Chapter 7: The Vendor and the Agent
Quick note: Miri is an OC of mine! Just think of her as a late teen who just happened to get herself tied up in the rebellion. For story purposes, she knew the crew before The Reckoning. Her family lived near the Sevilles.
"Oh what a tangles web we weave… when first we practice to deceive."
Walter Scott, "Marmion"
-Faction 3: Mel's Goods-
Eleanor stared up at the sunlight, wondering why two figures had thought their small group to be of enough importance to listen in on.
"I'm going to be honest," Miri said from across the room, "I don't have enough energy to try to chase roof hoppers…" Eleanor nodded in agreement, "I'm not too worried. No one has really been paying enough attention to us anyway, thanks to you." Miri smiled at the small compliment.
The young girl was the group's socialite. She gained friends in multiple social groups, giving her one of the most important positions in the rebellion. Miri kept the public on their toes, collecting their responses and worries to her rumors and events.
Miri chuckled as she watched the man pace back and forth, "Wow Alvin, please share why you're so worked up?" Alvin stopped mid-pace, turning quickly to Miri. "Pffft. I'm not stressed. I-I'm fine, just fine," he wiped sweat from his brow, "In fact, I'm so great that I'm going to attend the ball with you tonight."
Miri raised an eyebrow, bending at her waist as a loud laugh left her small body. Eleanor covered her mouth, trying to hide her own chuckle.
"I'm not sure what the punchline of the joke I missed was," Alvin stood, crossing his arms as he leaned against a cabinet. Miri shook her head, wiping a stray tear from her eye. "Alvin, Al, my brother figure. Have you ever attended a social event in faction 3?" She waited for a response, slapping her hand on the table as he shook his head. "Mhm. Exactly. It's not a fun place to be. You have to talk to eeevvveerrryyyyone and dance with anyone who asks, though this one might be different." Alvin tilted his head, "Why would this one be different?" Miri let out a long breath, "Because it's honoring Kamus."
Miri barely finished her sentence before Alvin began asking Eleanor to help him get a suit for the night. "Yep. I'm going, especially if that bastard is going to show his face. Ellie, you in?" Eleanor nodded, not passing up an opportunity to get ahead of the entity that tore her home apart.
—
Eleanor kept up with Alvin, the pair hurrying down the streets in hope of finding the perfect get up for the ball later that night. Neither of them have ever attended such an event, but Alvin wouldn't let either of them admit that.
"Alvin, are you going as Lord Roul, or just… Alvin." Alice stopped walking, turning into the shop on the corner. "I was thinking just myself. No one but Clarissa has seen me as Lord Roul…" Eleanor nodded, watching her leader thumb through a pile of stark white shirts on the front table.
Eleanor had considered herself to be one of the lucky ones after The Reckoning. She had awoken in an alley in faction 3, a small boy was rummaging through her coat pockets. Out of fright and nerves, Eleanor pushed the boy away to reveal a man sprinting at her.
The man had been Alvin, and no, Eleanor did not remember him right away. Her heart stopped in her chest, but she gladly accepted his help. It took a bit of convincing and pestering to finally loosen the memories that clouded Eleanor's mind.
"Hey, Eleanor," Alvin called, holding up a deep red shirt, "What about this one?" Eleanor nodded, liking the color as a green dress caught her eye. "I think it would look great on you… And this on me," she smirked, slinging the piece of clothing over her arm. The two purchased the items, quickly heading back to Mel's.
"Al… Should we talk about your run in with death the other night?" Alice pondered her question, "What is there to discuss about it? It's not me they're after, it's Brent Roul." Eleanor shook her head, "Yes. This is true, but that assassin has a face to the name Brent Role now." The realization hit Alvin like a train.
"Oh… Well shit. Shit." He threw his hands in the air, the calm demeanor he was holding faltered. "But what are the odds that an assassin would attend a ball? I mean, isn't it too fancy for people who kill others for a living?" Eleanor shrugged, patting her friend on his back. "Don't worry boss, I'll protect you with my mad fighting skills and crazy wits." Alvin sighed dramatically, "Oh god, I'm more worried than I was before."
—
-Seven Years Ago: Faction 3-
Miri groaned, rolling over onto her back as she stared up into the new sky above her. She felt, different. The vibe of where she woke up was darker than the world she was used to. Sighing, she rolled back to her stomach, pushing her hands against the cool grass as she stood. Where am I? Wasn't I just- she rubbed her eyes, remembering the dark mist that had engulfed her. What have I gotten myself into this time, she thought as she turned, her eyes full of awe as the mansion behind her came into her view. Okay, where the hell am I?
She walked up the large porch, raising her knuckles to knock on the large, wooden door. A tall man answered, his hair a dark brown. Yes? He slurred, Miri could smell the liquor on his breath. "Hi… Yeah um where am I? I just arrived and I'm a bit confused." The small girl asked. The man was silent, his dark eyes taking her in before a large smile spread across his face.
"Ah! My lovely niece, yes. They said you would be arriving today!" He ushered her through the door, Miri shaking her head. 'What? No no. That's not…" The man waved her off, offering her a glass of whiskey before quickly pulling it away, "Oh, I forgot you are much too young. More for me," he winked, throwing the liquid back as a his slipped past his teeth.
Miri was overwhelmed. The inside of the home was huge, the walls dark shades of purples and blues. The room they were in looked more like a living room, the furniture all dark shades of, well black. A shaky breath racked her small frame as she sank into a deep red chair. "If you don't mind me asking, but who are you?"
The man raised an eyebrow, the lack of sleep obvious under his eyes. "Me? Well child, I'm your Uncle Brent Roul." She nodded slowly, deciding not to argue while he was supplying her with a safe place in this world. "Okay dear uncle, but where are we exactly?" He chuckled, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Did you hit your head on the way over? We're in faction 3, the shittiest faction if you ask me," he poured another glass, "but is it really that shitty when you're considered a nobleman? I think not!" He laughed loudly before sipping from his glass.
Miri forced a small chuckle as she let her eyes explore the room. Pictures of what looked like a young girl hung on his walls. "Who was she?" She asked out loud, though she could have sworn the question was just a thought. Lord Roul sighed, "My love, my daughter, my light, that was Macy. Remember? Macy was killed in the market raid a few months ago." Miri looked down, feeling self conscious and overwhelmed. A wave of pity and guilt washed over her. "Oh… Sorry I've been trying to forget." She found herself playing along, letting herself fit into the mold of who he thought she was.
Lord Roul just shakily smiled at her, patting her shoulder "Yes, don't we all." He pointed to his drink, an awkward pause falling between the two. "Ah, yes. Alright my dear, I do believe it is a great time to turn in for the night." Not wanting to argue, Miri stood, noticing that the sun was still out. "Okay uncle. Where was my room again?" He looked at her a bit confused, "Third door on the right after the stairs." She nodded, shaking her head, "Oh yes, silly me. I've had quite the travel today."
She climbed the stairs, leaving the man in his own thoughts with his whiskey. She turned the corner and counted the doors, opening the third. She stopped, the room was beautiful. Deep green wallpaper coated the walls, a large bed in the center. The closet was full of many gowns, most likely used at social events. Wow, faction 3 really is living in the past, she ran her hand across a bed post, sighing as she sat. Before she could hesitate, Miri felt her heavy eyes closing, her falling deep into a slumber.
-Four Years Ago-
Miri was primping herself, getting ready to attend yet another ball for her uncle. He was using her as a pawn, a way for someone from the House to still attend without him having to leave the comfort of his whiskey and home. She brushed through her hair and stood, walking to her closet to decide on which dress was to be worn for the night.
Maybe I'll stick to the purple of the Roul house, CRASH. She startled as she heard a large crash from her Uncle's study. Slipping out of her room, Miri made her way down the long hallway, stopping at his door. "Uncle..?" She called, her fingers slowly wrapping around the cool doorknob. She turned, pushing the door open.
Lord Roul was face down in the center of the room, his whiskey glass shattered. Miri gasped, running to his side as she checked for a pulse. Nothing. The man was dead. Her eyes widened as she looked around the room, hoping to find the person responsible. She gasped as she noticed feet under his desk. Hesitating, Miri stood and rounded the corner, her fright turning into excitement.
"Alvin?" The man under the desk was taken aback, his head hitting as he tried to stand. "Miri? Is that really you?" Miri nodded, hugging her old friend as he crawled out from under the desk. "Yes! What are you doing," she glanced at the body of Lord Roul, "you killed him?"
Alvin laughed nervously as he lifted the man's limp arm. "Hm. Looks like I did…" He shook his head, "I can explain if you let me." Miri nodded, "Please do. I was tired of hearing his complaining everyday anyway."
Alvin flashed her a smile and rolled his shoulders, "Alright. So…" He explained to Miri that he was apart of the rebellion that was out to overthrow Kamus. He reminded her of the Reckoning, reminding her that there are others out there that they needed to find. He told her about the three separate factions, about how they called him a Jumper because he had the ability to travel.
"And why did I kill him? I was in need of a nobleman to impersonate. He's not too threatening or pursued by other Houses. I mean, he's in the book business. Who wants to get involved or pay attention to that?" Miri chuckled as she hugged him again, "I'm just happy things are starting to make sense."
-End of Flashback-
Ever since that day, Miri has aided Alvin by giving him the ins and outs of what the nobility were thinking of the rebellion, or if they even cared. She had a strange ability of being able to make people calm around her and even enjoy more of her company. For this reason, she was often used to spread rumors that the Rebels wanted spread and to obtain information from important sources.
She smiled at her reflection before lining her lips with a deep red. Standing, she walked over to the stash of dresses the two had swiped from the closet of Lord Roul's actual niece. She picked up a deep blue dress that hugged her small frame just right, flowing out at the bottom. Hm. Hello old friend, it was the first dress she ever wore to a social gathering. Smiling, Miri slipped the smooth fabric over her frame, jumping from surprise as she heard the others enter the building.
"Miri, Eleanor has brought something to my attention," Alvin shouted, nerves on his usually calm words. "And what would that be?" She said, zipping up the side of her dress. Eleanor rolled her eyes, obviously tired of hearing Alvin's concerns. "I brought up how the assassin, and some, could be attending this ball since it is to honor Kamus." Eleanor had began unfolding the dress she bought, looking it over once again.
Miri laughed lightly, "First off, Alvin you don't even know what this assassin truly looks like," Alvin nodded, "and second, an assassin would never strike in public. That is too risky. Stop worrying it's annoying."
Alvin rolled his eyes, some of his anxiety melting away. "Well, okay. But if I do die at the hand of this deadly woman I'm coming back to haunt you guys." He pointed at his two companions, obviously very serious. Eleanor chuckled, "We always joked that you would die at the hands of a woman. We know some characteristics of her, right?" Alvin nodded, "Yeah like those eyes that wanted me dead, her short height that wanted me dead," he counted off on his fingers, "her supposedly brown hair that wants me dead, the red cloak tha-," Miri shot him a look, silencing him.
—
-Faction 3: The Keep-
Brittany trudged up the stairs of the Keep to her room, not too excited of getting news of having to attend a social event. She hated these things and preferred the solidarity and comfort of jumping from roof to roof at night. Why do I have to go to this stupid thing, she thought to herself as she walked into her small, cold room, I bet half of the nobles there are on Lanus' list anyway. Maybe I should just end them all tonight. She smiled at the thought, throwing a spare dagger against the wall, the knife landing perfectly.
She closed her eyes, not wanting to see the dress Lanus had chosen for her. Lanus had a thing about Brittany, he liked her looking her best every time she was to be on his arm. At times he scared her, his hands would travel uncomfortably up and down her body, but she shoved those thoughts to the back of her mind.
Turning slowly, Brittany let out a dramatic sigh as she saw the black dress, she could already tell it would hug like a second skin and show more than anyone probably wanted to see. Wow do I hate myself or what right now, she grabbed the dress, wanting to puke at how dramatic the neckline was. Assassins are supposed to stay hidden, she thought, but slipped into the dress in hopes of avoiding the back of Lanus' hand against her face.
The mirror let her see her reflection, the girl scrunching her face at the garment. I must say, I don't hate it, she turned to see the back of the dress. The dress was black, the fabric smooth like silk. Her arms were exposed, the black swirls that covered her left arm visible to anyone who wanted to look. The front of the dress was a deep, v- neck line, the point stopping just under her breasts. As she turned, she could see that the back of the dress plunged ever further, stopping just above her hips. Wow Lanus, let's not leave anything to the imagination.
She rolled her eyes as she felt for the compartments where the daggers would be kept. As she clipped her thigh holster into place, checking to make sure it wouldn't be exposed by the high slit, Brittany heard Sam enter her room.
Her companion was wearing all back as well. Dark dress pants hugged his legs, a dark button up to match. His buttons were a deep, rose red, dramatic gold bracelets decorated his wrists. "Wow I'm so sorry Brittany," she gave him a look, thinking he was pitying her for having to wear a dress, "So sorry that I'm going to outshine you tonight!"
Brittany laughed loudly, trying her best to not let the dark coal that lined her eyes smudge. "Sam, you do like nice. Should I call you Samuel tonight?" He shook his head, walking over to help her with her hair. He swept it up into a long, sleek ponytail.
"How classy. Imagine, Brittany calling me Samuel? That'll be the day. It's much too formal for her." She rolled her eyes, turning for him. "Okay, but you really do look like you could kill a man. And I mean with that slit, not your daggers." She smiled at him, clipping daggers to the soles of her deep read high heels. "You look great, Sam. I wish pants hugged me like that."
Sam thanked her, grabbing her arm before leading her out. "Hopefully Lanus doesn't hate as much tonight as he seems to do on the daily. I'd rather not get thrown around against my will," Sam said as he stepped out the door, "I mean it's like he forgets that he has made us legit killing machines. I'll strike a man down!" Brittany has heard this rant many times. It always came after Lanus harmed either of them. Lanus was the reason for most of her scars and bruises.
The two descended the stairs, Lanus waiting at the bottom. A sickening smirk spread across his face as he laid eyes on Brittany. "My, it fits better than I had imagined." He gripped her chin, making her look at her. "Shall we?" He let her go after running a thumb down her jawline. Sam shot him a deadly look.
The three of them made their way to a carriage, riding in a tense silence. Kamus… I haven't seen him in years. Brittany thought to herself as she watched the buildings pass by them.
*Author's Note*
Okay thank you all for keeping up! The ball is beginning. I wanted to address something. I understand that there are some grammar mistakes, for I am not one to reread my chapters multiple times. I am posting this for the fun of it and hoping others find enjoyment in reading a story I am slowly shaping in my mind. Second, the characters I am portraying may be a tad off from the franchise. All of them have been through events, that I will get to, that have shaped and changed them after The Reckoning. Old traits will resurface with time. Thank you for reading and all of your kind reviews :) I enjoy them all and take all with a grain of salt.
