Thread: Finding Disaster and Vice [Hahvoc x VitaObscura]

Knock, knock, knock What? There was a shuffling of blankets, a muffled curse, and then more shuffling. Shadow, theres been activity in the Red Territory. Rogue is here to see you. Cursing some more, Shadow soon slipped out of her bed, jostling the hound that slept next to her every night. He lifted his black and white furred head, blue-brown eyes staring at his mistress with a disgruntled look. She rolled her eyes at him before stroking between his large ears. Even for a Great Dane, he was a big dog and could meet Executioners eyes while on his back legs. Probably why she kept him around, besides the fact he was fiercely loyal and smart. Throwing on a dressing robe with not much finesse and her mask, Shadow called out to her guard. Let him in. There were some muffled sounds and soon the door was opened and then shut, Shadow having turned her back to settle on her bed and pet her dog. He made a gruff sound before flopping down to expose his belly to his mistress. The silence grew until Rogue finally spoke. Its been awhile since Ive you in such a state. Not concerned about me revealing your secrets to the others? She glanced up at her once-lover, shrugging her shoulders softly as he leaned back against the wall by the door. He was handsome, always had been, but not in a typical sense of the word. His hair was a bit too long, his mouth a little too thin for his face, but his roughness mixed with his gentleness was what had appealed to her. Until their time together had ended and new lovers were found. Granted, Shadow would claim otherwise. Rogue hadnt been her last lover, but it had been quite some time since shed had one. Still, she knew why he was here and she had yet to come up with any information, and so he would be providing all the details of the woman who had been snatched. Youve seen what lies beneath the mask but old habits are hard to kill, as you know. What news do you bring me that made you leave your own territory to do so? Is Willem at the helm while you visit? He nodded, shrugging his shoulders as he kept his steady gaze on her. There was no malice or ill-feelings between them, just an understanding that as Lords, they could not remain as they had been before theyd been set in their territories, their titles. Four men in Shredders district were killedand there was a message left calling out the Nine. It seems that this woman has a man coming to look for her from the way the bodies were found and the wounds left behind. Hes probably tall, pretty strong, and possiblya guard or someone of higher standing in the Underworld, Rogues hands clenched and it made Shadow raise her brows in curiosity. Perhaps Rogue had much more of a standing with this woman than he was giving off. Have you fucked this girl? She asked, staring at him blatantly. He stared right back, mouth set in a thin line. Ahhh, so he had been with this woman. No wonder he was so up in arms. She had to be an Innocent from Topside. That was news, indeed. Your posture speaks volumes. Im guessing its a member of her family and youve left a mark that she is not to be harmed or taken, which is why you brought it up at the meeting last night? Someone is definitely going to be giving us the run-around. Probably someone after your title or just the Nine in general? I wonder if it could be a Topside official working with the Underworld low-lives. Or perhapsits someone who doesnt recognize your mark, meaning it could be anyone from any territory not knowing what they have. They could panic and kill her, you know. I know that! Rogue yelled, making Shadow smirk behind her mask in amusement until it faded as seriousness took hold. Clearly, he was upset and just more than upset about losing a lover or even someone he was protecting. You love this girl, dont you? Im guessing she doesnt know about you as a Nine or even an Underworlder, Again, there was silence as he clenched his fists, almost daring her to question his motives and she just had to sigh. She stood up and clapped him lightly on the shoulder, watching the tension leak from his body at the simple gesture. She stared at him, that seriousness never leaving. Hell head to the Gray District, and Captains got plenty of brothels I can infiltrate. It does help that no one has seen my face and wouldnt recognize me with a little powder and paint. Well find the one whos killing in the territories and locate this woman of yours. It will not be easy, Rogue, I hope you know what you might be facing. I do know, and thank you for your assistance. Ill inform Captain of what is to transpire and then relay a message back to you this evening. Until then Rogue gave a little bow of his head before slipping out of the door and Shadow watched him go. This man who had infiltrated the Underworld and left such a message was not some novice who was wet behind the ears and had no clue as to what he was doing. No, this one had to have been part of the worldand probably one who had gone into Hiding. Musing over the news, there was a soft bark that brought her head around to look at Grigori, who was looking up at her expectantly. She smiled and shook her head, moving across the room to pet between his ears. Yes, dearling, well be heading out today, but youll be following me, understand? I need to be inconspicuous, not a beacon for disaster. He barked and wagged his tail, making her laugh as she went about dressing in blacks and blues. She called for one of her women to come and tighten her corset before she went out into the City wrapped up in a hooded cloak that hid the brilliance of her hair. Her home was located Topside but the ways leading out went to Underworld, and that was where she needed to be. Her hound followed behind her, silent as the grave even on the cobbled and uneven streets. The air down there was dank and stifling, mildewy and stagnant. Passages led to all the different territories that were half Underworld and half Topside. The corridor she took would lead her to the Gray district which was mostly settled in Topside because who would think to go down into the dark for a fling with some prostitutes? Certainly not aristocrats and other nobility. As the sun hit her face as she reached Topside, Shadow took in a deep breath. Grigori stretched out his body until they headed to a small and dilapidated looking house. It was one of her many check points that were scattered all over the territories. She could become anyone in these little houses, and that was what she planned to do. The house had lost whatever color had been on it, just splotches of dull gray and brown marking the wood slats. The stoop was missing steps and the windows had been bordered up. The roof was slouched with age and it leaked fiercely when it rained. There was no yard to speak of and the wood floor inside creaked with even the slightest pressure, unless you knew where to step. Pushing open the door once she had navigated the steps, Shadow disappeared inside with her hound, ready to begin her transformation into the sultry delight that would have men tripping over themselves to pay for her time. But only one man would be found in her company, and she needed to dress just right.