Warning: Dishonored and it's characters are the property of Bethesda Softworks.
My character's are mine, and mine alone.
Chapter 1: The Dignitary
The harbor was buzzing with activity. Whaling ships transporting their catch, cargo ships loading and unloading various crates, small fishing boats weaving their way between the larger vessels. However, there was but one ship that young Tarot Calvariam gave his full attention, a modest flagship hailing from the homeland of not only himself, but his master, teacher, and mentor, Corvo Attano. Serkonos was sending a dignitary to discuss the trade agreement between Serkonos and Gristol. Needless to say, Tarot was on edge, he really wanted his first solo assignment to go well. More importantly, he wanted Empress Emily Kaldwin's daughter, Callista Kaldwin, to notice him. Having her know his name, and not just 'The Lord Protector's Apprentice', would be more than enough for Tarot.
Corvo had taken Tarot on as an apprentice for many reasons; Tarot was in Dunwall alone, he was from Serkonos, and he exhibited supreme talent with a blade. However the most prominent reason Corvo Attano had for taking this boy as an apprentice, and by far his favorite reason, Tarot Calvariam had the mark of the Outsider. Tarot was aware of some of the abilities the mark possessed and how to use them, but he wished to learn more. That was reason enough for the Empress to allow the Lord Protector to take on his own apprentice.
Tarot was a very quick learner, mastering everything Corvo could throw at him. In six months, Tarot was able to climb to the top of Dunwall tower in ten minutes completely undetected. At hearing this, the Empress decided that he was ready to accompany Corvo on assignments. After three months, Corvo found that he was ready for his first solo assignment. In hearing Corvo's reports, the Empress could do nothing but agree, and it just so happened that she and a dignitary from Serkonos would be discussing the trade agreements between Serkonos and Gristol. Initially, she would've asked Corvo to escort the dignitary to Dunwall tower from the harbor, but Corvo insisted. So here Tarot was, watching the flagship as the city guardsman piloted the small boat closer, looking confident but feeling as nervous as a rat surrounded by wolfhounds.
"Wey ho," bellowed the guardsman piloting, "We have arrived to escort the dignitary from Serkonos!"
Tarot could hear the crew's voices, the deck was about a foot above him. Then he saw a ramp extend and lower to the deck of the river boat he was in. Atop the ramp appeared, first the dignitary's bodyguard, a tall man with broad shoulders, a scar above the his left eye, and a light gray stubble. Next, the dignitary, a man who had an air of nobility about him, clean shaven, and looking exactly like the aristocrats he had seen Corvo escort. Tarot remembered what Corvo had told him about any aristocrat "Always remember, Tarot, aristocrats are pompous, not stupid." The thought made him grin. Lastly, the dignitary's adviser, a petite, graceful girl of about Tarot's age, her light hair tied back in a ponytail that fell mid back, and rested delicately between her shoulders. When his eyes fell on her, he caught himself staring and shook his head violently, then he blushed when he saw her look at him and giggle.
"Eh hem," the dignitary cleared his throat exaggeratedly loud, getting Tarot's undivided attention instantly, "Am I to understand that you are my escort."
"Yes, sir," Tarot said, nearly strangling himself to keep himself from shouting it at the top of his lungs, "Tarot Calvariam, apprentice to Lord Protector, Corvo Attano, at your service." He took a bow then extended his hand to the bodyguard, who promptly shook it then continued looking straight ahead. The adviser then offered her hand, Tarot quickly took it, got on one knee, and kissed it all in one fluid motion.
Working with Corvo had taught Tarot how to act around people of high social standing. The best advice Corvo ever gave him was 'Relax, but don't let your guard down.' He was doing great with the second part, but he couldn't for the life of him relax.
"From here, we will got to the wharf," he said, "from there, we will go by railcar, straight to Dunwall tower."
"That sounds fine." the adviser replied, to which the three took their seats and the guardsman piloted the boat in the direction of the wharf.
"May I ask you your names?" Tarot asked as they rounded around a buoy.
"Is there a particular reason?" the dignitary replied in snide tone.
"I just like to know who I'm protecting." He answered, Great, Tarot thought, this guy's not only pompous, he's an asshole.
"My name is Lux Tenebrosi," the adviser replied, over the rumble of the other ships, "and I must say, it is a pleasure to have you as our escort, Tarot Calvariam." At hearing this, Tarot almost fell right out of the boat. My God, he thought to himself, Who is this girl!
They reached the wharf, where the railcar was waiting for them. In the railcar, Tarot felt all the more nervous. Partly, because Lux was sitting right next to him, and partly because his nervousness was turning to paranoia. Just as a scenario of a highly skilled sniper taking all of them out from an unseen location played through his head, they reached Dunwall tower. As they walked up the steps to the entrance hall, his eyes were everywhere, looking for a sniper that he knew didn't exist, but paranoia had other plans. Half-way up, his eyes caught sight of Lux's chest, after that his eyes remained straight ahead. As the guards opened the doors for them, Corvo, the Empress, and Callista Kaldwin were waiting for them.
"Welcome to Dunwall Tower, Dignitary Largitati," Greeted Empress Kaldwin, "I trust your trip was without complication."
"Indeed," He replied, "Though I must say, I was slightly shocked to find the Lord Protector's apprentice had been sent to escort my bodyguard, adviser, and I."
"I'm, sorry," Empress Kaldwin answered, sounding more than a little confused, "Did he not do an adequate job?"
"It's not that," Dignitary Largitati replied, "I was to understand the Lord Protector, himself, escorted foreign dignitaries. An apprentice lacks the skill and experience necessary to preform tasks that should be the Lord Protector's duty." The Empress was utterly speechless, looking from Largitati to Tarot, and back to Largitati.
"Lord Dignitary," Corvo spoke up, "First, Empress Kaldwin decides who to send as an escort, be it nobleman or herself. Second, I would not have sent my apprentice as an escort if I did not believe him capable of such a task as escorting a dignitary. Lastly, Tarot has exhibited more potential than I did at his age." Now it was Largitati's turn to be speechless, Empress Kaldwin closed her eyes and smiled. Tarot stole a glance at Callista, and when she looked his way he stood tall and proud.
"Empress, if I may," Lux interjected, breaking the silence, "My name is Lux Tenebrosi, Lord Largitati's adviser. Tarot Calvariam preformed exceptionally, he is, in fact, the first escort I have had that requested to know our names. I was very pleased with how Tarot did in escorting us."
"You have my gratitude, Adviser Tenebrosi," Empress Kaldwin said, very pleased, "Now, I'm certain you are tired from your long trip, the maids will show you to the quarters we have set up for you. I will send either Corvo or Tarot when dinner is ready."
Tarot watched as dignitary Largitati, his bodyguard, and Lux Tenebrosi ascended the staircase and disappear round the corner. He let out a sigh of relief and exasperation he felt he had held for an hour. Corvo, the Empress, and Callista approached him, all three wore a warm smile. Every muscle in Tarot's body relaxed, he suddenly realized he hadn't been breathing.
"Excellent job, Tarot," Corvo said, "You successfully completed your first assignment."
"Thank you, master," Tarot answered, a little more relieved now, "I never thought the Serkonan dignitary would be so difficult to impress?"
"I told you 'Aristocrats are pompous, not stupid'," Corvo said, "a dignitary is just an aristocrat with a title."
"I apologize, Tarot," the Empress said, with a very apologetic tone, "had I known the Serkonan government would be sending Largitati as the dignitary to discuss the trade agreement, I would have sent Corvo."
"That's alright, Empress Kaldwin," Tarot replied with a bow, much to her surprise, "I am grateful that you let me take this assignment."
"Mother," Callista asked, "is it alright for Tarot to sit next to me at dinner?" Poor Tarot couldn't help but stare and blush.
"Well I don't see why not," the Empress said, "after all, he'll be your protector when your take the throne."
"Really!" Tarot said, excited and confused, "I-I would be honored to." Tarot felt as though he was about to feint.
"Excellent," Callista said, then she went to Tarot, and stood on her toes to kiss him on the cheek, "See you at dinner."
Callista followed her mother up the stairs and went to her chambers. Tarot, meanwhile, was blushing like mad and standing bolt upright, with Corvo beside him. Tarot honestly felt like he was going to collapse, one thought kept racing through his head; She kissed me, and I get to eat dinner with her!
"You love her don't you, Tarot?" Corvo inquired.
"Is it that obvious, master?" Tarot said, blushing red as a rose.
"Yes," Corvo replied rather bluntly, "yes, you are. Would you like some advice?"
"Frankly, master," Tarot said, "Step by step instructions would probably be best."