Traitors in the Shadows ~Carnival Lane~ *Open*

[Anulia of Amora]

Anulia of Amora- Was she truly brave enough for this yet? She wondered as she stared at the giant turkey leg on the rack once more. The scent of the food and that of others flowed about her, tempting and alluring. She had come every day only to pause at this stand and take upon looking at the food that was moving on the pikes. Having never truly had meat before, she was still hesitating in such and trying her best to talk herself into it much as Padma had before. What did a creature that held a leg that large look like any way? With a sigh she wished she had brought Tahirah with her, for she would have helped be her strength to try something new, but instead she was alone, so for the fifth time, she walked away from the stand, saying she would try again another day. Dressed in what many she knew might have called a odd attire of purples, gold and silvers, she seemed to blend in right at home here in the Carnival Lane with all the entertainers about. Jestures wandered in the streets, juggling, blowing fire, swallowing swords. Women danced to drums, bells, sometimes on their own bodies as they moved and sometimes not. Anulia had few friends here, but it helped her be all the more at home with so many different people. She blended well, even had a few men as if she would dance to which she said she did not dance as the others did and moved along

Odis Schleitz- Odis was not fond of such places, it reminded him of the streets during festivals in Rome itself. The scantily dressed women with painted faces , some moving in lewd ways ..all attempting to attract coin from the lustful. The typical homespun dull garments worn of the tunic and britches. He moved with an easy gait however, the dull eyes swept over the mixture and crowds while he kept a hand upon the coin purse at his side. The near perpetual scowl usually kept people at bay. The word had it that the little bastards that had something to do with Willa's disappearance where thought to have come from here. The close cropping of his hair didn't help with the receding hairline that added a few years of age onto his appearance, which suited him well enough. Maurice, his merchant , had managed to gain a little information of back home. which seemed to have kept the farmer preoccupied. He had spoken briefly with his daughter, his mind still debating things .. and rumors he was catching here. The glimpse of the dark skinned woman he had spoken to in the Inn.. was spotted among the crowd. He couldn't help the faint smile at the hug she had given him.. it wasn't unenjoyable.. just a surprise. He watched the woman move for a few moments before watching her beg her leave of a man offering her coin to dance. The smile faded and the scowl appeared.. as if the lovely woman would lower herself to such?

Anulia of Amora- So many faces were found among the crowd that Anulia's chocolate colored eyes never stopped moving. Passing Sa-lavia's cart, she gave a happy wave of her small hand towards the woman and her kin that gathered about their cart with wide smiles and stories no doubt moving of old times and futures. Her grandmother was a hundred and one years old and still threatened to put curses on those who betrayed the family. Her mother was nearly her late eighties, yet still did daily chores as if her bones had not seen such a long period of life. Sa-Lavia herself was nearing her fifties, but to look upon the woman, one could never tell. Much like Anulia, they defied the look of age, by staying young inside. Sa-Lavia was about to speak when her eyes went to something behind Anulia and paused, widening slightly as a odd smile moved over the woman's face and she blushed. Anulia had never seen such a look on the woman before. What had captured her gaze? Anulia's chin turned and her head looked to see Odis among the crowd and her own smile widened all the more. She had much respect for the older male for more reasons then just him helping her that night. He had also been one of the few people to not call her dim and explain things to her. Such people were harder to find then one thought. Not caring of looking like a foolish child, she rose her small, mocha skin hand upwards and waved at him, wanting him to come closer to her so she could say hello. She had more manners then that, or she had hoped.

Odis Schleitz- The man was already heading in that direction as he dipped his head in reply. Though he paused a moment as one of the men that had called towards Anulia shaking a bag of coin. The hand lifted to offer her a sign to hold.. as his coarse altered and became a dead on stride to the lustful male. There was a sort of nonchalance to his movements as he intercepted the man and all but jerked him off his feet as Odis walked past and between two of the stalls the two men stepped. " It would be a very good idea for you to go and find another. " The words were spoken firmly and unwavering as the drunk blinked and nodded, the cool sort of smile appeared as he released the man's arm and even straightened the fellow's shirt. "good man. " The steps left the drunk there a bit uncertain as to what he had done wrong.. but didn't seem to want to upset the stout man. Odis stepped out again and looked about to spot Anulia again. The strides set towards the woman as he approached and the respectful nod was given . " Greetings, Miss Anulia. "

Anulia of Amora- Anulia was naive in the sense of sexual appraise and apprehensive measures. Unless someone had grabbed her in a sexual manner, advances through words were mostly lost on her. Pure innocence of never having been charmed before in such a manner for it was forbidden in her village and disrespectful to make advances on the Virgin high Priestess. She was forever untouchable though now was a whole new world and rules for Anulia. When he held up his hand for her to wait, she watched as he seemed to...well she was not sure. Still she stared after him and heard a sigh of contentment behind her, turning around to see that Sa-Lavia was staring at where Odis had vanished off too. This..Anulia was not blind to oddly enough. She was the one who matched those in a marriage of sorts for it was one of her duties and Sa-Lavia either liked Odis in a manner or Anulia was missing something else. "Sa-Lavia....is something the matter?" she asked her friend who was dressed in one of her finer dancing outfits though this one left little of her stomach exposed unlike the others and held more bells to jingle as she moved.

Sa-Lavia- "Hm? Oh I am just fine my dear... very fine indeed."

Anulia of Amora- Anulia was a bit lost on that, but no matter. When she turned back around, Odis was nearly by them and with his bow, she gave one in return. "Evening Sir Odis...what brings you here today!? Will you be staying for a time?" voice was filled with that gentle excitement at seeing a friend, for how could she not be glad to see him?

Sa-Lavia"Yes..a male like you should stay and enjoy..no doubt you are in need of a good...mead.." Sa-Lavia spoke with a odd twinkle in her hazel eyes.

Odis Schleitz- The brows lifted at the calling of Sir as he seemed for a moment to look at Anulia sharply but the woman was far to gentle to be .. " Just Odis, gentle one. " he spoke quietly. His eyes moved from Anulia to look at the gypsy. The brows lowered once more. The small shake of his head. " I will not drink this evening. I had been given word that two brothers could be found in this area. One by the name of Clem.. " he spoke as though they were old friends.. after all one didn't find people by making them frightened to speak to him. His gaze returned to Anulia. " Surely you are here unescorted, Miss? " While yes indeed the gypsy woman was beautiful, exotic and alluring.. the farmer's mind was far more wrapped about beating some good old fashioned sense into lads heads. Forcefully.

Anulia of Amora- Anulia was lucky indeed that a male like Odies was nice to her, for he could have been cruel as others were. Anulia knew well that she was a thirty one year old woman who seemed more as if she were in her teens then anything else at times, but not at maturity, simply at how she accepted people. Her theory on life after slavery had become simple. Make as many friends as one could so that you could be more protected. She gave a nod to Odis asking her to say only his name with no title and did the same. "Only Anulia." said with a soft smile. the names, she did not know and could not answer him on such. However, a rude sounding scuff came from behind her and chocolate colored eyes went to Sa-Lavia.

Sa-Lavia- "You are not friends with them are you....cause if you are..." she leaned forward and pulled a blade out of what seemed between her breast, holding it towards the male she had just been blushing about. Within moments her demeanor changed and she was now unhappy. " If I had seen them...Clem more to speak..his man sacs would be sitting on this table in a jar. Sad excuse for a male.." if seemed the woman had issues of her own with him. " If you do find him...i'll give you twenty coin to bring him by here so I can collect on his man parts.."

Anulia of Amora- Hearing Sa-Lavia's words made both narrow and full brows rise over chocolate colored eyes and she stared at her friend's new attitude a bit in awe, for she had never seem her irritated before. She almost forgot to answer his question, but did so quickly while she stared at Sa-Lavia. Would she truly cut off the male parts? Anulia cringed and she was not even male. "I always walk about alone.." she said as if it were nothing. Who would come with her? No one had the time often enough and she was a adult

Odis Schleitz- It was the simply purity that Anulia exhibited that caused Odis to be somewhat protective of her. He had seen her hide her wrists, and unfortunately he could guess as to the reason why. He had no idea of her age, he would not be so foolish as to warrant a guess. That was rude. He had offered Anulia a small faint smile for the answer, Only Anulia.. though that disappeared and the man stepped forward with little warning to at least put himself in the path of the gypsy woman. If the idea of her cutting off small parts as meant to offend.. Odis wasn't giving in. " My business with the two are my own. They and I have words to be said. However I will give you this , Rani. If I find either of them I shall gift their parts to you.. they will have little need of them. " The words were quiet and cool. The dull eyes narrowed only slightly while he spoke. There was a small tug of the tunic across the shoulders, and the left hand curled tight enough to actually crack two of the knuckles. Again it was as Anulia admitted to her wanderings alone he lifted a brow. " It is not always safe , for you to travel without the company of one to offer some protection. Especially in places such as this. "

[Anulia of Amora]

Anulia of Amora- Anulia did se the small smile before he had faded into the unknown and was glad that both parties were not irritated with her, more so that the smile, faint as it may have been, helped reassure that. Her small hands moved in front of her hips as she waited for them to speak, watching intently from one to the other.

Sa-Lavia- Sa-Lavia's eyes narrowed on the male as he stepped closer and her grip tightened on that small, curved blade as he moved closer to it's path. A mixture of respect and fear mingled in her bones and flesh, for that cool demeanor told her the male was not a friend of the two and that he had more deadly business in mind. For a moment longer she stared at him, strangely liking his words..though what was this Rani business? "Hm...well in that case.." she pulled the knife back and straightened placing the blade back within her breast to hide it once more. " I would accept such and give you thanks." When Anulia said such and Odis told her it was not safe, Sa-Lavia rolled her hazel colored eyes and scuffed." been trying to tell her that for months. I keep telling you Nul...you are a sweet woman..we want to keep you around for a good long time now."

Anulia of Amora- Anulia smiled and sighed. "Thank you both for your concerns..I know if is not safe. I am careful to keep my attention open. Would you like company for a time Odis..Anulia has great ears when it comes to listening.." bright smile was given once more as she waited for his answer and heard Sa-Lavia laugh.

Odis Schleitz- The Rani business was Lady in Romani, or those that he had run off on occasion. Though he only chuckled softly and inclined his head. " I would be pleased by your company Anulia. " He spoke quietly. He looked away from both women to view the crowd as it moved , it seemed by the movements, laughter and such.. as though the crowd was a living entity all its own. He offered a small bow of sorts to the gypsy woman. " If you would be so kind, as to send word to the merchantman Maurice on Cross street.. if you find either brother. "

Anulia of Amora- Anulia gave a wave to Sa-Lavia who looked to Odis with a soft smile and gave a nod to his request. Anulia waited until he was ready and fell into step by his larger form,. having much practice at keeping up with men taller then her since she was 5'5 and most were closer to 6 foot here. As they walked, she noticed that no one ever really bumped into Odis as they had her, like his presence alone got the space he so needed or perhaps people simply were in the right place as he moved. It was strange and interesting to see. She thought to ask more on the subject, but paused when she heard a odd tone of music and heard clapping. Without thinking much on personal space that many liked to have and keep, she reached out for Odis' hand and pulled him towards the area, gently for she could not tug him since he was larger then her in the sense of built wise. Moving to the end of the crowd so she could see, it put them closer to the openings between the buildings there and left Odis to Anulia's left while her right was mere inches from the ally way. A monkey danced to the bells of the male, clapping and singing in his own language. " We call them apulas. What do you call them here Odis?" her wide smile could not be hidden, nor would she as she watched on. In the ally, unknown to others, two men were meeting and speaking, knowing none would hear them over the music and loud entertainers that often cluttered the area. Their words were lost at first, simply gruffs and greetings before things..and named came to light. Even as Anulia clapped, she could hear it in the distance, though never turned her head around

Odis Schleitz- It was an odd thing, that people moved aside while he escorted her. It was all in the way one carried themselves. Those that had gotten close to Anulia while they walked seemed to take a different approach as the scowl was sent into their direction. Tended to make people want to be somewhere else. His attention shifted back to the crowd around them while they walked further on, the music and clapping touched upon his ears. Before he could stirr the woman around such, the light touch came to his hand as he relented and followed the path. After all , he was escorting her.. whether she needed one or not. And she did need one. ahem. The man leaned a bit to peer through the press of bodies. " It is a monkey. " He answered her. While he could not hear the conversation of the two males hiding in the shadows of the alley, they had caught the man's attention. The subtle glance given in that direction as he turned himself in a way that would allow him to keep them in the corner of his eye. Those that tended to hide, wore thieves and rogues.. as he attempted to weed out the sounds around him and try and focus on the voices.

Anulia of Amora- One of Anulia's many talents was to listen to many things at once. Living in the jungle, one had to pay close attention to when things sounded out, or went deadly quiet. When was they called tigers or cats of other kinds roamed about, it paid well to listen to the monkey's calls and the insects when they went quiet. Anulia rose a brow at his answer and mouthed the word in silence at first then spoke it, claiming her attention was fully on the art at hand. "Mon-key...Monkey." she spoke slowly and then fast, making sure to remember if she could. The voices were faint compared to the crowd, but ears only needed to focus on the tones and track them. One was lower then the other...a rumble of sorts as if the male had inhaled smoke of some kind while the other was a more solid tone, smooth and without a accent. At first it was mumbles, but then words became more clear only lower.

Traitor 1 "MacDonalrd is a fool for his actions. We can no longer leave him to go about on his own. He will ruin things before they even begin. Pompus ass. We have to find him and silence him before the others do. He knows too much..you fool. i told you he could not be trusted." The one with a husky and scratchy tone spoke.

Traitor 2" Do not call me a fool! I did what you said!"

Traitor 1 "Quiet your tone man!"

Traitor 2 " How was I to know he had odd appetites. It matters not..for the others on on his trail and should get him soon. How do you want us to leave the body?"

Traitor 1 "You don't...send it to sea..it will make it look as if he up and left the island completey and they will give up. What other news do you have for me?"

Traitor 2 "The filly I have been riding these many nights speaks often and good. She says the castle is unrested and that it is crumbling from within...we need but wait for a time..it may fall without our help. "

Traitor 1 "nay...that will take to long..the others grow restless. Such power given to peasents.."

Odis Schleitz- Odis merely stood watching the dancing monkey as it flipped and danced about. The little four fingered hand pulled off the felt hat and bowed as people threw coppers. The conversation had been heard, and the small glance given again to give some heights and weights to the men that spoke against the Ruling pair. The jaws clenched slightly, he had heard tales of this MacDonald.. it had been his fear that his daughter had been taken by such.. He wasn't sure if the little woman beside him heard all that was being said as he figured to stand a bit longer and even tossed a coin, though he typically would not waste coin in such a manner. " If you watch , the monkey will dance all the while the music plays.. when the bells stop he knows its feeding time. There are menageries in Rome.. people have trained monkeys and other animals to perform. " He kept his tone quiet as he leaned in a bit towards her. In doing so it gave him a reason to look more directly at the men. Yet not appearing to do so. He stood upright once more. Power given to peasants.. which meant that the civil war was coming..he could not very well leave Willa to deal with the farm alone, worse. he would not dare to do so. She was a good girl but certainly not capable of protecting herself.. and wars such as this were fought in the front yard and plowed fields, just as much as streets and castle grounds.


Traitor 2 " What do you want us to do next Grayson?"

Traitor 1 The sound of a scuff was lost as the people cheered and clapped before the mumbling was heard and then it quieted down. "Keep doing what you do best and ride the maid. She knows a good bit of things it seems and the information could be useful. Already we have a few who are trying to make head way and get closer to the lord and lady. They are weak..so we shall move in soon enough. Talk is among the walls that they might kill soon enough. We shall see if they have the gull for such. We do not want to poison or murder..for that will seem too suspicious and that was a clumsy attempt to kidnap the son. We will not do such again...we need something a little less dramatic, but to put a nice dent into things..come..let us find the others and set up a meeting.."

Anulia of Amora- Anulia's attention went to Odis as he spoke of the monkey dancing before she gave a laugh at the way he creature clapped and jumped about, all the while she had a uneasy feeling in her chest at such words. Many were lost on her, but the few that seemed important were not. Suddenly, she did not feel overly well and she was not sure why as dread came over her. " I think I will head back to the castle now Odis...but thank you for your time with me...Anulia would love to do such again!"

~~{END THREAD}~~