Along the Row...

[Janice Olivia Monroe]

"The terrible thing on the nature of a [glow=blue,2,300]secret [/glow]is this: We may envelope it with our intentions either good or bad. There may be a want to remove any trace, any hint, so that it is never spoken of. But in that we are humans our speech will betray us or our actions take us hence to the [glow=blue,2,300]secret's [/glow]revelation. It is best to realize that we are the secret, and not the words themselves. "

...save me from myself...

Janice: It was terribly kind of Vance to be well... so terribly kind. As angry as she had gotten at him for leaving her the topic of escort debate at the Bannockburn, he made it up to her the next day with a posy boquet of wildflowers and a trip to the district of Bryante Row, up the streets from the famed Cathedral. "Bryante Row? Oooh - oh my. Is that not where some of the most lovely houses in the city are, they were not touched by the seige?" Remarkably no, they were for the most part whole and those that had been blighted were quickly being set to right. The gentry had money, like their richer counter parts, to heft about. In a design that would later be defined as Tudor (perhaps subject to debate, here it was called Bryantian) architecture, the houses were two or three leveled buildings. Some were longer, others shorter. The scent of private gardens with exotic flowers caused Janice to nearly fall from her feet in happy bewilderment. At the very least, the fountain in the middle square made her simply giddy! Forgetting she was seventeen, she became a seven year old girl that clapped her hands. "How does it do that!" She squealed as a bevy of water lept from bowls in a circular shape to the ones in the middle, only for random spurts to jump across formations. (d)

Vance In hindsight, it might have seemed terribly, awfully short-sighted of Vance to leave Janice alone considering what had happened, briefly, but the reality was a little more simplistic. The simple fact was the last warning had seen increased guard around Janice, but at Vance's insistence, they were to stay out of sight. Under those circumstances, he could afford leaving Janice alone in the care of other Noviates for however brief a while. Still technically a breach of orders, but Janice needed to be treated human once in a while, including indulging in the company of a boy he thought she liked. Besides, he was already paying his price in the Bryante row, in which poor Vance stood out like a sore thumb, acutely aware of what the worn clothes and disheveled nature looked like, as well as trying to stay out of sight best he could--after all, there was always the faint chance he'd run across a man he previously robbed blind on the street! Small price to pay however for the girl to indulge herself a little bit, dancing around in vague wonderment at the various niceities of having real money. "Dunno how it works. Magic maybe. Kinda magic the boss does, I mean." to which Vance meant the fake kind, though the distinction might be lost on her.

Janice "Really! And that it makes it do such things, and it is like a show, all the time Vance! Can we go a little closer...see people are looking into the bowls." It was short-sighted! Just because the English wolves had paid Turas lan a visit for supper didn't mean that worse hadn't come with them like fleas latching on to gorge themselves on the blood being offered. Still, Vance had a point in that were it left to the Masters the girl would only come out every blue moon, and with only that maid Carlotta for company. She was a good soul, but even being ten years Janice's elder had ruined her on remembering what it was to be a girl who's world was just beginning to broaden. Did Mr. Renquest move about such places as this? The very thought made her cheeks pink, but she didn't speak. In earnest, if it weren't for such a bevy of conversationalists at that table Janice would have never said a word! An invitation to come to the halls, too? At least she could learn something from the women, odd, when you consider she acquired things for the very same sort of experimentation her "father" tried to keep her from. "Oh, and the carriage! I have never seen one that looks so..my, they have rebuilt so quickly here already/Or masked what needed to be fixed with a little vanity. Walking with the posy in one hand, she slid her arm through Vance's and smiled. He was having some effect on her. Today the gray dress was a robin's eggshell blue. (d)

Vance: "On the backs 'a the worse off, no doubt." Vance replied, somewhat bitterly. The contrast struck him regardless and soured his mood (lightened only slightly by a young woman passing by in her prime who had apparently decided to advertise to eligible bachelors by way of a low cut gown. considerably out of Vance's league but worth a look) "Be wary 'a this stuff, little Janice. it looks pretty on the surface, but I assure ya, ya'd be surprised how much uglyya can find. " he tilted his head lighlty again to get a slightly better view of the woman as she walked away. "Well.. maybe not everything." and dismissed the attention, smirking lighlty at the little sprite at his arm and contiuing along their little walk. "Enjoy your little Stroll with Mr. Renquest, then, love?"

Janice "Yes. Quite right. There were so many things lost only a few streets above the Hall, and the gates..." Oh sweet child, it was so much more than even you could imagine. Through a window she saw the hint of flaming arrow, the aftermath of a balista only until Carlotta drew the shutters and sealed the curtain. Both women had rosaries in their hands, and as the noviates began to run out to defend? The doors had been shut against her. The few things she had even seen on the street were curbed for fear of disturbing the maid's sensitivity. Be wary? It made her look at the pretty fountains, the flower beds and the houses with a different pair of eyes. These were only the homes of the gentry! Many a prominent noble had a home as big as the whole hall, too! "It is easy for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven." When you were surrounded by possesions, you yearned fore more. If content with little, you were none the wiser. Studious gaze passed then to he bachlorette and her...charms. "Some things should not be put out with no care!" She muttered. But what if she were in - oh lord, never! -still..what if it were a little lower, the line of her neck? Then she would not appear such a cast-off bumpkin. Mr. Renquest might..."Oh! Well..I did, sort of. He is injured and was in hurry to leave after speakin with Miss Creed Miss Ada, and the Lord Marshall. When you left they debated over who would take me home like I was a basket of fish." She pouted, fiddling with the charm of St. someone around her neck. " I..don't think he'd look at me in a million years." Poor girl! She had no idea how to talk to people, let alone suitors, and any time she tried even younger it ended terribly. Country dances? Fairs? Markets..any chance to secure a match had gone so wrong. Not even the nuns could give her to a husband. As an independent she'd probably get a man to pity her sooner than fancy her (d)

Vance: "Look. Janice, a word of advice. Boys like that aren't refusin' to notice ya 'cause ya ain't catchin' their eye, it's cause they don't know what to do with it. " The poor little thing, he felt a pang of sympathy. Being raised in a place where so much as fancying a lad was tantamount to sin hadn't exactly adequetly prepared her for it. "Ya want him to notice, be a little more demanding or he's never pick his head up from his book. Still, he walked ya home." again, the nuances were apparently not something he bothered trying to explain to Janice--god forbid she started dressing anything like the kind of woman that grabbed Vance's attention or Nate was a dead man. "'Sides. Boys convinced he only gets to look. Come around sooner or later, I'll bet." he looked over to her and smirked, however lightly. "Ya interested in catchin' his eye though, I know a few people could give some pointers." and she most certainly did not want ANY of them.

Janice Janice had a pair of large doe eyes. Couldn't hide an emotion with them so she didn't bother. (Not that she was aware of how obvious the two orbs were. She didn't need another flaw to mind) Vance had an attraction to the wrong sortof woman, that was for certain, but he still held the little bird's interest on matters of the male mind. How did one catch an eye, as he said? Demanding? Oh my! Janice - demanding..it wasn't possible! (Well, if she were angry enough, she might be tempted with a vile presentation that was actually forward, honest, and quite endearing) "I..will think about that. You're right..I..do not think he would have felt so terribly obligated yes? Miss Aislin Creed did offer to do the same thing, and he said he would." Hope! It sprang eternal as she smiled. "Thank you, Vance! Why, I do hope that Mr. Renquest will look at me, and..I him..more. But, perhaps I should seek a little guidance. " She nodded squarely and said. "The Masters have opened the home to company..so..so I will invite Mr. Renquest to supper! I will find the fabric and ask Miss Carlotta to make me a brand new dress, and what Miss Claramae may think is best.." Bold idea that. Still lots of points to consider, but give her time, she' d stand on her own feet. It wasn't easy when you were being sheltered as much as she was. There was a store just at the end of the way they walked, and with some coins in her pocket, Janice Viscreed...was going to.....shop! GASP. Usually she gave all her allowance to an alms box. As she let go of his hand just to step over the door, was when he felt a touch to the back of him. While she notice fabric, the tip of a knife twisted in his clothes, then vanished all together (d)

Vance: "Uh... maybe... maybe someone other than Claramae. " Though Vance was not at all versed in the depth of Claramae's subterfuge, all time with the woman suggested one thing: Asking Claramae for how to get a boy was rather like asking Vance on how to be respectable; a fools errand. but by the time he had properly formed a counter-argument, Janice had already flitted off, dead set on shopping, to which the guard reluctantly followed--or at least were it not for a pinprick near his back that sent a jolt through his body, snapping his gaze over his shoulder. chyt. he thought. Being bloodied toyed with. The game was over, it'd seem. What the hell to do now? Carefully following the woman into the shop, he took exactly one step in and one step aside the door, letting it shut and trying to look casual, but with every intention of blindsiding anyone who tried to follow them. Seemed their little dayout was going to get cut short...

Janice: "Perhaps I shan't bother Miss Carolotta.." Janice murmured as she bounded into the shop. Bolts of fabric were between two pieces of standing wood. Laces, beads and such were sprawled out on a round table in the middle of the shop. "A real dress-maker." Now that was worth asking Master Laurence of! The woman was tasteful, but exquisite. Cold as winter frost but flushed were the faces that saw her as she passed, even Vance! Clasping her hands together, a good bargain and a keen eye were what was needed here. A bumpkin's triumph! If anything she could handle haggling for prices and goods well..."This is hard to ask you Vance, but what color do you think Mr. Renquest likes?" As she walkedforward, someone walked in from the side. A dapper vest, a good pair of breeches. He welcomed Janice while toying with Vance. In the sleeve of his shirt was a knife, and just as he put his arm around the girl to show her....he withdrew it, to cut a loose string on the edge of his vest. Aren't we skiddish today, mate? The voice in his ear again, the figure on the side standing at perhapsfive feet and nine inches. A cropped head of hair, narrowed eyes. A wicked slit right through the top of his left ear, all the classic signs of the sort of men he tangled with. Little one seems just fine (d)

Vance: "Uh.... " Scratch that. the only person more useless in advice on how to attract a lad's eye than Claramae was Vance. he couldn't even begin to answer a question like that. In fact, he wasn't even sure it had an answer. "Honestly luv, no idea." the humor was already draining from his voice though by a measure. Even moreso when the man slipped in, dead set on toying with the pair of them, he forced himself to stay calm in the face of it. "If this the best ya can do to rattle someone, 'fraid you're gonna find a surprise 'n how this ends. " the man's voice dropped low, acid, staring hard at the man, literally not budging at the slip of knife pruning a thread around his chest. "'Fraid I'm not very good at these games. You mind getting' to a point here 'fore I decide to jump the gun and rip yer bloody guts out?"

Bolverk: The smith might be common, but his customers seemed to be anything but common now a days. His shop had been rebuilt and many of the swords he had creatd were saved, which would be the venture of the day. He had washed up well and dressed in what better clothing he had. Even his breeches were finely pushed into his polished boots, his long hair had ben tied back in a leather thong to keep it looking neat. Outside on the street where they were, it was calmeras if war had not come a knocking upon the door. Lucius, had ventured with him this evening to drop off a few works at some of the finer gentleman's homes. Without a horse, they had to carry the items. Lucius' own clothing was given to him as a welcome home present, so he too would look like a fine male this day. In a sense, it was to spend time with his son, but the smith did not say such. ``This is the first home. Do not set down any of the items. It may be a good part of town, but one never knows who is hiding here. Theives can blend any where.``

Others, had decided to venture to this more tasteful place as well today. Siobhan had recently came to Turas lan with her father, to help celebrate victory. A day here in Bryante was wnderful for a woman with coin. Beautiful fountains, lovely shops to shop in. With two guards trailing about behind her, she moved quickly so her tall form could get to one place then another fast. She had limited time to be here and wanted to get a few more materials for dresses that her mother could buy her. With the maroon cloak pulled up, Siobhan felt at ease as she entered the shop and paused, waiting for another woman to pass by.

Lucius Lucius was glad to see that his father's buisness did not suffer terribly from the war, for the squire would have been willing to put all his earnings from his service in the war to help his father rebuild. It was strange to survivea hellish war and then walk about the towns as if nothing had happened. The people quickly resumed their lives and the speed of adjustment was...well..amazing. Perhaps it was wrong to expect a longer mourning and rebuilding period, but he did. However, much to his surprise, the people moved on. He was thrilled to see such. Carrying the swords ready for delivery, they headed for a part of town that Lucius had never been in before, but the more he served under his father, the more he learned about Skye, as far as the city life went. He cleaned up rather nicely, and to be honest, he forgot the Lady Kaori's advice in 'cleaning up' his handsome face in means of facial hair, but thanks to thegift from his father, he cleaned up well enough. The decorated leather jerkin had been worn over a padded tunic and his breeches were tucked into newer boots, something not so worn and weathered. At his father's wish, he nodded andheld onto the swords. ``Something I found out first hand, father.`` He said with a small smirk.

Janice: "Oh Vance, please? Please?" She looked at him with the wide-eyed gaze silently begging him even after she'd stopped. There in lay the fault of a guard with no additional female companions her own age. What ever in creation woulda man in a shop of fabrics, talks of dresses, suitors, or all that sort? Certainly he did put her in Nathan's path, but all this talk of 'catching eyes' and all she'd caught so far was an I don't know! The shopkeep came around to Janice, and leading her about the shop found he had another guest. "Welcome, my lady! What do you look for today! This delightful young girl has come for fabric for a new dress, what of you? Ah...I bet both of you have a fancy!" Two guards, a held up head? The difference between the new lady and Janice was akin to night and day. Perhaps it was time to lower her neckline..a little. If even just to show some the neck, a hint..of what was under? "Why, you are very clever, sir!" Not that he'd miss that if the writing on the wall told it. Let alone the mention of the name itself and she just got all a'tizzy. "He is a very kind shopkeeper, my lady. Good day to you." My lady was the term of address - surely - for Siobhan looked so regal! " Trainin' her to fit in are we? Must say it's a good thing. Pity the lil mite won't enjoy it much." That voice was London thoroughfares and Thames river-dragger if ever he'd heard it. Had he heard it? Father was a civil-sort..oh wait, that'd be her uncle aye? Tell 'er tha' little pearl? Mother was squealin' all about it when she was pinned down. (d)

Vance:Alendral and Claramae played the game of spies. Vance was involved, but he didn't. He stepped forward a bit again and spared a glance at the woman's two guards. Wonder how upstanding they were? Speaking with forced levity to Janice. "I don't know. Ask... ask her! " he indicated the other woman. "Lady probalby knows a thing or two about courtin'. " he apparently didn't think or bother to think of the ramifications of that insult, but was instead focus on other matters, dropping his voice low. "Ya supposed to be scarin' me? or do your sort insist on blabbin' for hours before they make a move?' the man slipped past him and made a point of letting him know his own weapon was at the ready, concealed blade pressing into the man's side faintly... 'course, in Vance's case, it was to hide something else entirely.

Siobhan: Siobhan dressed in the clothing that was full of clan pride. solid colors and a tuck of plaid design that rested against her beautiful long skirt, along with the white laces of the top of the dress. Siobhan's own neck line was low enough to show a mere peek of the crease between her breast, though not enough to show too much which would make her places seem shakey. Little did she know, that beyond these walls, someone she missed terribly was walking around. Both dark brows rose up slowly as she was spotted and spoken to only moments from coming in. At first, she looked behind her then looked back to the shop keep. ``Afternoon. `` She debated on saying why she was here. Was it really any one else's business? Her guards were dressed in plaid kilts, boots and tunics to cover their chest. Both held a their eyes on the book keeper and then looked to the male who spoke. ``I too am looking for material for a new dress.`` Cadet eyes looked to the male before she frowned. ``Excuse me? I think you better watch your tongue and what you say sir. You don't know me, don't make jest other wise.`` It was clear Siobhan was not afraid of a stranger.``Uncivil bastard.`` she mumbled under her breath. Thank goodness her father was not here, she was not going to act like a lady to a male who did not act like a gentleman. `

Bolverk`To true son..too true. Wait here one moment. I will return quickly.`` Moving to the door, he knocked and gave a soft nod to the male who opened the door. They both vanished inside for a few moments, before Bolverk came back out with a sac of coin. This would be on going for a time as they collected pay for Bolverk's hard work. When they were done, Bolverk paused Lucius by a fountain and looked to the design of it. ``Do you remember these from Rome?`` He asked while dark eyes looked it over. The mist could be felt when the wind blew.

Lucius: Lucius glanced down at the swords in his arms for a moment, studying the intricate work and expertise of his father. His father had a gift, truly he did, and looking closer at it, Lucius could admire it more. Even something as deadly could be a work of art. Outside he waited, glancing about this way and that, having been through war and battles taught him to always be alert. When his father returned, Lucius followed the man to the next few homes,delivering swords in exchange for coin. He had no idea that the person he missed perhaps the most was not so far away; things might have been different if he had. Walking with his father, Lucius gazed upon the fountains, watching the water dance this way and that, the breezing carrying a gentle mist from the streams of water. Lucius smiled partly, watching for a moment, before his eyes trailed the design of the stone and fountain. ``I do...very well father.. while you were working, away sometimes, I use to sit and read by the fountains..something about the sound of water was soothing...it helped keep my thoughts from worry about you..`` Lucius replied, glancing to his father, still oblivious to why his father came and went from time to time before he settled down in his life of blacksmithing.

Janice: If ya want to get to brass tax mate, we can though ye already did a good job o' embarrasin the girl yerself..."Vance! What an impertinent thing to say..oh..oh my lady I apologize for him, he can be very ill-mannered but he truly means my lady no harm" That earned him the scowl of the century! Last night it was a table full of strangers and Mr. Renquest, and today another stranger and this one noble?! She was not a piece of baggage to be toted about and dropped off at his delight to whomever wanted to pick her up! Turning back to Siobhan, with the way she carried herself Janice didn't know that she was in fact older than Siobhan! "He will not bother you any more, nor I. I..do think the fabric in the shop is lovely thought." She wanted a friend so terribly, what ruined it more? Vance or her own provincial person? They call me Larkin, lad. Joseph Larkin. Probably didn't remember. Tha's alright. To busy tuppin' up with tha' good time to notice I watched her the whole time? Mm. Claramae would have remembered, Lady 'as fine tastes. But, I rather likes this dark." He opened up his own vest to reveal a pair of warclaws he just had to slide over his knuckles to leave a scratch he'd soon not forget. Pays better. Freer. Slit ear, beaten mind converted. He turned tail which was worse than dying in their world. Being ambigous in loyalty is one thing, outright defiance of trust? He looked at the people outside, even seeing the smithy and the man at the fountain. Mm. Might block his escape path, but he was quick. He wouldn't have been kept around their lot if he wasn't. On the other end of the story Janice tried to go back to rummaging the stocks. Oh, well that piece of lace was lovely, wasn't it? She tucked a strand of her hair away, nervous. Unsure. Eh, Janice! The girl looked up thinking it may have been Vance that called her,and saw only him to boot. Now where the hell did Larkin go? Yes? (d)

Vance: "You... spineless... son of a bytch!" Vance hissed at the realization of the man. Larkin. Jesus, Larkin! it hit him like a thunderbolt and elevated the situation to utter danger. The game was over, things had to end now. Luckily for him, the 'free man' was so intent on playing a shadow of his old master's former game that he wasn't paying attention to the oldest trick in the book, and his voice raised. "Oi, you lot! What've you got there!" he pointed accusingly at a handful of silk he'd plucked from the shelf a moment earlier--the knife-tip was obscuring the real intent, which was that Vance had stashed a wad of merchandise--presumeably the expensive kind, into his
AIendral: pocket, pointing accusingly. "You.. you're a bloody thief! What is... Jesus Christ, you're armed!" the advantage of being the respectable Rogue in the right side of town was he could make accusations and get away with it. The man backed away with the semblance of shock and grabbed Janice by the arm, feigning a look of surprise adn terror and urging her to the door. Between the guards and shop-keep, he'd figured the situation would soon get chaotic enough

Bolverk: There were many more secrets that Bolverk kept from his son, now was not the time or place to say them though. ``Why were you worried for me?`` Dark eyes looked to his son and that beard he had grown. It made him look more like a man, though he was much to skinny still.

Siobhan:Frowning, she looked to the girl who came closer. Meek little thing wasn't she? Clearing her throat, she sighed. ``It is fine. It was not your mouth that spoke such words. You are not a bother, I just do not let men speak to me in such a way and get away with it.`` The poor girl seemed so timid. It made Siobhan feel bad for her. ``That they are.. they are a bit- ``She was cut off by the men speaking. Her guards turned to look at the male and frowned. Too much movement went on for the guards to like, which had hands gripped upon the handles of their swords and the sound of steel moving from sleaths. Vance moved a bit too fast for the guard on the right as he grabbed Janice by the arm. A blade moved up towards Vance, while Siobhan was pulled behind them. The guard to the left pointed his sword towards the other male. ``Stay where ye be. Put ye hands up where they can be seen.`` These were not stupid guards, they were trained clansmen and would die for the woman behind them.


Lucius: Why did he worry for him? Bolverk was his father, and as a young boy, he worried where his father might be and when he would come back because the man was all he had. Sure, some of the elderly women in the town were kind to him, but that did not replace the presence of his father. Lucius turned his eyes to his father, the light smile still on his face. ``Because I missed you, father. You were busy and sometimes away for a few hours, of course that was because I only had you to care for me, but still..a son worries about his father, even now.`` Lucius replied before plaicng his hand upon his father's shoulder and squeezing it lightly.

Janice: "That is a good thing to be, so that no man may say cruel things and it passes. Thank you, for allowing me a little of your company. You're the first person to tell me in a long while that I am no bother..." They might have talked. Worlds might have met and a girl's prayers been answered! Janice was just about to mention the bible's teaching on 'turning the other cheek' when the tumult started in the little shop! A thief, armed! Why she gasped with finger to her mouth. Quick as the pages of a story turn the guards thrust their lady behind them. One drew a sword, holding the accused thief at bay while Vance - oh by St. Bridget's prayer beads - he wasn't so dashing. Not nearly as valiant, and all but took her arm clean out of the socket as he began to drag her off! "You, sir, are going to pay for that silk you ruined!" The shopkeeper cried, thankful that such people of *quality* had come just in time! While the girl was sweet, her guardian sounded as suspicious as this thief fellow. "There might be more of them. Hooligans all! I hope my lady is not offended by any persons here." That bit real hard on the poor girl's heart. As the shop door was opened, it would be hard to miss Vance tugging her along like a pull toy on a string while inside, Larkin only grinned. Showing his hands, from them dropped a small bead of blue that when breaking, enveloped the shop in a cloud of thick, acrid smoke the same shade. The shopkeeper ran to open the nearby windows, for the stuff was burning to the lungs, made the eyes tear up. Impromptu as the show was, what with blue smoke spilling out of rich shop windows, Joseph Larkin was gone - or was he - For an instant she turned her head, a looser grip on Vance and in that instant he'd fell his hold on her start to loosen. "Vance!!" In the narrow alley between teh store and a building, the girl was holding on for dear life with her fingers not to get pulled back. Come on poppet, let go. Ne'er had the pleasure of killin Jewess before. What the heavens was he talking about?! (d

Vance:The whole place was full of acrid smoke, forcing him to bring his jacket over his mouth as the bets filter he could manage, his fingertips tigthening over her arm--and slipping through nothing a moment later. He didn't respond pithily, didn't curse or growl. He was like an animal on the move. The words left Larkin's lip and a mere instant later Vance was right on top of him. "Son of a bytch! " the man was skilled in his day, but he was deranged--and apparently, his derangement turned him into some Gottschalk wannabe--but he lacked subtley. Broad daylight, surrounded by guards? Vance didn't have to win here, he just had to slow him down. Moving like quicksilver, he grabbed a handful of the man's hair and wrenched hard, dashing him against the stone wall, hoping surprise on his side would give him the opening move, expecting the man to sputter and cough and be left in the dust--but when it came to dirty fighting, few did it better than Vance. assuming that worked, he'd follow up with a quick hammer blow to the man's kidney--once, perhaps twice--bring the man to his knees in an instant.

Siobhan The woman was an odd one. Siobhan was canty and sure of herself, which came off as snobbish. She really did not care, for those who thought it would have to deal with her sooner or later if they were in a high position. The woman was no threat to Siobhan, perhaps why she did not mind. That was when choas went and took over. The male moved towards her, only to have one guard raise the sword then lower it when Vance explained he was a body guard. Smoke filled the area and the guards were left coughing. Siobhan ducked out before Janice was tugged along by another. Siobhan coughed softly and moved away from the shop, unknowingly towards the fountain or by it, but kept going. What the hell was that?

Bolverk smiled and placed his hand upon his son's shoulder. ``You are the only one in my life, I have ever count on. You, have never dissapointed me Lucius. I want you to know that.`` The sounds from the shop had Bolverk looking to see...smoke? Fire? Removing his hand, he handed Lucius the bag of coins and ran towards the shop, seeing one woman moving from it and another being pulled out. What the...moving by the shop, he saw the shop keeper openingthe door and assumed Lucius was right behind him. The woman and two men had his attention more, as his broad frame moved towards the narrow ally. The two men were at it already, which had Bolverk grabbing the girl. ``What happened my lady? What is the meaning of this?`` His baritone spoke out, trying to be calm for her.

Lucius And there was no finer compliment than that. To hear from your father that you were never a disappointment and that he counted on him. In his heart, Lucius felt a swell of pride as he smiled a bit more, staring up at his taller frame. ``I hope to never diappoint you father. I want to make you proud of me.`` He answered, before his eyes shifted to see a strange smoke, following the sight of his father. Blue? When was smoke ever blue? Lucius frowned and took the bag of coins. At first, Lucius followed after his father towards the shop, until he saw...her. Instantly he stopped and his eyes widened, his heart stilled in his chest. ``Siobhan..`` He whispered, almost to himself at first. Dark eyes darted to the direct his father went. He could take care of himself..right? Lucius moved a bit to peer down the ally and his two men already fighting and Bolverk standing there. Yeah, his father could handle his own. Turning on his heel, Lucius ran after her. ``Siobhan!`` He called out, though monitoring the volume of his voice so as not to draw attention. The widest smile was on his face as he reached out to grab her arm. He had not seen her infive, long months..and they all came to this day, when he would see her again

Janice: Push me, pull you. Tug here, tug there. Grabbed up and let go, grabbed again! If she were a doll her limbs would have broken. If she were a string her line would have come untied! Bolverk held a literal leaf in the shape of a youngwoman that shook with such force it made the hands he held her with jitter. "I...I don't...I don't know.." she swallowed, eyes tearing, " I ...don't know. We were..out..and.. we were in the store.." She turned her head to the alley again and again where Vance was beating Larkin. The man groaned piteously, but river-draggers who scrounged up the bloated bodies on the Thames for trinkets were anything but clean. He slid his fingers into his warclaw and gave a good slash across Vance's chest with them, using his free hand to punch him in the jaw. C'mon, Sorschal's bytch. Get off his tit. C'm fight me lad. He wanted to get his hands on Janice, but a little detour never hurt! "Vance! Vance No!!" She even reached out a hand to the alley before pulling her hand back like it'd been hit, but it was only the sting of watching him get hurt that did it. Larkin snapped his neck off to the side to : crack the bones before writing it up. While the man was on the ground, he looked over at Janice and Bolverk. Whatcha got in this man? Pass the lass o'er now, don't be shy. Pass her o'er or I'll slither guard here from naval to nose. (d)

Vance: The hit sent him staggering, styimying his onslaught and snapping his head back, but it onlyl seemed to strengthen his resolve. "You talk too f**kin' much!" was his only response, and the man was on him an instant later, taking the initiative--one step forward, and a hammer-blow was sent to the vicious little man's jaw, blind and obvious--and not the strike he ever intended to land. He repeated it once, battering his fist against the ensuing guard with such force and speed that your average man would find it hard to do anything but waether each blow--and of course, with his vision slightly obscured, he'd bring up his other arm with a well aimed shot for the man's solar plexus, growling almost feral. In contrast to Alendral and Claramae's grace, Vance was like a rabid dog, who never relented, quick but always on the attack. If his errant little ruse worked and toppled the man even slightly, well... Vance's knife
was very likely going to finish the job.

Siobhan: The guards were left to cough and weeze out of the shop, trying to get their barings. Eyes burned, as did their chest tighten. Blue coated them them like dust as they blindly tried to find their way out of the shop and called out Siobhan's name. Siobhan was trying to get some space, so just go some where and take a break, when she heard someone shout her name. Turning around, she saw...Lucius? The bytch melted away and a wide smile replaced her face as Lucius reached for her. Siobhan had no idea that there was chaos elsewhere. She wrapped her arms around Lucius' neck and held him close, feeling his beard against her face, before pulling him away from the open street and on the side of a home

Bolverk:.Bolverk listened to the girl speaking, before she reached out her hand and lowered it. ``Okay..calm down..don't interfear, you will only distract the male trying to keep you safe. Which ever one it is.`` He eased his grip but would tighten it if she moved. Looking to the male who spoke, Bolverk's face was calm. ``You do speak too much...`` he counted and pulled Janice behind his massive frame so that she could peek around, but should the male come for her, he would have to get through Bolverk. Bolverk interfearing could make matters worse..so he watched for the moment. He noticed Lucius was not near him, maybe that was better.

Lucius: Lucius had seen a glimpse of the fury of Siobhan, even suffed a blow from her...which was not pleasant and was rather painful. However, Lucius would take a thousand days like those if it all led to her kindness to him in the end. To see her smile made it all worth it. Both arms wrapped around her middle and he held her close to him, and how good it felt to hold her in his arms again. He missed it. Remembering where they were, Lucius pulled away and with his hand still holding hers he followed Siobhan around the side of a house. There, Lucius could not help himself. Pulling her back to his frame, he pressed his lips to hers in a hungry kiss, staved of her affection and voice. His hands rubbed her sides and he sighed slightly, pulling his lips back somewhat. ``I missed you so much Siobhan..I thought of you every day..`` He whispered, staying close to the side of the home and in the shadows as much as possible.

Janice: "He's going to hurt him.." She cried softly, though it was the truth but more the other way around. Vance had turned into a thing that Janice hadn't seen, and being pushed behind Bolverk did little good in disguising it. The two two tussled more, a hit to the solar plexus and a return it with an eblow down on the spine. Over, over again it happened until Larkin was using his limbs like grappling hooks to pull the man off his feet. The tips of the claws caught his clothes, ripping at them, utimately falling off his hand so that it was flesh to flesh pommeling after his face, a whole hand coming to open up over it and push back. "Oh god..dear god...dear god.." She prayed, for she never took the Lord's name in vain! She clasped her hands and began to pray as though all life depended on it, when strangely enough word from Godcame out of the sky. Ooor was that more of a problem? The wooshing sound split the air a second before Janice began to grow woozy. The tip of a thin throwing dart grazed the back of her neck, but didn't lodge in enough for the potion to make her senseless, but it did mal align her senses! Poor thing tumbled back against Bolverk, pushing him into the alley by mistake! Larkin was no discriminator, taking the chance to kick Bolverk in the gut thinking it was now two against one. The thing fell to the ground, and the shooter appeared on the edge of the shadows by Siobhan and lucius! Bah! But Mannering would NOT be pleased with them, and here he was staring at collateral. Lovely! (d)

Vance: "Just. f**king. Die!" the Rogue reacted to the man's scrabbling--the chunk of flesh taken out of his side and the tear at his clothes, the hammer-blow at his spine that nearly drove him down, almost taken him off his feet, but his opening would come when Bolvarek would be the victim of Larkin's strike. Extending his leg past Vance was albeit to offering his throat-- or something similar, because rather impulsive he reached an arm around the man and in a lightning quick motion grabbed the knife at his belt, and after a minute of struggling plunged it hard into the man's thigh--aimed right the artery that would kill him in minutes. He was tired and he wanted this to be over. One way or another, the new attacker would force him to withdraw, though it meant exposing himself to Larkin in the event of this, his eyes widening but saying nothing, rushing to try and intercept the new attacker before Janice got anywhere near him. "No~!"


Bolverk grunted at the male, while Vance seemed to become more aggressive in his fighting. Feeling weight on his back, Bolverk wrapped his arm behind him as he was pushed and a foot to the gut made him grunt, though he did not pauseto let it affect him long. The whole point of it was about this woman and seeing that standing here would do no good, when Vance stabbed the male in the leg, Bolverk turned around and inhaled the air that finally was given to him. It was not safe. Reaching his hand under the woman's knees and skirts, he lifted her up as if she were as light as a pillow and carried her away from the alley and around the corner, into the shop next door to get some coverage. He pressed the door closed behind them with his foot and moved to the ground, easing her down to the floor. ``Why are the men fighting?`` He tapped her cheek lightly to get her attention. ``Who are you to those men?``

Siobhan smiled at Lucius, unaware that the passionate kiss would end, only to have them be interupted. The sounds of the guards calling her could be ignored, but the male who was in the ally by them, could not be. She paused in her affections, wanting to tell Lucius she loved him, but the male was right there. ``This is not a show. Be gone!`` More yelling had Siobhan unwrapping her arms to look and see her guards were heading this way. Did they see her? chyt! She was blind to the fact that the male there was shooting darts.

Lucius So it would seem that fate did not want them to have their own reunion. It had been months since he say his wife, and all they had were stolen moments. Apprently this one was stolen from them. Lucius could hear the raised voices andscuffling in the distance. Lucius turned to see the male standing near them with..what was that? Lucius frowned as his arms uncurled themselves reluctantly from Siobhan's waist. His eyes widened. Darts. Lucius recognized her guards by the pattern of their kilts, but still they were a ways away and the shooter was right there. Lucius pushed Siobhan behind him with one hand while the other drew out his sword. The shoot raised the gun to blow another dart at her guards, but the physical action of Lucius colliding into him from behind had the man dropping his weapon and it scattered down the alley. Growling, the man elbowed Lucius in the face, making the squire wince and get shoved off. Blood came from his nose, but he didn't hear a crack. Both men scrambled to their feet and the shooter drew out two longer knives. Lucius' eyes widened for a moment, but then narrowed and he drew his dagger. Steel clashed as the two fought, Lucius getting slung into the side of the house only to slide down to avoid having his head taken off, and kicked the man away. Tossing his dagger up, fingers caught it by the blade and he flung it toward the shooter. The shooter fell backward with the dagger sticking out from his chest. The man's long knives were kicked away, and the tip of his blade was placed at the shooter's neck. He wasn't dead, but that dagger sticking out of the middle of his chest would have him dead soon enough. Turning to Siobhan, Lucius grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him but partly behind, just in case there were more of them. ``Are you alone? Where are your friends?`` He breathed out, hischest heaving as he pressed the blade of his sword further into the shooter's neck, knicking it.

Janice "I...I.." Her words were softer than water tapping on leaves, barely heard, nearly lost as she struggled to open her eyes. The orbs swam this way and that. Pupils began to dialate with drinking in far too much light. The tap, tapagainst her face reigstered thud, thud in her ears, making her wince and cry. " I d..on't...know." The poor girl genuinely had no idea: That was the likes of the Order to reveal while their enemies in broad daylight, stirred up the folks in Bryante Row. Some ducked into their houses, others peered out on steps but not a single one ventured forth to help thinking that some war-related brawl was still breaking out! Her hands pressed against him in gentle protest but while the potion didn't take her under, enough of it had gotten in to where it made cognative motion impossible. Erstwhile, in the alley, the shooter had put up a fight that might have had him an advantage if the war hadn't honed Lucius into a prime example of learning on one's feet. A spy with knives was as bad as a knight with swords, but now he had one in his chest to show for his trouble. Gasping, gurgling, he still found purchase to laugh like the deranged man he was. You think it's over, ha! Wars just getting' started fer the likes of us.. the likes of who? Obviously someone who had no qualms with collateral damages. Lucius and Siobhan dead would have meant nothing to him. Think this is the last you'll see of someone like me eh? heh...heh. Just look..d..down there." He grinned. Didn't kill her, but the handiwork was pretty good. Being awake for the stuff was worse as the body tried to expell it. She turned over and drew into a fetal posistion, growing warm and sweaty. Had she gone under, Janice wouldn't have been waking up. Larkin found enough cause to move, a slightly broken puppet back to his master puppeteer. Holding on to his leg, he grinned. Not now, but soon. Soon. They were just getting started. Friends..eh. Maybe. He gave nothing further as the dagger in his chest began to do its worst. Ask them..who their friends be. They'll be dead. The whole Order...(d)

Vance: "f**k, f**k f**k f**k!" Vance's reaction was to curse, often and repeatedly. His duty was to Janice first and foremost, and a son of a bytch would have to wait. The Rogue fell to Janice's side in an instant, tilting her head enough to witness the puncture wound, which resulted in another series of profanity hardly fitting in a noble row. "God... God DAMN it!" the other people barely even entered his periphery. "Janice. Oi, Janice, you can hear me, right? S'gonna be alright, you hear me? You're gonna be fine. Just hang on. I'm takin' you back. Just... Christ..." without much of a 'how do you do' to the Blacksmith he was already up, hissing as he crossed into the open road, hurrying in the direction of the Order, but the first sign of a carriage would a mere moment elsewhere diverted him enough to make a b-line, the frail thing cradled in his arms as he barked harshly. "You, you, all of you, out! Castle Business. You get out now or I'll have you hung for treason you namby-pamby little gits!"

Siobhan: Siobhan was smart, but when it came to Lucius, she was a bit blind and it was why she had not seen what he did. She was not a fighter, she was a woman of politics and young at that. When Lucius moved them about and shifted her to stand behind him. When thew fight broke out, she backed up more, but did not scream. What was the point? She did however reach for the dagger at her hip, though did not drawl it. The venture in the woods taught her well enough. When Lucius got the upper hand and reached for Siobhan, she moved closer, touching the back of his tunic and holding it between her fingers so he would know she was there before her gaurds came over. Cadet blue eyes looked to the male, before she leaned over Lucius' shoulder and spat at him. ``It is over for you, fool!`` She kicked at his leg to get her own little revenge and then rose her foot up, holding her skirts to ress her foot against the end of thedagger, making it go deeper before pulling her foot from the handle's edge. Her face twisted in a brutal sneer like her Uncle held. It ran in the family.

Bolverk: Bolverk turned his head when the man entered and moved closer. He did not care if the male did not greet him. When the male picked her up, Bolverk was on his heels. ``You are not going without me.`` Bolverk had been placed into the middle. As he moved, he saw his son and....the chieftain's daughter? ``LUCIUS. COME. NOW. YOU LET THOSE GUARDS HANDLE THAT.`` What the f**k was going on? Bolverk was going to get answers.

Lucius: His dark eyes narrowed a bit more at the man's gurling. The likes of who? Theives? They never had an ending, they would always be about. Lucius had just returned from war to see his wife and he was not going to let some vagabond dash that for him. Lucius pressed the blade further into his neck, causing more blood to trickle down his neck. Lucius did not care though. His face was emotionless as he stared at the man. ``That might be, but you shall not be among them.`` He said, feeling Siobhan's hands grip the material of his jerkin and tunic. However, when he saw that long leg move out and kick the man in obvious pain, Lucius arched a brow and glanced over his shoulder and to Siobhan. He blinked. Well, his wife just hastened the man's death. He saw that sneer and Lucius was glad he was not her foe...she looked just like her Uncle did in the battle that day. Dear God. ``Siobhan..`` He whispered, touching her arm before turning his eyes back down to the man who was gagging on the ground in pain. Frowning, Lucius dragged the edge of his sword across the man's death, sparing him more pain and easing his passing. The end of his blade was wiped off on the man's chest, and as soon as he reached for his dagger he heard his father shouting at him. His eyes widened and he froze. What?! Now?! ``Damn it...`` He mumured, snatching out his dagger and wiping the blade clean. The dagger was sheathed and he turned to Siobhan. All he got was a kiss and embrace from her...before their moment was ruined by the bastard. After mouthing 'I love you', Lucius had no choice but to turn and leave...after her guards arrived of course. Stepping over the lifeless body, Lucius took off after his father, running as fast as he could to make up ground between them. ``WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!`` He asked, confused completely. Had people gone mad!? Apparently

Larkin Stuff works faster on Jew blood any'ow. Larkin muttered to himself, taking some still comfort in that as he watched at a distance the goings on. It was such a delight, just like the master said! Watching him scurry about, fumbling with the girl to find a way to take her faster to what could heal her. Mannering had told him Claramae didn't look for him and he didn't believe until the enlightening day in Potree when Krause had sent Michael Vincere out into the open. But why not him? Alendral too promised to look for him, but their focus was skewed. They left him for dead! Snarling, he licked his lips, as if he tasted Vance's fear. Krause passed Larkin to Mannering, who sewed him back had use for him where Krause threw him away, like they all did. How many years of service did he waste on that bytch in Ebony Hall? It mattered little. Now he had new targets to play with too. Just you wait, thought he, this is not your last dance with the world of shadows. The carriage came to a hault and the people inside gasped. "Why, I never!" and "Oh, what business have you with the likes of the Castle! Oh, such scum!" Janice felt herself being putinside against soft seats, but nothing felt as it should elsewhere, her back felt soft, her belly felt needles, there was heat everywhere, and strange sounds. Another man's voice with the one that spared her further torment..then another? Behind Siobhan a voice said Go on, little miss. Go on and demand they take ye too. Not good to stay 'ere now. This one didn't sound cruel, nor calculating, but it was eerie in that it as over her shoulder one minute and gone the next (d)

....Continued in Ebony Hall....