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : of her hair or more pointedly the reaction that it stirred as involuntary sounds rose along her throat or the shiver that coursed her small frame to the illicit etching of nails through the thin veil of material. Little wonder it didn’t tear and even if it had she wasn’t sure she would have cared. A wicked grin rising as he mused those words for <
19:35:48Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : your ears “Thank the Nameless I came and saved you from such a desperately boring life. Don’t you think boys?”- she said loud enough for their card mates to hear to which they gave a slap of cups in response. They were all half drunk which is where she generally liked her counterparts at social affairs as these. A small chuckle roused as Caim <
19:36:02Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : picked out The cards musing for her ear alone about his speculations on their chosen partners-“Something like that…players of a sort.”- which was her way of saying they were more than likely of the less legitimate variety. The stranger that came and went was odd, her warning such as it was hardly believable given she’d watched them open the bottles
19:36:07Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : new and ensured the glasses were clean…and then there were the two girls that went with caim everywhere that tasted for poisons and the like. It stirred a frown to her lips no less though was dismissed as the bids were called and raised. Vera upon her entrance would get the customary approach from a familiar wench informing her that<
19:36:16Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : caim and rae were upstairs. Another name on Rae’s infamous list. Of course an invitation didn’t mean people would come up, yet it was extended no less. Then appeared the man on the list and Rae’s attention further distracted.- “Skull Master!” – enthusiasm rippling through her voice and announcing whom it was that had given him the nick.-<
19:36:27Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : “did you bring Rufus with you today?- asking even knowing that he had.”Caim you simply must see this…”- and the fellows at the table began to take their queue as the game drew to an end.-
19:45:31Caım Elfhiem : The Upper Level of Todd's was often one of those places the normal patrons dreamed of seeing, while it was nothing seemingly special Jennalyn had gone through great lengths to ensure everything within the larger upper bar was above and beyond standard. Knowingly keeping it clean on the off chance that Caim ever visited and of course having the private butcher room that Caim had not used in quite some time. Which perhaps was calling his name at his point. But with the dulcet form of the Fae beauty in his <<
19:48:39Caım Elfhiem : lap there was no need for him to raise to any sort of violent desire. A stretch of his form was given as Rae made herself more comfortable against him at the scratching of nails across her body. The Sound of movement beyond him called his focus but not enough to turn his focus from the men before him. He recalled Rae speaking of the man with the talking skull and had found some level of curiosity, but not the kind that was meant to allow him to be culled into some form of circus act. " The Man with the <<
19:50:10Caım Elfhiem : talking head in his bag " Caim said idly " Do come and have a seat, the game is just beginning and I am sure you could stand to win some extra coin " he turned his focus towards Rae absently " My Betrothed tends to meet a great many people before I am ever given the opportunity, so I will allow her to handle introductions " he brought his gloved hand forward and collected his glass of Todd's Special whiskey, he took a few moments to swirl it about in the cup and raised it thus to his lips. enjoying the <<
0:10:05Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -Rumors abounded of caim’s special room among some of the upper elite though most wrote it off to nothing more than rumor alone. In most instances it was all but forgotten by those that came and went for the variety of distractions at any of mae’s places were numerous and unending. Such places as these never closed and with<
20:10:09Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : the comings and goings of people there was an endless batch of people even in the wee hours of morning and night. It was a thing of remarkable use to have a place away from harmony to conduct affairs, though Raejissa had other places too. Buildings under other names, secure holdings here and there, places to meet<
20:10:18Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : that could be accessed without others seeing you traverse there. She expected most of the houses had such holdings, but she’d like so many other things had made an art form out of it. Illegal trade was still illegal afterall even if tolerated. Of course, they could have kept their hands out of it, but if you can’t stop it…might as well control it.<
20:10:22Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : It was best for all involved. Deaths due to over dose or bad batches were minimal and if such occurrences surfaced they were dealt with quickly as more than likely some rule had been violated. Nearly all drugs allowed invoked a sense of lethargy which prevented violence while under such influence...not always<
20:10:31Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : mind, but enough of the time. She spared a look towards caim at his utterances and couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or genuinely if only vaguely curious, but earned a smile for calling her betrothed and a light kiss across the cheek. Her gaze reaffixing to the skull master-“Of course, this is Charles as said, I first encountered him at our<
20:10:41Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : engagement party, though our Sorra seems to have acquainted with him on a number of occasions. Charles, I think Caim will do well enough for this one night…no lords here at todds.- Her eyes glinted darting to the bag that held Rufus. Magic was hard within Eonhiem, a sustainable summoning them was something of a marvel, <
20:10:46Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : though, given the length it had been in place before entering the city had leant it stability she had surmised. Almost as if its longevity provided its own near power source of renewing magic within the skull itself. No one could pluck it or use it for anything other then what it now did, but it was something no less. Magic otherwise<
20:10:53Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : within Gaerdon was unpredictable to a measure if one attempted anything on a large scale. You could as easily wind up burning your house down as lighting a candle if you weren’t careful. That is why she had been sent to train outside of Gaerdon for so long, to gain a precise understanding and ability to focus upon things so that<
20:10:59Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : upon her return she would be able to wield it better. Even so, Gaerdon was Gaerdon and even talented and skilled as she was her use of it within these walls was scarce and usually limited to glamor saving for exceptional circumstances. Of course her speculations over the skull were just that, but she imagined it was close enough. <
20:12:22Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : She leaned towards caim, allowing her back to settle against his chest turning just slightly so her head nearly relaxed on his shoulder.- "Rufus. Is that a given name? Or chosen one?"-she asked directly to the skull then to charles-"have you been enjoying New Gaerdon?"-end-
20:29:54»Charles« : "Of course, my grandmother was rather strict when it came to etiquette, and old habits die hard." He offered by way of apology then Rufus fielded the question posed concerning his name, 'It is a chosen name, for safety...true names hold a great deal of power if one knows their uses." The skull's manner of speech, held a sophisticated and erudite air, which befitted a spirit of intellect. "It has been a most interesting experience thus far, I've gone from performing street magic to indulging what some -c-
20:33:48»Charles« : might consider a perverse passion for books, by working in their restoration. I'm still adjusting to the noise and the number of people about, but there is so much to do...I don't know how anyone could get bored here." He said with a grin that had a touch of boyishness to it, that spoke of his youth. He took up his drink when it arrived, and sipped the amber liquid, savoring its flavor, much different from the stuff his grandfather produced, but then his grandfather didn't bother aging his. He -c-
20:38:33»Charles« : swallowed and sighed, the stuff had a bite, but it was definitely more refined. He watched the game play for a time, working out the rudiments of play, It was simple, but there were subtleties as well that intrigued him. He glanced down to Rufus, who said simply, 'No thank you I'll sit this out...' Which caused the wizard to chuckle quietly, "They are playing for money, not souls my friend...and it was just the once." -d-
20:45:40Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -Rae smiled that coy look as the thing responded. Her only interactions with it previously having only had its lude or snarky commentary for banter, yet she had believed it capable of longer more in depth conversation. The woman very rarely gave up a bone once she had it and Charles and Rufus whether they wanted it or not had made<
20:45:45Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : her list. Some might have thought it strange that she felt comfortable speaking with an apparent inanimate object, but she was fae and had seen much stranger things.- “Yes well, we do our best to keep things entertaining…well mae does anyhow.”- She smiled fondly at the name, her gaze rising to Charles then as he took a drink of the liquid<
20:45:49Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : Whiskey that could make you go blind before you knew it. Raejissa never touched the stuff. Her drink a blue color in nature, it was a concoction the keeper had made for her years ago and stuck. It offered a light buzz after three or four, but served to ease her nerves after only one. A perfect subtle blend of liquors with a hint of a powder that<
20:45:56Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : Kept the toxins down. She tipped well.- “Souls…messy business that and illegal in most cases. If you’re intending to stay, there is a house that might have use of your particular skills. It’s a minor house, but they are often looking ofr new recruits especially in these early years of its inception. The Keepers of the Way, focused on keeping the <
20:46:12Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : Histories. Studying the old magics as they were before the earth quake, studying artifacts, and keepings records of religions and pasts. I think you might do well there if you were so inclined. I could write a letter of introduction if you desired.”_ she played her cards as she spoke casually even knowing what she offered was no small thing, but <
20:46:32Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : such were the whims of the fae of harmony, his fortune this day.-end-
21:09:06»Charles« : The mention of magic, well that combined with the suggested search for knowledge...He smiled, "Given my calling, such an opportunity would be most fortuitous for all concerned..." He glanced to Rufus who snorted, 'Like you need to ask, now if the job comes with hot and cold running maids...' The wizard pinched the bridge of his nose, "Can't take you anywhere..." but there was a hint of a laugh in his tone, he really did need to give Rufus some time to air out, kept him from getting too snarky. -c-
21:09:23»Charles« : "I have been considering the advisability of giving Rufus a night at the house of Mae, but I'm not sure how that would be received..." He said, causing the skull to go strangely silent and watchful, "First impressions are after all rather delicate." He would appreciate the insight of one who had more experience in such things...when it came to, well relations...he was a bit of a neophyte. Being the nerdy kid with your face stuck in a book tended to reduce the chances of discovering -c-
21:09:38»Charles« : alternate uses for the hayloft. -d-
21:18:16Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -She chuckled softly at their banter and shook her head lightly clearly amused by them. The keepers might not thank her for her insistence upon adopting them into their fold at first, but she expected that they would in time. It was a risk of course, but one she felt that would pay itself off in the end. The cities interests were her interests and<
21:18:50Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : and she as of yet had no one inside the keepers society. Of course, this didn’t make Charles her man, but any contact was better than none.- “consider it sorted then, they are a bit slow on the turn about, but I’ll ensure the letter is sent first thing in the morning.”- she considered then the implications of a night at house mae’s with the <
21:20:28Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : skull-“Mae’s girls or men depending on your preferences are a non judgmental lot, they have a entertainment for every vice near enough. A voyeuristic experience should be nothing too tall an order to fill, in fact I might be among the more mundane of requests. Of course, I can’t speak for that, but I’d imagine it to be the case. <
21:21:29Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : For her part until Caim had entered her life, the most she'd experienced was what she'd read in books or seen on the streets. It's not that such things hadn't interested her in so much as it was no one had sparked that curiosity in her...then there was Vera, who was an entirely different sort of succulent. The thought brought a smile to her lips, <
21:22:33Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : but the cause went unspoken. She would think that the observation and inability to consumate aroused desires would be a worse torture though, but what did she know of such things. For all she knew the skull could experience things through charles. Now that was a pretty thought.-end
21:45:41»Charles« : He nodded and considered Rufus, "Then your dry spell will soon be at an end my friend..." he made no mention of what he himself might do while there... Here he was, a man who could, given proper preparation and study, command the very elements themselves, but even the thought of an intimate moment, made him unconscionably nervous. There was no childhood trauma to blame, only utter inexperience. Oh he knew the mechanics, he had grown up on a farm after all, but it was the social side of things that -c-
21:46:00»Charles« : stymied him. On a strictly social level, he could be relaxed and confident...but trial runs, had not worked out well at all. He down the rest of the whiskey, letting the burn drag his mind away from the subject and he turned to the game. Perhaps this was an ill they could cure...surely he would not be the first they had encountered...maybe they had a specialist for that sort of problem...the thought brought out a nervous laugh...focus, center yourself..."Boss, don't go there, that's it, breathe...-c-
21:46:18»Charles« : good...You really need to get your ashes hauled.' Oh that was helpful, anger flared in those blue eyes, and his nostrils dilated as he drew a slow deep breath and spoke in a voice that was as quiet as it was deadly serious..."Rufus...would you like to watch the sunrise." Cold steel lay in those tones, and the amber motes shrank to pinpoints as the skull's voice emerged with a slight quaver in it..."Sorry boss..." After a moment of silence the wizard spoke again, his tone much less rigid, "you are -c-
21:46:41»Charles« : forgiven, but never speak of it again." He did not add any threat, beyond the one already posed, there was no need, for the two knew each other far too well for it to be necessary. As with any friendship, occasionally one would go a step too far. -d-
17:41:53Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : It was the sort of thing that could weather the world, their mistakes, and their successes. She wondered if this is why Vera was keeping her distance, since the engagement party Raejissa had not been able to set eyes upon the woman despite her many efforts to do so. It was disheartening, yet there was only a desire for her to be happy and if such <
17:42:03Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : required a breaking away then she would not hinder it, though would always be steadfast in her support of the woman. Still it could be that their mistress was simply giving them a little time to settle, emotions weren’t exactly Vera’s strong suite. That aside, this venture was part of Rae’s crusade to make Caim a more likeable person. His <
17:42:10Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : proclivities often caused him barriers that had done much to set him aside from the people of the city, while her own often had her embroiled with every facet of the people within it. He steadied her, made her stronger, allowed her to be better then she was independent of him. There was then a desire to reciprocate and so she endeavored to bring <
17:42:19Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : him out and allow people even a small glimpse of the man she had come to know. Todd’s Whiskey provided such a place for such. She’d sent ahead that they were coming and given it was mae’s establishment and caim did go there, they would understand what it meant. Their table upon the upper floor ready when they arrived, pristine and clean.<
17:42:30Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : New bottles opened and drinks poured, raejissa had chosen to perch herself in the mans lap and was just then leaning forward to place a card upon the table with a sense of exuberant victory. Their play mates folding and for a time moving off to get fresh drinks courtesy of the winnings…you could beat people and still make them love you if you know<
17:43:03Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : how. She turned her gaze then to Caim that playful smile of exuberance on her face- “really caim, they’d not mind if you played too…”-she kissed the tip of his nose for affect and grinned at him. She had ensured the deck of cards was sparkling new too, well mae’s people had anyhow.- end-
18:09:00Caım Elfhiem : An outing to Todds, if anything spoke about the spades of affection Raejiisa was given it would be the fact that she had the uncanny ability to drag him out from the manor with out him kicking and screaming. No Social activities were not among his strongest suits. His own disorder made it near impossible for him to really have any sort of meaningful contact with people. There was always something, from the scent of their breath to the way they moved, or the god aweful need to shake hands. Caim truly <
18:11:00Caım Elfhiem : Was not fond of any of it. However It was in order to please Rae that he allowed himself to be brought through the city this day and did grace Todd's. Where he now was entered into a game of wits with several individuals who seemed to think that just because he was not the social type that he couldn't play cards. The Game rules were rather simple, The cards were some form of creature or another, a male and a female. The way to win was to find 'mated' pairs, or find breeds that could crossbreed. It was <<
18:12:38Caım Elfhiem : excitingly simple, but at the same time the game was similar in the way of hold'em in which their was a 'gene' pool one must play from in order to win. This was easy enough if one took the time to study the cards. however the hidden hands of the others, and the possibility of 'genocide' often times made one nervous. Caim played well in such games as he had no issue with 'poker' face. Which meant he could bluff as easily as a unic. Drawing in a deep breath Caim did capture the cards from around Rae's form<<
18:30:40Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -Often she strategically placed herself as a buffer between Caim and those around them in this type of setting. Allowing her to scoop up hands being extended out for a shake or to put a little physical distance between some whose scent was less pleasant then others and then her presence near him in these things seemed to…ease him. It gave<
18:30:46Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : caim the appearance of being social while still allowing him a sphere all of his own. It didn’t make it less uncomfortable for the man exactly, but it made it bearable and though such altered his image. It had already had some effect on those of this establishment even if it just meant they didn’t look at Caim quite so wearily. You can be feared <
18:30:54Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : and loved all at the same time and that in Rae’s opinion was the best method to maintaining control. It is what had gotten her to where she was. Keen eyes observed him as she shuffled the cards, he had a talent for trick shuffling. Many hours spent at a table conversing idly or watching the room…boredom or simple apathy. She recalled once<
18:31:01Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : having taught him fifty two card pick up…he’d seemed less then amused by it, but thought that when she had turned to view him from the corner of her eye, he had been smiling even as he’d had to stopped down to retrieve the pieces of paper. Why she had felt the need to torment him those many years ago she had never been sure, but it<
18:31:10Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : had been an addiction real as any opioid dependency. Drawn to him even if it caused them to spiral. Her head turned to peer at him as her fingers plucked the cards a cool upturn of lips.- “What, don’t you like sex Caim?”- she teased leaning in to press a fierce kiss against his lips leaving a soft bite upon the lower tress before turning her <
18:31:16Jennalyn¤Mae is away.
18:31:19Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : attention back to the items in her hand. Even upstairs one could hear the commotions below, the bell chiming as people came and went. Normally, the fae was down there, but this was more conducive to her lovers needs, which is perhaps why she had left a list of names with the bartender down stairs of known attendees of Todd’s to be given an<
18:31:30Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : invite to come up should they arrive. Thus as Charle’s sat down a well rounded woman approached him a smirk on her lips-“Skull Master, Raejissa isa’ upstairs…wanted you to know you have an’ open invite to join er’.”- there were subtle accents in her voice and the way she had said Skull Master indicated that she didn’t understand the name she<
18:31:40Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : didn’t understand the name she had been instructed to use, but was following the request no less. She’d slip off as she had come making her rounds. Meanwhile, Rae turned her head to peer at Caim her brow arching expectantly as if sincerely waiting upon a response.-end-
18:45:03Caım Elfhiem : It was some wonder why she felt the need to alter his appearance to the world. Caim was never one to care how he looked to others so long as his idea of how he was meant to look and what he was meant to achieve was looked upon favorably by the council. it was a thankless job, attending the accounts, fining, and acting as the basic judicial branch of the City, if it wasn't for the Knights he would admit that he may not have found himself working so well toward the future. his focus was draw from the card <<
18:47:50Caım Elfhiem : towards Rae as she made mention to his like or dislike of sex, his brow might have lifted was it not for the sudden press of lips to his own, which he did return his hand raising upward to clutch at the Rae's hair and tighten fingers within it. he'd cling there for a moment and growl against her lips, his head drawing back from the moment of contact his brow lifting slowly in thought " Now I didn't say that " he snorted " though until you came along I lived perfectly fine without it " his nails dragged <<
18:49:35Caım Elfhiem : slowly across the length of her spine and his eyes finally drew themselves from the woman seated in his lap towards the cards and the surrounding players. He'd nothing decent, at least not yet, two females typically mean a near win every time as you were almost always given a male in the river. But the game truly wasn't his focus, his focus lay upon the men that surrounded him. he was reading their faces, how they acted one of them he could tell had a sure win. Right off the bat and thus he was going to <<
18:51:21Caım Elfhiem : have to play the hand closely. Which meant he was going to raise the original bet. Which caused two other players to fold. " I'm sure there is a story behind your choices in cart partners. " he said absently plucking one of the cards from her hand to twirl it about his thumb with a flick of his index finger ' Possible employees? " he mused " Major players in the game of economy?" his brow lifted " Raise " he called the next line " I should hope so, I'd hate to have to buy their debts " -end-
19:15:48»Charles« : One eyebrow lifted as he was addressed as Skull master, and he laughed, shaking his head..."You see, next thing you know there will be a line of people wanting their own talking skulls...it will be the next big thing in fashion..." He quipped as he tucked his gloves into his pocket. The raven haired woman, drew his attention as she entered, and he studied her as she moved through the crowd, though he was not alone in doing so. The manner in which she moved and carried herself, spoke of confidence, -c-
19:20:13»Charles« : but as she drew closer, and he got a look at those mismatched hues at least a part of the source of that confidence became clear. Though he was not yet reached an impressive age, he was quite learned, a side effect of his passion for literature and knowledge of any useful form. What it was exactly the woman had partaken of, he could not be certain without closer examination, but the dilation of her pupils suggested something that relaxed the nerves. He appreciated her beauty, though perhaps in a bit -c-
19:26:30»Charles« : less carnal fashion than some of the others. She perhaps did not fit his conception of the ideal, it certainly was not because he did not prefer feminine companionship...As she settled at the next table over, he inclined his head politely, noting the fineness of bone structure, and the quite subtle nudge he felt against his senses, that he was quite familiar with. He rose, taking up his hat, just as another entered the tavern that he recognized...The place was getting heavy underfoot with the elite of -c-
19:30:29»Charles« : the city it seemed, but that did not matter here, unless much greater decorum became a necessity. He shouldered the strap of his bag and signaled the barmaid, as he moved toward the stairs, and spoke with that lovely one, placing a trio of crown in her palm as he indicated the raven haired one, specifying a drink should be delivered to her table, and the blame should be given to the rather hairy gentleman in the corner. He winked as he set foot on the stairs, and the barmaid went off to do as asked. -d-
19:35:20Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : (-It wasn’t necessarily about Caim that she felt the need to make him more socially acceptable and if she was being fully honest, Alistair had had a hand in nudging her that direction. Yet, she chose the path. Gaerdon was changing, the dynamics were altering. The core houses were not so clearly ahead of those that were established after and the<
19:35:25Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : minor houses had their hands firmly in the cookie jar now too. The city was growing and people were fickle things. It was better to hedge your bets then rely on standards and history alone. She might have explained it, might have tried to convince him, but could one convince a stone to weep? Of course it wasn’t all political maneuvering,<
19:35:30Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : she genuinely enjoyed it when he ventured out with her and felt the absence of his presence when he declined and had found herself staying in on more than one occasion to simply be with him. The door swung both ways and if any were to wonder about such things it was shortly put to rest by the way his hand coiled into the white tendrils <
19:35:37Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : of her hair or more pointedly the reaction that it stirred as involuntary sounds rose along her throat or the shiver that coursed her small frame to the illicit etching of nails through the thin veil of material. Little wonder it didn’t tear and even if it had she wasn’t sure she would have cared. A wicked grin rising as he mused those words for <
19:35:48Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : your ears “Thank the Nameless I came and saved you from such a desperately boring life. Don’t you think boys?”- she said loud enough for their card mates to hear to which they gave a slap of cups in response. They were all half drunk which is where she generally liked her counterparts at social affairs as these. A small chuckle roused as Caim <
19:36:02Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : picked out The cards musing for her ear alone about his speculations on their chosen partners-“Something like that…players of a sort.”- which was her way of saying they were more than likely of the less legitimate variety. The stranger that came and went was odd, her warning such as it was hardly believable given she’d watched them open the bottles
19:36:07Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : new and ensured the glasses were clean…and then there were the two girls that went with caim everywhere that tasted for poisons and the like. It stirred a frown to her lips no less though was dismissed as the bids were called and raised. Vera upon her entrance would get the customary approach from a familiar wench informing her that<
19:36:16Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : caim and rae were upstairs. Another name on Rae’s infamous list. Of course an invitation didn’t mean people would come up, yet it was extended no less. Then appeared the man on the list and Rae’s attention further distracted.- “Skull Master!” – enthusiasm rippling through her voice and announcing whom it was that had given him the nick.-<
19:36:27Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : “did you bring Rufus with you today?- asking even knowing that he had.”Caim you simply must see this…”- and the fellows at the table began to take their queue as the game drew to an end.-
19:45:31Caım Elfhiem : The Upper Level of Todd's was often one of those places the normal patrons dreamed of seeing, while it was nothing seemingly special Jennalyn had gone through great lengths to ensure everything within the larger upper bar was above and beyond standard. Knowingly keeping it clean on the off chance that Caim ever visited and of course having the private butcher room that Caim had not used in quite some time. Which perhaps was calling his name at his point. But with the dulcet form of the Fae beauty in his <<
19:48:39Caım Elfhiem : lap there was no need for him to raise to any sort of violent desire. A stretch of his form was given as Rae made herself more comfortable against him at the scratching of nails across her body. The Sound of movement beyond him called his focus but not enough to turn his focus from the men before him. He recalled Rae speaking of the man with the talking skull and had found some level of curiosity, but not the kind that was meant to allow him to be culled into some form of circus act. " The Man with the <<
19:50:10Caım Elfhiem : talking head in his bag " Caim said idly " Do come and have a seat, the game is just beginning and I am sure you could stand to win some extra coin " he turned his focus towards Rae absently " My Betrothed tends to meet a great many people before I am ever given the opportunity, so I will allow her to handle introductions " he brought his gloved hand forward and collected his glass of Todd's Special whiskey, he took a few moments to swirl it about in the cup and raised it thus to his lips. enjoying the <<
0:10:05Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -Rumors abounded of caim’s special room among some of the upper elite though most wrote it off to nothing more than rumor alone. In most instances it was all but forgotten by those that came and went for the variety of distractions at any of mae’s places were numerous and unending. Such places as these never closed and with<
20:10:09Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : the comings and goings of people there was an endless batch of people even in the wee hours of morning and night. It was a thing of remarkable use to have a place away from harmony to conduct affairs, though Raejissa had other places too. Buildings under other names, secure holdings here and there, places to meet<
20:10:18Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : that could be accessed without others seeing you traverse there. She expected most of the houses had such holdings, but she’d like so many other things had made an art form out of it. Illegal trade was still illegal afterall even if tolerated. Of course, they could have kept their hands out of it, but if you can’t stop it…might as well control it.<
20:10:22Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : It was best for all involved. Deaths due to over dose or bad batches were minimal and if such occurrences surfaced they were dealt with quickly as more than likely some rule had been violated. Nearly all drugs allowed invoked a sense of lethargy which prevented violence while under such influence...not always<
20:10:31Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : mind, but enough of the time. She spared a look towards caim at his utterances and couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or genuinely if only vaguely curious, but earned a smile for calling her betrothed and a light kiss across the cheek. Her gaze reaffixing to the skull master-“Of course, this is Charles as said, I first encountered him at our<
20:10:41Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : engagement party, though our Sorra seems to have acquainted with him on a number of occasions. Charles, I think Caim will do well enough for this one night…no lords here at todds.- Her eyes glinted darting to the bag that held Rufus. Magic was hard within Eonhiem, a sustainable summoning them was something of a marvel, <
20:10:46Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : though, given the length it had been in place before entering the city had leant it stability she had surmised. Almost as if its longevity provided its own near power source of renewing magic within the skull itself. No one could pluck it or use it for anything other then what it now did, but it was something no less. Magic otherwise<
20:10:53Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : within Gaerdon was unpredictable to a measure if one attempted anything on a large scale. You could as easily wind up burning your house down as lighting a candle if you weren’t careful. That is why she had been sent to train outside of Gaerdon for so long, to gain a precise understanding and ability to focus upon things so that<
20:10:59Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : upon her return she would be able to wield it better. Even so, Gaerdon was Gaerdon and even talented and skilled as she was her use of it within these walls was scarce and usually limited to glamor saving for exceptional circumstances. Of course her speculations over the skull were just that, but she imagined it was close enough. <
20:12:22Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : She leaned towards caim, allowing her back to settle against his chest turning just slightly so her head nearly relaxed on his shoulder.- "Rufus. Is that a given name? Or chosen one?"-she asked directly to the skull then to charles-"have you been enjoying New Gaerdon?"-end-
20:29:54»Charles« : "Of course, my grandmother was rather strict when it came to etiquette, and old habits die hard." He offered by way of apology then Rufus fielded the question posed concerning his name, 'It is a chosen name, for safety...true names hold a great deal of power if one knows their uses." The skull's manner of speech, held a sophisticated and erudite air, which befitted a spirit of intellect. "It has been a most interesting experience thus far, I've gone from performing street magic to indulging what some -c-
20:33:48»Charles« : might consider a perverse passion for books, by working in their restoration. I'm still adjusting to the noise and the number of people about, but there is so much to do...I don't know how anyone could get bored here." He said with a grin that had a touch of boyishness to it, that spoke of his youth. He took up his drink when it arrived, and sipped the amber liquid, savoring its flavor, much different from the stuff his grandfather produced, but then his grandfather didn't bother aging his. He -c-
20:38:33»Charles« : swallowed and sighed, the stuff had a bite, but it was definitely more refined. He watched the game play for a time, working out the rudiments of play, It was simple, but there were subtleties as well that intrigued him. He glanced down to Rufus, who said simply, 'No thank you I'll sit this out...' Which caused the wizard to chuckle quietly, "They are playing for money, not souls my friend...and it was just the once." -d-
20:45:40Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -Rae smiled that coy look as the thing responded. Her only interactions with it previously having only had its lude or snarky commentary for banter, yet she had believed it capable of longer more in depth conversation. The woman very rarely gave up a bone once she had it and Charles and Rufus whether they wanted it or not had made<
20:45:45Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : her list. Some might have thought it strange that she felt comfortable speaking with an apparent inanimate object, but she was fae and had seen much stranger things.- “Yes well, we do our best to keep things entertaining…well mae does anyhow.”- She smiled fondly at the name, her gaze rising to Charles then as he took a drink of the liquid<
20:45:49Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : Whiskey that could make you go blind before you knew it. Raejissa never touched the stuff. Her drink a blue color in nature, it was a concoction the keeper had made for her years ago and stuck. It offered a light buzz after three or four, but served to ease her nerves after only one. A perfect subtle blend of liquors with a hint of a powder that<
20:45:56Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : Kept the toxins down. She tipped well.- “Souls…messy business that and illegal in most cases. If you’re intending to stay, there is a house that might have use of your particular skills. It’s a minor house, but they are often looking ofr new recruits especially in these early years of its inception. The Keepers of the Way, focused on keeping the <
20:46:12Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : Histories. Studying the old magics as they were before the earth quake, studying artifacts, and keepings records of religions and pasts. I think you might do well there if you were so inclined. I could write a letter of introduction if you desired.”_ she played her cards as she spoke casually even knowing what she offered was no small thing, but <
20:46:32Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : such were the whims of the fae of harmony, his fortune this day.-end-
21:09:06»Charles« : The mention of magic, well that combined with the suggested search for knowledge...He smiled, "Given my calling, such an opportunity would be most fortuitous for all concerned..." He glanced to Rufus who snorted, 'Like you need to ask, now if the job comes with hot and cold running maids...' The wizard pinched the bridge of his nose, "Can't take you anywhere..." but there was a hint of a laugh in his tone, he really did need to give Rufus some time to air out, kept him from getting too snarky. -c-
21:09:23»Charles« : "I have been considering the advisability of giving Rufus a night at the house of Mae, but I'm not sure how that would be received..." He said, causing the skull to go strangely silent and watchful, "First impressions are after all rather delicate." He would appreciate the insight of one who had more experience in such things...when it came to, well relations...he was a bit of a neophyte. Being the nerdy kid with your face stuck in a book tended to reduce the chances of discovering -c-
21:09:38»Charles« : alternate uses for the hayloft. -d-
21:18:16Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : -She chuckled softly at their banter and shook her head lightly clearly amused by them. The keepers might not thank her for her insistence upon adopting them into their fold at first, but she expected that they would in time. It was a risk of course, but one she felt that would pay itself off in the end. The cities interests were her interests and<
21:18:50Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : and she as of yet had no one inside the keepers society. Of course, this didn’t make Charles her man, but any contact was better than none.- “consider it sorted then, they are a bit slow on the turn about, but I’ll ensure the letter is sent first thing in the morning.”- she considered then the implications of a night at house mae’s with the <
21:20:28Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : skull-“Mae’s girls or men depending on your preferences are a non judgmental lot, they have a entertainment for every vice near enough. A voyeuristic experience should be nothing too tall an order to fill, in fact I might be among the more mundane of requests. Of course, I can’t speak for that, but I’d imagine it to be the case. <
21:21:29Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : For her part until Caim had entered her life, the most she'd experienced was what she'd read in books or seen on the streets. It's not that such things hadn't interested her in so much as it was no one had sparked that curiosity in her...then there was Vera, who was an entirely different sort of succulent. The thought brought a smile to her lips, <
21:22:33Rαεנııƨα-Oяıяıεтн : but the cause went unspoken. She would think that the observation and inability to consumate aroused desires would be a worse torture though, but what did she know of such things. For all she knew the skull could experience things through charles. Now that was a pretty thought.-end
21:45:41»Charles« : He nodded and considered Rufus, "Then your dry spell will soon be at an end my friend..." he made no mention of what he himself might do while there... Here he was, a man who could, given proper preparation and study, command the very elements themselves, but even the thought of an intimate moment, made him unconscionably nervous. There was no childhood trauma to blame, only utter inexperience. Oh he knew the mechanics, he had grown up on a farm after all, but it was the social side of things that -c-
21:46:00»Charles« : stymied him. On a strictly social level, he could be relaxed and confident...but trial runs, had not worked out well at all. He down the rest of the whiskey, letting the burn drag his mind away from the subject and he turned to the game. Perhaps this was an ill they could cure...surely he would not be the first they had encountered...maybe they had a specialist for that sort of problem...the thought brought out a nervous laugh...focus, center yourself..."Boss, don't go there, that's it, breathe...-c-
21:46:18»Charles« : good...You really need to get your ashes hauled.' Oh that was helpful, anger flared in those blue eyes, and his nostrils dilated as he drew a slow deep breath and spoke in a voice that was as quiet as it was deadly serious..."Rufus...would you like to watch the sunrise." Cold steel lay in those tones, and the amber motes shrank to pinpoints as the skull's voice emerged with a slight quaver in it..."Sorry boss..." After a moment of silence the wizard spoke again, his tone much less rigid, "you are -c-
21:46:41»Charles« : forgiven, but never speak of it again." He did not add any threat, beyond the one already posed, there was no need, for the two knew each other far too well for it to be necessary. As with any friendship, occasionally one would go a step too far. -d-