Thread: Playing the Game [ Chai & Razgriz ]

RE Along Came Trouble Ariamella Razgriz Somewhere in Siberia Early-mid November So you're pretty much annoying for everyone, including the people who work so hard to keep the rest of us safe, Stella took another stab at Ric, still upset over him calling her a wildebeest. A wildebeest . Out of all the damn animals to compare her to, he had to choose that? He hadn't been entirely wrong though, not really. Yes, the 'prim and proper' thing was, to a certain extent, a facade that she kept up a majority of the time. But that was because she was Lorencio Durante's sole inheritor, his only child that was expected to be stunning example of everything a proper lady of the Council should be. There were, of course, others who could carry on the last name, but being the offspring of the Head of House was reason enough to maintain the front among Society. More than that, everything from her appearance to behavior was now the subject of gossip among witches everywhere. The young woman was something of a celebrity, especially with how incredibly public her Marking was everyone and their mothers knew who she was, which meant she couldn't afford to drop the act anytime soon. Not to say that she hadn't ever had her bit of fun here and there it was enough to earn her some criticsm if that knowledge was released to proper Society, but she was no wildebeest. Besides, if she was a wildebeest, what did that make HIM? He was like an animal all on his own--and she had almost told him that, but then thought better of it Ric was most likely the type to take it as a compliment rather than the appalling insult that it was. Alexei gave her a peculiar look and a crooked smile, taking a section off the top of the stack of paperwork. Annoying? I wouldn't say that. A pain in my ass? Sure. An arrogant bastard? Yes. But he is good at what he does... almost too good. And, if I may remind you, it's him who's going to be keeping you safe from now on. About her safety, Lorencio chimed in, Ricendithas will need his belongings back before we leave tonight. The sword and his armor. I'm paying a hefty fee to have him released, and I want my money's worth. You'll get your money's worth even if he didn't have those things, trust me, the Russian stated firmly, although he nodded his head to agree to the request. He turned to Ric, his smile halfway transforming into a grimace. There's a reason I keep moving you further and further down this prison. In fact, if it hadn't been for Lorencio's request, I would have transferred you to the Mariana location. He belongs in that hell hole, Stella muttered to herself while her father raised both eyebrows in surprise. The trench was designated for the Dregs who had no hope of ever making it out, and for many of them it was a only temporary holding cell as they awaited their execution. Really? the Italian regarded Ric curiously, somehow both intrigued and disgusted although his feelings leaned more toward the former. Just what did you manage to do? Alexei shrugged. Placing him there was more for the tighter security. As I'm sure you know, the Council is strict about placing Dregs with their proper level of magic suppression. The trick you saw down in the subfloors is an obvious sign that he's able to work magic even with this heavy of suppression... The warden went on detailing Ric's prison behavior, and while it wasn't particular malicious, it was a nuisance to the guards who patrolled his particular floor. During this time, Stella had moved from her position on the wall to the matching loveseat on the other side of the room, laying with her back down on the plush cushions and her legs dangling around and off the arm. The couch was facing the main desk at an angle, putting her closer to where the three men sat scribbling initials and signatures on various papers, passing page after page around the table then placing them in separate piles. They kept a constant pace despite the mild chatter, working like some well-oiled machine even though they had only just become allies. It was odd to see, especially since her father was the type to follow the social norms when it came to class distinction, but then again Ric was now a free man, forced invited, really to be a part of Society. More than that, she knew her father's trust in him stemmed from the contract they had just signed--it was literally impossible for the warlock to cause trouble, at least in the way that most Dregs did. Ricendithas Wolfswift was now an addition to House Durante, and to some extent he was also a direct reflection of the family. He had to be on his best behavior in public at the very least, but the thought made Stella almost snicker out loud judging from the behavior he displayed now, she had major doubts about him. Her hair cascaded over the edge of the seat as she swiveled her head to gaze in his direction, her position and way she was laying down offering an unobstructed view of the warlock. Simple curiosity filled her mind as she found herself staring at the hooded figure, wanting to know what other features were hiding within the shadows of the cloth draped over his head. It would be impossible to walk around and not draw attention to herself if she were with him. His green eye alone was enough to turn the heads of regular humans, but it would be even worse among the magical community. If it were up to her, she wouldn't even chance bringing him out in public, around people , but she knew there were physical limitations to the magical contract. Lorencio wasn't stupid he was an intelligent individual who knew his daughter would take any opportunity to escape her newly appointed babysitter. Distantly she wondered about the other, finer details of the contract reading it hadn't been in her immediate interest since all of this wasn't her idea to begin with, until Alexei softly called out her name, forcing her to tear her eyes away from the Dreg. It felt strangely transgressive anyway, even though it was he who was instructed not to stare, and she wasn't exactly the type to get caught sneaking glances at a man who--most would agree--didn't deserve her attention. Stella, Alexei called again, Are you hanging in okay? Mhmm. No . Tired? I'm fine, thanks though. It's 1 AM in the morning . The Russian chuckled. So you're incredibly bored? Not really. Very . Lorencio twisted in his seat, a look of disapproval on his face as he regarded his daughter. Princesses don't lie, Ellastaria. It's unbecoming. She only offered a half-apologetic smile and moved her head so she was facing the ceiling once again. Her father let out a sigh, I would have sent you back already, but Mr. Wolfswift and I need to finish up. You can't go home while he's here, you know that don't you? When Stella didn't respond, he looked back at the Warden and Ric, murmuring under his breath, I would do this paperwork one hundred times over if it meant not having another daughter. Alexei let out a throaty laugh, mouth split in a wide grin. I offer you my sympathies, friend. On the bright side, this might possibly be Wolfswift's hardest mission yet, won't it? Come on, Ricendithas. Share the most difficult task you've done in your many years of living, and we'll see how it matches up to dealing with the princess attitude there. They're right, you know, Stella piped up after having switched positions so she was now sitting up, leaning back against one of the dense pillows. Think about all the supernatural creatures in the world and how they'll never compare with having to deal with the me for the rest of your life . Ooo, scary, isn't it? That's what nightmares are made of. A good-natured smile turned up her lips, making it obvious that she was playing along with Alexei's teasing. At least he never seemed to mind the attitude.