Chapter Summary: Raveres and co. prepare for the coming journey, Elianna receives a mission, and the night comes.
The Ambition of the Dreadlord Raveres
Part Thirteen
Yurin had done so much talking that his tongue had worn the roof of his mouth nearly raw and his head was swimming from constantly changing from one language to another.
He did not anticipate that Raveres was going to be as willing to speak with his fellow humans as much as she was.
But thankfully for the weary linguist it came time to end this session of the Sapphire Court, and Sadalsuud rose as a gong rang loudly.
The roomful of nobles began to quiet and turn their attention towards the regent.
He waited quietly until everyone had hushed completely and he was sure of their collective attention.
Then he began to make a declaration. Occasionally he would point to Raveres and her companions.
Smacking the back of her hand against Yurin's shoulder he coughed and cleared his sore throat as he tried his best to catch up to Sadalsuuds' words.
"He's explaining… he's stated that he is officially, sorry has officially charged you and your fellows with hunting down and bringing him the head of the pirate known as Annio-Luis de Bilbali."
As the Arabyan said the name it clearly drew every ounce of ire possible from Sadalsuud, at his sides Raveres could see his hands shake with rage. The crowd whispered among one another as they looked on.
Yurin coughed quietly and continued as he explained what else the regent was saying, "The captain of the palace guard shall accompany you, and the fleetest, most swift of all the Emir's ships will be granted to finally bring the, ahem, 'bastard' to justice."
Funnily enough Yurin appeared uncomfortable to repeat the curse, but Raveres shook her head and continued to watch and listen.
"He's now said that the ship shall depart at first light tomorrow and-"
The pauper-prince who Raveres had met earlier threw his hand in the air as he stepped forwards.
Two of his retainers followed him as the man began speaking, his arm still remaining up.
Raveres raised an eyebrow in interest as she, Sir Jean, and Jacque watched the display.
The squire began a private giggle as the prince continued speaking, without looking to his side Sir Jean executed a perfectly aimed smack to the boy's ear. Quieting down and clutching at the cartilage Jacque mumbled petulantly.
"What's he saying?" Raveres asked, somewhat irritated that she had to prompt Yurin again.
"Prince Balik is um… well he's volunteering to accompany you?"
Raveres furrowed her brow and then turned to Sir Jean.
"What is the meaning of this?" she asked hastily and quietly.
The knight furrowed his brow as well, "We already were going to have enough men to run the ship… I don't quite know what the prince intends by this…"
Just then Balik looked over and smiled, his handsome and straight teeth made several of the women in the court swoon. Raveres would have rolled her eyes if not for the fact that he was looking directly at her.
Instead she stood motionless as laughs and claps came from several places in the crowd.
Jacque's face contorted as he looked around in confusion, when he looked at the prince he wanted to snarl.
Simultaneously Sir Jean and Yurin began speaking to Raveres in either ear. But Yurin yielded to the elder knight.
"Sadalsuud is in a difficult position right now… On the one hand he can't be seen giving aid to Balik for the diplomatic repercussions that it'll cause with his sister…"
Raveres nodded, "And the other?"
"On the other; Sadalsuud will face scrutiny for refusing the prince's public offer of his volunteer service…"
The knight clucked his tongue as he thought aloud; "Though it's less of Sadalsuud aiding the prince than giving him an opportunity to die."
Raveres narrowed her brow and stifled a laugh at the knight's deadpan delivery.
Confused Sir Jean looked back at her and she waved her hand for him to ignore it.
The whispering and the commentary of the crowd began to pick up as Sadalsuud looked down at the prince. The handsome noble smiled and had a private laugh as he looked around at the many expressions and reactions of those in attendance.
Sadalsuud held up and open palm as he said one word.
Yurin piped back up with the Druhir translation; "So be it"
…
Lord Titos was pacing the bedchamber incessantly, lost in his thoughts and peering out one of the slit windows periodically.
Lady Naguii was resting her eyes under a damp cloth when she finally reached for an empty glass goblet and threw it in his direction.
It smashed against the stone wall sending glass shards across the floor of Titos' path. He stared at the glittering fragments for a few seconds before looking back at the large canopied bed.
"Excellent throw my dear…"
Lady Naguii made no noise and gave no response other than a small smile across her lips.
A rap at the door sounded and Elianna appeared, out of breath from the stairs and the speed with which she had just ran.
She held a small piece of parchment in her hands and extended it towards Titos, the Dreadlord began inhaling through his nose deeply, regarding the paper from Lord Kalinside with apprehension.
Without moving her body Lady Naguii waved Elianna forwards weakly as she addressed her husband, "Patience my love, take a breath first and then read it aloud. I wish to hear it at the same time as you."
Elianna sat herself at the side of the bed and held onto Lady Naguii's hand. Taking the long fingers into her palm the high-elf started rubbing her mistress' pale flesh nervously as she calmed her own breathing.
"Greetings upon your house Naguii, your offer comes at an inauspicious time; though we avow that it is no less intriguing for it. We wonder only that, should you wish…"
Titos faltered and Lady Naguii tensed her hand in Elianna's, "Why have you stopped?"
The Dreadlord looked to his wife and rolled his shoulders in annoyance.
"…We wonder only that, should you wish to make certain this endeavour, you would reiterate your offer, in the flesh. No lies, no misconstruction, only bare faces before one another, as in battle."
Titos crumpled the parchment into a ball and threw it towards the grating of the chamber's recently fed fireplace.
"The bastard seeks to ensnare me at his home… in a position devoid of aid." He looked at Lady Naguii and she lifted the cloth from her lids.
"A position away from you… This is your plot. I cannot present myself and hope to-"
Lady Naguii raised her hand from Elianna's grip easily. Her husband stopped mid-word as he saw the gesture.
"Is the Jaylish boy still within the city?" she asked.
Titos raised a brow, before smiling sadistically.
"Elianna!" he declared.
The high-elf rose to her feet with a nod.
"Make yourself presentable, take Riccard and two guards, and seek out Jaylish Kalinside. He ought to be in the council hall of the great tower."
Elianna narrowed her brow and opened her mouth but Titos cut her off.
"Say whatever you need to get him to come here. Tell him…" he smiled, "Tell him I've thought about his kind words. Say that specifically, 'kind words'."
He looked to Lady Naguii and explained, "The boy was taken too much with wine last time we met, said a few things he shouldn't have… It'll work."
Elianna nodded again and then to her mistress.
…
Darting down to her personal quarters the high-elf slave spared no time in carefully pulling her hair back, brushing out the dishevelled knots and tangles and changing her clothes.
She washed her face quickly and applied some scent to mask the sweat and stress of her twenty four hour vigil over her mistress.
She stole one more glance at herself in her small cracked mirror and nodded, 'It's as good as I'm going to get…'
Her blonde hair needed a wash with soap, but that was by her standards…
She still looked breathtaking, her light elfish features and healthy skin blushed across her cheeks from where she had rinsed her face, though under her eyes hang a little heavier than usual but she waved it off.
'Nothing sleep won't fix… but gods know when I'll get to be able to have that next.'
She'd changed out of the simple black cloak and black underclothes from earlier and into something far more impressive; a pink and white silken dress tailored to her exact size and imbued with gold thread accents.
The deep v of the neckline was of the southern Ulthuan style and stopped almost at the bottom of her cleavage. She didn't have time to bedeck herself in lavish jewelry, she hoped that the gold thread of the dress' accents would be enough.
Taking up one of her thick outer cloaks she steeled herself and met with her escort.
"Riccard… let us go."
The Norscan nodded and grunted.
The former Viking was dressed in furs and at his hilt was a single sword. Waiting at the Naguii door were two guardsmen, their helmets had purple and white feathers poking out the back and they were each encased in black-iron plate. Like the human they had only one blade each.
Lord Titos wanted to impress and lure in Jaylish. He didn't want to intimidate him into suspecting a trap. A greeting party of four, with a sensual high-elf as herald was sure to show a cordial intent, and with Riccard assigned Titos was sure that Jaylish would feel it worthy of his attention.
It was well known in Blacklight Tower that Riccard was Titos' right hand; if the tall human Norscan was seen somewhere everyone could be sure that it was on purpose and to remind them of who owned the man.
The weather was improving, spring was near done and summer was beginning to creep into Naggaroth. Elianna still felt chilled by the wind nonetheless and clutched at her cloak's edges tightly.
The 'tower' of Blacklight Tower was just up the hill from the noble quarter and but a short walk for the Naguii retinue, this aside Elianna resented it all the same. She was just as spoiled as the family children which she served.
"No bloodshed Riccard…" she looked behind at the Naguii guardsmen and pointed a thin delicate finger from the folds of her warm cloak, "None! Or Lord Titos will flay you living."
She grunted and cleared her throat as a noble passed by on horseback.
Riccard looked at the plate covered Druchii beside him and shrugged, "Bu' what if he tells us to piss off?"
Elianna drew a sharp breath and half turned, "If he refuses then we wish him well and leave…"
Then she smiled, getting men to agree to meet with and do dealings with her family was what she did best.
"But that won't happen."
The guardsmen looked at one another and shared eye rolls, they were being paid regardless and cared very little in the grand scheme of things what was to happen, but one piped up a question anyway, "What if he's got several retainers with him? How do we treat 'em?"
"They too are not to be harmed."
They were approaching the tall open gate of the black Druchii fortification and she whispered, "We are simply enticing him, we can't give the boy any inclination to refuse… I swear,"
She pulled the collar of her cloak away and revealed her neck and warm flesh.
"We get him to come home and we'll each receive a boon."
The guardsmen immediately perked up and straightened their backs, "Right then… no threats, no fighting."
Elianna nodded, "Exactly, honey works better than vinegar."
Riccard looked down at the elf and furrowed his brow. "What does that mean?"
The four passed into the tower's entrance and the high elf narrowed her eyes as she looked up at the dull Norscan.
…
Jacque listened on as the prince spoke and then Sadalsuud concluded the meeting of the court.
'By the Lady, what is this?!' he thought.
He glared at the prince as plainly as he dared while Sir Jean and Raveres spoke. Occasionally the tall servant who also spoke the Druchii language would interject.
The three adults stood motionless as the court began to disperse and Sadalsuud retreated from the throne, accompanied by a few of the highest and most decorated officials.
Several of the sycophantic courtiers stood amongst each other watching Raveres, not daring to approach her but instead content to merely watch in silence.
Everything about the attention she was getting made the young man seethe.
'I am punished… I am atoned, then I am punished further?' he complained.
'Why couldn't she l-look at me that way?' he stopped and his eyes widened in surprise.
Raveres was smirking and said something which had made Sir Jean actually laugh. The translator servant brought a hand to his mouth as he too laughed.
'Why can't… what are they saying? What's being…'
As people were passing by him, giving their polite farewells to one another Jacque realised; no one was paying him any mind.
His hand at his hilt relaxed and his features drooped somewhat.
'Am I not even here?'
Jacque growled with quiet impotence as the Vizier spoke to those remaining.
…
Sir Jean was busy speaking with one of the court servants as Raveres stood by with Yurin.
After the departure of Sadalsuud the majority of people began leaving the hall. Only a few of the bravest, or most interested, stayed; continuing to catch a glimpse of the strange white haired Druchii as the Vizier spoke.
"Dreadlord Naguii, Sir Jean…" Wick'tus noticeably hesitated before continuing, "Prince Balik, Follow me."
Yurin was at Raveres' ear and she nodded as they stepped after the vizier.
Prince Balik proudly stepped towards the group and smiled as he followed, attempting to work his way to the Druchii's side.
Sir Jean furrowed his brow and clearly pushed forwards as the group exited the audience chamber and down a corridor.
"Come Jacque." The knight grunted.
Possessed by a pseudo-paternal concern for Raveres, Sir Jean made sure to plant himself firmly at her left side. With Yurin on her right and Jacque directly behind him he had forced Prince Balik and his two retainers to follow behind them.
To avoid stepping on any of their heels or on the edge of Raveres' dress the prince was forced to stay at an awkward pace.
The hall's width was such that unless he wanted to squeeze himself between either Sir Jean or Yurin there wouldn't be enough space for him to be at the Druchii's side.
Sir Jean hid a smile when he saw the frustrated expression on the prince's face and his mumbled curses.
Ahead of them stepped the vizier, far quicker than his age suggested Wick'tus sped along until they came to a more intimate but still opulent and impressive chamber.
He grunted and coughed as he cleared his throat and pointed towards the tall, darkly skinned and muscled man that had stood beside him when Sir Jean, Raveres, and Jacque were first greeted at the palace.
"This is Asada the captain of the palace guard."
The dark man grunted unhappily and nodded once.
Raveres nose crinkled at the indignity but she remained silent.
Yurin was quiet and appeared somehow incredibly fatigued, he was swallowing incessantly and his breathing was laboured.
Jacque came from behind to Sir Jean's left and sighed quietly.
Prince Balik laughed and spoke loudly, "If I had of known volunteering to take down a simple pirate would have gotten me into the Emir's favour like this I'd have done it far sooner!"
His men chuckled like hyenas and Sir Jean raised a brow in disapproval.
Wick'tus, a man of many years, ignored the prince's words and stepped towards one of the rooms many scattered seats.
Groaning and exhaling heavily the old statesman sat and invited everyone to follow.
The prince quickly and eagerly took the first seat available.
He sat with a smile and giggled privately.
'Obviously he's enjoying being given some serious attention like this…' Sir Jean sighed, 'I'd wager he's been nothing but the butt of jokes for years now.'
Raveres appeared far less understanding and one of her manicured eyebrows arched as she looked down at the oblivious prince.
Sir Jean pursed his lips and stepped towards one of the seats to the left of the room so he could get a better view of everyone else.
'Perhaps that was the seat she had desired?' the knight thought with a smirk.
The expression on the Druchii's face was muted but Sir Jean knew at once that she was not pleased with the prince. Even from something as slight as the order of precedence in 'who seats first'.
Shaking his head Sir Jean closed his eyes as Jacque sat beside him, 'Bloody nobles…'
…
'Well then… the insolent fool can have that one.' Raveres thought with spite.
Sitting closest to the vizier Raveres appeared to have made a point to put herself so close to the man and so much in front of everyone else. Yurin stepped after her and stood at quiet attention behind and to her side.
Prince Balik's men stood to the wall behind him and Wicktus nodded to captain Asada.
The man spoke with a voice deeper than any Raveres had ever heard from a human before; it was like a boulder being dragged from a quarry.
Tendons and muscles in his thick neck flexed with each word and though he was speaking Arabyan Raveres watched him with interest.
'I don't know what it is about this human…' she thought, 'but something's amiss.'
As he spoke he'd occasionally glance at her and they would lock eyes then he'd look back to the others.
Yurin coughed and leaned towards her ear as he translated quietly.
"He's describing how he will have command of the ship during the course of sailing at that you are all to serve under him."
Prince Balik appeared as unhappy as Raveres felt and she smirked with some degree of comfort, however she maintained mute features ensuring none in attendance would have an inkling of what she was thinking.
Sir Jean sat forwards listening with a martial sense of attention; doubtless he'd have been at the receiving end of such a briefing hundreds of times before.
Jacque though somewhat dejected and dour looking sat forwards and emulated his master; Raveres furrowed her brow somewhat in disappointment.
'What's made the squire so low?' She wondered.
"Sadalsuud has indicated that all spoils of treasure other than what was stolen from the Druchii will be hers and the knights to dispense with."
Prince Balik grumbled and his retainers immediately backed him up as he began to argue.
Raveres leant back in her seat and spoke quietly to her translating servant, "Yurin?"
He nodded and hastily interpreted, "The prince is demanding that other than restoring what was yours the rest of the spoils should be divided by the level of effort put into battle."
Wick'tus rubbed his eyes and quickly began speaking with the prince as the captain stopped.
Raveres looked across to Sir Jean and Jacque and the two Bretons both gave her knowing nods.
Despite the direction that the meeting was now taking Raveres decided to ask Yurin something she'd been wondering since the court.
She adjusted her voice and began calmly, as if she'd asked it a dozen times before,
"Yurin, regardless of the 'loot' situation… would you be willing to follow me?"
As the guard captain began discussing with Wick'tus and one of the prince's retainers interjected the translator raised a brow and stuttered in disbelief.
"Wha-what? I'm not a fighter!" he managed out.
His face contorted in disbelief as he shook his head, "You've got your knight there… and there'll be a crew of the Emir's best sailors and fighting men… What, what do you need me for?"
Raveres looked up at the human as Sir Jean's voice entered into the ongoing discussion.
She playfully arched a brow and leant back in her seat, "I don't just mean into this battle, and don't worry about that I don't expect you to fight."
He exhaled in confusion and she tried a different approach, changing her tone and body language slightly,
"I have no servants… no retainers or sworn followers of my own," she lowered her voice as she said aside, "as of yet…"
Yurin interjected a question, "But… t-the knight?"
Raveres shook her head; "I do not know what more he will tolerate from me once I have my wealth back…" she smiled and looked over at the Bretons.
"Regardless, his services to me, and mine to him, are none of your concern."
She tilted her head back and relaxed her shoulders, raising one of her enticing brows in an arch. "Think instead on this: Would you like to leave these scorching and gods forsaken sands?"
Yurin bit his tongue and averted his eyes.
His shifting weight and his hands clenched at the edges of his shirt betrayed him and Raveres looked him over with a sadistic smile, 'I've got him now… who bloody wouldn't want to leave this place!'
Beside them Wick'tus hushed and spoke as he calmed the men, obviously an agreement had been struck.
Yurin nervously eyed the vizier and then Raveres.
She smiled knowingly but offered him somewhat of a relief as she cooed a conciliatory tone, "Think on it, and bring me your answer this evening."
The servant quietly nodded in thanks before setting to translating the words of the vizier.
…
Raveres couldn't care less for what the men had decided to do with the yet-unknown spoils of the pirate's hoard. All she cared about was that she'd get her elvish gold back, see her honour satisfied, and have the backing of several hundred swords at her disposal.
Everything else was fritter…
The meeting concluded with Wick'tus and the guard captain speaking at length and Raveres barely paying attention.
She couldn't afford to pay attention; her mind was racing as she pictured Annio's face, broken, bloody, and crawling at her feet; his men wailing as they died at her blade, and his ship sinking as she sent his ragged rat infested vessel on a one way trip to Mathlann.
Raveres shifted in her seat as she lent herself to daydream.
Before long she had relaxed herself into pleasantness and was lost in a reverie.
Sir Jean furrowed his brow when he glanced over at her and saw that she was leant back, and her expression washed over with reserved bliss.
'By the lady…' he thought, 'what in the hells is she thinking of now?!'
The aged Wick'tus reiterated the main details of their mission once more before wearily standing.
"Now… Lord Sadalsuud has invited you all to dine with him before retiring for the evening… For each of you I suggest no wine, nor ale. This shall go off without failure and the honour of the Al Daouk shall be satisfied by its serene and perfect execution."
He nodded and ran a raggled hand through his beard.
"While my lord has made plain that you are to kill Annio, if it is possible to make prisoners of his men so that they may be brought to the city and made examples of in the square, I would personally make a ransom to you of one blood ruby per head."
Sir Jean raised his brow and Jacque looked up at his master in astonishment.
Chiming up the Breton knight quickly made plain his confusion, "My lord… that's a neigh ludicrous amount for these simple sea-brigands."
Wick'tus nodded, "I am hoping that it will stay the men's appetite for blood enough to help us remind the small folk who rules in Al Daouk."
The old mans yellowed and worn teeth shone through his thick beard in a smile.
Jacque scoffed and shook his head as he quietly said to Sir Jean; "This makes battle seem like a market… We're doing a just act and yet the prince there and his men, even the ship's crew I imagine, wish to barter and haggle…"
Sir Jean hid his surge of pride, but quietly responded. "You have learned well my boy… But remember what I told you of the owl and the fox?"
Jacque looked at the vizier, Asada, then the prince, before nodding.
"Sorry master…"
The anecdote was a way of reminding Jacque that though they may not look it one can never be sure if one knows your language or not.
"I cannot speak for anyone but myself and my squire; we shall face these foes as we would any other. Their capture or their surrender is not up to me."
Raveres nodded along somewhat seriously now as Yurin explained what the knight had said.
Sir Jean indicated captain Asada, "The captain, being the official representative of the Emir, should be the one charged with this."
The Druchii shook her head and interjected for the first time the whole meeting.
Yurin translated her words into Araby and emulated her roused emotion as he spoke,
"Lady Raveres asks me to remind all that these, pirate scum, slaughtered her crew, killed her captain, and had her shot and thrown into the sea to drown rather than give her a clean death."
Raveres sat forwards and uncrossed her legs as she straightened her back and her eyes brightened with anger.
Prince Balik visibly moved in his seat and his retainers looked at her apprehensively.
Yurin nodded at her next sentence and repeated, "It is her right to lay claim to all of them…"
Sir Jean pursed his lips and lowered his eyes as she continued.
The vizier stepped back and Asada crossed his arms at the seated Druchii's words.
"As per the deal she struck with Sadalsuud. The lord agreed that he would give her the means to achieve her vengeance and from then they would have secured future relations with blood as their ink."
Raveres rose from her seat and Sir Jean and Jacque followed suit, prince Balik slowly stood, somewhat uncomfortably looking from his right to his left.
An eerie calm came over the she-elf as she drew in a breath and lowered her voice.
Yurin stepped forwards and continued to translate her words, almost apologetically, "My lady is famished and the thought of battle has heated her blood… she avows that dining now might be the best course of action."
Sir Jean, who thought he knew the Druchii before, now stood with an eyebrow cocked in interest. 'Crafty little creature aren't you?' he thought.
Wick'tus somewhat taken aback by the turn of the meeting nodded, "Aye… perhaps that would be best."
He nodded to Raveres and to Sir Jean, "Asada will see to the crew and ship, and you may follow me…"
Asada grunted before unfolding his thick, trunk like, arms and turning to leave. As he passed down the hall that they had entered from a servant stepped forwards and quickly whisked towards Wick'tus' side.
Prince Balik bowed his head towards Raveres, his expression somewhat changed as he looked at her differently.
Wick'tus met eyes with the prince and bowed politely, "Your highness, I am told the servants have prepared a meal for you and your retainers in your chamber. Once again the Emir thanks you for your volunteering on this mission, and he shall not forget this kindness."
The vizier's voice and tone was such that it left no room for Balik to get in another word, he'd been dismissed and not invited to proceed further.
Looking from Raveres to Sir Jean the prince feigned disinterest and nodded, "It is well! I hope they've provided enough this time."
His retainers laughed and the trio turned to leave as the prince bowed half-heartedly, "Let Sadalsuud know that even though he is regent I want his brother to hear of my aid… I shan't forget the Al Daouks when I am returned to my throne!"
Wick'tus nodded as the men left, "Of course…"
When the three white-dressed men had gone he turned to the three remaining and sighed, "This way."
The messenger servant had already stepped ahead of Wick'tus and opened an ornate set of double doors to the side of the meeting chamber and the elderly vizier led them through.
Sir Jean cleared his throat as he stepped beside Raveres, "Quite a performance, would you not agree milady?"
The Druchii made a small smile and looked to the knight, pleased to hear him speak Druhir once more.
She appeared to pause before responding, "Indeed… I confess I've thought about how best to utilise your example."
Sir Jean furrowed his eyebrows in genuine surprise, "I… I'm flattered?"
Raveres nodded, "I'm glad to hear it. I hope that my…" she paused. "Restraint was once again appreciated."
The temperature of the hallway began to warm as they were led into a beautiful and ornate dining room. She sounded almost genuine as she continued, "Now, I hope we'll have opportunity to speak as we eat."
Sir Jean nodded but couldn't help but begin thinking, 'The she-elf was acting… or was something changed in her? The setting maybe?'
Whatever it was he knew that she was playing at something, how he was supposed to react was something that began to nag at him uncomfortably.
…
Asada bowed his head as he responded to Sadalsuud.
"Other than the inclusion of Prince Balik I don't see anything to worry about."
The lord nodded and stepped towards the columned window of the lengthy palace promenade, he quietly 'hmmed' in response.
Looking to the two officials behind Lord Sadalsuud Asada narrowed his brow, "I'll see to the ship and crew my lord. If there's anything else?"
He added the question as a courtesy and had already turned to leave when Sadalsuud spoke back up and approached him.
"Yes! Actually…" he quieted and looked over his shoulder at the two courtiers who he was previously speaking with.
"The elf… you'll ensure her survival yes?"
Asada scoffed, "She hardly seems like she'd need my aid on that score; her tongue has an edge to it like a razor and her ears seem just as sharp."
The guard captain chuckled and then stopped when he saw Sadalsuud's expression.
"Apologies my lord… I only mean she seems quite capable from her attitude. And from what I've heard from the men who fought with her against the Red-Riders she's a skilled swordsman."
Sadalsuud's features did not soften and the large muscled captain felt discomfort at the regent's gaze.
"I will do as you have asked."
The regent nodded once and then stepped back from his captain, "Good. She must remain unmarred…"
Asada reluctantly nodded before catching his breath at the way his master had spoken.
'Unmarred?' he thought, 'He doesn't…' the guard captain furrowed his brow, "My lord, she is as vicious as she is-"
Raising a hand to silence him Sadalsuud then spoke, loud enough so the courtiers he was with could hear as well, "See to the ship and prepare yourself for tomorrow. I need you to be at top form to represent me!"
He turned with a smile and Asada bowed, "Yes my lord…"
…
The meal cooked for them was one of roasted lamb, garnished with alien vegetables upon a bed of small mysterious white kernels. Steaming and aromatic sauce had been poured over top of the multi-coloured display and Raveres struggled to contain her surprise.
She struggled even more with keeping some semblance of civility as she ate.
It'd been far too many months since she had properly prepared kitchen food.
The spices which were used in the lamb's glaze were unlike anything she'd tasted before…
It began as warmth across her tongue before spreading, almost uncomfortably, only to be replaced by sweetness which lingered until her next bite, or until she washed it down with freshly pressed fruit juice.
She spoke with Sir Jean sparingly, the meal had taken her away from the moment and for a brief period she felt unbothered by plots or plans or of the battle to come.
Sadalsuud had extended his apologies to his guests for his lateness and when he arrived Raveres, Sir Jean, and Jacque had each eagerly ate their ways through half of their meal.
He explained that he was being hounded now by noble friends of his brother and other matters but Raveres couldn't give a care.
They ate and politely conversed for a few hours before night finally fell outside the elegant windows of the dining room.
She couldn't help but notice that Sadalsuud's demeanour had changed somewhat.
As they neared the end of the meal she couldn't help but feel his eyes gazing at her, somehow she could feel them trace a line down her neck and shoulder.
She furrowed her brow, but kept the discomfort to herself.
Suddenly she disliked the dress she was wearing.
She disliked the food and she chose to neglect the last bites left on her plate.
Something was beginning to bother her about her 'partner'.
Sir Jean and Jacque were as they always had been to her, and they even shared a few jests with the Arabyan merchant-prince.
He laughed heartily and the two Bretonnians smiled jovially, disarmed and seemingly taken in by their host.
But Raveres felt revulsion begin to grow at the back of her throat and at the base of her spine.
'What is he planning?' She looked to her side at Sadalsuud and something began to whisper to her something very clearly.
'He's not to be trusted.'
She retreated to her thoughts and when the meal was concluded Sadalsuud wished them goodnight and the party disbanded.
A palace servant entered and announced that they would be leading Raveres, Sir Jean, and Jacque back to their chambers. The Druchii had slowed her pace as they exited the room and somewhat excitedly began speaking with the knight.
Softening his expression the elder knight smirked as he thought, 'Maybe I can teach the girl after all?'
…
Jaylish Kalinside was among several retainers and comrades when Elianna finally spotted him.
The great hall of Blacklight Tower was a sight to behold. Though it was smaller when compared to the grand remnants of the Black Arks which many of the ancient cities had been made from, the successive lords of Blacklight Tower had made up for this in their own ways.
The vaulted celings of the grand hall rose higher and higher until were one to look up to see the painted and relief covered roof they'd experience vertigo and neck pain.
The design was almost cathedral-like, with three successive lines of marble pillars on either side holding the grand construction up.
At the end of the hall were two brass doors, covered in a bas relief of Malekith smiting some treasonous generals from Ulthuan. No one was to pass the threshold of those doors except upon summons of the city's council.
Too small to have a Drachau, rule of the city was instead dispensed by a small assembly of the most powerful Dreadlords residing in Blacklight and the surrounding region.
As it was within the province of 'The Broken Lands', nearby Karond Kar was the de facto capital and the Lord of that city naturally commanded the noble's fealty.
Since it was now the beginning of summer the majority of the nobles were out raiding, or had begun moving among the cities plying their skills, enacting plans, and pursuing feuds there were fewer Lords to contend with.
This isn't to say that the hall was deserted, but it was certainly less populated than it would have been in autumn or mid-winter.
For Elianna it made finding her mark easier.
"Back up somewhat." She ordered.
With quiet nods Riccard and the Naguii guardsmen stepped back and gave the high-elf a little breathing room, and of course the ability for her to take off her outside cloak.
A few of the elderly lords who were discussing business paused as she revealed her colourful and lively appearance.
The floor of the hall was plain grey stone, the columns were black marble, and the inner walls were dark stone too.
Suffice it to say, at the sudden appearance of a blonde woman, wearing a coloured dress, nearly every pair of eyes was now on her.
The men closest to her bowed their heads as Elianna passed with her entourage.
"Blessings upon Lord Titos, we heard of his son's success and victory at Vaul's Fjord."
The she-elf smiled, as it was she was the most senior Naguii representative outside the family, and she skilfully needed to maintain herself.
"My Lord extends his thanks. Perhaps you may laud master Malith's victories in person soon enough."
Gliding past the men the lord mumbled as he spoke to his fellow, "That Naguii upstart's getting a triumph?" His fellow's eyes widened and they began whispering among one another.
Elianna nodded and politely greeted several other lords she knew by name and by business with her family.
Some regarded her with licentious familiarity; as the hostess of the Naguii's villa Elianna had used her silver tongue, on more than one occasion, to perversely arouse and disarm prospective business partners. It often went that she would draw them in make them comfortable, Lord Titos would deliver the 'killing' blow, and an advantageous deal would have been struck.
Ensnaring her mark ought to be done the same way, she thought.
Elianna was thankful that she knew the Kalenside boy by sight.
Jaylish had very handsome yet soft features. Unlike many other Druchii he had been taken with a shorter hairstyle; and so his black hair had been cropped. On the sides it was no longer than an inch and a half, while the top was left at two inches.
His fringe and crown stood in different directions messily. It was a youthful and disheveled yet Elianna knew that each lock had been carefully groomed purposefully.
'Such a stupid hairstyle' she thought with a sigh.
She drew in a breath and reminded herself; 'he's a mark, just bring him back, entice him, and ensnare…' Her thoughts faltered, 'damn it though, he's got the most beautiful of Druchii eyes…'
Her memories of the handsome Kalenside reminded her of colour of his pupils; lilac. Of all the colours that elvish eyes could be, anything violet made Elianna swoon.
Perhaps it was her intimate moments with Raveres which had caused such a fetish to grow, but regardless she shook her head and cleared her throat. 'You're the one in control; you're the one with the plan Elianna… Stop worrying!'
Looking over the lords still in the room ahead of them she found him;
The Kalenside boy was standing with a shoulder leaning against one of the hall's columns; he had a single short sword at his side and was wearing a simple chainmail greatcoat with a black leather jerkin.
His arms were covered, and his vambraces ended at fast moving pale limbs; the flesh of his hands cut through the air as he gesticulated and spoke with his men. Every large action he made elicited loud chuckles and laughs.
At his right side two black leather gloves had been tucked into his belt.
Jaylish was consumed with a story he was telling his friends, and retainer bodyguards, and his back was to Elianna as she approached.
The high-elf stopped and lazily adjusted how her hair was falling on her shoulder when one of Jaylish's men coughed and pointed, indicating he ought to look behind him.
"Then I was… What?" he furrowed his brow in confusion at the interruption, the Kalinside turned around and his smile faded.
His purple eyes widened when he saw the mountain of a Norscan and two armoured guardsmen flanking a familiar beautiful house-slave.
He straightened his back and cleared his throat as he recomposed himself.
"And who-" he began quizzically.
Elianna looked up comically and let out a perfectly practised laugh, "Oh! Forgive me my lord…"
She cleared her throat and smiled, "We are Elianna, servant of the Naguii."
Clutching her hands in front of her she bowed deeply and looked up at Jaylish and his men with a smile.
Jaylish's face softened and he bowed his head at the neck, "Of course! I thought you seemed familiar…" He almost stuttered as he tried to become serious in front of his friends. "Uh, how can, I mean, might I aid the Naguii?"
Elianna stepped forwards and moved her head upwards to the right, "Oh it's a trifle… but my lord sent me to ask you a question."
His friends whispered and eagerly looked on.
Jaylish's face blanked as he failed to think of how to react, "Oh? Well I uh, o-of course?"
He shot a look to his friends and they sniggered and waved quiet farewells as they speedily slunk off.
Only his bodyguard remained, and the two men were sternly eyeing Riccard.
Elianna spoke as if nothing had happened, "My lord was having an informal party this evening and he had me go over the guests, when he all of a sudden exclaimed that he had to have you there as well!"
Jaylish's eyebrows furrowed and then softened as he spoke, "Really? That's, well, I am certainly thankful to hear it!"
Privately he began to congratulate himself that his drinking and vague carousing with Lord Titos was somewhat paying off.
Then he looked back towards his friends who were watching from afar, "Truly I am!"
His expression appeared pained as his voice dropped, "And I want you to tell your master that. I respect Lord Titos immensely, and I am glad of his confidence."
Elianna raised a brow, wordlessly asking: 'but?'
Jaylish looked to Riccard and then the high-elf before continuing. "But I've a previous engagement I've sworn myself to."
He nodded to his friends, "My mates- I mean, my men and I were going to be taking our horses and doing some hunting before sundown."
Jaylish sighed and awkwardly avoided Elianna's disappointed gaze. "So… I must-"
Elianna quietly coughed and raised her voice, "Please my lord, I'm here to formally invite you to come with me to the villa. Lord Titos asked me to tell you it was a perfect way to thank you for your kind words."
Jaylish smile dropped and his cheeks reddened, "I…" he turned to the bodyguard at his left and the man shot a look at his charge of confusion.
"Well, I…" he laughed nervously.
Elianna hid a smile, 'The boy is hopelessly lost at intrigue…'
"I'd be remiss to spurn the friendship and generosity of the Naguii… If I may tell my men?"
The high-elf bowed and smiled; "Of course, I avow it shan't be all evening."
Jaylish smiled half-heartedly, "Right."
He stepped away from Elianna and her party.
The high-elf watched as the Kalenside made his way to his friends and hastily explained the situation.
They laughed, smacked him on the shoulder, and jeered as he turned back and made his way to the Naguii entourage.
'Doubtless, if he has any wits, he'll have made provision that they inform his family of his new movements…' Elianna drew a breath, 'Ugh… this could be ugly Titos. Gods above don't let this blow up in our face.'
He nodded as he stepped towards her, "Alright then, lead on."
Elianna smiled and bowed. Jaylish's men nervously eyed their lord and then the Naguii men, obviously uneasy at the turn of events.
The high-elf sniggered privately as she thought about her 'family'. If she were a slave of a lesser house, would she have enjoyed such a conciliatory attitude from a highborn? 'Thank the gods the Naguii command as much dread respect in this city as they do… otherwise this'd be a real chore.'
…
She spoke with the young man until he was more at ease, and when they departed the tower and began down the main street of the noble quarter Jaylish's curiosity got the better of him.
He spoke as he indicated Riccard, "How did Titos come to own such a beast?"
His men laughed behind him and Riccard grumbled as he led the party down the road.
Elianna nodded and smiled as she looked at her charge, it was one of the most common questions she got from guests. "It's an interesting story I'm told. But I regret that I am not one for telling tales, Lord Titos rejoices to regale it though. Perhaps you may ask him at dinner?"
She smirked at her series of lies and Jaylish's nervous expression at asking his host such an impertinent question.
The Kalenside highborn retreated and appeared to be preparing another question when Elianna decided to take charge and change the subject quickly.
"So, how does the Kalenside family fare my lord?"
He nodded and cleared his throat, subconsciously happy to have attention given to his blood.
"Well! Very well in fact, one of my sisters has married the Vaulknar of Karond Kar; naturally my father is quite pleased."
Elianna nodded politely, "And yourself my lord? Was it not Araby that you sailed to during your Hakseer?"
He smiled happily, "Indeed! Indeed it was."
The high-elf sighed as she thought of Raveres, "Would you indulge me my lord? I've never been, and well…" she laughed and sighed. "It seems such a strange place, even by the name! Araby? Ha!"
Jaylish nodded, and smiled.
Despite his nervousness and his youthful appearance he did actually complete his Hakseer, and more than that, he boasted of having establishing a permanent trade relation in the far off land.
He cleared his throat as he began, "Well, it's a strange land to be sure. The flora is most distressing, no trees like ours could grow there, and instead there are these strange swaying trunks with fronds atop their crest. 'Palms' they are called."
"The water is 'warm' ha, warmer than ours certainly. And it never freezes. Rivers, the sea, inlets, all manner of water remains moving all year round."
Elianna, who'd grown up knowing only Naggaroth furrowed her brow in genuine incredulity.
Jaylish smiled, "Aye, and the ground is not solid earth, instead is made mostly of sand; miles of it, as far as the eye may see."
"There is no one 'Arabyan' nation, instead there are hundreds of petty kingdoms and warring tribes, quite easy to spite and set against one another. Allegedly there are Dwarves and Bretonnians who call the place home but, I never encountered any."
Elianna nodded, "And, forgive me my lord. But how did you come to secure your current trade route?"
Jaylish smiled at the attention turned to him, and his ego swelled, "Quite easily actually… The prince of the city whom I was intending to trade with proved to be…"
The Kalenside puffed his chest subconsciously and finally appeared competent, and subsequently threatening.
"A fool, shall we say?"
He laughed privately and shook his head, "Not like it'll demean or tarnish my success but, the truth is I actually helped install his sister as ruler of the city!"
Elianna opened her mouth in surprise, playing at the supplicant and determined to be impressed with whatever he was to say.
He laughed at her expression and started to explain, "Oh it was so easy too! But anyway…" he cleared his throat and calmed himself before being taken with a superfluous story.
"She agreed to provide me and my ships the choicest slaves from their markets and ample goods to trade."
He smirked, "Stupid humans…"
Elianna laughed as she agreed, "Indeed."
They arrived at the outer steps and courtyard of the Naguii villa, the high-elf waved to the door guards and began leading Jaylish in as if it were any other guest and on any other normal day.
…
"And that is what ought to follow when you've command of a force of troops."
Raveres furrowed her brow as she considered the lesson she was receiving.
Sir Jean sipped from a cup of water as the two sat in the guest bedchamber which had been lent to the Bretons; Jacque was reading from his book and periodically looking up at Raveres with a smile. He appeared as if he wanted to say something but each time he got close he'd retreat and shove his nose back into his book.
"But discipline?" she asked, "Perhaps your proposal works among your self-flagellating and ball-broken lesser knights, but I do not believe it would work among my fellow Druchii!"
Sir Jean finished his drink and shook his head at her foul mouth, "Think on it. If you lead by such an example, and sparingly utilise the lash, or rod, then your men will love you for it."
Raveres noticed her curses and pursed her lips as she bowed her head penitently.
The knight cleared his throat, "Look at it like this; I know it is far different in the thick of it to be commanded by a woman. But follow it,"
The Druchii sighed as she listened.
"A man is best as 'a father to his men', a friend, a benevolent brother. You share their hardships, shoulder their burdens, and take the same punishments and lickings as they. They will follow you no matter their race or creed."
He nodded, "Be their mother."
Raveres smirked and averted her eyes nervously. As the night had crept on, and as the two had been talking she began ceding more and more to her tutor and companion. As if by training she mentally reacted to his words and voice like her father, or one of her sword instructors.
Sir Jean smiled at her expression and leaned forwards, "Aye! If that's what it takes! Mother, lover, sister, no matter! Play those roles!"
She laughed earnestly and shook her head.
"Play upon their inborne natures and use it to turn the tides of battle. I watched you during the encounter with those Red-Riders in the desert."
Raveres nodded and became serious.
"The men watched you too, and if they knew you? They would never have routed without you."
She didn't quite believe him, but she understood what he was intonating.
He took another drink and nodded, "It's a fine line to trod, but you must let them see a little of what they must, a little of what they want and none of what makes you human…" Raveres arched a brow.
Sir Jean laughed, "Makes you Druchii, mortal, like them."
She nodded with a smile, "I think I understand more of what you mean… But it's so strange to me."
She shook her head, "What about blood? Slaughter, and just… just pure wroth? Being so fiersome that they will be bound in service by fear! If their oaths are not enough…"
Sir Jean appeared pained, "That may work… for a time. For a while and it would work if you were a Viking leader, or a chaos champion."
He leant back, "I can only share what I know. And what I know is that the knights who do that, the dukes, barons, counts who do that… who become consumed with such a desire for battle and blood, they exhaust their men. They end up leading no one, and they end up destroyed."
Raveres sternly considered his words and clasped her hands together tightly.
"Think upon this; outside of a few exceptions who appear to command and lead the way you describe, how do the lords of the Druchii compose themselves in war. The great ones, the legends…"
Raveres sighed and leant back wearily, "They're composed… Reserved."
"Meticulous?" Sir Jean interjected.
She nodded and then shook her head in a groan.
"Then why the falseness? The misleading?"
Sir Jean chuckled and shared a knowing smile, "A good way to get rid of pretenders I imagine. An attitude like that is probably good among the rank and file of your Druchii soldiery. Not exactly what you want in the general's tent…"
Raveres furrowed her brow as she stewed in the revelation.
Sir Jean sighed and waved his hand to get her attention, "Do not be so sullen, you have learned much so far… The humility you have experienced and the fact that you have not been slain ought to give you pause. All you need continue to do is heed the lessons being given you."
She opened her mouth and was about to complain when he raised his hand and shook his head, "I don't mean me…"
Raveres tensed and grumbled.
Sir Jean rose and waved a finger somewhat playfully, "Ah ta ta! None of that; merely accept it and make a resolution."
She looked up at the knight and wanted to roll her eyes but stayed herself.
"Now, we are on the eve of battle… I don't know how or what your people may do the night before but I must pray."
She nodded and rose from her seat.
Sir Jean looked at Jacque and smirked, "Before you leave,"
Raveres turned and rose an eyebrow quizzically.
"Jacque would like to share something with you."
She tilted her head in confusion and narrowed her eyes at the boy.
Sir Jean switched to their language and the two shared some words before the youth immediately began to protest.
Eventually the knight won out and the squire stood from where he was sitting. Nervously he looked at Raveres and cleared his throat.
His cheeks began to flush red and he gripped his book tightly as he opened his mouth.
"I would like… to, a-address you… for-mor-ally in thy speech of own."
Raveres' eyes widened in surprise and she took a half step back as she straightened. A smile bloomed across her features and she chuckled in disbelief.
Jacque's face became beet red and he stuttered as he bowed his head, "I-I am Jacque, squire-servant, and humiliated-"
Sir Jean whispered to him and Jacque shut his eyes as he shook his head nervously, "H-humbled… to finally declare mine-self to thy-self."
He looked at Sir Jean and the knight smiled approvingly. The youth exhaled heavily and Raveres tilted her chin up and clapped in approval.
"Very well done…"
Sir Jean smirked as he looked at the Druchii, "He learned from that book of his, with only an occasional question from me."
Raveres pursed her lips and tried catching her smile; she bowed to Jacque, and spoke slowly as she repeated the old refrain to the antiquated greeting.
Jacque's face lit up as he recognised the words she was speaking.
Sir Jean and Jacque both bowed as Raveres turned to leave. Taking hold of the door's handle she smiled again though her body language seemed somewhat awkward.
"Good night."
…