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Post by Keretheriel on Aug 17, 2016 0:01:33 GMT -5
Tahliya would be met with a view of the Siren's turned back― once the Magistrate departed Kereth had returned to the window to look outward on the Cityscape. It was quickly becoming a habit to regard those twinkling lights from her position on high. The vixen's armed were crossed and she hadn't bothered to adjust the sheer fabric of her robe to be re-centered over her shoulders.
"Mm?" There was a short pause. Clearly the Siren had been lost in thought.
"Interesting? Ah, yes. That is one word for it." Her tone darkened perceptibly as she glanced over her shoulder, allowing Tahliya to claim her focus.
"I take it that is not usual behavior for our dear Magistrate?"
Keretheriel's tone had lightened considerably as she quickly sorted through some semblance of composing herself for a round of conversation with her Aide.
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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Aug 17, 2016 0:12:18 GMT -5
Tahliya watched the woman carefully, observing her shifts and changes in tone and body language. The Operative was built to be like a sponge for affect and intention - those qualities assisted her greatly in her Operative role, and her current situation required their use just as much as any mission. Still, the manner in which Keretheriel, and also Alpha when in her presence, acted was still unfamiliar to Tahliya, though she felt she was quickly beginning to understand the moves on the game board each was making a bit better.
"I can't say if the visit itself was usual or not - no one knows anything about the Magistrate's comings and goings, or who he is visiting when. Well, except maybe Raife, his assistant."
Tahliya paused briefly as she mentally sorted what she had heard, and what the possible meaning was.
"I can't really say anything - not definitively. I don't understand either of your positions, at least not yet. There's clearly something Alpha wants from you, though - and just as clearly something you want from him."
If there was innuendo in Tahliya's remark, she kept any betraying sign off her face as she said it and delivered the lines in a matter-of-fact way.
"He's protective of Floraelia, of course, but that seemed as though it meant something else." Tahliya dropped her chin and let the sentence hang in order to imply that she had no idea what that particular something else was.
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Post by Keretheriel on Aug 17, 2016 0:36:33 GMT -5
The Siren relaxed somewhat, permitting her upper body to lean against the cold glass she'd been staring through only moments before. So even Tahliya was unsure of the Magistrate's customary behavior. Certainly that kept things interesting― what didn't in this City? Kereth watched the other woman attentively as she continued to speak.
"There is always something Alpha wants― there is always something everyone wants. If I understood what it was Alpha wanted from me, past what little he has offered up, I would not be so uneasy. I am no fool: I know it is a very dangerous thing, to play games with those like Alpha."
Perhaps her expression seemed wistful before it suddenly shifted into somber intensity.
"Is there anything else, anything you haven't told me of Floraelia that would explain the depth of his protectiveness? Anything that could tell me why he would look to bestow his warning unto me himself and not through the words of another?"
There was something Kereth was missing and the fact that she hadn't pieced it together yet was beginning to eat away at her.
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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Jun 22, 2017 20:57:47 GMT -5
The Operative though carefully for a moment about Keretheriel's question, uncharacteristically biting at her bottom lip in a gentle, somewhat alluring display of thought that most certainly was affected.
It suddenly occurred to Tahliya just how much she did not know about Floraelia and Alpha - from their origins to their relationship, as well as the possible significance of either. As an Operative, Tahliya had always focused on analyzing the targets of her given assignments, and when she spent time examining the Council and its particular members, she had always focused on those clearly vying for power more than the fixtures. As a result, Tahliya knew quite a bit about Søren, and Aeorex, and had substantially less information regarding Ishmael, Callixta, and Floraelia. Tahliya didn't hesitate to say as much to Kereth, though she did expand on what she was aware of in a free-thought manner of speech.
"I know less than I would normally care to admit about Floraelia. Generally, the closer one gets to Alpha, the more their truth is obscured in his shadow: Floraelia is both a mystery and a very obvious fixture of the Council. She is consistent in the way she acts, and outwardly seems to hid nothing. Ishmael is similar, even making no attempt to hide his inhuman nature, as well as his connection to Alpha."
Tahliya's dark eyes met Kereth's, and it would likely be clear to the Siren that her aide was not holding anything vital back.
"What I venture very few know about Floraelia is where exactly she came from. Alpha claims her as his daughter, but it seems unlikely that the link between them is that simple, especially in the biological sense. I would venture that few know anything of substance about Alpha's own origins, or even his true nature - but I find it hard to believe that Floraelia was born from his line in any sort of natural way - especially considering that it has been said that she appeared fully-grown in the city when she was put on the Council. There certainly aren't any records or recollections from other long-standing members of the Vascxious elite that indicate she was ever in the city as a child, and there has never been mention of her mother to my knowledge."
The Operative shook her head lightly. Floraelia was actually much more mysterious than most assumed; yet, the woman seemed so genuine and inconspicuous, most in the Tower, with Tahliya herself included, didn't take a second look at her. Except for . .
"Søren."
Tahliya spoke the word aloud as soon as she thought it.
"The only one on the Council that I know is suspicious of Floraelia is Søren. Aeorex is too enamored, Ishmael likely doesn't care, and Callixta is too close to Alpha to be forthcoming. If you want to know more about Floraelia, asking the Queen Bitch herself might be the thing to do. Though, timing might make it a moot point, depending on what Søren has gotten herself into this evening and the urgency of Floraelia's communiqué."
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Post by Keretheriel on Jun 28, 2017 18:07:33 GMT -5
Keretheriel closely observed the other woman and her out-of-character lipbite. The faintest smirk pulled at the edges of her mouth before she refocused on what Tahliya meant to say, choosing to receive it at face value. It seemed her Aide was leveling with her― a detail that did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. At the admission of the full extent, or lack thereof, of Tahliya's knowledge of Floraelia and the possible truth to her parentage the Siren's posture straightened, her arms crossing so that she could rest the point of her chin atop a loosely-curled fist.
"Ah. Søren. The Sixth District Counselor that is being threatened by Alpha himself. I wonder if she might enjoy the chance to help me, how do you say? Light a fire? Stir the pot? If she is resentful at all of the status Floraelia, a false daughter, enjoys then mayhap she would be open to a partnership."
Keretheriel let out a slow breath, her finger tapping a slow cadence against the side of her face.
"You will meet with Floraelia and be the helpful Aide, my Tah-lee-hah. In the meantime, please arrange a meeting for me with Søren. I will be indisposed and so unfortunately unable to grace Floraelia with my presence until I have the chance to strategize further. I believe our stroking of the other Counselors must be timed very well if we expect to be successful."
And I will not allow Alpha to dictate my methods. . .
The Siren allowed a smirk to blossom on her lips as pale eyes flashed at the thought.
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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Jun 28, 2017 18:55:58 GMT -5
Tahliya couldn't help but smirk at the Siren's response. Clearly, Alpha had known what he was doing when he appointed Kereth: the woman had already begun to grasp the intricacies of interpersonal Council politics, with very little assistance. If the Magistrate had been hoping to shake things up within the Council chambers, Keretheriel seemed more than happy to oblige.
"I'm pretty sure Søren will capitalize on any opportunity to cause trouble - she's generally contrary by nature."
The amount of scorn evident in the Operative's speech was very tightly controlled, but Kereth would not likely miss Tahliya's opinion of the diminutive mage. As the Siren spoke her response, Tahliya wasted no time in removing her communikay from her pocket, flipping it open, and writing a series of quick messages. The first would be sent through the Operative channel directly to Floraelia's terminal - she wouldn't be able to trace the sender, but the content of the message would make it clear who was reaching out.
The second message took a bit of strategy. Since Keretheriel was not an official Councilor, she did not have an office communikay channel that Tahliya could exploit to make a message to the Sixth District Councilor seem more official, so instead the Operative used her access to essentially co-opt the Magistrate's Office channel in order to send a message to Søren's terminal. The whole process took less than two minutes, and once it was complete, Tahliya snapped her communikay closed and pocketed it again, turning back to Kereth.
"I've indicated that I'm available to meet with Floraelia. As soon as I receive a response, I can go ahead and get that done so it does not interfere with any other plans we might have. I've also sent your message to the Sixth District office using the Magistrate's authority, so it will be flagged as extremely high priority - as soon as I get a response I will inform you."
Tahliya then managed to create a very convincing replica of the Siren's smirk on her own lips.
"Anything else I should arrange for you while I'm at it?"
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Post by Keretheriel on Jul 7, 2017 22:43:14 GMT -5
Keretheriel's smirk deepened at Tahliya's remark on the Councilor's nature. It was going to be a delicate situation to navigate considering the strong distaste her Aide seemed to have for Sixth District's Council-Elect. Perhaps it was to her benefit that Tahliya would be occupied with meeting Floraelia: her absence would hopefully increase the chances of a successful first impression. Truthfully, the Siren was already intent on doing her part of the glad-handing and suddenly that was predicated on making a very good impression on Søren Kiirkegré: she had no intention of burning any bridges before they were built with Floraelia, but somehow her status rubbed the vixen raw. As she saw it allying too closely with Floraelia meant a tighter leash held by Alpha. Entangling herself further with no exit strategy was a very undesirable outcome.
The Siren watched closely as her Aide took the time to mete out the messages needed. It was a marvel, yes? The level of communication that was possible here in Vascxious Sigma. Silent-but-talking little boxes that one could tap on and send the equivalent of a parchment and wax seal. Had they devices such as these during the time of the Akrathi Wars perhaps they would have been won much more quickly. The wonder of this place was still fresh and Kereth was determined to savor it so long as it did not conspire to orchestrate her undoing. She knew that though these things had the appearance of magic to her, magic they were not― she would need to master them until they were mundane. One thing at a time. . .
Kereth's body resumed a standing posture and the Siren eyed the stunning nighttime Cityscape view for a moment before making a gesture to Tahliya to follow her.
"Let us go downstairs, Tah-lee-hah, and wait for their responses on your little box."
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Post by Tahliya Carystian on Jul 8, 2017 10:19:48 GMT -5
Tahliya felt the communikay in her pocket buzz as Keretheriel was speaking, and when flipping it open, took note that she had received messages back from both the Sixth and Second District Councilors. Typing quick affirmations to both and repocketing the device, the Operative nodded in affirmation to the Siren's suggestion.
"I've gotten affirmative responses from both parties, and I indicated to Søren that you will meet her in the first floor lobby of this building. In the meantime, I'll have to head back to the Tower - Floraelia's office is there."
Tahliya glanced quickly toward the window - not to, as Kereth had, enjoy the outside view, but to use her dim reflection to check her new look and assure herself she was 'public-ready.' The silver-grey and teal highlights and the way the garments colors matcher her pervasive skin markings gave the Operative an elegant, as well as modernly-fashionable, look that was growing on Tahliya. She was still unsure and uncomfortable with her hair loose and curled as it was, and she noticed that at some point during the conversation with Alpha or the Siren she had tucked her hair back over her right ear in order to get it a touch more away from her face. Overall, however, the look was an effective camouflage in the center of the city, though far more eye-catching than the Operative's normal. Tahliya took a moment to grab her coat and gloves from the front closet in order to cover up once outside - the cold wasn't an issue for her personally, but it would be impossible to blend in at street level in something sleeveless.
At Kereth's insistence, Tahliya would open the door and step out into the hallway. Once the Siren had passed, the Operative would carefully relock the door and secure one of the two keys in her coat pocket before handing the other to Kereth.
"Since these plans call for us to separate, I would recommend that you take some sort of protection with you. Though, admittedly, given Søren's position, she's likely one of the safest people in the city to be with."
Assuming Kereth didn't want protection, the two women would venture down the hallway to the lift and take it to the lobby. Once there, Tahliya would leave Keretheriel in order to take transit to the Tower to meet with Floraelia.
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Post by Keretheriel on Jul 8, 2017 21:49:06 GMT -5
Silken, midnight hair shined in the lighting as Kereth's chin dipped, affirming her understanding. Those little contraptions really were something.
Keretheriel did not miss the other woman's pause to check her reflection out, but the Siren did not draw attention to it. It was promising that Tah-lee-hah was already reshaping herself. What was authentic and what was affected didn't matter so much at the moment. As far as Kereth was concerned it was the long-term pattern that mattered most. The Siren recognized that it would take some time of learning the other woman's baseline before she could have any degree of skill in reading her. It would be pointless then, to take anything she learned now as fact. The only constant she could trust is that Tahliya desired a seat at the table and control of herself.
She followed Tahliya closely, her own attire beginning to shift into something less eye-catching for the public. Thinking back to what it was Søren was in charge of and considering that she still had a personality to reflect Kereth kept it mild. Heavy silks of deep violet unfurled as the creams and ivory of her dressing gown was shed: a fitted bodice, but not too tight; a neckline that flattered but did not entice. Draping sleeves that accented that supernaturally pale skin of hers and a simple black necklace of crushed velvet and stones that glittered against the middle of her neck were the final touches. Her hair remained down, loose and with the slightest curl for softness.
"Tah-lee-hah, my dear, I do not require protection, but I certainly appreciate that you are thinking this way about me. . ." Kereth fixed her with an even stare, the edges of her mouth curling into the slightest smirk.
"I will see you soon enough, Lovely." She bid her farewell before pocketing the key handed to her and moving in the direction of the lift.
On the way down that smirk blossomed.
Now then, it was time to learn more about the Trade City and its ruling class.
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