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Post by Delta on Sept 3, 2023 10:27:28 GMT -5
It never ceased to amaze Dante the places he could go with the power of his words.
Were the nobles of this land so gullible? Was he just too handsome? Or was it more likely that they didn't care, that they saw him as just another servant trying to make their lives more interesting? It was a mystery Dante didn't try to pry into too much; it was best not to question the source of one's illicit income too much lest one overcomplicates things. What mattered was that he was making his party guests happy.
Dante had garnered an audience with the majordomo of the palace to throw a small gathering of the nobility residing here. No doubt his other revelries had piqued the interest of more than a few people with too much money and time on their hands (they made the best marks). The party in question this time? An invite only circus themed around criminals and the gallows. Never let it be said that Dante was anything short of ambitious with each new party. Acrobats dressed like rapscallions and mischievous thieves danced with constables and guards in a live action play that took place not on a stage but everywhere and in every room. It was a living kind of stage where one would find all sorts of delectable scenes:
One could wander into a room to find a rake professing love to princes and princesses. Other parts of the palace had duels and dancing, curtain dancers that used hangman nooses, and chain gang escape artists that would be chased by palace guards to the delight of the rich and powerful. Dante of course did his best to mingle, to laugh, and to share drinks with whoever he could for at least a little while. But now the guests were getting drunk, which meant lowered guards. That, and it made stealing so much easier when there were mock thieves sprinkled about like snakes in a garden.
He took his leave and faded into the crowds and eventually into the corridors, spiral staircases, and parapets to find things that wouldn't be missed. A handful of coin from this coffer, a gemstone in a jewelry box stuffed with gems, that sort of thing. One thing his eye caught was a rather nice black pearl amulet with a crescent moon carved into it. Indeed, it would be hard to fence given how unique it was. But he recalled his conversation with Aledune about ambition. He also recalled how sharply dressed he was. Perhaps he could get this as a gift to him. Or perhaps it would look good for one of his disguises.
Or he could just find a fence who didn't ask questions.
He swiped the amulet and discreetly relocked the jewelry box. It was amazing how much treasure overflowed in places like this. Perhaps I'll get myself a fancy dinner, he thought. The thoughts of what to do with his ill gotten gains were mildly distracting, but he felt no fear. He was already in the clear with his theft. All he had to do was smile, wave, and enjoy the rest of the festivities.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 3, 2023 15:30:43 GMT -5
For so much time she had wanted to belong among those people, mingling so close and yet so distant. The Court of the Sun King taught her everything she needed to blend among nobility, but it had been necessary for her to step away and make her own name for her to finally be accepted as a noble...
And now, she wasn't sure that's what she actually wanted. Fake smiles and frivolities that were starting to get on her nerves at times. Thankfully, there was a job to be done there. A favor. "There has been instances of some nobles missing a couple treasures as these parties are thrown around", had said Baram, her ex rival. Kamille and Baram found an unusual friendship - and allyship - as they put a bit of a distance between them, and the man didn't shy away from pulling the strings and calling up on her whenever he needed. Her new found nobility was proving useful. "Can you find the culprit?" " Perhaps," she had said. Of course she could find. The real question was: what she would do with them? Getting entrance to the party was easy enough - Baram saw to that - and for a good moment she just pranced around, unchaperoned. Truth be told, it was never hard to be a part of those parties: she knew how to dress, her smiles were genuine and filled with warmth, and the nobles often found her presence refreshing and exciting. True to her nature, she chose a rather revealing gown this time, sparkling with the work of the best goldsmiths of Zeinav embedded directly on the zeinavian silks of her azure dress, making her sparkle as a night sky with thousands of golden stars crawling up her outfit and arms. But above it all, she couldn't help but touch the sapphire that rested on her neck, several small black diamonds making company to it. Bellighul's gift. "Mother Raven, we found them." The voice rang on her head, and she was impressed by the quick work of her associates. The Black Quills were known as her crows, and while they had several shortcomings, this kind of situation was clearly one of their specialties. They could come in and out, and no one would notice [1,2]. She pranced around the party, stopping here and there for a quick exchange before slipping away. She was far less inconspicuous than her own allies, but she's been doing good so far. It took her a while of wandering, but the moment she turned a corridor and her eyes fell on the handsome fellblood, she knew she got the right person. Why most fellbloods she found had a life of crime? Guess it couldn't be helped... "Hello, handsome..."
A warm smile lit up her eyes - yes, she was one of those people who smiled with their eyes - and while it felt genuine, it also felt rather mischievous...
And not in a good way.
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Post by Delta on Sept 3, 2023 15:52:14 GMT -5
Dante knew better than to keep hot items on his person for hours on end. He had scoped out a drop point where he could smuggle them: an innocuous boulder amidst the gardens. He had kept the items precious and few so they could fit under the stone without getting scratched or bent. Sighing, he arose from his brief labor and turned back towards the party before he could be too missed.
And apparently not a moment too soon.
As he was just about to approach a small pod of princes, a rather ravishing woman had intercepted him. He turned to her and seamlessly swallowed his surprise with a salacious smile.
"Why, if I'm not mistaken it seems I've fallen asleep and must be dreaming. Because I have no other explanation as to how such a beauty and a hero of the realm has so graciously made her acquaintance to myself. Forgive me, allow me to introduce myself proper: Dante Discreet, Master of Ceremonies and maker of unforgettable memories."
He took a bow and would kiss her hand if offered. He stood back up and said, "Now then... handsome you say? Please, my paltry face could never compare to your otherworldly complexion and sparkling eyes. Why, your beauty is only challenged by your heroic bravery. And.. well truth be told I'm quite thankful. My home was the Ash Lands as you might have expected, and... well thank you."
For a brief moment his eloquence cracked and revealed genuine gratitude. He had just gotten done moving his mother into one of the refugee towns. He refused to call it a camp.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 4, 2023 11:36:04 GMT -5
A sharp, charming smile shot her way, and her mind imediately went to the memory of another very dramatic and performative fellblood she had encountered in her life. And how she shed glitter for months on end after that...
Why is it that's always fellbloods? Oh, Morrigan would hate this one. I need to have them dine together.
Her own smile was warm, and if she looked the part, she was a bit more forward than it was expected of a lady. She gleefully gave him her hand, making a perfect curtsy to the fellblood. But instead of stepping away after that, she imediately closed the distance, wrapping her arm around his, the same way a lady would accept a gentleman's arm to be guided.
"You are most kind! Stop that, save some of your compliments for later! You can call me just Kamille, Mr. Dante. I hope your family is okay, considering your home was the most affected... You say your home was in the Ash Lands, so I figure the worst has come to pass..."
It was no use pretending to be shy - unabashed and forward, the woman seemed to be the one guiding the fellblood, picking up a walking pace that felt slow and idle enough.
"Master of Ceremonies? Oh! It looks like I found the right person! I should've guessed! Now it makes sense, that a great spectacle like this comes from someone as charming as yourself. I commend your taste, Mr. Dante."
One of her hands found the trinkets on his shoulders, and in a gesture that felt automatic and out habit, she straightened up his clothes, brushing away a tiny speck of dust.
"Perhaps we could talk business, Mr. Dante? I got an offer to make, and I see that you would fit beautifully in the role I got available..."
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Post by Delta on Sept 4, 2023 11:52:26 GMT -5
Dante felt butterflies in his stomach which turned to knots instantly as Kamille affectionately drew him closer. The touch upon his shoulder gave him vertigo: did she know? He disguised his distress behind a relaxed sigh. His eyes spotted a window there, an exit there. Just in case. For the moment going along with things was a far cry better than running off. That, and having the arm of the Witch of Moonglade wasn't the worst fate to suffer.
"Business you say? Well, I'm certainly intrigued Kamille. You elevate my station with your informality."
He let her lead given her station and the setting they were occupying. He felt a little like a boy toy being pulled about, but the sensation wasn't entirely unwelcome. Still, he couldn't help but take note of the forwardness of her advances, especially for someone of his station.
"And what pray tell do you wish to propose? I'm all for small talk, but I insist that I don't take up too much of your time. It would be arrogance of the highest order to take more of your time than is necessary. But let it be known that you have effectively humbled me. That's no easy feat."
He bit his tongue from laughing at his own joke. He took some comfort knowing most of the goods were stowed away somewhere in the garden, but this was still a problem. If things turned bad, he could try to calm her down with his magic. Who am I kidding, he thought. This is the Witch of Moonglade. She took down a gods damned primordial being from antiquity. My paltry cantrips would be more of a nuisance than an asset.
"And yes, I am indeed a Fellblood from the Ash Lands. Shocking, I know. I've... made things comfortable for mother dearest I think." He let his playful facade (which was somewhat genuine given his proximity to such a lovely woman) fade briefly as the thought of his mother crossed his mind. It was quickly replaced with a smile as he said, "In any case, I've rambling. Please, tell me about this proposal."
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 6, 2023 16:15:12 GMT -5
Jasmine. Her perfume was clearly of jasmine.
"I wasn’t born into nobility, Mr. Dante... I never cared much for one's station when assessing one's worth. Riches and a family name can say a lot of a person's resources, but they are often the cards that are dealt to them in life - rarely do they come because of the deeds."
The Witch was clearly guiding him away from the crowd and the prying eyes...
And the help...
"The deeds, Mr. Dante. The deeds make the person."
There was just enough amount of pressure in his arm, and it felt idle enough - just a lady, being walked by a galant individual. The skirt of her dress gently brushing against his legs, the intricate collection of jewels that crawled up her arms so cold against her warm skin. Always warm.
"Every now and then, however, we are forced into taking actions that we would not under other circumstances... Sometimes, we are given such a bad hand at life that the only way to survive is doing less-than-honorable acts. For instance, you may for just a second see there is a man behind that pillar."
As she spoke, the fellblood would notice the shadow of a tall person just turning the corridor - or maybe it was just his mind playing tricks on him, because the sillhouette had vanished [1,2].
"His name is Edgar. He had a different life before, one that would end at the gallows had I not interfered. Like the others, they are now working for me, as my crows. They are always around to protect me."
Conveniently. Also a convenient moment to humble brag about having her famously known Black Quills around to have her back. To watch.
"You know why? Why I didn’t let them be beheaded? Because I believe in second chances. Do you, Mr. Dante?"
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Post by Delta on Sept 6, 2023 16:47:04 GMT -5
Well shit.
Dante suspected that showing off one invisible assassin was to accentuate the point that there were several hidden assassins. It could be a bluff, but given the context and her legendary status as one who had fought primordial dragon gods it was clear she didn't need to. Was one of the objects he took her's? He was familiar with the femme fatale type back in the Ash Lands; there was no shortage of violent lushes looking to end the life of soft hearted men. Despite desires of the carnal variety swimming in his mind (no doubt encouraged by her affectionate gestures) he understood it as a tactic, not an invitation.
"I feel a sale's pitch coming on my good Witch of Moonglade. Though answering with anything short of a 'yes, I do believe in second chances' is such a comical thought that I also imagine you are asking this rhetorically. In truth, I would hardly call a refugee camp much of a second chance, but I suppose for the poor and downtrodden it's about as good of a chance as any."
At this point, talking around the issue served only to encourage Kamille confirm the inevitable.
"I find it's in that desolate peril and suffering that people discover what they really value. Strip them of their excessive baubles, their jewels they hardly pay a care for, and their treasures that you swear they only have for the excuse of cutting a thief's hand. Perhaps things are simply different in the Ash Lands, but I haven't seen it. No my dear, second chances tend to come at knife point."
Dante chose his words carefully, using conversational alchemy to convey what he meant through subtext rather than bluntly admitting to anything.
He took this moment to stop walking, taking what little control of the situation he could. At this point it was just a matter of dignity rather than force. If Kamille willed it, he'd be on his knees and spellbound by whatever curse she found cruel delight in. Then again, she was a hero of the realm...
"But I know you are of greater stock than that, noble or common blood be damned. You've saved my homeland in a way. In a manner of speaking, myself and every other sorry soul who had drawn the short straw on life at the foot of that accursed volcano owes you everything. Do I sparkle and shine for you? Do you find me a gem worth plucking?"
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 7, 2023 21:04:01 GMT -5
Despite it all, Kamille didn't look like an unbending force of nature, as some would depict. She listened. She truly listened, and for a moment it was hard to say if she had any true, deep motivations other than to just make a tool out of him.
Both could be true, she often thought. Yes, she made use of people's abilities, taking the opportunity of their situations to her own ends... But she still cared for most on a personal level. There was no resistance when he stopped walking, and she turned towards him with a gentle smile, one of those that reached the eyes and warmed the face.
"You see, this is why I like talking to people like you, Mr. Dante. Forward, to the point. But I'm not entirely sure you got my point here. I'm referring to the second chance I'm about to give you right now."
There was a slight pause, as she glanced around discretely. They were far enough to allow for a more private talk - a more sensitive talk.
"It all depends on you, actually. You can go on on your merry way, as you always do... And see where that'll take you. Or you could do me a favor. And far from saying you don't have the means to go far on your own volition, but dare I say I could help you. Truly help you."
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Post by Delta on Sept 7, 2023 21:35:11 GMT -5
Cogs turned in Dante's head, and he allowed her smile to disarm him if only to calm him down. He took a deep, quiet breath, realizing any more sarcastic bite from him would be petty ego stroking. She could as kind as she appeared, but there was no mistaking the power dynamic. He was small fry compared to the heroes who took down a god, and she clearly had more resources than him. Despite his suspicions, he didn't really have much choice but to take her at her word.
"You may not be a noble, but it's no mystery why you can run in their circles. Court must be a bore without you present."
A brief wave of shame washed over him when he thought of his mother. Did he steal something that she truly treasured? Jewelry like that could be sentimental. That or it was a magical item of some kind. Either way, he had only himself to blame.
"Don't keep a handsome man waiting now; what favor could someone of such humble station possibly provide the Witch of Moonglade?" He gave a her a slight bow and a smile, saying, "I am at your disposal Lady Kamille Verlithax."
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 7, 2023 21:47:40 GMT -5
"A piece of paper."
The answer was ready upon her lips, as if she had no doubt he would take her offer. She didn't mind correcting him of his assumptions, as now it wasn't the time for a heart to heart.
Now it was time to do business.
"I want you to grab me a piece of paper. In, and out. Nobody can see. You give it to me. And then you take it back exactly as it was."
The shift was palpable. She was still the same lady with easy smiles and warm touches, but there was something else in her eyes. That earthly resolve, that unshakable will. She would've called herself stubborn for not backing down on her ideas on second chances with him, but it was far more than that.
"The noble Lord that hired you has a piece of paper that interests me. It is likely kept at a safe, at his office. It is an official document with the stamp of the family lawyers. If you can do this for me, until the night is over, I can help you with your situation with your mother to the best of my resources. And, of course, I will not turn you in."
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Post by Delta on Sept 7, 2023 22:29:44 GMT -5
Dante looked perplexed with the delivery of her offer until she explained the context further. The abruptness of her demeanor made his heart skip a beat. Couldn't she do this herself? No, she wanted a fall guy who had no choice in the matter. He didn't even feel angry; it was such an obvious play it didn't even register as something worth having strong feelings about one way or the other. The only strong feeling he had was just how captivating this woman was.
"You're quite cavalier for a hero of the realm, but it only serves to amplify your magnetism. Very well, it should be a rather simple task. Let's meet again in the gardens away from the noise. No one would question two beautiful people like ourselves enough the night air."
He gave her a wink and departed from her presence. He wondered briefly if he seemed too eager, but given the circumstances it was for the best. As for the task at hand, it would have to wait if only briefly. He had to reassimilate back into the party and make nice with some of the party guests. If anything it would help with his reconnaissance as he'd have an excuse to go into different rooms. He observed the natural flow of the guests, the servants, and he took note of halls, doors, and windows that few if anyone passed through.
Most of all, he watched for where the guard presence was too.
Dante saw a pair down a hall leading to a flight of stairs leading up. Based on his previous jewel expedition, he was able to determine this to be the path to the office Kamille was talking about. Like a hound that caught the scent of blood, Dante knew if he wanted to get to his prize he'd have to get through the security. Drawing their attention away would require some misdirection. He doubted they could just be asked nicely to walk away, so he decided to sacrifice some of his ill gotten gains for immediate results.
"Oh it's so good you're here!" Dante did his best to look distressed, tapping into the power of his Smooth Talking to make his words more believable. "I need your help. I don't want to alarm any of the guests, but it's come to my attention that there has been an intrusion. Someone has stolen something from the Witch of Moonglade." Just as they were rousing to interrogate, he immediately impressed upon them the Calm Emotion spell and said, "As I said, it's both mine and the Lady's wish that this situation be taken care of quickly and quietly. I've checked most of the rooms here..."
He spoke with the guards for a few minutes, providing information and narrowing their search to the gardens where the rock hiding his treasures were. It didn't serve him to hold onto hot goods that could implicate him anyways, and he was already having to trust Kamille that she wouldn't squeal on him. It was a risk he had already taken when he took up the job. The guards thanked Dante for his service and rushed out to investigate. They would no doubt find the jewels, and what was better is they believed it all had to be taken care of quietly.
Perfectly efficient fools.
With the hallway open to him, he seized his opportunity to ascend the steps and proceed to the office of the Lord of Sun's Keep and his boss' office. Poor fellow. In truth, he didn't have any intention of stealing from him, but circumstances and what not had forced his hand. The lock was child's play, and soon the door was open. A couple of minutes of searching and comparing stamp notes revealed a hidden drawer in the noble's desk. With deft fingers and a keen eye, he was able to lift the false bottom up and discover a small stack of papers within.
One of them had the stamp he was looking for.
Dante reached for a small scroll case from his hip. It contained a party invitation, and now it would contain classified documents from a very powerful man. He took a deep breath and put everything on the desk back before standing straight up. He heard voices coming from the hall. Heart sinking, he put his eye to the keyhole of the office door. A pair of guards passed by talking of a card game with the guys.
"I heard from Charles that there was a thief up here. The guy who set up the party told us about it."
"Think he hit any other rooms?"
"Nah, we already checked."
"Did you check the Lord's office?"
Dante held his breath, and he could feel the sweat building on his brow. The office was small, and there was very little in the ways of cover. His only recourse would be the desk, and even that would only delay the inevitable. His heart pounded as he prepared to run. However, a call came down from the hall:
"Hey Bartrand! Cellia! We dealing you in? Ante's 50 Solars, and Craig's going all in!"
The pair of guards outside the door were immediately swept up in the delight of watching this guardsman Craig lose it all and hurried from their pressing duty, their excitement eclipsing their tedious responsibilities. Dante waited three beats before daring to open the door, and he made no hesitation to lock it behind him and return to the party.
By this point, the evening turned to night, and it was time to make the delivery. The gardens at this hour had the charming glow of fireflies that captivated the noble children who tried to catch them. Their parents and servants were about, but it was clear that those seeking privacy could go further in and be undisturbed. A couple of laps around the gardens left Dante a little giddy. Where was she? Did she set him up? Was this a trick at his expense and for her amusement?
Calm down, he thought. Your paranoia doesn't help anyone. Control your breathing and clean yourself up. He sighed and dabbed his forehead with his handkerchief. He took a deep breath and calmed himself down and waited for the witch to arrive in the pale moonlight.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 9, 2023 14:12:33 GMT -5
It would seem, at times, that fate waved its hand on Dante's favor. A slip here, a distraction there... But the fellblood would be smarter than to trust coincidences, and perhaps once or twice could spot a figure vanishing behind a pillar or statue. The Witch of Moonglade was many things, and she was known for being generous as well.
Or perhaps she was just keeping an eye out for him, sending her crows to watch him work.
As for herself, for the most part she returned to the party, and seemed to be enjoying it quite a lot. Kamille seemed to love to dance, and hardly left the dancefloor as long as the music was going, taking short pauses to rest.
Then, she heard one of her crows whispering in her ear, and she excused herself from the dancefloor.
It was getting late, but she had clearly been enjoying herself. Her cheeks flushed, her jewelry shone bright - especially the great sapphire nestled at her chest, contrasting against her fair skin and black diamonds. Under the moonlight, her glossy black locks of hair framed an expression of excitement and joy.
Upon seeing Dante, she opened a bright, cheerful smile as she approached, so they could talk with a bit of privacy.
"Good evening, Mr. Dante! I hear good things about you..."
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Post by Delta on Sept 9, 2023 14:33:44 GMT -5
Dante smirked and said, “You know I should treat your spies with some provocative attire next time. And I see lovely things about you; you look practically enchanting.” He gave a bow and offered his arm. People had already seen them together once, and would make handing off the scroll case more natural. He included a surprise within it as well though she could find that out in her own time. Dante felt much more relaxed than he was a moment prior, and given the asylum of knowing their secrets were safe he said, “This was a lot more fun than I expected it to be. Unless of course you or the others are about to slide a discreet blade across my neck, in which case… okay it might still be worth it given it would be at the hands of a beautiful and powerful witch.”
He turned the bend at one of the garden hedges. The sound of people had died down to the croak of bullfrogs and the babbling of a small stream. The firefly light was haunting and quite fitting given the present company.
“Well, I’ve given you what you wanted, you seem entirely pleased with the outcome, and my head won’t hang. I trust you’ll be honorable no doubt.”
He stopped at the top of a small botanic bridge where the trees parted to reveal the crescent moon and the stars above. Looking her in the eye, he said, “I think I’d like to get to know one of the many people who have helped save my homeland. Feels wrong to just cut and run when I have the interest of someone like you. Besides, if I made our last interaction be my employment as a paperboy I think I might just die on the spot.”
He pretended to swoon in agony, half hoping she would catch him but prepared if she didn’t.
“I won’t apologize for the theatrics, you chose to associate with me.” He gave her a playful wink and a soft chuckle.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 9, 2023 18:36:06 GMT -5
The remark about a provocative attire got a good laugh out of her.
"Then I'll make sure to send Allan your way. He'll certainly like it."
Kamille didn’t hesitate in taking his arm after her curtsy. Given there was no surprise on account of Dante's presence there, or that he was successful in his endeavour, it was safe to assume she got her spies following him around all night. Still, she looked pleased. That ought to be a good sign.
"I am many things, Mr. Dante. I wouldn’t say I'm honorable, though... Still, I try to keep a good relationship with people I care about. So as long as I don’t see any dire betrayal coming your way... I'll protect you."
Which was something, coming from the Witch of Moonglade. Her gaze wandered to the fireflies that danced in her dreamy eyes, as for that moment she let him lead the way without protest. It was good to be out of the earshot of the other partygoers for the things they needed to talk, so it served her well.
His dramatic persona hardly surprised her - but she did find his antics amusing as she chuckled softly. As he pretended to swoon, Kamille was suddenly caught by surprise, and tried to quickly reach out to avoid him falling.
Then, when it became clear it was all in jest, she chuckled and stepped away.
"Oh, as if I didn’t know people like you, Mr. Dante! I'm sure we'll have time to get to know each other, especially if yoy chose to keep on working for me. I often find that taverns are the better place for this get-to-know, though. However, I must applaud your skills as the planner of this party. This place is beautiful. All you've done here is beautiful."
She looked around for a moment, taking in the sight around them.
"You can make a comfortable living like this. Why steal?"
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Post by Delta on Sept 9, 2023 18:54:30 GMT -5
Dante's smiled waned some when the inevitable question arose. He looked down out at the stream and said, "I've had to pick up certain skills to survive in the Ash Lands. Darkveil can be cruel, and sticky fingers were often more than not the better avenue for revenue. In truth, I was doing well for a while. Then Vulcadraeus reared his ugly head and well, we lost everything. And while I can make quite a bit of money arranging these kinds of parties, I also absorb quite a bit of cost in getting it put together. I wouldn't exactly say the profit margin is meager, but it's all meager in the face of a calamity like primordial elder dragons causing world shattering disasters."
He chuckled and said, "Saying it out loud really illuminates how foolish the whole affair is. Perhaps I'm just rationalizing the rush of hoodwinking someone. Vulcadraeus is a very convenient excuse."
Dante looked back to the Witch of Moonglade and added, "But then again, having a finger on the pulse of the criminal underworld has other interests that are more difficult to ignore. Tell me, you seem like the accomplished spymaster with your little birds and your femme fatale airs. Have you any information in regards to the Ashen Lords? Oddly specific I know, so I'll spare you the legwork you would inevitably engage in to discover why I'm asking and simply say they killed my father so their continued existence has become anathema to me. I hope that doesn't represent a conflict of interest."
It was a gamble, and she could always lie. Still, with how much skin in the game that he already had, this hardly seemed a risk. They killed his father. They might kill his mother for poking around. But it didn't sit right with him to just let it go.
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