|
Post by Drænník Foravían on May 4, 2015 21:30:55 GMT -5
Drænník Foravían stepped through the lift doors with an easy grace, charcoal eyes sweeping the empty interior with an unreadable expression. It wasn't often that he had reason to venture here, into the inner sanctum of Vascxious Sigma's most high Council. The edge of his lips curled faintly and his pace slowed. He could smell them all, pick out each individual scent that represented every single occupied Seat. From the rusted, inanimate musk of Alpha's inhuman pet, Ishmaél to the thick scent of smoke and leather that clung to Aeorex: they were all there. Callixta's magic and Floraelia's Light. Søren's sulk. The Fiend paused at the last Seat, the one that, until recently, had held the King woman Esarhaddon. Such a shame, really, what had happened to her. The tip of his index finger, protected by pristine white silk, grazed the edge of the armrest as dark grey eyes caressed the outline of Third District's Seat. His stare held for a few heartbeats and then just as easily slid away to fixate on the raised throne of the Magistrate.
Raife had informed him the Magistrate would be indisposed for a few more minutes and subsequently directed him to meet Alpha in the office adjacent to the City Seat. Drænník took the time to adjust his collar before moving past Fourth's Seat, letting his left hand trail behind him so the digits could brush gently along the edge of Third's Seat. Those finely-sculpted lips stretched into a dark smirk as the Fiend picked up the pace again, his long stride quickly covering the remaining ground to the entrance to Alpha's office. Without waiting for an invitation Drænník let himself in and closed the door quietly behind him to wait for Virianus Devinian and the de-briefing that would follow. . .
|
|
|
Post by Ishmaél Mirr on Aug 6, 2015 19:37:29 GMT -5
Ishmaél smiled pleasantly to Floraelia, though he did not directly respond to her assertion, for it required no affirmation in order to make it ring true. The change in lift destination did cause the overlarge Counselor to nod in assent however – it was good that they were getting business done quickly, for such would give the both of them more time to appropriately act. Ishmaél was fairly certain that the next week of time would be crucial when it came to resolving the balance of the City’s capital assets, and therefore he wished to begin placing his pieces on the board before the landscape could be set incorrectly by others.
To Aeorex, Ishmaél made certain to nod, his blank eyes locking on the CEO’s with an uncomfortable focus that the CEO would feel, but undoubtedly not shirk from. His smile appeared at the end of Aeorex’s words, but it contained no warmth – however, such was to be expected of the stone-faced district leader, and therefore surely Aeorex would not take offense or, alternatively, think Ishmaél disingenuous; his record spoke for itself in that regard, as far as the man himself was concerned.
”Sooner then it shall be: I will be eagerly awaiting your message, and respond to it in the shortest time possible.”
As the lift doors opened and Floraelia spoke her last to the male CEO and stepped from the metallic contraption, Ishmaél did the same, following in the wintery footsteps of the white-haired maiden, though he made sure to turn, just so, and offer Aeorex a curt nod before the lift doors would seal themselves between the two, now separated, parties. Ishmaél, of course, would allow Floraelia to take the lead, and as she stepped within her office, so too would he, following just behind the hem of her proverbial coattails. Once the door was closed and the room sealed from outside ears, the stone-faced Council member cut directly to the chase, speaking carefully as his blank eyes kept close watch on Floraelia’s reaction.
”This matter of nominees has me concerned, Floraelia, and therefore I thought to ask your assistance with it. You know my manner, of course, and understand the depth of responsibilities placed on me in the current moment, and therefore I know well that I will find it difficult to break away from other duties in order to hunt down a suitable candidate, or more, for the Council elections. Given your impeccable judge of character, I thought to ask your advice in finding a suitable replacement for one of our wayward friends. Any to suggest, those perhaps you had in mind?”
|
|
Aeorex Khestralicht
Initiated
Posts: 19
Title: Council-Elect for Third District, CEO of Ouroboros
|
Post by Aeorex Khestralicht on Aug 10, 2015 23:11:12 GMT -5
Remaining in his rather relaxed, if not presentably comfortable posture of a loose parade rest, he made no indication of preparing to follow the pair as they arrived at their destined floor. After all, much as they had matters of their own to attend to, so did he. Despite the lovely Floraelia's inability to maintain a constant contact with his visored gaze, he was far from merciful enough to do the same, and kept his gaze directed upon her, even as the lift pinged, and she gave him the most formal of curtsies. The slightest arch of his back lead him to bow only a few inches in response, his grin deepening somewhat.
“For you, do trust that I will certainly make time. I am very much interested to hear how your visit went.”
Turning his attention to Ishmael, his back straightened, and he slowly returned the nod, seeming at the very least undisturbed by the questionable sincereity in the Council Member's smile; he and Ishmael, at least, had always been able to work agreeably with one another, and he had no reason to doubt the other's intentions.
“I look forward to it. Until then.”
Regarding either with his hidden gaze, he was still until the opened doors finally slid to a close, and his descent of the Tower continued. Fetching his communikay from the confines of his jacket once more, he checked for any further notifications on the security concern at hand, followed by updates on the status of his many business-related affiliations. Within moments, he was stepping into the cool air of the Tower's private courtyard to, once again, approach and board his personal airship.
As the wind around the craft kicked up, whipping about snow and steam alike in any amount, he sat back in one of the vehicle's many functionally efficient, though not entirely comfortable chairs. It was, after all, far removed from the idea of luxury, and seemed more appropriate as a drop-vehicle for the Peacekeepers. Thumbing through information on his communikay, he barely spared a glance out of the otherwise empty cabin's small viewports. Bear and Sparrow had, by now, moved onto their next assignments, and had more important things to do than constantly hold his hand.
Ah, that's right. Kodiak; Bear insisted on the name Kodiak, now. Perhaps he'd finally decided he wanted to be a tad more urbanized in their current jungle. Took him long enough.
{ Location Change: Aeorex Khestralicht to O. Holdings; Ishmael Mirr & Floraelia Devinian to Diplomatic Offices }
|
|
|
Post by Virianus Devinian on Sept 8, 2015 22:18:52 GMT -5
{ Location Change: From Magistrate Quarters }
Alpha responded to his Aide’s good news with a raise of his hand and a few cryptic words.
”Tell her to stand by and await further instructions, which will follow shortly.”
The Magistrate might have been expected by another, in that moment, to speak words of congratulations regarding Søren and Callixta’s success, or in some way devote specific attention to their situation rather than deferring further action. In another’s company, Alpha might have taken the time to explain his reasoning, but there was no need to with Raife – she knew the decision, and the explanation, would be coming soon enough, and therefore Alpha did not waste time bringing his Aide up to speed in that moment: she would be made aware of all the relevant information in due haste. The one apparent change in Alpha’s behavior due to Raife’s imparting of new information was that, upon his exit from the lift, the man perhaps moved a touch more deliberately than he had initially intended to, and with quicker steps so as not to waste precious time.
Virianus Devinian didn’t stop his progress as he strode across the Council chamber until he reached the doors at the chamber’s far side. Left open by their earlier entrant, the doors sheltered the portal to the Magistrate’s business office, and therefore Alpha showed a great sense of entitled ownership when he whisked himself into the space, even despite the fact that the office was already occupied by another. The Magistrate of Vascxious Sigma moved immediately to stand before Foravian, and with Raife set still at his side, Alpha would casually extend a hand and rest it on his guest’s shoulder, the silver eyes behind his grinning mask set intensely on Drænník’s.
”I am quite sorry to keep you waiting, Drænník, for the information you have me is undoubtedly very important; however, there is a situation that I am dealing with just outside the city that requires direct attention and, I’m afraid, is quite the time-sensitive affair. Therefore, before we move on to the substance of our meeting, I must ask you for another favor.”
Alpha would wait just long enough for Drænník to acknowledge him and respond before he took his hand away, walking past the man to come and stand before the large, landscape window at the far side of the office, a near identical to the window he had been gazing from in his personal office several floors below. Without turning directly toward Drænník, the Magistrate pointed in the general direction of the commotion in the mountains, narrating his directive motion as he made it.
”Our dear friends and Counselors, Søren and Callixta, have been called to a disturbance in the mountains made by several very dangerous individuals. They initially encountered three aggressors who meant to do them harm, but in quick time, one has been subdued and the other two are now fleeing our Counselor’s might.”
Turning to Drænník, who Alpha would likely assume would step to the window at his side, per the man’s normal habits, would then look at his guest and seek to meet his eye.
”One of those combatants who is fleeing is Es Kauvrian, a woman who we thought to be dead who is a particularly-adept killer of magic users. This is a perfect opportunity to apprehend the woman, and her companion, Dragos Syrkhan, who as you know, is linked to our troublesome Mage friend: however, I am concerned that the cost to our Counselors may be too high for them to be successful without a specific kind of aid.”
The Aid that the Magistrate was thinking of happened to a be a resource within Drænník’s direct control: one that could potentially subdue Kauvrian single-handedly, leaving both Counselors free to deal with the Syrkhan boy as they saw fit.
”Tell me: how quickly could your dear Rivea be ready to depart from the city to offer them assistance, assuming you are willing to lend her assistance?”
|
|
|
Post by Drænník Foravían on Sept 9, 2015 21:22:38 GMT -5
Drænník Foravían hadn't been forced to wait too terribly long: Raife was always impeccably accurate in the expectations she set for all of them. When Alpha swept into the room the Fiend straightened instantly, suddenly attentive. To be clear Drænník wasn't startled. Quite the contrary, the man was simply aware of the tone of the Magistrate's entrance― and with his lovely Admin directly on his heels, no less. Whatever was happening was slightly beyond what he'd anticipated by choosing to report directly to Alpha on what he'd seen in Eighth District, but the Fiend was more or less determined to cooperate as a loyal son should to father's wishes. . .
Charcoal eyes met silver and the Fiend bowed his head a touch in response to the hand on his shoulder.
"There is no need for any apology, Alpha. I trust anything that you deem of higher priority to be just that indeed. I'll help in any way I'm able, Magistrate."
Drænník stood then, moving with the taller, masked man until they both looked out into the Jiv'undus Mountains. The Fiend listened to his summary, pausing only to glance over the mask's exaggerated smile sidelong before redirecting his gaze toward the mountain range. What Alpha was saying would have been far more surprising had he not already witnessed the little group of three converging on one target earlier. Drænník wondered what the odds were that the aggressors Alpha spoke of came from exactly that group. It was mildly troubling then that the number would be three. From what he'd seen, the only way a disturbance would have been detected is if all three of them had continued to rough up the fourth member of that little party. It clicked suddenly. The way the unidentified female had pushed the two men into green light and then made off with Fureya suggested that she'd separated the silver Assassin and left her into an alternate location― if the aggressors were the same individuals Drænník had come to report on, that was. At the mention of Es Kauvrian a corner of the Fiend's mouth twitched faintly.
The Fiend made eye contact quite easily when the Magistrate sought to meet his gaze.
A mage-killer? Drænník would tuck that bit of information away for later use. Perhaps there was something he could learn about her methods that would help him make any necessary adjustments to Rivea.
And speaking of. . .
Alpha had gotten to the heart of the favor he needed.
Drænník couldn't keep a small smile from tugging at his mouth, though it wasn't an expression tinged with smugness: it was the smile of a man eager to demonstrate his willingness to accommodate.
"I believe I understand the predicament quite well, and we mustn't keep our lovely Counselors waiting. Not with an anti-magic agent on the field. Rivea can be ready to depart as soon as you are ready to send her. The dear girl has standing orders to remain in the Tower until I'm prepared to return to the Obscurity."
The Fiend paused for a moment to look over Raife, having forgotten the woman was present.
"Shall I send for her?"
|
|
|
Post by Virianus Devinian on Sept 9, 2015 22:01:50 GMT -5
Alpha’s demeanor was one of a man respectfully awaiting an answer he had already assumed affirmative, and therefore, as Drænník finished speaking, the Magistrate wasted no time in taking action on the response his subordinate had given him. With a slow raising of his free hand toward the corner of the room, Alpha spoke slowly and carefully, his attention only half on Drænník himself.
”There is no need: for the sake of time, I will have Zenethrakarna deliver her to Søren.”
As the Nightmare’s name was spoken, so did she appear: the fiendish Zenethrakarna’s body melted from the corner’s shadows and stepped partly into the low light of the Magistrate’s office. Her bright, blonde hair reflected the light in the room in a manner her dark, voided eyes never could, and the Nightmare’s smile matched the frigid darkness of her stare. In the current moment, that stare was focused on Alpha, who spoke to her as though she had been standing there, as clear as any other in the room, for the entire time.
”Take Rivea and transport her to Søren’s current location. Inform her that we would like her to assist the Counselors and follow their direction so that they might apprehend a few unsavory persons.”
Zenethrakarna let out a slow, rattling exhalation of air, creating a chilling sigh that was somehow half the anticipatory growl of an apex predator and the beleaguered sigh of an exasperated socialite.
”By all means. After she handles her important business, I’ll be sure to pick her back up so that she doesn’t miss her playdate later on.”
The dripping venom of the Nightmare’s tone seemed to have no impact on Alpha, as he responded as though the creature had been genuine in her helpfulness.
As always, your expedience is appreciated, Zenethrakarna.”
Before turning to Drænník, Alpha first directed his attention toward Raife as the Nightmare melted back into the shadows.
”Inform Søren that support will be at her side very shortly, and ask that she keep us updated on all further developments.”
A nod followed Alpha’s words, and having settled the matter momentarily, the Magistrate turned his attention back to Drænník, who was then given Virianus’ full attention.
”I appreciate your assistance, Drænník: now, shall we move on to other business? What news do you have to report this evening?”
|
|
Raife Vaughn
Initiated
Posts: 15
Title: Administrative Assistant to the Office of the Magistrate
Quote: "Will that be all, Sir?"
|
Post by Raife Vaughn on Sept 13, 2015 20:05:57 GMT -5
Raife crossed the threshold into the Magistrate's Office silently and on the heels of the Magister himself, tapping out a quick Stand by. Orders to follow via communikay. The Assistant did not miss that Alpha's entrance caused the young academic to basically spring to his feet at attention. Were Raife slightly less composed she'd have been unable to keep the corners of her mouth from upturning easily at his eagerness to please.
The Assistant watched their exchange wordlessly, holding her position of separation from their movement to the window, and waiting to discover just where Alpha intended to lead.
And there it was: Rivea.
It was a sensible decision and also highly convenient considering Mr. Foravían was the handler for the specific Operative Alpha wished to use.
Raife did not miss the man's apparent afterthought of an assessment and hazel eyes watched as charcoal grey did not linger too long on any portion of the Assistant's frame. The way Foravían made brief eye contact and allowed his gaze to slide past Raife, as if he were suddenly more occupied with considering Alpha's reply really did incite the faintest of smiles. The man really was masterful at concealing his true thoughts: if she hadn't already fully understood the monstrous nature of the suit-clad scientist she'd have missed the look entirely. The man was one of the most dangerous kinds of predator― the kind that was an expert at believably performing innocuous.
The Assistant didn't blink when the Nightmare entered the room to receive her orders. Raife's expression shifted back to pleasant neutrality and her head dipped easily when Alpha gave her a directive as well.
The Tower is sending support to your location. The Operative will be under your command. Report in with new developments and, as always, use exercise caution and discretion. Good luck, Councilor.
Once the message was sent Raife snapped the device closed and secured in within her coat pocket, one hand clasping the other wrist behind her in a sort of parade rest. The Assistant remained unobtrusive for the moment, focusing on the grey gentleman before Alpha.
|
|
|
Post by Drænník Foravían on Dec 16, 2015 0:23:57 GMT -5
Drænník watched the Watchdog of the Magistrate manifest as if she'd been present beforehand, merely waiting for her Master to tug on her chain and pull her into the light. The Fiend kept his expression even as Alpha issued his commands and Zenethrakarna bent to his will. Oh, the amount of power contained in that blonde slip of a thing. Under alternate circumstances it would set Drænník's teeth on edge to be in her presence. Of all who served the Tower he believed himself to be the most acutely aware of what Zenethrakarna represented when her frame cast its shadow. . .
The Fiend eyed the silent Admin delicately before returning greyed focus to the Magistrate. At his prompting Drænník offered an abbreviated bow and a short sweep of a gloved hand.
"Ah, yes, Magistrate. Though it seems what I have to report is only slightly more information on the context of our 'unsavory persons.'"
With no encouragement necessary Drænník continued, his tone suffering no change.
"As you know, I was sent to ascertain the motive of a certain Marru'Khyran operative who had established residence in Eighth District. While there I happened to sense a very familiar presence: the metaphysical entity associated with Fureya was active and nearby. I investigated."
He paused there, subtly gauging the reception to the update before proceeding.
"I arrived in time, and close enough to watch what transpired on the platform at the Transport Station. The woman Fureya, and apparently her compatriot Dragos Syrkhan, as well as this Kauvrian seemed to be hunting a fourth party through the Station. They approached him, and it seemed they had a heated discussion. Syrkhan and the man they were after must have been sent directly into the mountains by Kauvrian at that point. From what I could tell, she brought Fureya to an alternate location. Unsurprising, to share my personal opinion: the poor girl seemed rather unstable by the look of things. . ."
Drænník trailed off, his posture straightening as he watched Alpha somewhat expectantly. The Fiend expected questions. The Magistrate would surely remain utterly collected, but he'd want every detail Drænník could offer on the situation.
|
|
|
Post by Virianus Devinian on Dec 17, 2015 1:51:10 GMT -5
Virianus Devinian Listened to his charge’s information very carefully as he detailed what he experienced. One by one, the pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fall into place when it came to what players were involved in the current situation. The why, however, was still managing to be elusive. Fureya’s involvement was not unexpected, but it was potentially a complicating factor – the woman’s presence was, in a way, most unwelcome given the current circumstances, and therefore she had to be dealt with very, very carefully. However, Drænník was the wrong operative to handle that particularly delicate matter, so while the creator waited for questions, Alpha turned instead to his aide, Raife, to speak his first words on the subject.
”Inform our Councilors that the Syrkhan child is, if all possible, to be contained and brought back to the Tower intact. Given the current situation with the Marru’Khyrans, he must be treated delicately. Make sure Soren keeps Rivea from becoming too overzealous.”
The order given, Alpha turned carefully back to Drænník and stepped forward, placing his hand on the man’s shoulder and coaxing him to walk beside the magistrate as he journeyed to look out one of the great windows of the office.
”As always, your information is vital to our continued success, Drænník. For now, we won’t worry about trying to track Fureya, though do keep your ear to the ground for any news regarding her, of course. Instead, if you are able, see if you can ascertain any further information about this mysterious fourth party they were chasing: knowing their objective, I believe, may be key to getting ahead of this situation and guiding it to a conclusion that leans in our favor.”
Alpha gestured to the city in front of them, keeping a firm, guiding grip on the Fiend’s shoulder that was meant to both ensure Drænník of his importance and keep his attention focused where Alpha felt was appropriate – the city itself.
”Changes are coming, Drænník, and we must move quickly if we are to make sure they work for the benefit of our city. We need to greatest span, then, of resources available, and our greatest resource is the wealth of talent that lies within and around this Tower. I will be calling on you more over these next weeks, Drænník, for I have great need of your expertise, as well as the help of your genius work.” By work, of course, the Fiend would know that Alpha was referring to his golem creations. ”Dorya, for example, has a large role to play in my plans for aligning the Council more firmly to this new era we are entering.”
Alpha’s masked countenance turned to Drænník, intending for the two men’s eyes to meet poignantly.
”If she is to play her proper part, she must be unhindered by distractions or interference. That is why, I am requesting that you remove your ties of control from her and allow her to make decisions from now on solely of her own volition. Trust me, Drænník – the results are worth the marginal risk, I assure you.”
The Magistrate’s ‘request’ was anything but, and the Fiend would certainly understand the inference. Without taking his attention from Drænník, Alpha clasped his hands behind his back, signaling that his direct part of their conversation was nearing an end.
“Now, is there anything else of note you wish to discuss with me? I certainly don’t want to keep you from your work.”
|
|
Raife Vaughn
Initiated
Posts: 15
Title: Administrative Assistant to the Office of the Magistrate
Quote: "Will that be all, Sir?"
|
Post by Raife Vaughn on Dec 24, 2015 20:05:29 GMT -5
Raife turned her focus to Alpha when Mr. Foravían offered his exposition involving the woman Fureya and her proximity to their wanted persons. Her expression hadn't shifted at all and when he turned to her, impressing an addendum to his orders the Assistant wasted no time in relaying his wishes.
Additional directive: If possible, capture Dragos Syrkhan and bring him to the Tower. Intact status emphatically preferred. Limit collateral damage and avoid exposure.
Raife gave the communikay a hard stare before hitting 'send.' The Councilor of Sixth District had an uncanny ability to follow the orders of the Tower to the letter and yet somehow manage to create an unexpected situation that also made things more complicated. The Assistant hoped to head her off at the pass on this one― before she had a chance to spark global war.
She only half-listened as Alpha went on to assure Mr. Foravían of his importance and contributions until he broached the subject of Dorya. Raife purposefully kept her expression mostly-hidden by not immediately glancing up from the screen of her communikay. Foravían might visibly smooth that one over and acquiesce to Alpha's request but there was no scenario in which the grey gentleman would be anything but inwardly seething at a form of his control being removed from one of his puppets.
Finally Raife looked up, watching the grey-eyed man and his reaction carefully.
|
|
|
Post by Drænník Foravían on Jan 27, 2016 18:44:31 GMT -5
Drænník's expression did not change as Alpha spoke firstly to Raife and then moved to rest a hand against his shoulder in guidance. The Fiend moved easily, allowing the taller man to maneuver him into place before the window― eyes of charred coal resting easily on the outline of the Trade City's many towers. He understood perfectly well what was happening: whatever was already swimming in Virianus Devinian's head had somehow colored his offering of information and he had so little to go on in guessing how that could be. Alpha's lack of questioning must have meant that he already knew of Fureya's instability though how he could have come by that knowledge would be maddeningly difficult to come by. Clearly if his Watchdog had been the one to offer up the Assassin's status the silver-haired minx would already be a guest of the Tower, no? Unless Alpha meant to try to use her as a means of tracking her red-haired friend. . .
Drænník's expression still had not shifted one iota.
Oh, he would certainly be keeping his ear to the ground for the Assassin. As for the fourth party? He'd do what he could on that front, but his priority would be Fureya.
His gaze flickered over the City as Alpha spoke, outlining his expectations of change and cooperation in broad, sweeping terms. The Fiend was shifted easily to meet the gaze of the Magistrate, grey eyes unfaltering.
Drænník's eyes narrowed very, very subtly as he digested the Magistrate's particular meaning. Whatever his thoughts were on the matter, his expression betrayed nothing. After a moment the Fiend's gaze lowered and he offered a short bow as he stepped away from the other man.
"I understand. As you wish, Magistrate."
His reply was smooth and perfunctory. If Drænník were displeased with the command it did not show.
"I will send for her shortly then."
The Fiend straightened and mirrored both Alpha and Raife's postures, clasping his own gloved hands behind him.
"No, Magistrate, I believe I've taken enough of your time for today. Thank you for seeing me. I'll keep you informed on my findings."
With that Drænník's chin dipped once in Alpha's direction and then a second time in acknowledgment of the Admin before a couple of long strides carried the Fiend out of the Magistrate's Office. Once he was within the Council Chamber with the door closed behind him the line of his jaw set tightly as his pace quickened toward the lift.
{ Location Change to The Obscurity }
|
|
|
Post by Virianus Devinian on Feb 4, 2016 21:18:22 GMT -5
Virianus Devinian followed Drænník's reactions very carefully from behind the mask of his office. Though the Fiend gave away little, the Magistrate knew that Drænník had been expecting more of a reaction from his superior at the news he had brought him; or, perhaps, the youthful scientist was expecting greater acknowledgement? Either way, the Fiend would leave Alpha’s office somewhat confused and, potentially, unsatisfied: Drænník, while a very, very valuable asset to the machinations that the Magistrate had already put into place, was nonetheless not one to be coddled, and therefore, Alpha had chosen not to go out of his way to play to the Fiend’s sensibilities. What Drænník did next, especially if he was frustrated with Alpha’s reaction, would be extremely telling of his reaction and value within the scope of future events – therefore, as Drænník saw himself out, the Magistrate scarcely waited for the door to close behind him before turning back to Raife and speaking definitively.
”Keep a close eye on him, Raife, and report his movements to me.”
One part of the Drænník equation was to observe his actions and draw from them his motives, but there was another side which required a more personal touch. Alpha had half a mind to order Raife to follow up with the Fiend, in confidence, and feel him out with regards to his designs, but the man was smart enough to know that any of his words that made it to Raife’s ears would undoubtedly reach Alpha’s as well, and therefore a different tact was needed. Assuming Callixta was able to keep her late appointment with him, Alpha would likely enlist her aide in that task. If not, it would wait for a more opportune time or situation, but Alpha did not intend to wait long.
Stepping to his Aide’s side, Virianus used his left hand to pull his mask from his face, holding it loosely at his side as the other hand came to rest on the back of Raife’s neck, gently spreading his gloved fingers across the woman’s skin with the ease of a practiced, absent-minded motion.
”I want you to assign someone to monitor Fureya’s whereabouts and interactions as well, if we can spare anyone with the appropriate skills to do so. Ideally, someone not directly linked to the Tower in any way.”
Alpha would meet the woman’s eyes as he carefully tucked the mask of his office into an inner pocket of his robes. His hand still on her neck, Alpha turned his body toward his Aide, and using his free left hand, would lightly and quickly brush along the woman’s chin. As always, Alpha’s features were unreadable.
”Undoubtedly, I’ve been made her enemy by her consort, but when the time comes, I will need to complicate the issue for her once again. That time must be carefully picked, however, and I cannot ensure it will be so without the right information.”
Virianus drew his hand away from the back of Raife’s neck, but the Magistrate did not step away from his Aide. Instead, he lingered close, his grey eyes meeting the woman’s gaze in the same warm yet esoteric manner Raife would by now be more than accustomed to.
”I meant to mention it earlier – you look particularly lovely this evening.”
|
|
Raife Vaughn
Initiated
Posts: 15
Title: Administrative Assistant to the Office of the Magistrate
Quote: "Will that be all, Sir?"
|
Post by Raife Vaughn on Feb 9, 2016 19:30:09 GMT -5
The corners of the Assistant's mouth curled into a smile faint enough to be missed entirely― though had Mr. Foravían glanced in her direction he would have caught it instantly. He hid it remarkably well, but he was indeed seething. Raife didn't bother to look in Alpha's direction: the mask would prevent her from knowing his thoughts. After all, she only had to wait until they were alone to ask for them anyway. Foravían's exit inspired her to turn to face the Magistrate just as the communikay in her hand began to vibrate with a new message. Taking the time to nod in acknowledgment of Alpha's wishes and tacking on a brief, "Understood, sir," Raife straightened and dropped the communikay for a moment: the message could wait.
Raife remained motionless as Alpha advanced. When he touched her, her spine curved subtly as his fingers spread across her skin.
"If, ideally, not someone visibly connected with the Tower would there be someone specific you have in mind or shall I tap an Operative out on assignment to return to the City for new orders?"
Hazel eyes dropped to focus on the taller man's mouth at the brush against her chin but quickly found their way back up to the silver of his eyes.
Raife hesitated.
"Sir, I'm aware that your plans for Fureya are complex. . ." she paused as if unsure how to articulate her thoughts. "But is her cooperation necessary? I'm confident we could contain her adequately in the Tower, her consort aside. "
Truthfully, Raife didn't understand why they didn't simply lock the woman away under the Tower, denying her the ability to interfere with Alpha's plans at all. The woman's use couldn't be compromised by chains, after all.
When Alpha's hand dropped away and he spoke again Raife didn't bother to keep a small smile from forming on her lips.
"The coat is new," she half-whispered as if sharing with him the secret to her appearance, wanting to step closer to him but keeping the desire reigned in: she had a message to check, after all. In fact, she severed eye contact to view the cause of her communikay's earlier buzzing right then.
"Sir, I've just gotten word of a sighting of Esarhaddon Faerun in the 100th Balcony in Seventh District. Dorya is there with Ms. Den S'laesenar. May I have your instruction?"
|
|
|
Post by Virianus Devinian on Feb 9, 2016 22:16:37 GMT -5
Virianus Devinian chuckled in a good-natured way at Raife’s suggestion. That the woman even asked the question was somewhat telling of how she perceived the Magistrate’s manner of operation when it came to the given topic. With Raife, if no one else, Alpha had a tendency to be quite direct in his assertions, and, when necessary, when explaining his motives. That she thought he was being intentionally vague when it came to this assignment regarding Fureya clued the Magistrate in as to her uncertainty with the situation. Alpha met his Aide’s eyes and smiled, reaching out to brush a bit of her hair from obscuring her face and tuck it just past her ear, before speaking in response.
”Raife: had I one in mind, I certainly would have named them. Truthfully, I do not have a choice pre-planned for this assignment, and was rather hoping that you would assist me in that matter.”
If Alpha had been unaware till that point of Raife’s disquiet regarding Fureya, her next words would have certainly made it extremely clear. Alpha moved to step even closer to his Aide, and the Magistrate gently pressed one gloved finger, the thumb of his right hand, against Raife’s bottom lip, pulling it down just-so to create an attractive gap between his assistant’s lips. Virianus’ smile was kind, but tinged with a certain amount of heat that Raife would likely recognize.
”I’m confident you are right, and at an earlier time in my life I would have readily agreed with your suggestion.” Alpha pressed his finger a touch deeper into Rafie’s mouth, gently touching the leather of his glove to the woman’s bottom teeth as his left hand came to gently rest on her hip. ”Yet, over the years, I have learned that such heavy-handed methods of control, while effective . . .” The Magistrate let the other fingers of his right hand curl around the underside of Raife’s jaw, strongly grasping to hold the woman’s face in-position as his thumb drew her mouth further open for emphasis. ” . . . More subtle forms can often yield far better outcomes. Force, coercion, loyalty – these things all have their unique part to play. When each is applied correctly, greater things can be achieved than by using only the most convenient of them at any given time.”
Alpha smoothly released his grip on Raife’s jaw and smoothly withdrew his thumb until just the tip was resting against her bottom lip. The man leaned in close, his own face very close to Raife’s.
”The Fureya situation requires a more delicate tact, due to, as you said, their complex nature.” Removing his finger slowly, Alpha leaned just a touch further and would press his lips against Raife’s very gently, just brushing their mouths together before stepping back and folding his gloved hands behind his back. ”That is why we must move carefully – and pick the Operative we assign to the situation even more carefully still”
Virianus nodded then to the woman’s pocketed communikay, indicating she should answer its buzzing call, and when she had done so and relayed the message, the Magistrate would no thoughtfully before responding.
”I find it odd to think our wayward Councilor would so brazenly return to the city without seeking out my permission to do so – yet, by the same token, it is unlike our dear Dorya to be mistaken in such matters. Her charge is Keretheriel – I’ll not remove her from that assignment to deal with Essarhaddon. Obviously, we should collect her and bring her to meet with me, so she might explain herself – have you any suggestions?”
|
|
Raife Vaughn
Initiated
Posts: 15
Title: Administrative Assistant to the Office of the Magistrate
Quote: "Will that be all, Sir?"
|
Post by Raife Vaughn on Feb 9, 2016 23:53:16 GMT -5
Raife felt the shiver that ran through her body from a distance when the Magistrate broke into a chuckle at her remark. Resisting the urge to bite down on her lower lip she let her expression return to neutrality for a moment as she quickly skimmed through the list of candidates she could send that had virtually no way to be connected to the Tower. It had to be one of the 'Dark' Operatives that moved under the radar at all times― never seen inside the Tower nor caught accompanying members of State. Her attention snapped back to Alpha when he further closed the distance between them and placed his thumb on her lower lip.
Her pupils instantly dilated― a fact that wouldn't be missed this close― though Raife managed to keep her breathing even. She listened as he maneuvered her, ignoring the sudden desire to run her tongue along the seam of the leather covering the digit in her mouth. There was a moment where she almost lost control, dropping her gaze to his mouth and raking it back up to his eyes. Flashes of the door being closed and the things they'd done atop his desk threatened to coax the Admin to shift her weight and either pull away from the Magistrate or close her lips around his fingertip. The fact that he continued to elaborate was what held her in place, professional and pliable to his gestures but not escalating by acting on the tension.
When his lips brushed hers she let her eyes close very briefly, holding her breath and exhaling very carefully when he stepped back. Her chin dipped slowly at his response.
"Very odd indeed. Under the circumstances I expect things are not as they seem: Faerun is not likely to test your patience so soon." Her posture corrected as she returned to mentally ticking off who was currently available in the Tower for dispatch.
"Ԟhrōnov has just returned from his assignment in Surkaaj. Perhaps he could be directed to Tower 67?"
|
|