Thread: Playing the Game [ Chai & Razgriz ]

RE Along Came Trouble Ariamella Razgriz Somewhere in Siberia Early-mid November The illusion spell back there was kinda cool, Stella commented as she walked beside the chained man, her gaze fixed ahead even though she addressed him. Unlike her father, she had close to no accent in her speech, and if one listened closely enough they would be able to recognize the subtle inflection voiced in her vowels that served as the only indication of her childhood spent in the Tuscany countryside. You really know how to put on a show. I've never seen anything like it. Honestly, it was... cute. Inappropriate, but cute. I remember the days when I made petty tricks for fun, too. The young woman turned to offer him a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, then increased her pace slightly to be in line with Alexei and her father An added bounce to her step only served as further insult, as if to say, I know my place, now learn yours. In actuality, Ric's illusion was admittedly impressive, and Stella knew that simply because illusion magic was something she excelled at. The talent came as part of her magic heritage while most of her family excelled at only one aspect of light-based magic, she discovered early on that she had a knack for almost all the techniques derived from the manipulation of light. Creating illusions had always been one of her favorites, and she always appreciated great magic when she saw it, even if it was done by the likes of Ric. The backhandedness of the compliment was only because of the lewd commentary, especially since most of it had been directed toward her. The wink also had not gone unnoticed, but the joke had managed to make her smile and roll her eyes. It was forgiveable. It's best you stay on her good side, Lorencio advised, glancing back while Alexei let out a chuckle. They entered the elevator now, with the prisoner floating smoothly in beside them. The four of them rode up in mostly silence, the hushed whispers of the Italian and Russian filling the enclosed space with words that neither Stella or Ric could make out. Then as the doors opened, Alexei let out another laugh before pushing his prisoner on the shoulder and directing him toward his office, opening the door and ushering his three guests inside. I need to get the paperwork for the Council ready, which has been a giant headache because of this specific request... Finish the details of your contract here. I'll be back momentarily. He snapped his fingers, and Ric's floating form moved forward to be seated at one of the plush leather chairs in front of a heavy, hand carved mahogony desk. Lorencio took a seat in front of the chained man, and Stella stood leaning on the wall behind her father, inspecting the various knick-knacks that the Warden kept on a shelf behind his desk. Then the door was closed, and the trio stayed in silence until the elder Durante folded his hands on the desk. There are rules to be followed, Lorencio told Ricendithas, giving him a hard stare that made it obvious he was looking down on the Dreg from some level of unattainable status. He waived his hand impatiently, procuring a brown leather-bound book that he quickly flipped through and slid across the table. The terms and conditions and other such legalese is detailed within those pages. Read it if you like, or don't read it. I don't really care. The head of House Durante stood up and rounded the corner of the desk, then leaned both arms on the reddish-brown wood, his palms flat on the surface. I do, however, advise that you listen closely to what comes out of my mouth now You are not to look, speak or touch her in any inappropriate manner. If she notifies me of anything remotely offensive, you'll find yourself back here with all hope of freedom gone. No contracts, not even for monster hunting. You will rot in your cell forever. He paused, searching the warlock's eyes for confirmation before continuing. You are also not to harm her in any way, shape or form. If, for whatever reason, you decide not to abide by this rule, your execution will be ordered immediately. No trials, no prison. Dead. Understod? Without waiting for an answer, Lorencio straightened and stepped away from the desk, pacing slowly around the room as he spoke. Of course, it's come to my attention that you may have... urges that need to be fulfilled. An expression of disgust flashed across his face, not unlike other members of proper Society at the mention of sexuality and carnal desire. Being highly sexual was a sign of low status not because of any moral or ethical standards, but because it meant you were like them . The Dregs. Crass, perverted, and unable to control their sexual desire, they were the sole reason that virginity and a conservative nature was highly respected within Society. As such, you'll be allowed visitors as needed. Do keep in mind that you will be staying with Ellastaria, so whatever rules she makes are the ones you will be following. He looked over to his daughter expectantly, but she only shrugged. What you do in your time is none of my business, Stella said, I honestly couldn't care less what you do, but I don't want to see or hear anything. I shouldn't be able to tell whether your nightly activities consist of watching paint dry, or making a woman supposedly 'scream from the thralls of bliss.' Or a man. It's okay, I don't judge. She threw in a sly quip of her own and raised an eyebrow at him, violet eyes glinting expressively as a tiny smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Honey-brown hair gently flipped as she turned her head away after a short moment, crossing one leg over the other as her demeanor went from mildy amused to disinterested within the time span of mere seconds. Lorencio cleared his throat, bringing attention back to the leather book that was now in his hands. In the event that you never get around to reading it, know that this legal contract physically binds you to Ellastaria until she ascends to the throne, at which point she is free to release you should she wish to do so. If all of this sounds reasonable to you, sign here at the bottom. He opened the book to the last page where the impossibly small fine print ended, followed only by a line marked with an 'X'. Holding his palm down against the paper he murmured, Sacramentum fidei, then watched as the oath spell caused it to faintly glow a light blue before returning to its normal color. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns, he finally finished, placing the document and a heavy fountain pen before Ricendithas, then stepped back to stand next to his daughter. The chains binding Ric rearranged themselves so his dominant hand was free to grasp and maneuver however he needed to, and Stella herself now looked on with seemingly renewed interest, her eyes flicking from the book to the warlock, then back to the book. Even if he didn't find the conditions satisfactory, he would be forced to sign anyway beggars couldn't be choosers, and the Dregs were all beggars. Every single one of them.