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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 24, 2013 20:49:56 GMT -8
Damia glared daggers at him, as he pulled her up, "So what are you gonna do to me?" she asked, trying to keep her voice even, so she wouldn't look scared and weak.
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 24, 2013 20:55:03 GMT -8
Simon simply flashed her a cold smile. "I? I will simply take you to Lady Sands and tell her what's what. From there, it will be up to her to decide whether she will spare you and make use of you...or take up her own sword to cut off your hands."
With that, Simon did not waste anymore time, dragging Damia off to Lady Sands' office.
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 24, 2013 20:59:36 GMT -8
Damia gulped. She quite liked her hands.
"So... on an average day how merciful is Lady Sands?" Damia asked, trying to make light of the situation. Better then panicking and crying. She didn't want to look weak.
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 24, 2013 21:08:55 GMT -8
"That would depend on the seriousness of the crime along with any other...grievances, thief." Groat replied, pulling her along. "Whatever your fate will be, do not take her lightly."
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Post by Adlai Stevenson on Aug 24, 2013 21:12:27 GMT -8
Ennis smiled, despite the fact that the Lady had only a clue despite their time together as children. "The very same, Milady, the very same." It was all Alayna could do to stop herself from hugging him, instead returning his smile with her own. "I'd ask how you've fared all these years but now isn't the time. Why do you wish to serve this House, Ser Ennis?""Indeed, Your Grace," Ennis nodded, relieved by her tone. He tried to put on his stately knight act as best he could, amidst his own grime and grit and rusted armor. "I wish to serve at your command, Lady Sands, to extend your will wherever you deem within your grasp. To protect you and the name of your House," he faltered a bit, unsure of the poetics himself. "with my life, if need be."
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 24, 2013 21:13:22 GMT -8
"I doubt this crime is that serious. Its not like the people who live here are starving," Damia said matter-of-factly.
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 24, 2013 21:34:32 GMT -8
"That will do." Clearing her throat, Alayna called for Ser Hugo. "See these two to the practice yard. I would like to see their skills." Ser Hugo bowed and motioned to Ennis and Jayla. "This way, gentlemen."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You were stealing from the vigil's personal stores. In any case, it will be up to the Lady at the Crossroads to decide your fate, girl."
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 24, 2013 21:37:27 GMT -8
"Then let it be" was all Damia said.
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lovely corte
Persistent Member
Lindsey Looseflaps
HE LOOKED AT ME! HE LOOKED RIGHT AT ME!
Posts: 1,402
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Post by lovely corte on Aug 24, 2013 22:48:42 GMT -8
Listening carefully at the realization that the two had known each-other from their own youths, Jayla smiled, a loud bellowing laugh soon following as he clapped his hands together.
"Oh! Oh! Ennis!" He said, forcing the words out of his mouth, forming more-so into the word 'Anus'. "Ennis, you are a lucky man! You two are world's apart, yet drawn together, yes? That draws spirit to the heart. If only Jayla were to find more of this in the world."
Still laughing, he cupped 'Anus' around the shoulder before dragging the two off to the doorway.
"You are a lucky man, Ennis!" He chuckled. "To have once stood so familiar with such a beautiful woman, yes?"
And with that, he allowed the man his freedom as he delicately picked up his relic bow, sheathing his dagger.
"Come. Let us draw familiarity in each-others ways." He said. "And show each-other equal measure of skill, yes?"
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 25, 2013 7:39:03 GMT -8
Just as Ser Hugo Flynt was leading Ennis and Jayla out of the office, Simon Groat burst in, dragging a young Rhoynar girl along with him. Hugo paused, eyes narrowing as he saw what the girl was right off from the start. However, before he could say anything, Alayna waved him on. "I will catch up in a moment. In the meantime, have them spar and study their skill closely, Ser Hugo."
"As you wish, my Lady." Ser Hugo saluted smartly and walked out of the office with Ennis and Jayla in tow. Once they were walking down the corridor, Alayna turned her head towards her Bailiff. "What is it, Groat?"
Groat pulled up Damia in front of him. "A not-so-small domestic matter, my Lady...We've caught the thief that has been stealing from the winter storehouses."
Alayna drew herself up to her full height, easily towering over Damia. "Those storehouses are very well-guarded." Her voice had gone low and acquired a strange edge to it. "Not just by guards, but traps have been set within." The Lady at the Crossroads leaned down a bit, locking eyes with the thief.
"How did you do it?"
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 25, 2013 7:50:35 GMT -8
" A thief never discloses her secrets, Lady. All I will say is your storehouse isn't as fortified as you think it is. And that I've succeeded at stealing much more guarded." Damia said, trying to look away.
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 25, 2013 7:59:00 GMT -8
Quick as vipers, Alayna's hand seized the girl's chin and firmly turned her face so that Damia had no choice but to look her in the eye. "Well, aren't you confident. If I were you, I'd curb my tongue; some nobles take offense at the slightest of things." She then released Damia's chin and drew back.
"The usual punishment for thievery is cutting off a hand, sometimes both, depending on what's been stolen." Pause for effect. "Anything taken from the winter stores--which aren't just meant for me but for the people at the Crossroads as a whole--I consider that viable enough for cutting off both your hands."
Alayna then began to pace slowly along the length of the office. "However, you seem to have some skill. So perhaps we can come to an arrangement, thief."
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 25, 2013 8:10:06 GMT -8
"Thank you Lady," Damia said. She had been terrified her loudmouth had gotten her in trouble, "What do you have in mind?"
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 25, 2013 9:30:38 GMT -8
The Lady at the Crossroads pulled away to resume pacing.
"You will have the chance to expand and hone your skills along with a roof over your head. If there are certain tools you need, they will be provided."
Alayna stopped pacing, fixing her with a look.
"In return, you become my thief." The way she emphasized the word seemed to indicate that in her eyes, this was the same as being House Sands' thief. In all sense of the word, she was right.
"If that does not suit you, then..." The Lady's golden-brown eyes rest on the sheathed sword resting on a stand behind her desk.
"I will make it quick and painless."
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 25, 2013 12:46:25 GMT -8
"That suits me just fine," Damia said, "I haven't had a roof over my head for years."
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 25, 2013 12:58:10 GMT -8
"Then it is settled. Groat, see to settling her in. And..." Alayna nearly reeled on her feet as she sniffed the air near Damia. "See to it she gets a bath."
"As you wish my lady."
And just like that, Damia was dragged off. Again.
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 25, 2013 13:06:06 GMT -8
"I have legs of my own... I don't need to be dragged," Damia said, "And I sure hope you're not the one bathing me."
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Post by JW% on Aug 25, 2013 13:26:28 GMT -8
Lilyan considered Damia's entrance, judgement, and swift exit, taking stock of how Alayna had handled it. Shifting herself to a more upright and presentational stance rather than a guarded one, she made ready to move forward with as much of her not inconsiderable grace she could manage. Unless Alayna was going to proceed outside to witness Jayla and Ennis sparring immediately, then they could walk together and Lilyan could share her idea.
"Lady Sands?" Lilyan asked as Damia was hauled away. "May I?"
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 25, 2013 14:24:16 GMT -8
"Of course. Care to come along, Miss Lilyandra? I need to see their skills for myself, still."
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Post by JW% on Aug 25, 2013 14:55:10 GMT -8
"Yes, certainly." Lilyan nodded. "Seeing these skills at play would be most instructional. As for myself... I was thinking that your kingdom could use someone who can give some... decorum and courtly skills. To liven your court and perhaps bring some pleasure and relaxation to this keep."
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 25, 2013 15:30:12 GMT -8
"Such a person is always welcome in my court, Lilyandra of Lys. That said, I do wonder how you intend to do it."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"No, that will be up to Marshya." Groat replied as he let go of her. "Keep up."
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Post by JW% on Aug 25, 2013 15:48:11 GMT -8
"We could discuss the details at length." Lilyan smiled demurely. "But, besides attending your court and traveling with you when you visit neighboring kingdoms to lend my wit and skills, I would like to gather some girls... and perhaps boys... and take them on as apprentices to help serve your kingdom. Providing morale and companionship for those who would require it. Forgive me. That is a bit too... blunt and unsubtle for what I intend but I do not wish to take your time when you are busy."
They came out to overlook the courtyard. "Of course, if you prefer, I could spend some private time with you... showing you all the details."
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 25, 2013 15:59:56 GMT -8
"I haven't been completely clean in years..." Damia said wistfully as she kept up with the man's strides.
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lovely corte
Persistent Member
Lindsey Looseflaps
HE LOOKED AT ME! HE LOOKED RIGHT AT ME!
Posts: 1,402
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Post by lovely corte on Aug 25, 2013 23:32:38 GMT -8
Walking quickly and with a skip in his step, Jayla kept his bow over his shoulder, gently patting it affectionately as he walked before he got to the courtyard to demonstrate his abilities.
Smiling, he looked to his companion and the woman he seemed so familiar with.
"Let us demonstrate, yes?" He said. "To show our craft in war."
He quickly took an iron-tipped arrow from his quiver, slapping it gently onto his bow and tugging the string slightly, smiling.
"Ennis, my friend," He said. "Are you familiar with the bow? A blade as large as that to compensate for your penis surely left you no time for the arts of the archer, yes?"
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 26, 2013 7:23:35 GMT -8
It was very, very brief but for an instant, Lilyandra saw Alayna blush. Then just as quickly, it was gone.
"That won't be neccesary, Miss Lilyandra. However, I do know some people in Draketown that can help you get started." She added, referring to the main economic/cultural hub of The Crossroads.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Groat said nothing in response, likely more because he tried to be polite. It wasn't long before they found the woman in question, at which point the bailiff quickly began to explain the situation. While this went on, Marshya's eyes looked over Damia in scrutiny, as though trying to gauge how much time and effort would be needed to ensure the girl was properly groomed.
The bailiff turned to Damia. "Alright, I'll leave you in Marshya's capable hands now. In the meantime, expect a visit from Rona Grey. Talents such as yours are incredibly relevant to her interests, you see." With that, Groat excused himself, leaving Damia and Marshya alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Not so fast, Smiling Jayla." Ser Hugo cut in gruffly. "I would like to see what you two can do with blades first. Practice swords are in the sparring yard, so grab one each and we'll get started."
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Post by JW% on Aug 26, 2013 12:49:00 GMT -8
Lilyan watched as Alayna's cheeks flushed before she got it out of her mind. Impressive control to make a blush vanish like that. The fact that it appeared at all however pointed to a nerve being touched. Lilyan filed that information away, noting that it would be quite improper manners to touch her lady's sensitive places. At least not in public or without permission.
There were still details... Miss Valra's success would hinge on a few things, including some funding to start her establishment and... well, establish it. In addition, it would due to see something of the local wise folk, the keepers of secrets, and gain good favor with them. A mutually reciprocating understanding with such was almost always to the benefit of everyone that mattered.
Instead however, it seemed that Lady Sands would be watching the sparring match. So she turned her attention to them as well.
"They do both look quite powerful." Lilyan noted, conversationally as though commenting on a joust. "I fear the Islander has the advantage of confidence. It takes a cunning to turn that strength against your foe."
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 26, 2013 13:59:01 GMT -8
"It does." The Lady at the Crossroads agreed, biting her lower lip thoughtfully as she watched the two head to opposite ends of the yard. "E--Ser Ennis has his work cut out for him."
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 26, 2013 14:06:24 GMT -8
"What are you going to do to me?" Damia asked, as the woman looked at her.
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Post by Alkonost Storm on Aug 26, 2013 14:13:03 GMT -8
Marhya rolled her eyes. "Nothing you won't survive." She replied as she ushered Damia towards the bathroom, where a tub of hot water already waited within.
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Post by Fiery Firefly on Aug 26, 2013 14:18:26 GMT -8
Damia began taking her shoes off, and pulled the rags she called her dress, off of her. Feeling a bit self concious and not wanting the woman to look at her, she immedietely jumped into the tub, splashing everywhere.
"Ow!" she exclaimed, she hadn't expected the water to be as hot as it was. But after the shock was over, she found it...soothing. She laid her filthy curls back and let them soak.
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