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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Dec 30, 2014 9:47:53 GMT -5
Dorya crossed her arms over her chest and watched Keretheriel carefully. When the Variance considered what the Siren was saying about her ‘stakes’ in the Tower, she realized that the woman’s statements about her relationship to the Tower, and therefore, Alpha, had been consistent the entire time they had been in the same space. Given the change in their interaction, Dorya had been wondering whether the Siren would be more revealing as to exactly why she was being brought to the Tower, but it had begun to seem more and more plausible that Keretheriel’s ignorance as to why the Magistrate would be interested in a meeting was in fact genuine. That fact was important, because if the woman really was uninvolved in Alpha’s dealings up until the current moment, Dorya’s opportunities might increase significantly. Obviously the Magistrate had placed Dorya with Kereth for a reason, but had he intentionally placed the two together for other reasons that didn’t have to do with Dorya’s advancement as well? Perhaps Dorya was herself fulfilling some specific role when it came to Keretheriel’s perception of events. The Variance couldn’t be sure what Alpha’s game was just yet, but she felt like some of the cards he was holding had been put on the table. To see the whole hand, however, Dorya would need the information on Alpha’s meeting with the Siren.
The Operative’s expression remained ever unreadable, but she did seem to speak more easily and quickly to Kereth in response to the woman’s statements.
“As far as I am concerned, the information you can give me on your discussion with the Magistrate will square our deal: I won’t mention your friend so long as Alpha cannot ask me about him directly and exactly.”
She doubted Kereth would understand the implication, but if the Magistrate knew enough to pin Dorya to the wall on where and with whom she had found the Siren, Dorya would be incapable of lying to him. However, the likelihood of such a question was very low.
“It would definitely be an even exchange if we have our discussion somewhere private. Away from prying eyes.”
The Operative let the insinuation hang, but did give Kereth the smallest glimmer of a smile for a split second before taking a step backwards, signaling the end of their more ‘intimate’ conversation.
The situation had become interesting, and momentarily Dorya glanced through the variables and clues she had assembled in her mind. If she was right about Alpha’s intentions, then Kereth would perhaps be spending more time in the Tower than she had anticipated, but thus far the woman had acted as a wild card, so that sort of outcome was definitely not assured. At the very least, her silence could earn her more contextual information on what Alpha’s designs were for the Council and, if she played her cards right, a bit of relief that was much needed and had not been received in recent memory.
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Post by Keretheriel on Jan 6, 2015 14:00:54 GMT -5
Keretheriel stretched languidly across the plush couch, allowing lavender silks to loosely drape around her. The Siren had an uncanny way of claiming whatever space she resided in, of spreading out and filling an area like it had never belonged to anyone else. Despite Dorya's insistence on deadlines there was really no true expectation set on precisely when she was supposed to have her meeting with the Magistrate so the Siren was really just settling in for the ride. She didn't dwell too much on her lack of intel or on the total inconvenience of her inability to remain hidden in Vascxious Sigma. To some extent, it was not entirely surprising that Alpha had sent for her so quickly on arrival: he'd made her, after all. Just like Arktouros before him, there was probably some residue of connection that clung in spite of her best efforts: binding ties from Masters and Creators had that intriguing way of leaving ghosts behind. Of all the lingering links that could surface she supposed this one wasn't the worst; it also certainly wasn't the most earth-shattering─ even if it had that potential she'd never let it get that far. . .
She did have to admit that it was a little unnerving to consecutively unearth such old acquaintances, even in an epicenter like Vascxious Sigma. Viers, and now Alpha─ if she didn't know better she'd wonder if more former Guardians were roaming around than she expected or if there were more people from her 'original' life just waiting to turn up.
”Then I won't be giving Alpha a reason to ask about him.”
That was an interesting revelation: the woman was collared, but not observed so closely that her leash-holder knew every single detail of her waking interactions. So Dorya was trusted, to some degree. That probably explained her lack of reaction to the Siren: the stone-faced woman was so composed that it was difficult to dismiss the idea that she could be designed, if not created in the same fashion as Keretheriel herself. The fact that Alpha had been waiting in the shadows to strike a devil's bargain did speak to some greater plan or power: it was improbable that her specific circumstances had caused him to behave in a way that was unique or singular. Perhaps over time he'd gone from drawing up deals to actual recruiting for himself, which could explain Dorya. She'd know more when she saw him again.
“I'd be disappointed if our discussion wasn't private. . .” Keretheriel dropped her gaze, loosely tracing the outline of the cushion beneath her with fingertips.
"Prying eyes are of no consequence, but eavesdroppers?” Preternaturally pale irises rose to lock onto dark ones steadily, the corners of her mouth showing the beginnings of another smirk. ”Eavesdroppers can make things complicated when you're looking for more power. . .”
That was the truth. No one would give anyone else something to make them greater, not without attaching their own conditions or hidden guarantees that such assistance would not be coming back to haunt them, the benevolent benefactor, later. She'd never had to pay any dues to her Maker for her own gains─ at least not in those forms, but then her bargain was different, wasn't it? The price she paid was in the severance. . . She'd never wondered until now if there was another debt that had not been collected, but had been simply biding time. A tax, lingering unsettled between her and Alpha.
She'd find out soon.
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Jan 19, 2015 12:37:48 GMT -5
Devinian Virianus strode through the doors to the meeting chamber with no fanfare whatsoever, and stopped just past the doors, but far enough inside the room that he could easily address both Dorya and Keretheriel, who seemed to have been conversing while they awaited the Magistrate’s arrival. Virianus nodded in Dorya’s direction first before he turned his body to bring the weight of his full attention to bear on the seated Keretheriel.
”Keretheriel. I am grateful that you were willing to meet with me on such short notice, but far more grateful of your willingness to wait. I’m afraid that there are some matters of state that cannot be delayed. Is there anything you require before we begin?”
Alpha did not appear to have any attention of wasting time. The Magistrate would wait carefully for Keretheriel to respond to his greeting before turning to Dorya, gesturing with his left hand toward the door.
”Dorya: you are to be commended for the speed at which you have completed your assignment – as always, you have greatly exceeded my expectations. If you would be so kind as to wait outside and ensure there are no interruptions, once the esteemed Keretheriel and I have completed our talks, you and I shall discuss your next task.”
Virianus would bow his head in recognition to the Operative when she chose to move past him, and once the door was closed he would step slowly across the room, coming to stand near one of the large windows before turning back to his guest.
”Tell me, Kereth: how are you finding Vascxious Sigma so far?”
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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Jan 19, 2015 12:53:14 GMT -5
Dorya stayed silent in response to the Siren’s words, instead responding through a thoughtful nod of her head. There was little more to say between the two past what had already been said, and therefore the Operative was prepared to simply wait for Alpha to arrive, unless of course Kereth herself had any further conversational topics she would like to breach.
The Variance would not have to wait long, seemingly: nearly as soon as the room had lapsed back into silence, Alpha himself stepped through the door and into the fray, immediately causing the Operative to stand at attention and face him, respectfully uttering the word “Magistrate” in response to his nod of greeting. Dorya watched from the corner of her eye as Alpha addressed Kereth, and took careful note of the familiar esteem that the Magistrate seemed to be employing while speaking with her: Kereth was not here to be directly threatened or punished for something, it would seem. Alpha took such a tone when he had a proposition to make: Dorya had spent enough tie around the man to recognize the difference in tact, though she also knew that Virianus’ tactics were prone to changing on a dime.
When the Magistrate addressed her verbally, Dorya inclined her chin slightly, keeping her expression clinically neutral and her posture rigid, in the fashion of a military operative in the presence of her commanding officer. When she spoke, her tone was clipped and neutral, but still carried the same assured tone it had while the Operative had been speaking to Kereth.
“Of course, Magistrate. Please inform me if there is anything you need during your meeting.”
Without further ado, Dorya would offer a curt nod in Keretheriel’s direction and stride quickly past the Magistrate and out through the meeting room’s double doors, pulling them closed behind her and positioning herself in at at-ease stance directly in front of the crease in the doors, her hands clasped behind her back.
The meeting rooms were soundproof, since they were designed for use by the Justice Department when taking sensitive procedural meetings, and therefore Dorya knew she would hear nothing of what was being discussed in the room behind her, even with her significantly-enhanced senses. She would have to rely primarily on her deal with Kereth if she hoped to get any information onf Alpha’s plans, and that meant for the meantime, the Operative had to resign herself to waiting patiently. Luckily for her, Dorya found it fairly easy to more-or-less switch her mind off and wait, and therefore she settled in for a long stretch of guarding the door, though she was confident no one would try and bother the Magistrate on a day like this. Quietly, Dorya stared at the wall opposite her, retreating from the physical forefront of herself into a calm, meditative existence in the back of her mind. She knew from here on she would have to play her cards carefully, but Keretheriel could become a very helpful asset, assuming she cooperated with whatever Alpha had in store for her. Smiling slightly, Dorya decided to spend her meditative time imagining their meeting later, taking special care to suppose certain physical contexts while she went over the possible conversation options . . .
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Post by Keretheriel on Jan 19, 2015 14:53:48 GMT -5
The Siren's penetrating stare processed Dorya's nod, but the woman herself looked for no further response: they'd reached an understanding and to press further would be unbecoming. . . Keretheriel, despite what some might think of her, was equally comfortable both engaged in conversation or settled in complete silence. Dorya, it seemed, shared that quality.
Her body relaxed even further as the quiet stretched, one elbow navigating over the crest of the armrest and angling to offer more support as the Siren stretched even further across the cushions― silk slippers of the same lavender hue as her dress peeking out on the other side. The extra support after her subtle change in position made already-dangerous curves impossible to overlook. Dorya might be led to suspect that her shift in presentation was calculated with deliberate intentions to be provocative, but the truth of it was that Keretheriel was simply settling in for comfort's sake, just as her Escort seemed to be doing. Pale eyes dropped and her free hand ruffled the array of silk pensively, though she wouldn't be permitted to think too hard on anything― not once the Magistrate himself stepped into the room.
It was Dorya's sharp salute that drew her focus first, a faint smirk teasing the edges of plush lips before her chin raised and she offered a sidelong glance in her Maker's direction. The Siren neither stiffened nor straightened. In fact, there was no change in her easy lounge.
"Magistrate, " the smoky tones rolled through each syllable thickly, not quite mocking the title drop from Dorya's own mouth, but certainly leaving room for interpretation.
"Your gracious welcome is plenty. . ."
Keretheriel's eyes narrowed slightly, her features quietly playful as she leaned forward, resting the tip of her chin in the palm of her open hand, fingertips loosely framing the side of her face. Dorya was spared no second glance as she made her exit.
No, the Siren was quite riveted by the Magistrate, and watched his movements carefully― those burning irises fixated on the wide breadth of his shoulders before he turned to face her, backlit by the City's ambient lighting. The door was closed and Dorya stood guard. Whatever happened in this room was surely protected and Keretheriel wasn't able to land on how she felt about that. Alpha cut an impressive figure, positioning himself with the full intensity of that view behind him. It was admirable, she could admit, secure in her own display.
The smirk cut deeper, drawing those lips into a sensual bend.
"Would it be considered a strike to your pride if I told you your City is grey and oppressive? Though it does have a way of stealing my breath when I see it from these heights. . ."
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Jan 19, 2015 15:59:15 GMT -5
Alpha chuckled lightly, waving his hand in a casually dismissive gesture as his masked face fixated solely on the languishing Siren.
”Not at all, my dear. I shall always be the first to admit that one of this city’s few real drawbacks is the claustrophobic pallor one experiences when moving about at street level.”
The Magistrate turned his body half-away from Kereth so that he could look through the window at a side angle, and again he gestured forward, sweeping his hand across the vista of the city he could rightly call his own.
”It is from heights such as these that the city’s beauty becomes evident, as you pointed out: there is only so much that can be done to override such a difficult clime. I’m sure you can imagine that, in Vascxious Sigma, luxury is not measured by the amenities, but instead by the quality of the view.”
Alpha turned again toward Kereth, fixating his masked gaze on the woman intently as he took a single step away from the window at his back.
”The beauty of this city penetrates far beyond the superficial, a fact that you can surely appreciate, Keretheriel. The diversity and harmony of its people, the marvel of its infrastructure, and the wealth of its world position more than make up for its overcast streets and long nights. Don’t let a few harsh phrases sway you from appreciating the complex marvel that it is: I certainly shall not.”
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Post by Keretheriel on Jan 19, 2015 17:09:29 GMT -5
Keretheriel's expression remained unchanged at his response, but perhaps his easy manner would embolden her fairly soon. Dark lashes made a steady descent as the Siren blinked slowly, no tension evident in that deliciously feminine frame. Oh, no. The tension wasn't in their bodies, but it had permeated the room so instantaneously and so pervasively that if the Siren were any less self-assured she might have suddenly found it difficult to focus.
At the Magistrate's later remarks those finely-shaped brows twitched and her smirk further deepened, its edges beginning to curl.
"You haven't lost any of your charm. . . And you've managed to take the reins on a very industrious center. I'd say you've been quite productive, Alpha." Her dismissive tone was impossible to miss though she wasn't entirely disrespectful― more impish than anything. After all, his accomplishments were genuine, but they weren't really here to talk at length about how wonderful― or not― the Trade City was.
"Perhaps I could have given you a glowing appraisal of your domain if I'd been able to see more of it before being detained by one of yours. . . Mm, detained can be a harsh," the inflection of her heavy accent mimicked his earlier use of the word before she continued, "description, and your agent was certainly polite and kept her decorum in every sense of the word. . . But when there is no leave to decline an invitation, then it's not an invitation it can be called, now is it?"
Only then did the Siren sit up, though the fact that her form almost immediately leaned back into the plush cushion did not alter the self-possessed aire about her. The arm formerly supporting her head dropped to follow the curve of the armrest while the other hand twisted itself in the deep blue-black curls settling in her lap.
"Tell me, Alpha, what is your intent in bringing me to your Tower? I hardly think I'm here to revel in your glory. . ."
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Jan 19, 2015 17:41:50 GMT -5
Alpha smiled beneath his mask as the Siren spoke, a change of expression that would be unseen by his guest. As was common, the woman had mistaken Alpha’s emphasis on the city for some kind of self-congratulation – those who were as sure of themselves as she often projected their own degrees of narcissism onto the motives of others, especially those they considered as powerful, or more so, as they were.
”Productive? Yes, I am certain that it can be said that I have been productive since the last time you and I crossed paths.”
The Magistrate took another step closer to Kereth, a slow procession that seemed to dim the lights in the room just a touch more with every inch closer the two figures came.
”The same can not be said of you, however. When we made our bargain, I fully expected to see much more of you upon the world’s stage, but disappointingly there has been hardly a whisper of you to be found since your little falling out with the Guardians. With your power, and moreover your thirst for it, I would have expected you to spend your days amassing much more, and yet besides an obvious refinement to your personal abilities,” – the Magistrate gestured to the now-sitting Kereth, indicating her developed, more-pleasing physical form, ”You have hardly seemed to be an active force within this world, or at the least, not one of note.”
Alpha touched one finger to the forehead of his mask as he looked Kereth over. She had changed, somewhat, but his verbal assessment of the woman had been accurate – the Magistrate had ben sure to keep a close eye on the woman and her actions since their initial meeting, and overall she had done little to further herself or make any noticeable impact on the world around her, instead seemingly content to turn to small actions and long periods of inactivity to sate whatever needs she might have.
”A more simple mind might assume that you bear some negative feelings towards the resolution of events with your former comrades, but I feel that there is a much more simple explanation: that you have simply not found an impactful place that is worthy of your unique skills.”
Alpha took yet another step toward the Siren’s place on the couch, now standing within a trio of feet from the woman’s current position. The Magistrate bent slightly at the waist to incline his masked face toward the woman, as a taller parent does when speaking to a child.
”Your estimation of my invitation is not incorrect, but only due to the lack of conclusion your inference is drawn from. The invitation was not born in the offer of conversation, but instead meant to be the purpose of the conversation itself. Your appearance in my city has prompted a unique opportunity to arise for the both of us, and it is because of this I have asked that you be brought here. I have an offer that I would like to make you; one that is particularly suited to your skills and personality, and one that would certainly create an opportunity for you to not only accomplish your own goals, but to have an effect on the world’s stage in no small way.”
Alpha straightened his body without stepping back, yet the small change seemed to have an impact in his overall tone.
”I’m curious – how much do you know about the manner in which this city is governed?”
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Post by Keretheriel on Jan 19, 2015 20:34:47 GMT -5
The Siren minded the Magistrate closely. Sure, Alpha wore a mask, but there was no shortage of communication to analyze even without the ability to see his face. It wasn't a source of irritation, that he kept the obscuring fixture. Quite the contrary: it was a source of amusement― men always showed their true selves when they thought they were protected by anonymity. Alpha was practiced. Smooth, charismatic. But no man was perfect. He'd need to be fairly careful in adopting any concrete estimation of Keretheriel or else he might find himself on the wrong end of a few penetrating insights of her own.
The lock of hair slowly twisting around the first two fingers of her right hand spiraled more quickly as he advanced, the midnight-colored tress freed from her grasp before the hand came to rest on the top of her silk-clad thigh. No, it wasn't his glory he looked to bring to her attention: the City had simply been a talking point. Just as quickly as the tension had manifested in the room so had it thickened exponentially. She could feel it wash over the exposed flesh of her décolletage and naked shoulders like the same hot syrup her voice could simulate. If she hadn't known better she'd wonder at the actual origins of her power. . .
She listened to every word issued from behind that mask and somehow managed to look both appropriately abashed and yet somehow deviously entertained by the gentle reproach and lament of unmet expectations Alpha expressed. It was mock-horror that coaxed those lush, full lips to part and brows of fine make to rise. Perhaps the Magistrate would get the sense that Keretheriel wasn't taking his talking-to as seriously as she should, but the Siren was absolutely so very serious. The friction would increase when, as Alpha continued to speak, Keretheriel's form gradually straightened so that she might rise deliberately, with a liquid quality in the motions, to her slippered feet. The Siren was positively diminutive in direct comparison to the Magistrate, and when her lusciously curved figure moved to close more of the distance between them she was forced to look up at him― perhaps reinforcing the vague association with a parent scolding a misbehaving child.
"Oh my, Magistrate."
Those preternatural irises burned as she stared up into the shrouded eyes of that mask, one hand raising to rest lightly across the smooth expanse of skin just under the lines of her collarbones.
"I had no idea that you could be harboring any feelings like these. No inkling that you could have had the sort of investment you imply, one that could bring you such discontent with my actions."
Keretheriel couldn't quite hide the mirth that crept in, curling across her lips attractively as she stared up at her oh-so-benevolent Creator.
"Would it better meet your expectations if I see the brilliance in your designs for me and make haste to gain what approval you will give for my effort at enlightenment?"
The words were mocking, but the tone was sincere. The Siren metaphorically marched directly to where the 'line' might reside, determined to find out precisely where it was. There was the possibility that she might have mistaken the amount of patience the Magistrate had, but there was reasonable cause for such circumstances. There was power in this room. Specifically, in this man. If Keretheriel seemed more alive and attentive and aggressive than she had in all of the time since her awakening, there was solid ground for it. And really, her counter shouldn't be mistaken for a lack of cooperation. She wasn't offering the Magistrate contempt or derision: she simply wasn't going to let him think for one moment that he'd successfully emotionally manipulated her. She wasn't one of his puppets, and he'd already established that she would be granted safe passage out of the City beforehand. Unless that was one promise that happened to be a particularly inconvenient untruth from Dorya, much like the assurance that Viers' presence would remain undisclosed. . . Though if Keretheriel suddenly experienced any unbalance at that thought, Alpha would never know. It was simply a calculated risk that she hadn't actually calculated.
"I have no doubt that any proposal you offered would have its share of benefits."
The Siren's expression melted down into something slightly more serious. I'm listening. . . Another forward step and the flowing silk of her dress would actually be close enough to brush against his more austere attire. The tips of slender fingers would trail across ethereally pale skin before finally dropping away from the swell of her breasts, both hands loose at her sides and somewhat obscured by long plumes of lavender.
"Other than that you command a Council of Nine and that Vascxious Sigma is neutral, I can admit that I know very little about how you govern your City. . ."
Keretheriel stared up at Alpha and the possibility that she considered reaching up to touch that mask might cross his mind. . .
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Jan 20, 2015 13:05:31 GMT -5
Virianus Devinian smiled beneath his mask as Keretheriel spoke, her sarcasm in no way lost on him as she attempted to engage in her bit of theater. She used her body partly to make her chosen point, as the Magistrate himself often did as well, with every gesture meant to entice even as it reinforced the narrative she had began to concoct. Alpha didn’t hesitate to respond in kind, though he chose to leave his body language primarily out of it, at least this time.
”Your lack of perspective in this matter can surely be attributed to exactly that which I just mentioned, Keretheriel: when one only takes power for themselves, choosing not the wiser path of also giving some of that power to others through recognition of the power such allies can exponentially add to yours, they rarely understand the investment inherent in the act of giving strength. As you grow and mature in your own strength, my dear, I am certain you will gain access to a much more developed view of what it means to invest your strength in others. A lesson Arktouros might have taught you, had he the wisdom to do so.”
The Magistrate still straightened, though he did so slowly, looking down on the much smaller Siren with an expression that was wholly unreadable beneath his masked veneer. True, the woman was not being combative, but she had also chosen to play in territory of which she did not fathom the scope, a fact that would become readily evident to her, should she choose to pay attention.
”To think our earlier exchange would cause me to leave with no future hopes for your development is an essential representation of your naiveté, darling, but not an unexpected one. Suffice to say, I have watched you closely since our first meeting, and I assure you that I am not the only one who has. Perhaps, given your perspective, my offer holds more advantages for you than even I realized originally, should you choose to take advantage of them.”
Alpha’s tone was impeccably even, without a hint of derision or condescension seeping into his language through any means, save perhaps interpretation of the words themselves. In fact, his tone was causally amused, as if the woman had presented the Magistrate with a great opportunity for personal enjoyment through her implementation of conversational tact, or lack thereof.
”You are almost correct. The city is governed by a Council of eight, with the ninth seat reserved for the Magistrate of the city, who acts as arbiter and judicator, but does not have a vote unto himself except in the occurrence of a stalemate.”
Now Virianus chose to step back, turning from Kereth and moving to look out the large window across the room. Gesturing for the woman to look with him via a subtle sweep of his arm, Alpha gestured grandly to the cityscape laid out before them.
”Each of the eight Counselors represents one of the eight districts of Vascxious Sigma, and each district has its own unique character, constituents, and governmental agencies and responsibilities. You can imagine that in a city with more than twelve million citizens contains powerful, diverse organizations dedicated to serving those citizens in some way, and therefore each single elected Counselor commands organizations containing hundreds of thousands of employees, with each agency designed to serve tens of millions of individual citizens.”
Alpha would turn toward Kereth and lock eyes with her, the slate grey of his gaze peering from beneath the mask with an unmitigated level of intensity.
”Knowing this, understand that each member of the Council has a great responsibility to this city, and with tat responsibility comes a massive amount of personal power an influence, gifts that stretch beyond the boundaries of the city itself and into the world at large. I had you brought here specifically, Keretheriel, for the purpose of offering you a seat on the Vascxious Sigma City Council, along with all the power and responsibility that comes with such an appointment.”
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Post by Keretheriel on Jan 20, 2015 21:17:03 GMT -5
The Siren's features softened somewhat as she stared up into the masked visage of the Magistrate, her lips parting subtly as she closed more of the distance between them. There would be no interruption as he spoke, but the petite vixen would most certainly let one of her hands drift upward, the soft pad of her thumb tracing delicately where red met black. Keretheriel gave no indication that she had any intention to do anything more than touch, and though the woman was certainly bold it wasn't in her nature to be forceful in that way: if she truly had desire to see the face of Alpha then she'd use different tactics altogether.
He had not come up short in her estimation: Alpha was every bit the part of an established World Leader and more.
She'd taken her sweet time in getting around to venturing into the Trade City, but that was for good reason. Arktouros had been killed and it was a perfect opportunity to explore the world that had changed so much─ and yet so little─ and her swift travels had given her fair insight to what world powers existed now. Azaleth was one of the few Cities that was essentially the same, somewhat smaller, but still had the markings of the empire it had been centuries before. Risis had somehow vanished overnight and had been replaced by warring factions─ savages that scavenged from each other while the Cities looked the other way, either unable to deal with the territory or else apathetic to the civil unrest. Faédras had fallen into nothingness, taken back by its natural surroundings. The Akrathi, the Kethirans, the Necromancers to the West─ these fixtures that were part of her former life had been buried by time.
There was almost nothing that called to mind the days when she walked the world in leather and armor instead of silks and furs.
Now there was Vascxious Sigma, the economic giant that was a bastion of neutrality and prosperity. There were the empires of Black Sun and Celesin: Black Sun being run by a very young woman that had no real establishment and an inability to breed stability for her City while Celesin was spearheaded by a prolific Emperor that claimed descent from some Dragon God or another─ she'd found Celesin to be hollow and impotent in their imperialistic aspirations.
And there was Alpha.
The Magistrate was the only political figure that hadn't failed to impress. Really, she shouldn't expect any less from the man she'd made her bargain for power with, and though his visible resume certainly did much to earn her respect the Siren wasn't so taken as to be blind to what lay beneath his eloquence.
Her hand would linger where his 'face' had been for a moment or two when he stepped away before dropping back to her side absently. She listened closely before making any move to respond: to do otherwise would be foolish. It was only when he finished speaking that the petite vixen, ignoring how his gaze fixed on her, moved to stand beside him and look out over the Cityscape.
”You make it sound as if our exchange granted me entry to some elite gathering that I've not yet fully realized.” The tones of that rich voice were playful in their challenge.
”You also make it sound inevitable that our paths should cross again, if I am to trust that my route through the age has been observed as closely as you say.” Those otherworldly eyes surveyed the clear sky above the steam haze before wandering back to meet the Magistrate's gaze.
”You look to fortify your own power through mine. The opportunity you speak of sounds more like a tether to keep me firm to your stronghold.”
Her accent thickened, almost husky, as her body turned to face the much taller figure.
”If I accept any proposal from you, Magistrate, it is with the understanding that I have always been and will remain free to make my own choices. . . Or is that more of what you consider naivete? I walked away from our 'exchange' and did precisely as I wished. I did not think to act on what you might expect of me and because of this I am foolish? Our deal was not simply a beginning to some eternal bond. You Created me, but I am not Yours.”
She paused and the force that had been gathering in her frame and darkening the room lessened somewhat. This was the tax she'd feared. He considered that because he'd help get her where she was that she might look to him as a mentor of sorts. Keretheriel had her share of mentors and guides in her time as a Guardian: that wasn't a collar she looked to wear ever again.
”Would you still offer me a seat then, knowing that I would choose to be your ally but that I refuse to honor your expectations?”
The distance between them diminished and she stared up at him, the smirk gone from her lips but not her eyes. . .
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Jan 21, 2015 11:51:20 GMT -5
As Keretheriel reached upwards to touch the mask of the Magistrate, she would suddenly find her wrist firmly encapsulated in Virianus’ firm grip, pausing her fingers just inches before they reached his face. The hold was done without notation or comment, with Alpha continuing to speak as if he had not moved at all. However, the intense rigidity of the hold would only loosen as Alpha chose to move away, leaving Kereth to draw her own conclusions to the meaning of the motions.
Soft chuckles filtered through the mask as Alpha listened to Kereth speak, and he would respectfully wait for her to finish her thought before responding, just as she had done moments before.
”You are misinterpreting my meaning, and therefore coming to the wrong conclusion, my dear. However, you are right about one thing – it was inevitable that our paths were to cross again, I believe.”
Alpha was confident that the Siren was unused to being the less cryptic participant in a given conversation, and therefore her assumptions at his meanings, if they were true assumptions at all, were drawn from a less nuanced understanding of Alpha than was required in order to begin comprehending his motives and meanings. However, Keretheriel was a fast learner, and soon enough she would begin to be able to draw more accurate conclusions as to how the Magistrate usually operated . . . if she paid attention, that is.
”Benefiting personally from the rise of another is not as indelicate and ham-fisted matter as you would make it seem. When you are in a position such as I, which you may well be someday, you will realize that what supports your own aspirations becomes a broad, sweeping set of variables, within which those who you choose to empower can add to your success through simply acting on their own desires and goals. Naturally, this requires surrounding oneself with the right individuals, those whose aspirations are similar or complimentary to your own, but when you empower the right person to act on their own accord, their personal success becomes a boon to your own through the very nature of like association.”
What Alpha was describing was abstract, but perhaps Kereth would be able to draw the inference he meant from his sweeping words: that he had brought her here precisely because of who she was and what she may want to accomplish, counting more on her proximity than fealty to assist in his own success.
”To be more general, as the city succeeds, so too do I. And, the power you gain by taking on the mantle of Counselor both allows you a wider berth with which to pursue your own designs while lending your considerable expertise to the benefit of the city as a whole. If my offer were to make you beholden to any, my darling, it would be to the responsibilities of the office, and therefore responsibility for the people of this city, not I. And great responsibilities though they can be, at times, the benefit of personal access and authority more than balances the demands of the position in your favor.”
Alpha turned himself to look over the city, eying the wide expanse of endless skyscrapers and gleaming city lights.
“You speak of your part in an elite gathering, yet you misunderstand when such a status was granted you: when I took notice of you first, before our exchange, I decided that I wished to see you grow, as I have decided with others both before you and since. It is from that desire to witness your success that this offer was born.”
Virianus eyed Keretheriel sidelong.
”You say you have done exactly what you wished with the power I gave you: I do not believe that this is the case. When you first came to my attention, it was due to your thirst for more, a thirst I dare surmise has not abated, even with what you have achieved.
“I see you now, sure and complete, but still irrelevant in the wider world. As impactful as you have been and could still be, you have been erased from the annals of history – your former mentor has seen to that quite admirably. Does it pain you, that he is remembered and yet you are forgotten?
“My expectations, then, have only not been met in that I had wished you a greater place in history than that which you have been given thus far. Before, I offered you personal strength, strength enough to do as you wished with yourself and free yourself of the yoke of your former commitments. Now I offer you much more – a way to use that power you have cultivated with new influence, hoisting you onto a stage that before you could only see from your place in the audience.
"Had I wished my new Counselor to simply mimic my thoughts and designs, Keretheriel, I would not have chosen you. In truth, I would not have chosen any who now sit on the Council, were that my goal: it is through their choices- your choices- not mine, that the city prospers and grows. Meet your responsibilities and use your influence as you see fit: I shall only offer you wisdom and guidance, never stipulation.”
The Magistrate crossed his arms in front of his body and peered out to the city, seemingly pensive.
”Now, what is your descision?”
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Post by Keretheriel on Jan 21, 2015 15:10:37 GMT -5
The only real change in the Siren's is the sudden smirk that blossomed across her features when the Magistrate caught her wrist, prohibiting her from touching that mask. Her fingers relaxed and she made no effort to encourage him to release her, understanding the force of his grip wouldn't allow it regardless. It was an interesting reaction, and it enticed her.
She could scarcely keep the corners of her mouth from twitching at the sound of his mirth escaping from behind that mask. The desire to reach for him, to trace the outline of that Jester's Smile was not easily suppressed and soon Keretheriel found herself pressed nearly flush to the taller figure's form. The Siren wouldn't be interrupting him, turning only to look out over the City briefly when he did before reverting her gaze back to his.
By the time he offered a sidelong stare, the smirk had returned to pull at lush lips. Even as he spoke of her hungry nature and the work Arktouros had done to ensure her erasure that expression remained fixed, unchanged. If he touched any spots that were sore Keretheriel wouldn't give him any satisfaction by reacting. When at last he reached the end of his remarks those fever-bright eyes dropped away from him so that she could stare outside, that shockingly pale gaze becoming slightly glazed as she considered his offer. He'd said precisely what she needed to hear, that he wouldn't look to chain her down or restrict her choices. Despite her general immunity to such things, she couldn't help but find it somewhat charming─ flattering even─ that he expressed such interest in her. There was a certain high to be found in the circumstances: the former Guardian stood in the tallest Tower in an extremely influential City having a conversation with someone who could arguably be the most powerful man in the world. And not any mundane conversation either. . . He was offering her power that seemed to come with only indirect strings attached, but also a very direct proclamation that it would be preferable to him that she acted under her own interests. Alpha had been watching closely enough to know what she'd bite, and if she were being less impulsive she might think harder on what was left unsaid. It wasn't terribly long before she murmured in reply.
”You've always known how to draw up a solid deal. . .”
Her posture straightened and those eyes flashed back to his, her voice stronger when she spoke again.
”I suppose I should thank Arktouros for being so thorough in wiping the slate clean for me. Otherwise I'd have quite the reputation to try to mitigate, no? Tell me Alpha, does it cause you any unease to know the woman you invite to sit at your table carries the moniker 'Betrayer?'”
A short, pleasant laugh left her then.
”I think it wouldn't, not when you know it is your hand that made it possible. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to run far or fast enough─ to live long enough to be branded such.”
She'd never thanked him for that, had she. Those eyes, dangerous in color and alluring in nature, dropped to where his arms crossed and she didn't bother to stifle the desire to run a fingertip along the top of first one forearm and then, where it crossed over the other, follow the path to its eventual end.
”What do you really want from me, Alpha? How does giving me what I want benefit you?”
Thick lashes lifted so that clear, icy stare could bind to his.
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Post by Virianus Devinian on Jan 21, 2015 16:02:30 GMT -5
Virianus smiled beneath his grinning jester’s veneer – the Siren was finally choosing to become a more willing partner in his designs. As she spoke of titles, the Magistrate waved his hand dismissively as to her comment.
”I hardly take occasion to care for what titles one or another is branded with over time. I am certain that I have been labeled with far more damaging monikers than yours over my years.”
As she claimed, Alpha was a great part in the fact that the woman had been able to earn that title from the Guardians in the first place, with his gift allowing her to survive a situation in which she would have otherwise perished. However, save for how it directly related to her state of mind, her past dealings with the Guardians seemed to be unable to hold the Magistrate’s interest.
However, as Kereth reached out to try and touch the Magistrate yet again, for a second time Alpha would catch her wrist, holding it in a firm grip as he spoke in response to her otherwise-subtle action.
”Though I know such is part of your character, Keretheriel, and though I can also imagine that your physical needs have not been met to your satisfaction in quite some time, I would advise you against making physical advances, inconsequential as they might be, whilst we discuss such important business matters.”
The steely grey stare of the Magistrate would intensely follow his words, not with anger, but with a force that equaled the calm hold of his grip. After a moment, Alpha would release her wrist again and turn back toward the cityscape, continuing to address her questions as if nothing else had been said at all.
”When I told you that the Council is made up of eight members, I am afraid I was not speaking entirely accurately. There are eight Council seats, five of which are currently filled, leaving three vacancies corresponding to three equally important districts. You can imagine how this might be an issue, considering the size of the areas those Council seats are meant to govern.” Alpha turned his body back toward Kereth, but then began a slow pace of walking around her, stepping first behind her back and then circling to come face her at her front as he spoke. Assuming she did not turn, his eventual endpoint placing his body between the Siren and her view of the city, the Magistrate’s hands clasped carefully behind his back.
”The Council, after its first incarnation, nominates and elects its own members in almost all cases, with myself simply acting as arbiter and, if necessary, a veto vote against especially troubling candidates. However, given the particular circumstances, I have managed to cultivate an opportunity that allows me to nominate one potential Counselor for confirmation in an extremely short time frame, and it is this opportunity that makes your visit to my city all the more timely, since I had you in mind for the position since this opportunity became apparent.”
Standing before her directly again, Alpha bent forward once more, bring his masked face quite close to Kereth’s as he hushed his tone, creating a sense of intimacy that, thus far, their interaction had not even hinted at.
”While your true benefit to this city is, at this point, both unknowable and, by nature, immeasurable, in the short term your appointment assists me in two ways. First, I receive a competent Counselor to handle a particularly troubled district: one, I might add, that many others would like to have for themselves. However, more important to me right now is the effect your personality will have on the rest of the Council. As you will see, some of the remaining members have become complacent and tied themselves up in their positions, refusing to work either with or against each other to break the status quo. We have come upon what seems to be developing into a dynamic time for this region, with many potential opportunities for the city’s betterment and the expansion of its influence, and therefore it is my wish that a new appointment to the Council would inject a small bit of chaos into the mix of personalities, stirring the Council into more aggressive action. I find that a moderate level of contention and unease between Counselors breeds better progress for the city as a whole, and you, my dear, can imbibe the Council chambers with such just by the very nature of your personality.”
The Magistrate straightened his body, returning his tone and vocal level to normal as he sought to casually sum up the situation.
”Your nomination has been left in my hands, with the vote to confirm you to the Council taking place in only five days. I have no care to influence the other two empty seats on the Council – the Counselors themselves, as well as you, should you accept, will be at will to choose the best candidates for the job. However, whatever the outcome, this Council needs to be complete to function as it should, and likewise it needs new blood, which comes with fresh perspectives and practices, to be truly effective in dealing with the world that is to come.”
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Post by Keretheriel on Jan 21, 2015 17:08:47 GMT -5
For the second time the Magistrate caught her dainty wrist in an iron hold, but this time offered neutral reprimand in addition. The smirk that curled across her lips in response was positively wicked and the Siren's weight shifted from one foot to the other when he released her. His sterile reaction begged the question: did her touch provoke him because it was part of her character? Because it was almost certainly expected and therefore insincere? Somehow she doubted it was because he separated his business transactions from those of pleasure: people like them did what was necessary to get what they wanted and rules like that were needlessly restrictive. She wondered idly what it would take to entice him to react more heatedly. . .
She turned back toward the view of the City after he did, listening to his clarification on the Council. When he circled her, she paused and settled herself against the want to follow his path with burning eyes: his own performance was electric, and she delighted in how her body responded, the dangerous thrill of interacting with him enhanced by the deliberately slow pace he employed. Now let's not mistake her enjoyment for enthrallment: the Siren was simply appreciative when someone could put on an entertaining show and the Magistrate was proving to be an excellent Dancer. His touch was delicate, subtle, and timed incredibly well. If she didn't use the same methods herself she'd have a difficult time keeping him from inflating her sense of self-worth and rendering her almost entirely malleable to his designs. As it was, she was finding it increasingly less rational to keep him from getting what he wanted if only because he'd piqued her interest enough to alter what she might have wanted in the first place.
By the time Alpha leaned toward her, bringing the surface of that mask within inches of her features, Keretheriel was already tilting her face up toward him. Hungry after his glacial rejection the Siren lessened the distance betwixt them even further, stilling only when her mouth was mere millimeters from brushing that Jester's Grin. With a stare that had become smoky in the last few seconds Keretheriel let those piercing eyes drop to his 'mouth' before searing a path back up to his own eyes as he spoke. With every word the Siren's lips curved more and more until her mirth couldn't be contained in expression alone no matter how distinct that expression happened to be. A quiet laugh shook bare shoulders as he straightened, wrapping up his exposition in short order.
”You understand exactly what it is you invite onto your Council then and, by your own admission, you'd not have it any other way. By nature I fulfill your needs, and perhaps you will fulfill mine. . .” The Siren spared the time for a suggestive grin then.
”I will accept your offer, Magistrate. I will be your new blood. . .”
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