Post by Dame Danae Galanos on Jan 18, 2009 14:25:11 GMT -6
AIendral = Once damage control had reached its end, Alendral was forced to largely withdraw again. There were too many wheels in motion to give him more a moment for personal time. It also meant exceedingly long nights, which was exactly what was keeping him up now, though perhaps the solitude was as much to nurse a Brandy bottle as much as catch up on matters, which the slender Magician was currently staring at ruefully. "...Going to end up a slave to the bloody stuff..." he muttered distastefully. The bulk of his attention--a stack of parchment lit by candlelight, which he hurriedly scribbled details, consulting between pages rapidly, seemed consuming--he practically tuned out everything else while he did it, which given his profession might be considered a tad irresponsible, but then, he assumed himself largely secure. Besides, if the keep could be so easily infiltrated, there was no point to any of his work. All the while, a little voice in his head repeated focus on the work, on the work, as it threatend to remind of him of its weight, crushing him under it.
Danae = Danae had left the Gilded Lily not long after Alendral. It seemed after he left, others started to part ways and things were winding down for the evening. The ride to Red Wall would be a long one and honestly, Danae would rather stay the night in a nearby Inn rather than travel that long lonesome road. So, Majesty was ushered to the up coming establishment that had become a favorite hide-a-way recently. Once reaching the place, the tall Greek female slid from the back of her beast, handed him off to the stable keep and moved inside. Heavy foot steps were heard as she deliberately stomped the first few steps to rid her boots as well her form of the freshly fallen snow. Cloak and fur was removed and hung, weapons with her adjusted and she moved to stand at the bar to place an order. She knew she needed to stay away from the heavier drinks, but.. tonight she just plain out needed one. -d-
AIendral = "It's on me, keep." came the voice behind her. It was likely something of a surprise, but in her movements the Magician had wandered down, largely to refill his own dwindling supply. The usual noble ensemble had been partially shed--the frilly shirt was there, but the vest was largely discarded, giving him a rakish air as he leaned forward against the bar, looking considerably more tired than usual. Despite that, he, in an exaggerated motion, leaned against the bar, turning to face her and resting his face in his hand, as much to dispel what was very likely to be a very curt and possibly anatomically impossible response before he realized the poor attempt at a pick up. "Now there's a set a first. I could barely get you to take a glass of wine before... Evening Danae." he smiled, a bit dryly despite himself.
Danae = Blue eyes were lowering to hands near the bars edge, preparing to remove the cold leather gloves from one another. The action was put on hold for a moment as blue eyes of ice turned to face the one who spoke, taking to paying for her drink. She smirked, she should have known it would be him. Where he looked tired, Danae felt it. These rides between Red Wall and Turas Lan were definately starting to wear on her. "Evening Alendral... and thank you." She said as gloves were finally removed only to be tucked within her belt at her waist. "Maybe I've decided I needed a drink after all.. things can change you know... and rather quickly at that." She added with a grin. "Which brings me to now wonder why you ran off so quickly. I'm debating with myself if its me you are running from or someone else." The copper skinned woman was now smirking at him. There was still a little sarcastic mood coursing through her. Question was, would Alendral be ready and willing to handle it or would she have to tone it down and not wear him out or scare him off? -d-
AIendral = There was an element of truth in both of her suspicions, but he wouldn't entertain either of them off the bat. Instead, he riposted."Well, there is my reputation to consider." He flashed her a grin. She did seem to be frequenting Skye frequently now, but given the supposed mayhem in Avaria, he supposed he couldn't be terribly surprised. That was a story for another time, perhaps. "No. No, Danae, contrary to what you may think, I'm not in need of running from you. The situation these days is... somewhat delicate. Scarcely have time to catch my breath, as it were." He waited quietly for the keep to return with both their drinks, which Alendral went to almost instantly. "Also I might have skipped out on payment."Another quip, to which he shrugged and turned the tables as subtly as he could. "So what brings you to Skye again tonight? You're going to spend half your life on Horseback if you keep this up."
Danae = She could only smile and nod, seeing he wasn't going to fire back at her right away. Though, when the reply came, she chuckled, especially seeing that grin of his. That grin usually meant one things to her... trouble. She was currently residing in Skye, Red Wall was where she was...employed for the time being. Maahes, Eloara and the refugees were in need of patrol men, guards and other means of protection. Seeing as she could not return to Avaria right now, Maahes was at least making her useful as well as the few devoted and loyal men under her command. "These days, many things are of a delicate nature." When the keep came with their drinks, Danae was just as quick to take to hers as he was with his. "Somehow, I found that hard to believe... Alendral the payment skipper... just doesn't fit." She said with a grin of her own. "Recently? A couple of my men have come up missing...I mean to find out where they are and why they are there." Apparently, a couple of Danae's men had been spotted at the Gilded Lily, and since then, not seen nor heard from. -d-
AIendral = "Then you really have no idea who I really am." There came that grin again, shaking his head a little bit, shooting her a look of vague bafflement. As a half-joke, he offered. "Perhaps they found true love and absconded with the women with some whirlwind romance." Or perhaps something else had happened. Troubling. Even more troubling considering his involvement with the Lily at the moment, and he made a note to talk to about it to his contact a short time later. "If this is a way of asking though, I've heard nothing and found no bodies that would suggest your men have might an untimely end, so there's that." Of course, between Wolves and assassins running wild, it was entirely possible. Worse, still, he suspected that among many targets, Maahes was one. The weight of the moment hit again and he found himself hitting the drink with considerably more effort. "I'm sorry to hear that, Danae. I'll keep my eyes open. If I hear anything you'll be the first to hear it." That was very likely not what she meant, but he took it along with everything else, sighing deeply. Another trouble to keep his eye on. Wonderful.
Danae = As he spoke, Danae found herself smiling a little more with each word heard. This one was something else, truly in a league all his own. "I would rather it be that than what I am thinking in the back of my mind." She said chuckling, truth was, she was worried as hell now. It wasn't like any of her men to go off and not let their Commander know where to and what reason. " As am I... and thank you.. the more eyes that are seeking, the better I am off with learning they are. One pair of eyes is not enough..." She could see it in his eyes, it was also written in the lines of his face. That troubling look that he tried so hard to hide and for the most part did rather well. However, right now, he was doing poorly. Perhaps it was the tiredness that had his defenses down. "So why don't we find some place else a little more comfortable to talk about things. I get the feeling that its going to be needed..." Danae slowly turned things around, having them shift from the fun light hearted mood to the more serious one. -d-
AIendral = "Now, Danae, that really isn't necessary I assure you and--oh God there's no way you're going to just let it alone anyway. Alright, alright..." he knew better, though he couldn't fathom just why Danae felt the need to be quite so insistent. Perhaps it was just payback for saying a few nice things at a time when she needed it, or perhaps she just needed to help someone, or maybe, just maybe, she actually liked him. In any event he was too tired to argue about it anyway. "Been waiting to get you alone into my room anyway." plus it allowed him to say something like that, and so without much further adieu he'd finish off his drink--promptly by another bottle, and lightly gesture for her to follow, leading her to his temporary quarters, which, in way of romances, wasn't exactly much. There were a lot of files and papers about, a suitcase full of some clothes--and ironically, random props from his show, and a slender stiletto next to a lit candle on the desk. At least there were a chair for her. He gestured lightly over to it while taking up his place at the makeshift 'work-desk' he'd apparently set up. The conditions were spartan, to say the least, but the anonymity served in this case. Despite all the work and invitation Alendral said nothing, didn't volunteer himself off-hand, just turned to look at her expectantly, the unspoken beckoning, ask away, plain on his expression.
Danae = People were coming to know her rather well. Persistent, feisty and well... a real pain in the ass when she wanted to be. The woman wanted to chuckle, but kept herself from doing so. When he gave in and suggested his room, brows arched and she had to smirk. That wasn't exactly what she had in mind but it would work. There were two ways to look at it, one.. they would have the privacy they needed for some rather... secretive subjects. Then there was the other, where people were going to talk, make assumptions and believe the two were off doing other things besides talking. Honestly, Danae could care less. She was the type that did what she needed to do to get things done and then worry about consequences later. This was the first time the job included going off to a room..., with a male..., alone. Come what may, she'd deal with it just fine. "This is the only way you would get me to your room Alendral... besides, its not like I'm Ursala." She said with a smirk. As he lead the way, she followed after snatching up her cloak and fur. When reaching his quarters, her eyes were quick to do their survey of the area. Running several thoughts through her mind, taking note of locations to what was where, locations of the windows, possible weapons that could be used, or anything else should they be faced with any threats. It was how Danae worked, always thinking ahead. She tossed her cloak and fur on his bed, moved to take the offered seat and looked to him with her drink still in her other hand. The look on his face said it all. "Tell me what's bothering you... and don't lie to me. I know its something you're currently working on." Why was Danae doing this? For several reasons... to return the favor he once did for her, that she did like him, and it was payback in a sense. -d-
AIendral = "Ursula's an informant, Danae. Tell no one of that, tell no one of anything. That's first. My cover is as her client, that was my business at the Lily, nothing less, nothing more" He'd wait till they were inside to correct her, perhaps with a trace of wounded pride. Granted, Ursula had certainly left an impression, but there was something irritating at being thought of as a man that would stoop so low. He took another drink, sighed and rubbed at his eye a moment. "Fine. Fair enough, there's no reason to lie to you here. And it's not any one thing. " Which, despite his previous statement, was an outright lie. "it's several things. It's many things. You might not see it, or even remotely believe it, but things in Skye are in considerable motion, Danae, and I have been assigned the dubious task of imposing order on Chaos. Look at this look at... this." he lifted up a stack of papers and set it down on the desk with a heavy sound. "This... this is a list of possible espionage actions within the walls of Turas Lan. This is every back-alley deal that's gone on and me? I get to dig through this all, as Spy master, and discern the pattern beneath it. I have... tales of rabid animals running wild in the city, unchecked, despite the best effort of all rangers. I have people from a foreign land going after key members. I have two... two attempted assassinations in the last week. " He took another drink at the thought of it. "You're a warrior, you should understand it. It's like fighting a battle, blindfolded, deaf. The only way you can find an enemy is to.. grope around uselessly. No way of telling what's friend, foe, or innocent. Just one big mess. Add to that.. I'm dealing with a kingdom that only recently decided that being subtle was in any way necessary. I've spent... bloody weeks, explaining to certain members to keep their damn mouth shut... and now? Now I have to deal with a public that, god help us, has gotten wind that happened something to Lord Kendrew due to some agitated Squire of his or something. and they did it town square! This is like a Spy's nightmare!" the words, once loosened, came unbidden. He couldn't talk about things like this to Clara, as the inscrutable woman was indisposed, and there was few else to talk to, so he'd bottled them up for some time.
Danae = The first statement that left his lips had her nodding immediately. That idea had come across her mind more than once. Along with the more obvious one, but something just seemed off there and so Danae had let it be. "Not a single word." Would be her reply to that. The next however, had her sitting a little more upright as she downed the rest of her drink. The glass was sat on the floor beside her with her eyes not leaving him. The only time they did shift was when he indicated to the stack of papers. "Alendral, you are right, I am a warrior and I do understand. Do you think I don't know what's happening around here or at least have the slightest idea? I have two men missing, there have been reports of bodies turning up at Red Wall because of these so called rabid animals. At first what I thought was to be drunken tales of men around a camp fire over head by a child, shared and thus the rumors. However, now I know better." She grew quiet, listening to him as there still seem to be more and as she listened, the copper skinned woman leaned back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest and there was a sympathetic look slowly making claim to her face. Once he was done, she leaned up, elbows on knees. "Alendral... breath... Just take a deep breath and calm down. I know what you are thinking.. how can I do that when there is so much else that needs to be done right away. But let me ask you this." She moved to stand and took a few idle steps toward him. "What good are you going to be to any of us if you... well...don't slow down and get yourself so worked up you find yourself in the hands of healers?" Her head canted slowly, she sighed and look to him waiting for more it seemed. She was there to listen and try to talk reason... hopefully she was doing more good than bad by being here. -d-
AIendral = "You and everybody else knows better. I'm just... I can't believe this the work of mere animals. Something more is at work here." he shuffled a few papers and sighed, running a hand lightly through his hair at the idea that he would run himself into a rut. "The time for worrying about my own state of mind will come soon enough." The reason he was pushing himself so hard was hidden on one of the sheets of paper, but he was not quite in place to discuss it. "So far, Lord Windsor, Lord Kendrew were both wounded in a pair of attacks. I have reason to suspect Maahes is next, if he hasn't been attacked already. "it was a bit of a slip up, letting her know that, but then, telling an ally of Maahes may have a net benefit effect. "Add to that the Preachers and Priests that've been flocking to Church of Skye to spread his word at a time like this, just in time. They didn't arrive after the rumors of the wolves, after these attacks, they arrived at the same time. That's no coincidence." He took a steadying breath. "Once I'm finished organizing Skye's response I can rest, but 'till things get settled the Lady Claramae and I are the only two with experience dealing in these matters, and I've not hit my limits yet." He shook his head a little bit. "You'll excuse me for feeling worn down by it. Worst, yet, are these damned Assassins. I've two confirmed to be working within city walls. I can't slow down, Danae, because they won't. These ones... well. " He stopped dead and flicked his eyes over to the papers. "..I've experience with them. They won't. "
Danae = She continued to eye him, not in the sense of belittlement or even scolding. Just simple study. Danae had guessed right, there was more... well, more that he felt the need to elaborate on. Still, something irked her... yes, it was his job, his duty to see to these things but she felt that perhaps there was an underlining reason hidden within all this. What? She didn't know but you could bet your ass she was going to find out. "Well... it would only make sense. First Kendrew, then Balian Windsor... so I think you are right, Maahes is next." She let her tongue slip out to moisten her dry lips as she thought a moment. Gaze slowly leaving him, falling to the floor and lifting back to his eyes. "I have men... they are few in numbers now as not all of my regiment wished to remain loyal to me. But... should you have need of any... they are yours." She moved closer, letting a hand come to his shoulder and gripping it to give a firm, yet comforting squeeze. "As well as me... if you need the extra help... here you have it." She then let her hand take hold of his arm and gently ushered him toward the bed. Her other hand was quick to push aside her things. "Here, sit down before you fall down. You'll get so worked up and pass out on me. The last thing I need is for your serious injury or worse to be pinned on me." It was an attempt of a jest, probably a lousy one. If he did sit down, she sat beside him and continued to listen should he have more to say. -d-
AIendral = "That's... appreciated, Danae, but take no offense when I tell you that, for the tasks needed, I'm afraid I'd have little use for you. That's... not an insult, mind you. Espionage requires a mind set most warriors can't and won't accept. These are tasks done sideways. Not a light touch, or a heavy one, a dishonest one. What I need... are spies. And spies are precisely what I lack. " He reached up, for a moment, to touch her hand but, a friendly gesture, but after a moment thought better of it, the need for manners suddenly strangely urgent. Funny how the English stood on manners in times of stress. Seems, despite attempts to the contrary, some things stuck. But he followed her directions all the same. "And it's more than made sense. A few nights ago, during one of the Lily's visit, one of Shaden's associates--Ursula, in point of fact, was accosted by some strange foreigners. Even I couldn't place the dialect, but I overheard two of them distinctly mention Maahes and his wife. I believe Shaden was actually their intent, but they settled on her. he's currently in custody, but useless to me. " he shrugged and let his words drift for a moment, rubbing at the back of his head as he searched for some other topic to exhaust, and keep steered well away from what he found discomforting.
Danae = "There has to be something I can do... I find it hard that I'm not useful." Of course she'd argue this point with him, even if for a moments time. Though, not wanting to make the man feel any worse than he was, she would for once let it stay as it were. Maybe something would come up that her gender, her skills, something she had would be of use. Once he seem to settle down a little more, again, her elbows came to rest on her knees while fingers laced with those of the opposing hand. She idly stared at them and down at the floor, suddenly at a lost for words. He spoke again, this time tell her of a couple visitors at the Gilded Lily. That Maahes and Elaora were mentioned. This of course had her looking to him and the look in her eye almost pleading. She couldn't just stand by and do nothing to protect her closest friend. He was like a brother to her now and his family? She couldn't just do nothing... she wouldn't. With or without his permission, unknown to him she'd find a way to make herself useful. Seeing there was a need for a change in subject, she asked. "When's the last time you slept? And I mean undisturbed..." -d-
AIendral = If it were even that easy. He could have a variety of uses for a woman, warrior, and one versed in the land respectively, but without leads it was all useless to him, tools that had nothing to be utilized on, which was particularly vexing. Added to that the subtle insult she took at his words and his frustration piqued. "I didn't say you were useless Danae, I said your skills were not the ones I need now. if I have a use for them believe me, you'll know it. " And in changing the subject, seems she unwittingly hit closer to whatever it was she was looking for. Alendral could not hide the fact that he physically wanted to avoid the question. "... A few days. Hard to find sleep these days. " which said nothing of the nightmares. Given who he would confess those too, it seemed silly, like telling her he was afraid of the dark. Irony being he had plenty reason to. "I.. can't really sleep anyway, it will pass in time. I'm sure you've felt the same way before battles." classic tatic when dealing with soldiers. He always knew that playing up the old soldier routine would deflect the conversation, and he used it well.
Danae = "Days?" Now was when that scolding look came. "Alendral.. really. You can't expect to be at your best if you don't feel it. And as hard as it is to find it, you need it." Danae knew all to well what it was like to go without sleep for an extended amount of time. She'd been though it not only with herself but Maahes as well. She remembered him sleeping for days on end when he went so long without it. Both taking to rotating rounds in the castle back in Avaria when men were low in numbers, recovering from wounds, or sick. "I have... but... I still had need of it... just as you. When you're ready, make yourself comfortable and I'll stand watch." And she meant that. She didn't mind in the least staying up an entire night so a man as important as he could rest and in return, not only be more pleasant but feel better and do his job better. "I have drink to keep me occupied for a while." She said with a slight smile as she gestured over toward the bottle with her eyes that he had brought with him. "Just, don't hold it against me if I drink it all." -d-
AIendral = The last thing he wanted was for her to see him waking up in cold sweat or worse, and so the idea was distinctly unappealing. "Danae, you are being overly concerned. I've slept somewhat, just... it's difficult, alright? " How could he even explain that aspect on top of it? The why of he couldn't sleep wasn't that he was pushing himself so hard out of misguided nobility. The truth was a tad darker than that, but bringing it to the front, making words from it sent him reeling on thought alone. He sighed, wrung his hands together, and struggled to find a way to explain it without letting slip what was on his mind. "I'm not some jittery novice on his first battle. I'll be careful. Really, Danae, the sentiment is touching but I'll be fine." he already knew how effective the tact was, but short of letting it out, little else would.
Danae = "I'm not being overly concerned. I'm just trying to point out that in order to take care of things that you have been charged with, it not only requires great skill but a rested body and rested mind." She didn't like the tone he had taken with her, her own raising slightly to let him know that. "If you want me to leave then just say so. Suddenly I feel like I'm doing more harm than good." Her brows were now furrowed and her full lips growing thin along with her patience. "I didn't say you were some jittery novice on his first battle. I just know that-" She looked to him and then away. "Nevermind... forget I even offered." She moved to stand to her feet. The tall, dark haired, blue eyed, and copper skinned ranger paced a couple times before turning to him. A shake of head was made before steps were taken to close the distance between them. Standing before him, she stared a moment, sighed and then bent extending a hand to reach for her things. -d-
AIendral = "Danae..." Well that went well. He raised his hand a moment and let it drop, suddenly feeling frustrated with himself. That was when he was struck by an unusually odd thought, a simple "screw it." he buried his hands in his face. He might as well give voice to somebody. Shaden knew the names, but knew not why Alendral had taken the matter so personally. Given the circumstances, it seemed only fair that she, a friend, should know more. "It's not... overwork. Okay? it's not stress, it's not pushing myself and I assure you, there's nothing noble about my sleep, since you seem so insistent on it. " he hesitated a moment and stood up sharply. "I haven't thought about him in years. years. Now every time I sleep I'm dragged awake by some... some phantom of him. It's maddening!" and he fell back to a sit again, burying his eyes into his palms. It'd been so long since he'd given voice to the name... not even with the one who would understand it bet. "...Gottschalk. Alexander Gottschalk. May the bastard burn in hell for eternity for what he's done, is here, in Turas Lan. Not here in truth, but in spirit. In legacy. The assassins are of his ilk... and so am I."
Danae = She didn't even cut her eyes to him when he said her name. Just continued to move forward, take hold of her cloak and fur and straightened her stance again before turnning and making way for the door. When he spoke again, she paused, her hand resting on the door's latch. That hand fell and she turned to look to him. He began to explain his reason, the real reason that had him so... not himself it seemed. A few steps were taken back toward him, cloak and fur drapped over one arm while the other remained at her side, she listened. When he buried his eyes, she suddenly felt terrible. What she held was then draped over the back of the nearby chair and she took her seat next to him again. "I'm sorry..." Sorry for what? Her actions? Sorry for what he was dealing with? With the last said, it was a confession. One she could tell it took quite a bit to face up to and admit. "Are or once was?" It was the only thing she could think to ask for the moment. -d-
AIendral = "You tell me." his voice touched the edge of exhaustion when he said it. He paused, choosing his words carefully. He'd said it now, but there were details he'd never speak, not to anyone. Ever. For her sake, he wouldn't dare voice them. He took a rattling breath and spoke again. "..I doubt you've heard the name. but Gottschalk was a renowned spy, under the command of the Chruch. Gifted. That's the word most would do. He could infilitrate anyone, anything. Be anyone...kill anyone. A man skill matched only in his capacity for sheer evil." He paused, searching for a common ground to compare to, and just... kept talking. "You're a soldier, so you've likely met the type. I speak not of those enjoying to inflict pain-for that suggests that they enjoy anything... but violence has a way of attracting them. The hollow. The ones that do what they do simply to... to grasp at something, I know not what. The ones that hold nothing sacred--not comrade, not loyalty. God.. devil, anything. In the end... well, in end he was put down, like an animal, by myself and... others." He paused at the word and shifted likely. "...We thought it the end of him. But Gottschalk's talent was well recognized. He trained others. besides myself. A handful of them, currently still in operation. It seems... by coincidence that they would seem to be here." At that he clasped his hands together and brought them to his mouth, getting to the crux of what he said at the beginning. "...The only thing his pupils in common is one factor; that he saw some... fraction, of himself, in each of them. Some spark. I was his first." The last words strained all humor out of his voice, this was a very different person then one he put on. "You should believe how much that keeps me up at night. Gottschalk only trained other monsters, like him, Danae. So what does that make me? Hmm?"
Danae = At his reply, she eyed him carefully. He went on to tell a tale that she was sure few, very few had heard. She nodded a series of times as he used examples, compared things so that she had a better grasp of it all. In the end, she now better understood just what sort of weight he was carrying... everyday, every night, every waking moment and even those when he slept. "What I think? Is sometimes you are the enemy, have to be the enemy to defeat it. That it doesn't make you good or bad... it makes you a survivor." Perhaps those were not the words he had hoped to hear, they may have not been words of comfort, but they were words that expressed her thoughts and the intelligence she had. Her opinion of him.. it didn't matter, and if it should? It hadn't changed. -d-
AIendral = He looked up intently to her for a long while, lingered, saying nothing. He than his voice carefully controlled, a near emotional void. "you've killed before. I know you have. For you it was necessity in chaos. I'm not saying it makes it insignficant. but I... can name every person I've murdered. Many of them I can tell you their dreams, their wishes. What made them joyful. I'd like to say they're all villians. All evil, every last one of them, but they're not. I've killed good people. Honest people, who've done nothing wrong. I've lied through my teeth, pretended to be someone I'm not. Subverted people's trust. I've betrayed. and in each case I did it in name of country. Gottschalk did it in the name of God, till he realized that he didn't need it. That God's children didn't want him. A necessary evil, is what they called him. You're a woman betrayed, Danae. That much isn't dispute. But befriend me long enough and I will lie to you and I will hide truth from you. and I will tell myself that it's the right thing to do, and that I wouldn't betray you... or betray anyone I care about. .." he paused, and interlaced his fingers, slowly lowering themselves. "Sometimes, when I'm not thinking about it, when I need to see an end, I tell myself 'When this is over, his legacy will end.' Then I realize... that even i it does. It only ends with me." his eyes met hers... and suddenly broke hard. Suddenly he couldn't bear to look at her. Suddenly this all seemed like a mistake. what was she supposed to say to all of this? to him? The utter stupidity of what he did... he suddenly felt very, very tired....
Danae = She turned to better face him, her eyes were unwavering as he looked to her intently. And during that time of silence, she knew it was Alendral trying to better prepare himself for what he was about to share. Some of the things he said didn't come so much as a shock, others, slightly. Though when he began to speak of her befriending and what he would or would not do when it came to her, she didn't flinch. "Alendral... you do as you do not because its your choice. Its because its what you were taught... programmed to know and use. I'm not saying that its an excuse, but its an explanation for me to better understand you and perhaps for you to better understand yourself." Her jaw tightened some before she spoke once more. Her eyes fixed on his, her face void of all expression. "What makes a man is not what he is doing while learning or training, but what he does with the skills after he's mastered them. There is an end in sight if you look deeper, its not the end you think it should be. You have an advantage and you don't even know it. Take what you've learned, what you know, become the enemy if you must so you can destroy it... because in some twisted sense, it serves as good. It can and will be a new beginning for you. One that can end your sleepless nights, you lonesome days, and have people in your life because they finally know you for who you really are and are still willing to accept you... to take the good with the bad." Danae may be a woman, she maybe only twenty and nine years of age.... but she had seen, felt and experienced a lot in her time. That she had others telling her she was wise beyond her years. She didn't see it of course, but in times like these, thats when it showed the most. -d-
AIendral = "Perhaps." but for all her wisdom, making him see it, now, would perhaps be difficult. He stopped and looked out ahead. "Perhaps...." he trailed off silently again, before lowering his head, trying to regain some measure of strength again, to recover from how badly he was put off balance. "...You're right. I should rest. So... unless the lady would wish to accompany me tonight." there was the grin again, flashed her way, half-hearted and empty despite it, obvious in its jest, for once. "I believe I shall attempt to take your advice. and I would advise the same. I shall contact the Lily shortly, and see if your men have ever shown there.. and contact my other resources for sign of them. Get some rest, Danae. I suspect we may both soon need be at our best..."
Danae = The ranger would nod, simply keeping quite for the moment until he spoke and agreed she was right. It was funny... all the men she seem to argue and fight with would never in the beginning admit she was right, but in the end they folded, were faced to admit it whether silently to themselves or openly to others or her. "I am accompanying you tonight Alendral. I'm here.. am I not?" She grinned back and like him jested, half heartedly. "Go ahead, rest... once you are asleep... I'll take my leave. As far as my men... I fear my search will lead me down a path I'm not ready to travel but for them, I will." She took up her cloak and fur, moved to a corner of the room, lowered herself and got comfortable. He needn't argue...she had slept in wavering trees and cold hard grounds. A wooden corner wasn't at all going to be that bad of an ordeal. Head rested back against the wall, icey blue hues seem to stare into space. This would be her position and state for quite sometime. -d-
AIendral = "Lord, you are simultaneously great fun to tease and singularly impossible to shake with it." he smirked and leaned back a little bit. "Fine, fine, stare with loving and longing eyes while I sleep. Poor girl, afraid to come forward with her own feelings. It's one thing to play coy but you'd better be honest soon or perhaps the lovely lady Darling will beat you to the punch." which was all taking the piss of course. He'd met the woman all of once, and frankly she was about immune to his charms as Danae was. At least he had some semblance of his old self again. "..Danae. I... appreciate your trust in me. Understand it I may not. but I appreciate it... " he left the last part unspoken, his own fears on the subject. Were it only so easy to use simple words. Still, being a man with some degree of class--even if he knew arguing about letting her take the bed would be useless, she'd find herself with a face full of pillow before she could reply, followed shortly by one of the sheets, a partially playful gesture. "Good night, Danae."
Danae = Danae rolled her head against the wall and toward Alendral as he spoke about teasing her. The woman smirked and gave a light shrug of her shoulders. "What can I say... I have good reason to want to resist men now. Especially charming ones such as yourself." It was meant in jest, but their was a truth that underlined it. The last time she fell for a charming man, look where it got her. That was something she intended on trying to avoid from now on. At his thanking her, she gave a soft smile. "You're welcome Alendral... -- She began to say before feeling the thrown softness of a pillow and sheet her way. She glared at him playfully and replied. "Good night Alendral." To this Greek warrior, someone had to have faith in others these days and few were willing to take that chance. She wasn't afraid as the others and saw things in people that others refuse to or simply ignored. To some she was foolish, others brave, Danae? She just knew she was doing things the way her father and brother taught her to and their was no questioning that or doubting the lessons they had taught her. -d-
Danae = Danae had left the Gilded Lily not long after Alendral. It seemed after he left, others started to part ways and things were winding down for the evening. The ride to Red Wall would be a long one and honestly, Danae would rather stay the night in a nearby Inn rather than travel that long lonesome road. So, Majesty was ushered to the up coming establishment that had become a favorite hide-a-way recently. Once reaching the place, the tall Greek female slid from the back of her beast, handed him off to the stable keep and moved inside. Heavy foot steps were heard as she deliberately stomped the first few steps to rid her boots as well her form of the freshly fallen snow. Cloak and fur was removed and hung, weapons with her adjusted and she moved to stand at the bar to place an order. She knew she needed to stay away from the heavier drinks, but.. tonight she just plain out needed one. -d-
AIendral = "It's on me, keep." came the voice behind her. It was likely something of a surprise, but in her movements the Magician had wandered down, largely to refill his own dwindling supply. The usual noble ensemble had been partially shed--the frilly shirt was there, but the vest was largely discarded, giving him a rakish air as he leaned forward against the bar, looking considerably more tired than usual. Despite that, he, in an exaggerated motion, leaned against the bar, turning to face her and resting his face in his hand, as much to dispel what was very likely to be a very curt and possibly anatomically impossible response before he realized the poor attempt at a pick up. "Now there's a set a first. I could barely get you to take a glass of wine before... Evening Danae." he smiled, a bit dryly despite himself.
Danae = Blue eyes were lowering to hands near the bars edge, preparing to remove the cold leather gloves from one another. The action was put on hold for a moment as blue eyes of ice turned to face the one who spoke, taking to paying for her drink. She smirked, she should have known it would be him. Where he looked tired, Danae felt it. These rides between Red Wall and Turas Lan were definately starting to wear on her. "Evening Alendral... and thank you." She said as gloves were finally removed only to be tucked within her belt at her waist. "Maybe I've decided I needed a drink after all.. things can change you know... and rather quickly at that." She added with a grin. "Which brings me to now wonder why you ran off so quickly. I'm debating with myself if its me you are running from or someone else." The copper skinned woman was now smirking at him. There was still a little sarcastic mood coursing through her. Question was, would Alendral be ready and willing to handle it or would she have to tone it down and not wear him out or scare him off? -d-
AIendral = There was an element of truth in both of her suspicions, but he wouldn't entertain either of them off the bat. Instead, he riposted."Well, there is my reputation to consider." He flashed her a grin. She did seem to be frequenting Skye frequently now, but given the supposed mayhem in Avaria, he supposed he couldn't be terribly surprised. That was a story for another time, perhaps. "No. No, Danae, contrary to what you may think, I'm not in need of running from you. The situation these days is... somewhat delicate. Scarcely have time to catch my breath, as it were." He waited quietly for the keep to return with both their drinks, which Alendral went to almost instantly. "Also I might have skipped out on payment."Another quip, to which he shrugged and turned the tables as subtly as he could. "So what brings you to Skye again tonight? You're going to spend half your life on Horseback if you keep this up."
Danae = She could only smile and nod, seeing he wasn't going to fire back at her right away. Though, when the reply came, she chuckled, especially seeing that grin of his. That grin usually meant one things to her... trouble. She was currently residing in Skye, Red Wall was where she was...employed for the time being. Maahes, Eloara and the refugees were in need of patrol men, guards and other means of protection. Seeing as she could not return to Avaria right now, Maahes was at least making her useful as well as the few devoted and loyal men under her command. "These days, many things are of a delicate nature." When the keep came with their drinks, Danae was just as quick to take to hers as he was with his. "Somehow, I found that hard to believe... Alendral the payment skipper... just doesn't fit." She said with a grin of her own. "Recently? A couple of my men have come up missing...I mean to find out where they are and why they are there." Apparently, a couple of Danae's men had been spotted at the Gilded Lily, and since then, not seen nor heard from. -d-
AIendral = "Then you really have no idea who I really am." There came that grin again, shaking his head a little bit, shooting her a look of vague bafflement. As a half-joke, he offered. "Perhaps they found true love and absconded with the women with some whirlwind romance." Or perhaps something else had happened. Troubling. Even more troubling considering his involvement with the Lily at the moment, and he made a note to talk to about it to his contact a short time later. "If this is a way of asking though, I've heard nothing and found no bodies that would suggest your men have might an untimely end, so there's that." Of course, between Wolves and assassins running wild, it was entirely possible. Worse, still, he suspected that among many targets, Maahes was one. The weight of the moment hit again and he found himself hitting the drink with considerably more effort. "I'm sorry to hear that, Danae. I'll keep my eyes open. If I hear anything you'll be the first to hear it." That was very likely not what she meant, but he took it along with everything else, sighing deeply. Another trouble to keep his eye on. Wonderful.
Danae = As he spoke, Danae found herself smiling a little more with each word heard. This one was something else, truly in a league all his own. "I would rather it be that than what I am thinking in the back of my mind." She said chuckling, truth was, she was worried as hell now. It wasn't like any of her men to go off and not let their Commander know where to and what reason. " As am I... and thank you.. the more eyes that are seeking, the better I am off with learning they are. One pair of eyes is not enough..." She could see it in his eyes, it was also written in the lines of his face. That troubling look that he tried so hard to hide and for the most part did rather well. However, right now, he was doing poorly. Perhaps it was the tiredness that had his defenses down. "So why don't we find some place else a little more comfortable to talk about things. I get the feeling that its going to be needed..." Danae slowly turned things around, having them shift from the fun light hearted mood to the more serious one. -d-
AIendral = "Now, Danae, that really isn't necessary I assure you and--oh God there's no way you're going to just let it alone anyway. Alright, alright..." he knew better, though he couldn't fathom just why Danae felt the need to be quite so insistent. Perhaps it was just payback for saying a few nice things at a time when she needed it, or perhaps she just needed to help someone, or maybe, just maybe, she actually liked him. In any event he was too tired to argue about it anyway. "Been waiting to get you alone into my room anyway." plus it allowed him to say something like that, and so without much further adieu he'd finish off his drink--promptly by another bottle, and lightly gesture for her to follow, leading her to his temporary quarters, which, in way of romances, wasn't exactly much. There were a lot of files and papers about, a suitcase full of some clothes--and ironically, random props from his show, and a slender stiletto next to a lit candle on the desk. At least there were a chair for her. He gestured lightly over to it while taking up his place at the makeshift 'work-desk' he'd apparently set up. The conditions were spartan, to say the least, but the anonymity served in this case. Despite all the work and invitation Alendral said nothing, didn't volunteer himself off-hand, just turned to look at her expectantly, the unspoken beckoning, ask away, plain on his expression.
Danae = People were coming to know her rather well. Persistent, feisty and well... a real pain in the ass when she wanted to be. The woman wanted to chuckle, but kept herself from doing so. When he gave in and suggested his room, brows arched and she had to smirk. That wasn't exactly what she had in mind but it would work. There were two ways to look at it, one.. they would have the privacy they needed for some rather... secretive subjects. Then there was the other, where people were going to talk, make assumptions and believe the two were off doing other things besides talking. Honestly, Danae could care less. She was the type that did what she needed to do to get things done and then worry about consequences later. This was the first time the job included going off to a room..., with a male..., alone. Come what may, she'd deal with it just fine. "This is the only way you would get me to your room Alendral... besides, its not like I'm Ursala." She said with a smirk. As he lead the way, she followed after snatching up her cloak and fur. When reaching his quarters, her eyes were quick to do their survey of the area. Running several thoughts through her mind, taking note of locations to what was where, locations of the windows, possible weapons that could be used, or anything else should they be faced with any threats. It was how Danae worked, always thinking ahead. She tossed her cloak and fur on his bed, moved to take the offered seat and looked to him with her drink still in her other hand. The look on his face said it all. "Tell me what's bothering you... and don't lie to me. I know its something you're currently working on." Why was Danae doing this? For several reasons... to return the favor he once did for her, that she did like him, and it was payback in a sense. -d-
AIendral = "Ursula's an informant, Danae. Tell no one of that, tell no one of anything. That's first. My cover is as her client, that was my business at the Lily, nothing less, nothing more" He'd wait till they were inside to correct her, perhaps with a trace of wounded pride. Granted, Ursula had certainly left an impression, but there was something irritating at being thought of as a man that would stoop so low. He took another drink, sighed and rubbed at his eye a moment. "Fine. Fair enough, there's no reason to lie to you here. And it's not any one thing. " Which, despite his previous statement, was an outright lie. "it's several things. It's many things. You might not see it, or even remotely believe it, but things in Skye are in considerable motion, Danae, and I have been assigned the dubious task of imposing order on Chaos. Look at this look at... this." he lifted up a stack of papers and set it down on the desk with a heavy sound. "This... this is a list of possible espionage actions within the walls of Turas Lan. This is every back-alley deal that's gone on and me? I get to dig through this all, as Spy master, and discern the pattern beneath it. I have... tales of rabid animals running wild in the city, unchecked, despite the best effort of all rangers. I have people from a foreign land going after key members. I have two... two attempted assassinations in the last week. " He took another drink at the thought of it. "You're a warrior, you should understand it. It's like fighting a battle, blindfolded, deaf. The only way you can find an enemy is to.. grope around uselessly. No way of telling what's friend, foe, or innocent. Just one big mess. Add to that.. I'm dealing with a kingdom that only recently decided that being subtle was in any way necessary. I've spent... bloody weeks, explaining to certain members to keep their damn mouth shut... and now? Now I have to deal with a public that, god help us, has gotten wind that happened something to Lord Kendrew due to some agitated Squire of his or something. and they did it town square! This is like a Spy's nightmare!" the words, once loosened, came unbidden. He couldn't talk about things like this to Clara, as the inscrutable woman was indisposed, and there was few else to talk to, so he'd bottled them up for some time.
Danae = The first statement that left his lips had her nodding immediately. That idea had come across her mind more than once. Along with the more obvious one, but something just seemed off there and so Danae had let it be. "Not a single word." Would be her reply to that. The next however, had her sitting a little more upright as she downed the rest of her drink. The glass was sat on the floor beside her with her eyes not leaving him. The only time they did shift was when he indicated to the stack of papers. "Alendral, you are right, I am a warrior and I do understand. Do you think I don't know what's happening around here or at least have the slightest idea? I have two men missing, there have been reports of bodies turning up at Red Wall because of these so called rabid animals. At first what I thought was to be drunken tales of men around a camp fire over head by a child, shared and thus the rumors. However, now I know better." She grew quiet, listening to him as there still seem to be more and as she listened, the copper skinned woman leaned back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest and there was a sympathetic look slowly making claim to her face. Once he was done, she leaned up, elbows on knees. "Alendral... breath... Just take a deep breath and calm down. I know what you are thinking.. how can I do that when there is so much else that needs to be done right away. But let me ask you this." She moved to stand and took a few idle steps toward him. "What good are you going to be to any of us if you... well...don't slow down and get yourself so worked up you find yourself in the hands of healers?" Her head canted slowly, she sighed and look to him waiting for more it seemed. She was there to listen and try to talk reason... hopefully she was doing more good than bad by being here. -d-
AIendral = "You and everybody else knows better. I'm just... I can't believe this the work of mere animals. Something more is at work here." he shuffled a few papers and sighed, running a hand lightly through his hair at the idea that he would run himself into a rut. "The time for worrying about my own state of mind will come soon enough." The reason he was pushing himself so hard was hidden on one of the sheets of paper, but he was not quite in place to discuss it. "So far, Lord Windsor, Lord Kendrew were both wounded in a pair of attacks. I have reason to suspect Maahes is next, if he hasn't been attacked already. "it was a bit of a slip up, letting her know that, but then, telling an ally of Maahes may have a net benefit effect. "Add to that the Preachers and Priests that've been flocking to Church of Skye to spread his word at a time like this, just in time. They didn't arrive after the rumors of the wolves, after these attacks, they arrived at the same time. That's no coincidence." He took a steadying breath. "Once I'm finished organizing Skye's response I can rest, but 'till things get settled the Lady Claramae and I are the only two with experience dealing in these matters, and I've not hit my limits yet." He shook his head a little bit. "You'll excuse me for feeling worn down by it. Worst, yet, are these damned Assassins. I've two confirmed to be working within city walls. I can't slow down, Danae, because they won't. These ones... well. " He stopped dead and flicked his eyes over to the papers. "..I've experience with them. They won't. "
Danae = She continued to eye him, not in the sense of belittlement or even scolding. Just simple study. Danae had guessed right, there was more... well, more that he felt the need to elaborate on. Still, something irked her... yes, it was his job, his duty to see to these things but she felt that perhaps there was an underlining reason hidden within all this. What? She didn't know but you could bet your ass she was going to find out. "Well... it would only make sense. First Kendrew, then Balian Windsor... so I think you are right, Maahes is next." She let her tongue slip out to moisten her dry lips as she thought a moment. Gaze slowly leaving him, falling to the floor and lifting back to his eyes. "I have men... they are few in numbers now as not all of my regiment wished to remain loyal to me. But... should you have need of any... they are yours." She moved closer, letting a hand come to his shoulder and gripping it to give a firm, yet comforting squeeze. "As well as me... if you need the extra help... here you have it." She then let her hand take hold of his arm and gently ushered him toward the bed. Her other hand was quick to push aside her things. "Here, sit down before you fall down. You'll get so worked up and pass out on me. The last thing I need is for your serious injury or worse to be pinned on me." It was an attempt of a jest, probably a lousy one. If he did sit down, she sat beside him and continued to listen should he have more to say. -d-
AIendral = "That's... appreciated, Danae, but take no offense when I tell you that, for the tasks needed, I'm afraid I'd have little use for you. That's... not an insult, mind you. Espionage requires a mind set most warriors can't and won't accept. These are tasks done sideways. Not a light touch, or a heavy one, a dishonest one. What I need... are spies. And spies are precisely what I lack. " He reached up, for a moment, to touch her hand but, a friendly gesture, but after a moment thought better of it, the need for manners suddenly strangely urgent. Funny how the English stood on manners in times of stress. Seems, despite attempts to the contrary, some things stuck. But he followed her directions all the same. "And it's more than made sense. A few nights ago, during one of the Lily's visit, one of Shaden's associates--Ursula, in point of fact, was accosted by some strange foreigners. Even I couldn't place the dialect, but I overheard two of them distinctly mention Maahes and his wife. I believe Shaden was actually their intent, but they settled on her. he's currently in custody, but useless to me. " he shrugged and let his words drift for a moment, rubbing at the back of his head as he searched for some other topic to exhaust, and keep steered well away from what he found discomforting.
Danae = "There has to be something I can do... I find it hard that I'm not useful." Of course she'd argue this point with him, even if for a moments time. Though, not wanting to make the man feel any worse than he was, she would for once let it stay as it were. Maybe something would come up that her gender, her skills, something she had would be of use. Once he seem to settle down a little more, again, her elbows came to rest on her knees while fingers laced with those of the opposing hand. She idly stared at them and down at the floor, suddenly at a lost for words. He spoke again, this time tell her of a couple visitors at the Gilded Lily. That Maahes and Elaora were mentioned. This of course had her looking to him and the look in her eye almost pleading. She couldn't just stand by and do nothing to protect her closest friend. He was like a brother to her now and his family? She couldn't just do nothing... she wouldn't. With or without his permission, unknown to him she'd find a way to make herself useful. Seeing there was a need for a change in subject, she asked. "When's the last time you slept? And I mean undisturbed..." -d-
AIendral = If it were even that easy. He could have a variety of uses for a woman, warrior, and one versed in the land respectively, but without leads it was all useless to him, tools that had nothing to be utilized on, which was particularly vexing. Added to that the subtle insult she took at his words and his frustration piqued. "I didn't say you were useless Danae, I said your skills were not the ones I need now. if I have a use for them believe me, you'll know it. " And in changing the subject, seems she unwittingly hit closer to whatever it was she was looking for. Alendral could not hide the fact that he physically wanted to avoid the question. "... A few days. Hard to find sleep these days. " which said nothing of the nightmares. Given who he would confess those too, it seemed silly, like telling her he was afraid of the dark. Irony being he had plenty reason to. "I.. can't really sleep anyway, it will pass in time. I'm sure you've felt the same way before battles." classic tatic when dealing with soldiers. He always knew that playing up the old soldier routine would deflect the conversation, and he used it well.
Danae = "Days?" Now was when that scolding look came. "Alendral.. really. You can't expect to be at your best if you don't feel it. And as hard as it is to find it, you need it." Danae knew all to well what it was like to go without sleep for an extended amount of time. She'd been though it not only with herself but Maahes as well. She remembered him sleeping for days on end when he went so long without it. Both taking to rotating rounds in the castle back in Avaria when men were low in numbers, recovering from wounds, or sick. "I have... but... I still had need of it... just as you. When you're ready, make yourself comfortable and I'll stand watch." And she meant that. She didn't mind in the least staying up an entire night so a man as important as he could rest and in return, not only be more pleasant but feel better and do his job better. "I have drink to keep me occupied for a while." She said with a slight smile as she gestured over toward the bottle with her eyes that he had brought with him. "Just, don't hold it against me if I drink it all." -d-
AIendral = The last thing he wanted was for her to see him waking up in cold sweat or worse, and so the idea was distinctly unappealing. "Danae, you are being overly concerned. I've slept somewhat, just... it's difficult, alright? " How could he even explain that aspect on top of it? The why of he couldn't sleep wasn't that he was pushing himself so hard out of misguided nobility. The truth was a tad darker than that, but bringing it to the front, making words from it sent him reeling on thought alone. He sighed, wrung his hands together, and struggled to find a way to explain it without letting slip what was on his mind. "I'm not some jittery novice on his first battle. I'll be careful. Really, Danae, the sentiment is touching but I'll be fine." he already knew how effective the tact was, but short of letting it out, little else would.
Danae = "I'm not being overly concerned. I'm just trying to point out that in order to take care of things that you have been charged with, it not only requires great skill but a rested body and rested mind." She didn't like the tone he had taken with her, her own raising slightly to let him know that. "If you want me to leave then just say so. Suddenly I feel like I'm doing more harm than good." Her brows were now furrowed and her full lips growing thin along with her patience. "I didn't say you were some jittery novice on his first battle. I just know that-" She looked to him and then away. "Nevermind... forget I even offered." She moved to stand to her feet. The tall, dark haired, blue eyed, and copper skinned ranger paced a couple times before turning to him. A shake of head was made before steps were taken to close the distance between them. Standing before him, she stared a moment, sighed and then bent extending a hand to reach for her things. -d-
AIendral = "Danae..." Well that went well. He raised his hand a moment and let it drop, suddenly feeling frustrated with himself. That was when he was struck by an unusually odd thought, a simple "screw it." he buried his hands in his face. He might as well give voice to somebody. Shaden knew the names, but knew not why Alendral had taken the matter so personally. Given the circumstances, it seemed only fair that she, a friend, should know more. "It's not... overwork. Okay? it's not stress, it's not pushing myself and I assure you, there's nothing noble about my sleep, since you seem so insistent on it. " he hesitated a moment and stood up sharply. "I haven't thought about him in years. years. Now every time I sleep I'm dragged awake by some... some phantom of him. It's maddening!" and he fell back to a sit again, burying his eyes into his palms. It'd been so long since he'd given voice to the name... not even with the one who would understand it bet. "...Gottschalk. Alexander Gottschalk. May the bastard burn in hell for eternity for what he's done, is here, in Turas Lan. Not here in truth, but in spirit. In legacy. The assassins are of his ilk... and so am I."
Danae = She didn't even cut her eyes to him when he said her name. Just continued to move forward, take hold of her cloak and fur and straightened her stance again before turnning and making way for the door. When he spoke again, she paused, her hand resting on the door's latch. That hand fell and she turned to look to him. He began to explain his reason, the real reason that had him so... not himself it seemed. A few steps were taken back toward him, cloak and fur drapped over one arm while the other remained at her side, she listened. When he buried his eyes, she suddenly felt terrible. What she held was then draped over the back of the nearby chair and she took her seat next to him again. "I'm sorry..." Sorry for what? Her actions? Sorry for what he was dealing with? With the last said, it was a confession. One she could tell it took quite a bit to face up to and admit. "Are or once was?" It was the only thing she could think to ask for the moment. -d-
AIendral = "You tell me." his voice touched the edge of exhaustion when he said it. He paused, choosing his words carefully. He'd said it now, but there were details he'd never speak, not to anyone. Ever. For her sake, he wouldn't dare voice them. He took a rattling breath and spoke again. "..I doubt you've heard the name. but Gottschalk was a renowned spy, under the command of the Chruch. Gifted. That's the word most would do. He could infilitrate anyone, anything. Be anyone...kill anyone. A man skill matched only in his capacity for sheer evil." He paused, searching for a common ground to compare to, and just... kept talking. "You're a soldier, so you've likely met the type. I speak not of those enjoying to inflict pain-for that suggests that they enjoy anything... but violence has a way of attracting them. The hollow. The ones that do what they do simply to... to grasp at something, I know not what. The ones that hold nothing sacred--not comrade, not loyalty. God.. devil, anything. In the end... well, in end he was put down, like an animal, by myself and... others." He paused at the word and shifted likely. "...We thought it the end of him. But Gottschalk's talent was well recognized. He trained others. besides myself. A handful of them, currently still in operation. It seems... by coincidence that they would seem to be here." At that he clasped his hands together and brought them to his mouth, getting to the crux of what he said at the beginning. "...The only thing his pupils in common is one factor; that he saw some... fraction, of himself, in each of them. Some spark. I was his first." The last words strained all humor out of his voice, this was a very different person then one he put on. "You should believe how much that keeps me up at night. Gottschalk only trained other monsters, like him, Danae. So what does that make me? Hmm?"
Danae = At his reply, she eyed him carefully. He went on to tell a tale that she was sure few, very few had heard. She nodded a series of times as he used examples, compared things so that she had a better grasp of it all. In the end, she now better understood just what sort of weight he was carrying... everyday, every night, every waking moment and even those when he slept. "What I think? Is sometimes you are the enemy, have to be the enemy to defeat it. That it doesn't make you good or bad... it makes you a survivor." Perhaps those were not the words he had hoped to hear, they may have not been words of comfort, but they were words that expressed her thoughts and the intelligence she had. Her opinion of him.. it didn't matter, and if it should? It hadn't changed. -d-
AIendral = He looked up intently to her for a long while, lingered, saying nothing. He than his voice carefully controlled, a near emotional void. "you've killed before. I know you have. For you it was necessity in chaos. I'm not saying it makes it insignficant. but I... can name every person I've murdered. Many of them I can tell you their dreams, their wishes. What made them joyful. I'd like to say they're all villians. All evil, every last one of them, but they're not. I've killed good people. Honest people, who've done nothing wrong. I've lied through my teeth, pretended to be someone I'm not. Subverted people's trust. I've betrayed. and in each case I did it in name of country. Gottschalk did it in the name of God, till he realized that he didn't need it. That God's children didn't want him. A necessary evil, is what they called him. You're a woman betrayed, Danae. That much isn't dispute. But befriend me long enough and I will lie to you and I will hide truth from you. and I will tell myself that it's the right thing to do, and that I wouldn't betray you... or betray anyone I care about. .." he paused, and interlaced his fingers, slowly lowering themselves. "Sometimes, when I'm not thinking about it, when I need to see an end, I tell myself 'When this is over, his legacy will end.' Then I realize... that even i it does. It only ends with me." his eyes met hers... and suddenly broke hard. Suddenly he couldn't bear to look at her. Suddenly this all seemed like a mistake. what was she supposed to say to all of this? to him? The utter stupidity of what he did... he suddenly felt very, very tired....
Danae = She turned to better face him, her eyes were unwavering as he looked to her intently. And during that time of silence, she knew it was Alendral trying to better prepare himself for what he was about to share. Some of the things he said didn't come so much as a shock, others, slightly. Though when he began to speak of her befriending and what he would or would not do when it came to her, she didn't flinch. "Alendral... you do as you do not because its your choice. Its because its what you were taught... programmed to know and use. I'm not saying that its an excuse, but its an explanation for me to better understand you and perhaps for you to better understand yourself." Her jaw tightened some before she spoke once more. Her eyes fixed on his, her face void of all expression. "What makes a man is not what he is doing while learning or training, but what he does with the skills after he's mastered them. There is an end in sight if you look deeper, its not the end you think it should be. You have an advantage and you don't even know it. Take what you've learned, what you know, become the enemy if you must so you can destroy it... because in some twisted sense, it serves as good. It can and will be a new beginning for you. One that can end your sleepless nights, you lonesome days, and have people in your life because they finally know you for who you really are and are still willing to accept you... to take the good with the bad." Danae may be a woman, she maybe only twenty and nine years of age.... but she had seen, felt and experienced a lot in her time. That she had others telling her she was wise beyond her years. She didn't see it of course, but in times like these, thats when it showed the most. -d-
AIendral = "Perhaps." but for all her wisdom, making him see it, now, would perhaps be difficult. He stopped and looked out ahead. "Perhaps...." he trailed off silently again, before lowering his head, trying to regain some measure of strength again, to recover from how badly he was put off balance. "...You're right. I should rest. So... unless the lady would wish to accompany me tonight." there was the grin again, flashed her way, half-hearted and empty despite it, obvious in its jest, for once. "I believe I shall attempt to take your advice. and I would advise the same. I shall contact the Lily shortly, and see if your men have ever shown there.. and contact my other resources for sign of them. Get some rest, Danae. I suspect we may both soon need be at our best..."
Danae = The ranger would nod, simply keeping quite for the moment until he spoke and agreed she was right. It was funny... all the men she seem to argue and fight with would never in the beginning admit she was right, but in the end they folded, were faced to admit it whether silently to themselves or openly to others or her. "I am accompanying you tonight Alendral. I'm here.. am I not?" She grinned back and like him jested, half heartedly. "Go ahead, rest... once you are asleep... I'll take my leave. As far as my men... I fear my search will lead me down a path I'm not ready to travel but for them, I will." She took up her cloak and fur, moved to a corner of the room, lowered herself and got comfortable. He needn't argue...she had slept in wavering trees and cold hard grounds. A wooden corner wasn't at all going to be that bad of an ordeal. Head rested back against the wall, icey blue hues seem to stare into space. This would be her position and state for quite sometime. -d-
AIendral = "Lord, you are simultaneously great fun to tease and singularly impossible to shake with it." he smirked and leaned back a little bit. "Fine, fine, stare with loving and longing eyes while I sleep. Poor girl, afraid to come forward with her own feelings. It's one thing to play coy but you'd better be honest soon or perhaps the lovely lady Darling will beat you to the punch." which was all taking the piss of course. He'd met the woman all of once, and frankly she was about immune to his charms as Danae was. At least he had some semblance of his old self again. "..Danae. I... appreciate your trust in me. Understand it I may not. but I appreciate it... " he left the last part unspoken, his own fears on the subject. Were it only so easy to use simple words. Still, being a man with some degree of class--even if he knew arguing about letting her take the bed would be useless, she'd find herself with a face full of pillow before she could reply, followed shortly by one of the sheets, a partially playful gesture. "Good night, Danae."
Danae = Danae rolled her head against the wall and toward Alendral as he spoke about teasing her. The woman smirked and gave a light shrug of her shoulders. "What can I say... I have good reason to want to resist men now. Especially charming ones such as yourself." It was meant in jest, but their was a truth that underlined it. The last time she fell for a charming man, look where it got her. That was something she intended on trying to avoid from now on. At his thanking her, she gave a soft smile. "You're welcome Alendral... -- She began to say before feeling the thrown softness of a pillow and sheet her way. She glared at him playfully and replied. "Good night Alendral." To this Greek warrior, someone had to have faith in others these days and few were willing to take that chance. She wasn't afraid as the others and saw things in people that others refuse to or simply ignored. To some she was foolish, others brave, Danae? She just knew she was doing things the way her father and brother taught her to and their was no questioning that or doubting the lessons they had taught her. -d-
