Thread: Playing the Game [ Chai & Razgriz ]

RE Along Came Trouble Ariamella Razgriz And just think, that little parlor trick was with me bound and suppressed. Ric stated confidently backhanded her words might have been, he wasn't about to allow her to think herself clever. Of course, he had a feeling that she wasn't the type to really want anything to do with him. Not that he minded being a bodyguard for someone who didn't want his protection was just fine. If it meant getting out of this damned prison and having a chance to stretch his legs, he'd sell his freaking soul. Alexei would hardly even let him out on missions anymore, God only knew why. The Russian said he was too dangerous, but Ric knew it was because he was too 'thorough'. He didn't just treat the symptoms, he went straight to the cause and burned it out. In any event, he let these and other thoughts roam through his head - some of which were related to dear Stella and what she would be like without the clothes - as they made their way to the Warden's office. After being allowed to sit, he just grinned as Alexei marched out to get the rest of the paperwork. Love you too. he called out, earning a small glare from Lorencio. Who then decided to go on a tirade about everything he already knew was coming at him Don't touch the daughter. Don't look at her weird. Don't say anything offensive. Don't harm her or you will die. All the old standard threats. Blah, blah, blah. All after laying a book down that contained the actual binding contract. And in this world, binding literally meant binding, especially for Dregs. Things could go from bad to worse if one broke a contract forged by magic. And Ric could tell that either he, or someone he knew, cast an exceptionally powerful 'curse' on this document. His own fate would be tied to hers, literally and figuratively speaking. Daddy dearest knew how to play hardball that was something Ricendithas could respect easily. But even that didn't faze him, choosing only to look blankly at him once he'd finished and the daughter said her piece. You should try it sometime. Might help take the edge off. I bet you're a regular wildebeest under that prim and proper facade of yours. was his reply. He did find it surprising that the head of such a powerful family would actually permit him 'visitors'. But then again, it was probably just his piece of cheese. Let the peasants have their scraps, as they said. Of course he would read through it...Just not in the way he might expect. With his right arm free, a small ember appeared on each of his fingertips. Really, Mr. Wolfswift? You're going to burn the contract in front of me? Lorencio accused, standing up and crossing his arms. If only...The expression on your face would be priceless, I imagine. But I suppose that fantasy will be unfulfilled. Just give me a moment to read through it. the warlock quipped, hovering his hand over the book, which began to glow an eerie blue and the embers slowly growing into a gentle flame. In a rapid flurry, threads of energy poured off the pages and into his palm, themselves flipping with staggering speed until the book itself slammed shut, Ric's hand coming to rest on his thigh as his lids closed. Lorencio didn't quite know what to say what had the warlock just done? He soon got his answer as Ric's eye opened once more, his voice calm, Impressive. Contract is iron-clad. The Italian smirked, Of course it is. I'm not letting you of all people roam about untethered. Not if even a quarter of the stories about you are true. Ric laughed, There are exaggerations, but for the most part, that's all me. And darling, if you're ever interested in separating truth from fiction the warlock added that last bit towards Stella, just in case she might be interested in hearing more about his tales later on. Maybe he'd write a memoir one of the other Dregs told him there was a rising market for books published by those released from the prisons. If anything, it gave those who actually gave a damn about Dregs a better insight into how the prisons operated. Though what came next made Lorencio quirk a brow A demand. Before I sign, there is something I want in return for my services. stated the warlock firmly, giving a rather cold stare to the head of House Durante. If it has anything to do with less restriction, you can forget it. Lorencio interrupted harshly, to which Ric replied, No, smartass. If anything, it will allow me to fully be in service to your daughter's safety. Lorencio cocked his head in curiosity, stating I'm listening. with a slight air of impatience. Ric held up a finger, One. The Warden has a set of armor, something very near and dear to me. Black dragonscale. I want it back. It does belong to me, and you can ask the drunkard yourself when he returns. He then raised another finger, Two. He also confiscated my sword, a blade of pure black ivory. More ornamental than anything else, but I want that back as well. Lorencio raised a brow, That's all? Ric sat back, satisfied That's all. Mister Durante nodded, Very well, I will see to it that you get your things back. If it means you will use them to protect Ellastaria, then I see no problem with you having them. Now it was Ric's turn to smile, his hand grasping the fountain pen, opening the thick book to the last page and scribbling his signature on it, reading Ricendithas Wolfswift in perfect Cursive, the pages glowing with ancient arcane power before fading once more, the words rising from the pages and coming to entwine the princess and the warlock, their respective fates sealed within each other. With a snap of his fingers, Lorencio made the book vanish. Alright, well that takes care of everything on our end. Now we wait for Alexei to return with the official release forms. I do hope you've been practicing...Oh, wait. Ric snickered, You cheeky bastard. You're lucky I'm under your contract now., unperturbed by Lorencio's jab at his imprisonment. And at that moment, Alexei returned, a stack of papers half his height carried in his burlesque arms. Now the fun part... Ric groaned and if one paid attention, one could see the crestfallen look on Mister Durante's face. Looks like we're going to be here longer than I expected. Lorencio commented dryly, Alexei replying You wanted him, remember? He is an S-class prisoner, not your ordinary run of the mill Dreg. Now come on, get to signing, you two. I need to these filled out in quadruplicate and have them authenticated for the Council. Alexei then looked directly at Ricendithas, I can still never figure out what makes YOU such a damned special case. Ric beamed a little with pride, Well...I was able to bypass the wards here a few times. Though I'm sure you know all about that, don't you?