Post by Pandora LeAmour on Jul 3, 2009 23:16:11 GMT -5
Pandora LeAmour
Tathar Seregon
Mathas
Location: The Tower / The Tavern
Time: two hours after sunset
An instant is all it took for Pandora's eyes to snap open. A mere instant, and she was fully awake like that of a child whom knows today they leave for disneyland. Only, Pandora LeAmour was no child. And there was no disneyland to hail to. No, instead it was much much better. For today was her first official day off.
The darkness of their quarters proved no match for the freshly reborn vampire. She jumped out of bed and made it clear across the room without even remotely running into anything. At the trunks that lined this wall, Pandora gracefully dropped to her knees and lifted but one of the lids. Inside, she withdrew the first gown that her hands came into contact with. Draping it over her arm, she then used her free hand to close the trunk's lid once more, and sprang to her feet.
Silent calls summoned Bertha, and as Pandora awaited her servant, she returned to the bed to carefully lay out todays attire. Tonight's events ran through her mind, and Pandora cracked a small smile at the empty room. Nothing. Glorious nothing. Oh, the life of freedom!
With Bertha arriving, Pandora set about working with the young woman whom would help her dress, paint and fasten up her hair.
When that was completed, Pandora gave a brisk nod of her head and crossed over to the drop. Her gown belled out around her, and her slippers made not a sound on the cold stone floor in Williams Room, and she straightened her landing almost instantly.
She crossed through his room and exited the archway that led into the hallway, where she paused. Where to now. Without even realizing she had already made that decision, Pandora headed towards the Meeting Room.
He finished with binding the final stacks of parchment and moved them to the side to sit with the rest upon the table. He would get them shelved within the library in their appropriate places later...For now he was relishing in a free few moments as well as scribing a few lines into the old and tattered journal he kept. Thankfully by the time he realized that he was no longer alone in the room his writing was done and he folded the small book to a close and tucked it away behind one of the stacks of paper, raising his gaze from the table and to the form of none other than Pandora moving from the hallway and toward the meeting room. A pleasant surprise, indeed, but he doubted that she had time for simply him for tonight. Likely she was enjoying her new multitude of free time, and wished to be off to enjoy herself while she could...But nonetheless, he was glad to see her, and his eyes showed as much, even though his voice seemed oddly indifferent and cold.
The expression on Pandora's face was alive. A smile where her frown usually sat, her eye's sparkling with kindness that never seems to be there, and even her eyebrows seemed level rather then the usual arch.
She continued walking until she reached the table, and elected to sit at the opposite end that Tathar himself was positioned at. Gloved hands reached out and gripped hold of the back of one of the chairs, and she lifted it, drawing it away from the table, before returning all four legs to the floor. Settling down, Pandora folded her hands in her lap.
The smile remained on her lips, and her icy blue eye's watched the temporary Master of the City intently. In all truth, she would be doing exactly this on and off for the rest of his sentence. When she was not enjoying her newfound freedom, of course.
He nodded to her as she sat, though he was unsure as of to what she would be observing. As far as he knew, he had finished with everything that needed immediate attention, except for placing the bound documents into the shelves of the library, of course, but that could wait a while, so he took the opportunity to speak to her freely...and what better to speak of than the events of just that evening, before she had come down from their chambers? He could think of a few personal things he wanted to talk about, but business came first with a position like this, so he would carry on with that for now.
She gave a simple nod of her head at his inquiry. Of course she knew what took place. This was her home. She knew everything.
He was probably expecting something MORE then just that, but she wasn't about to give it to him. She did not have an advisor to sought out advice. Nor did she have someone to hash over ideas with, and thus he would not either.
Besides, he could very well go over anything he wanted to with the NightWorld Council later on this evening when they arrived. If, of course, he survived that.
Her eye's remained on him, as if she could read him simply by looking. He wasn't that easy to read, oddly enough. Of course, she could simply get out of her chair and cross the length of the table to him. A single touch and she could read his every thought... But why, really? She knew enough already.
He huffed....It would seem she was indifferent to the imminent loss of Mathas, especially since he had threatened to break the very veil that she had strived so very hard to forge and maintain, and for so very long at that. Surely her want to protect those ideals and the secrecy that made it possible for NightWorld to exist still existed within her...Or maybe her personal feelings for the man left that skewed. He decided to use the opportunity and power he now had to test something.
The smile stayed on her lips, not even wavering. Her eyebrows remained leveled though she had to fight not to arch them. In fact, she seemed carefree, as if she didn't understand the implications he was getting at.
A moment passed before she spoke again, for she wanted him to think she was agreeing to anything he thought.
Oh that smile. How it stayed exactly where it was. She had all but just informed him that he could do all the work, and act however he wanted, but that when his sentence was complete, he would undoubtedly pay for said actions. It was light threatening someone without actually voicing it.
As if saying he was to do all of the work, but that he would not be permitted to make any decisions without later paying for those choices. She had, it seems, handed him the job without the glory.
He frowned at her...As much as he cared for her and lusted after her every movement and word, her stating the fact that he would pay for whatever actions he took through the duration of his seat as Master of the City slightly upset him, though he would show nothing more than mild discontent with it. At least he knew that the length of his position was decided, and he would not be taking her place indefinitely. So, he would leave Mathas' fate to the Council to decide when they arrived, after all of their own business was stated. Their decision would determine his punishment. However, if she was going to punish him for something done to protect the best interests of all of NightWorld, then he would be sure to have her hand in it, as well. After all, it was because of her that Mathas acted the way that he did...that he spoke out of his station, being a mere mortal.
He motioned to the stacks of bound parchments to his right. There were not many, really, not compared to the volume of them that she herself normally had, b ut they had hus far been this day's work for him.
Pandora kept the pleasant smile on her face, as she rose. Her head bowed slowly, words already escaping the slightly parted lips.
Then, crossing from her end of the table, towards him, Pandora reached out and began gathering the parchments up one by one in her gloved hands. When the very last one was within her arms, Pandora bowed her head once more, and backed from the room, keeping her head bowed, eye's to the floor until her back reached the archway that led from the hallway into the Meeting Room and vice versa.
Lifting her head once more, Pandora turned without glancing to Tathar again, and headed away from the Meeting Room. Her footfalls were equally as silent as they always were, and when she rounded the arch that led into Williams room, the poor man jumped.
Her eye's sparkled as she spoke such things. It had been centuries since Pandora had been ordered about, and she found it all a bit humerous. Poor Williams expression broke her silent grin into a loud case of laughter as he bristled about, reaching to take the parchments from her.
The NightWorlders did not know that Tathar was being placed as Master of the City on a temporary bases, but those that worked initially for her, and now humoring her by working for him knew of the conditions. William, of course, was one of them. As he bristled in attempt to relieve his first Master of her work, Pandora simply withdrew them out of his reach, and gave a gentle shake of her head.
The smile on her face stretched, and she brushed past William, taking the easy leap from the ground floor of the Tower, to the Second where the NightWorld Library was located.
Without worrying about the lamps, Pandora crossed the blackened room, easily navigating through the many shelves there that housed the books, until she reached the centre of the Library. There, she placed the pile of parchments down on the table, for Tathar to sort out later.
She would need to feed, but first thing's first. Pandora flopped her behind down in the chair at the table, and began leafing through the parchments, looking to see if anything would be worthy of being added to her own private collection.
He watched as she acted so....unlike the rest of the NightWorlders that he had dealt with today. It would seem that she had something that he did not...Was it the fact that she had her vampiric charms to aid her? If so he could not hope to match that...All he could use to weight his side was the fact that he could and would tear transgressors limb from limb. It was not as good, but it would suffice for the duration of his temporary position. His gaze never left her form even as she moved away from the meeting room and into the area beyond, heading for the library....And as she disappeared from his sight he sighed to himself. She was acting like everything between them had never happened. That they had shared no such intimate moments as they had. Perhaps he was merely a toy to her, after all. But he would accept that. At least it gave him a reason to be around her, and he began to wonder exactly to what extent she would go to follow his orders...He may have to test that thought later, but right now he wondered whether or not he had any further responsibilities to attend to. After all, he had never been around Pandora as she worked, aside from dealing with the parchments, and even that was not too terribly much experience from observation...No, for now, until something was brought to his attention, he would sit here and wait. Perhaps a new NightWorlder would come to call. The thought made him look to the table where he had slipped the small book that was his journal, and he sighed once more, having forgotten that he had placed it with the parchments. Well, he had read some of Pandora's own personal musings, so if she happened by it then it was only fair.
Oh, what have we here... Pandora didn't even need to open it, for the moment her fingers inclosed around the Lycan's private journal, the words she couldn't see between the hardened covers became pictures.
It appears he had started it shortly after he arrived here within Tranquility, and briefly described his time within her home. Her eye's stared off into the distance, as her main focus was on the moving images that only she could see.
His aquiring of the Smithary. His escorting of the residential healer Trinity. The way she developed feelings for him, and his own thoughts that he did not return such feelings.
A small smile broke out at the corners of her lips, as she rewitnessed their first encounter together when she had stumbled across him in the square, and he had ultimately offered up himself to her. Ah yes, it was as delicious as the moments she lived it.
The smile vanished, as she watched the inturruption all over again. Her gloved fingers digging further into the bindings of his words, unaware of their strength.
The broken cot... A letter to Trinity, now that she didn't know... His discovery of his new home in the Village. How different it seemed from his perspective rather then her own. Not unsatisfied, but certainly different.
His disappointment in the new shoes, and his longing to keep the old rutty boots... His first glance of Symphony. His agreement to wake her to save William from that certain fate. The punishment... His longing to feed her and return her to her own chambers... His first Moon Phase within Tranquility...
Why, it went on and on. She lost track of time, of her surroundings as she lived his days in Tranquility over for him, without so much as cracking open the book.
Portier, the carpender, his assistant Lily. All if it, flashing like magic before her eyes. Never before had she been able to observe something merely by touching it, and thus she was lost to the world around her. Marveling in this tiny world within a world, within a world.
He laughed. He sobbed. They were one and the same, and oh how they bounced around the walls back to his ears. They were the songs of the angels. Sometimes he tried to sleep, but it eluded him--eluded him the way that Pandora did. Most often he paced. Now, he raised his head thoughtfully, almost as though considering, then threw all of his rapidly fading strength at the door--and again--and again. It did not, of course, budge. You'd think it was made of metal or something. He screamed as he did so.
And then, a few moment's respite as he sobbed, his tears tasting salty as he licked them off his face. Then he began again.
While she was no doubt perusing the pages of his thoughts on events within Tranquility since his arrival, he was stuck here with naught to do but stare at the table and walls and everything else that caught his eyes. He thought once or twice about going up to the library to keep Pandora company, but decided against it...No, right now he would leave her to herself. He would bother her about...other things...later.
She was just reaching the part where Tathar began to talk about how he and Mathas simply cannot seem to get along, when the devil's words reached her ears. Calling for her. Begging for her. No no, this simply wouldn't do.
Prying her fingers from the book that had not been opened, Pandora watched as if in slow motion as it fell to the table infront of her, the sound of parchments hitting wood echoing through the room. Then, shoving her chair back, Pandora made for the drop.
Landing in the usual crouched position, she quickly straightened herself and turned to William, whom was seated, as usual, at the single table within the small room.
She listened and nodded her head as William provided the answer she had already expected.
Once more, William began speaking, and Pandora stood there listening, her head nodding as he protested such an idea. When he finished voicing his opinion, she spoke once more.
She watched William with her icy blue eyes, until he made for the archway, calling out to stop him in his tracks.
She waited until William nodded his head in complete understanding to gesture with a single gloved hand, excusing him and sending him on his way to the Meeting Room. Waiting another moment or two, Pandora then bent her knees once more and made the easy jump from ground floor to upper level to prepair, pleased to find Bertha already there waiting her with what Bertha considered an appropiate business outfit sprawled out on the bed.
As he sat there drumming his fingers atop the table's surface he witnessed from the corner of his gaze as William entered the room, and he raised a brow. However, his demeanor quickly turned from smooth curiosity to blatant and outright fury at the thought of having to take Mathas along to collect rent from the tavern. Surely he would try to escape...Surely he would blkabber as to what he was to the villagers that were still out and about and awake....And surely he was not required for something so very trivial. But, if it had to be done then it had to be done, and while he moved to retrieve and don his cloak he sent William to bring Mathas in....And silently began to wish for a gag to use on the man...Oh he had better behave on this little outing.
USELESS! It was all...useless. Finally consenting defeat, he sagged against the door, sobbing. OH, the injustice--the pain. He should have known. He SHOULD have known better than to put forth his faith in a woman, even an undead one! Oh how she had lulled him with gentle caresses and promises. And still, still he was human. Still she had never allowed him to give her what he could only take. It was such a pity, such a pity that it just made him cry. What a shame!
And this..who was this knocking so loud?
But it was no billy goat, it was merely William, presenting him with the cloak of night. He stumbled to his feet, staring at the man with frank disbelief. William? William was his savior? The little man who sat and played cards all day? Well, well, wonders never ceased.
But to his surprise, the cloak was thrust upon him, and he donned it immediately without protest, relishing the smooth, silky feeling, as though he were laying in grass. It offered something more also, a sense of security. You always knew where you stood with a cloak. But then he was being directed out, and down to the meeting cells, his position being explained to him As the confusion and rage built up. They expected WHAT of him? Impossible. He'd never do it--except--he knew he would. He staggered into the room, glaring daggers at the man, but for now--for now--bit his tongue.
He offered no words as Mathas made his entrance into the meeting room, and he merely pulled his hood up over his features, tugging it tightly foreward to hide his face. Oh how he loathed this little bit of business...If it were left up to him he would snap the man's neck then and there and leave his corpse to rot, but as it stood it would appear that he had to stomach his presence for the moment, at the very least...But as soon as they returned he would make sure, personally if need be, that he returned to his cell to brood and scream and cry. He then bade William to kindly open the door so that they could continue their way toward the tavern, waiting with ever present patience as the man labored to unbolt and open the door, stepping quickly out into the darkness of the night that would envelop them outside...And he hoped that Mathas would not try to run.
Oh, sweet breath of fresh air, the night called to him, a fatal temptress of lust. He half sprang, but caught himself, teeth grit. Oh, how he'd long to try...it would certainly be better than this unsufferable task...but no. While the smith seemed to be using his stoicness as a rule, Mathas was obviously ill at ease, shaking and stumbling. The finger snapping began, quiet at first, then much louder and faster. This was obviously some sort of test. Well, he could be a good Boy if necessary. He even forced his teeth into a grin as he glanced to Tathar, wondering if that would provoke the other into becoming enraged.
When Bertha had finished her masterpiece, and Pandora looked as beautiful as even Bertha could make her, she gave her servant a brisk nod of her head, and crossed the room to the drop. Before she had time to step over it, Pandora could hear the door downstairs open, which could only mean one thing. Tathar and Mathas would be on their way to the Square to collect the currency owed from the Tavern.
A gentle smile crossed over her expression and Pandora dropped. The room was empty, and when she stepped into the hallway, discovered why. William was just fastening the lock back into place. She gave him a brisk nod, though she suspected he didn't much see it with his back turned to her, and she continued on her way towards the Meeting Room.
With barely enough time to take her proper seat at the head of the table, the sound of William working on the door once more snapped her to attention, and she quickly rose from her seat once more, her hands locking behind her back, standing alert beside her chair.
As the twelve members of the NightWorld Council filed in, she gave each a brisk nod of her head, quietly bidding them greeting. These meetings were rarely quick and never quite enjoyable. Undoubtedly they would be here for at least an hour, bickering back and forth about the way Tranquility was being run.
When the last of the NightWorld Council member took their seat, Pandora sank into her own, her back riggid, and her gloved hands folding beneath the table in her lap.
In chorus the Coucil greeted her in return, and the meeting was underway. Mostly, it was the usual. Who and what had arrived since last meeting. Who and what had deceased. Disappeared. Who posed a threat to NightWorld laws. What new forms of torture were being practiced. You know, the boring every day junk that everyone just wants to fall asleep listening to.
As a matter of fact, Mathas' taunting brought nothing forth from him...Nothing at all. He was as expressionless as a statue, and he spoke just as much. Maybe it was the fresh air...the chance to get outside of the Tower and stretch his legs for a bit of freedom of movement after a long day of being cooped up within the Tower, seated at a table and sorting random papers. Either way, he was glad to be outside...Even though it was to be but a short while, perhaps an hour or so. The slight swishing sound of his cloak moving back and forth between his steps became a rhythm in his ears, as well as the different sounds associated with the night. Every now and again he would tune his hearing to strain directly behind him, listening to see what Mathas was up to besides the incessant snapping of his fingers....Indeed, it grated on his nerves, but for the sake of keeping the laws he did not voice this opinion.
Well, well, two could play that game. Yes indeed, oh so fun, he was gonna wiiiiiin this game. He even managed to cease snapping his fingers as the Tavern loomed before him. Maybe he'd even get a drink...Lord knew he could use a drink. But NOOOOO he had to be professional. Whoopdefreakin doo. Well, he could manage that. He forced his face into a much more normal grin, and paused outside, inclining his head to Tathar.
He would not call him master, but he could consent...for the time being...on sir.
When the conversation shifted to Pandora's choice of a Temoin (second in command) Pandora's insides froze. They had been after her to officially elect a Temoin since the last one disappeared. They had not approved of Portier at the beginning either, but over time she had proven her ability to conduct herself befitting of the title.
She failed to mention his race, in hopes that the Council would simply pass over it. Such hopes were dashed by the few gasps that echoed around the Meeting Room. Were it anyone else, Pandora could picture everyone start talking at once. The Council, however, never seemed to have that issue. It was almost as if they had already agreed prior to their arrival, exactly whom would say what. Not for the first time, Pandora wondered if they could communicate with each other without the use of mortal voice.
When it was voiced that they held distaste in a Lycan serving on the Royalty Line, Pandora simply sat back and listened. She had no need to agree or disagree. They were not looking for her opinion. When the question was poised if she had selected him for his skill and ability to guide the Hidden Realm of Tranquility through the NightWorld era or if her personal feelings for the mutt had played a role within this decision, Pandora's spine straightened.
She waited until the request was granted, before she continued.
Her eye's drifted around the room as she tried to read the expression on those twelve blankly staring faces, before she continued once more.
The silence around the room convinced Pandora that the NightWorld Council could very well communicate with each other without her knowledge and when one spoke up, she turned her gaze solely to them. So they would trial and error it. Should Tathar prove to be inadequette, not only would he be removed as Temoin, but Pandora would be removed as Master of the City.
She did not like this alternative, but who was she to disagree. The Council had spoken, and she had no choice but to obey.
Lord, what they would do if they had known just how much Tathar had taken on, and that he infact had progressed from Temoin to Master of the City by errror. Undoubtedly, she would never see the outside of a silverchained coffin again.
As her thoughts settled on this, she was brought back to attention when the Council began asking about Mathas and what Pandora's intentions were for him. Would she make him her servant? No... No this was NOT the conversation she wanted to have.
When she did not answer, one of the members stood and began the long rant about the importance of following proceedure in regards to a servant.
Well then, so Mathas was going to quiet himself down? All the better, he could cool his nerves before he had to stroll in and look for Dian, the night tender of the tavern. As far as drinks for himself would go, no, he had no reason to do such. He coulkd not get drunk....so there was really no point in doing such at a business call like this. He made for the antrance as Mathas mockingly bade him and stepped within, looking around.
He was starting to loose it, just a little bit, but held it together as best he could. He followed Tathar from behind, which at least gave him the opportunity to glare insolently at him before dragging his face back into a smile. Except for the drunkard Ruffians, silly humans who had no idea what a REAL drink was, the place was empty. How...irritating. He raised an eyebrow to Tathar.
He did not see the glare from behind coming from Mathas...He didn't even hear the slight sounds made by the face shifting into a smile as saliva moved in the man's mouth...No, his attention was completely on the area around him as he moved foreward, stepping through into the kitchen. And sure enough, there was Obsi, and he took the task of speaking quietly with her that he had come on part of the Tower to collect rent owed. Though, admittedly, he kept his senses strained to Mathas, making sure that the man was being well behaved enough.
Oh, the smell of rum, the smell of ale, it permeated through his brain like a drill. He struggled to keep his face calm as he nodded to Dian, of course he had too--it was on his face this mission relied, of course, regardless of whatever Tath might think. Still, he could begin to feel an...itch. And when the door opened, he let out an almost dreamy sigh. Here was his chance, his chance, his chance, soooo close. Surely tath would not want to cause a scene in the middle of the tavern? He took a few small, so so so small steps towards the door, still smiling, but...hesitating. If he got caught, he needed to make it seem that he wasn't trying to escape, he was merely shifting his position
Since they were in the kitchen area, shrouded by the sounds of the little bit of cooking going on at this time of night, he let out a low and rumbling and drawn out growl at the shifting sound of Mathas' steps. He would have no qualms about grabbing up a knife and burying it in the man's back if he actually decided to run. Sure it would cause a scene, but any human can throw a blade, and a blacksmith is expected to know how to use them accurately. After all, in order for them to be thrown correctly, they had to have a decent enough center of balance. When he spoke his voice was low and hushed, just enough for Mathas to hear.
He immediately froze. What HAD he been thinking? that seemed to be happening to him a rather lot lately. He turned casually back to Tathar and held up his hands.
His grin was all truth and glitter.
He growled again, this time more silently and with a sneer, pocketing the small pouch of coins that had been handed over as he made his way outside once more, though only after a brisk nod and word of thanks to Dian. He was likewise ready to return to the Tower...Their little outing was quite finished, and there was no further reason to dally about, and as much as he wanted to he did not even bother to glance at his shop...It would still be there when he got a chance to visit once more. But for now he made sure his pace was quick, but not enough so to outpace Mathas...he was still intent on keeping him at the very least within range of hearing...and that was a wide range, indeed.
He smirked, having his own ideas on why that would be. Even though he was behaving, he couldn't helpt but stir the pot--just a little, teeny bit.
He smirked to himself, but kept silent all the way through the square and village, all the way leading up to the backside of the Tower, lifting a hand and giving his signature firm but subtle rapping on the center of the door, just under the slit that William used to peer outside to whomever knocked. They were both garbed in their cloaks, of course, so there would be no problems there, and they should be able to just slip right in, and he could possibly steal a little quality time with the Vampire.
When the speech had finally come to an end, Pandora struggled to keep her face expressionless. It didn't matter who you were, how long you've lived, or how powerful your race, under the watchful scolding gaze of the NightWorld Council, you were a weakling. Nothing but speck and pebbles to be kicked up at will.
She listened again, as one spoke for all of them, before she gave a brisk nod of her head and continued.
She changed her course and tried again.
Her eye's sought out each dozen pairs, fruitfully attempting to read what lay behind them. Pandora never felt like much of a Master Vampire in the presence of the Council. Suddenly, the unexpected accusation of her marking Tathar came to her ears, and Pandora visibly flinched.
She listened as the Council Member spoke again, before giving a brisk nod of her head, her gloved fingers picking at each other, thankfully out of sight from the NightWorld Council.
She was cut off as another one of the members began speaking. Even though his voice was calm and detatched, Pandora felt as if he had been yelling and barring teeth, the strength of the words meaning more then the tone in which they were spoken.
Oh the nerve... Pandora had to use all her restraint to keep from winching at their reply.
Once more, she was cut off. When she was permitted to speak again, she protested quietly. Her teeth grinding, and she all but hissed out her reply.
Pandora forced herself to slowly look around the room, meeting her icy blue gaze to each of theirs as she continued.
She had been so focused on the meeting that she hadn't even heard the Tower door open. Had she have, she would have been instantly aware that Tathar and Mathas had returned.
A voice? A voice so sweet and familliar? Pandora? Indeed it was! SHe was back, she was back! He was hard put to contain his joy, but managed to keep it down to a little grin. He stepped forwards quickly, since the thought of her voice saying his name was like a toxin, but then he heard her actual words and slowed. And then stopped. A certain alien numbness had spread throughout him. She had marked Seregon. But she would not mark him. She had never marked him, but she had marked the blacksmith. He did not catch the part about her removing it, he was still trying to focus. So she thought him 'fragile', did she? He supposed he was. Fragile becuase of her. But that was not the point. The point was that, for him now, all hope was lost. She obviously despised him, had never had any intention of giving him what he so desperately craved. She even protested against orders. Was he so vile to her? Well, well. He could deal with that. He certainly could. He turned slowly to the werewolf, knowing that he had heard as much as he, and could likely see the horror on his face.
As they entered it would seem that all of NightWorld matters had not been left up to him after all, and that his errand to collect rent from the tavern had been a ruse...Though it was still necessary. So she did not trust hiom enough to grant him the chance to speak before the Council? To prove his worth and merit upon his own words rather than her own? Though he was thankful that she was speaking so well on his part. yes, he had heard her words, or at least a vast majority of them, and out of respect for HER duties, he remained at the Tower door with mathas and William as the man closed and bolted it behind them. If he was not to be before them as Master of the City, then he would not go before them at all...Oh they would have words about this at a later time...Right now he merely stayed where he was standing, out of the way of the door, but he kept his hood pulled up over his features. It would appear that the Council knew a great deal about the events that transpired between Pandora and himself....Was she telling them, or were they gathering their information by other means and ears...? No...Her words let him know that she had intended to keep their business private....It was someone else...And he growled silently to himself, barely audible to any more than a few feet from him, unless of course they had acute hearing....like, say, vampires or whatnot...And he was beginning to gain a sneaking suspicion that the Council's body was mainly composed of the Undead, in which that meant that he was the vast minority here in the room...aside from Mathas, of course...And speaking of Mathas, he was curious as to the man's reaction to hearing the Council's, and Pandora's, words as well...and the look of utmost horror and disappointment on his face was...priceless....And his words were even moreso....And he had to think of the request. All of a sudden, Mathas was acting as if none of the negative had happened between them...He supposed it was a start, and his reply was hushed, barely that of a whisper.
She had not caught Mathas words to Tathar, simply because one of the NightWorld Council members was speaking again. Promising immense pain should she not follow through with their previous arrangements. The usual, she figured and did not care to answer them.
They had stopped speaking just as Tathar himself spoke from outside the room, and though Pandora caught his words, she had no idea what he was talking about. First fear hit her, at the prospect of them plotting behind her back. And then anger. And then, just as quickly, calmness. It was never wise to show emotions around the Council.
She glanced around the room, and was immensly relieved when the Council Members began rising from their chair. Instantly, she pushed her own back and stood, regretfully bowing her head to each as they took their leave. She would have rather not, but they, afterall, outranked her.
When the room had finally cleared, Pandora paused a moment, before exiting the room as well. Her silent footfalls carried her towards the Tower door, and thus towards Mathas and William. Her gaze locked first on Mathas, and then on Tathar, but she did not break her stride. Instead, she easily shouldered her way between the two traitors and entered into Williams room.
Now that Tathar had returned, he could see to the rest of the duties while Pandora composed from the long and harsh meeting. She still needed to feed, but it was never wise to hunt in such a foul mood. No, feeding would simply have to wait until later in the evening when Pandora had her temper under control a bit more.
Tathar Seregon
Mathas
Location: The Tower / The Tavern
Time: two hours after sunset
An instant is all it took for Pandora's eyes to snap open. A mere instant, and she was fully awake like that of a child whom knows today they leave for disneyland. Only, Pandora LeAmour was no child. And there was no disneyland to hail to. No, instead it was much much better. For today was her first official day off. The darkness of their quarters proved no match for the freshly reborn vampire. She jumped out of bed and made it clear across the room without even remotely running into anything. At the trunks that lined this wall, Pandora gracefully dropped to her knees and lifted but one of the lids. Inside, she withdrew the first gown that her hands came into contact with. Draping it over her arm, she then used her free hand to close the trunk's lid once more, and sprang to her feet.
Silent calls summoned Bertha, and as Pandora awaited her servant, she returned to the bed to carefully lay out todays attire. Tonight's events ran through her mind, and Pandora cracked a small smile at the empty room. Nothing. Glorious nothing. Oh, the life of freedom!
With Bertha arriving, Pandora set about working with the young woman whom would help her dress, paint and fasten up her hair.
When that was completed, Pandora gave a brisk nod of her head and crossed over to the drop. Her gown belled out around her, and her slippers made not a sound on the cold stone floor in Williams Room, and she straightened her landing almost instantly.
"Blessed be, William."
She crossed through his room and exited the archway that led into the hallway, where she paused. Where to now. Without even realizing she had already made that decision, Pandora headed towards the Meeting Room.
He finished with binding the final stacks of parchment and moved them to the side to sit with the rest upon the table. He would get them shelved within the library in their appropriate places later...For now he was relishing in a free few moments as well as scribing a few lines into the old and tattered journal he kept. Thankfully by the time he realized that he was no longer alone in the room his writing was done and he folded the small book to a close and tucked it away behind one of the stacks of paper, raising his gaze from the table and to the form of none other than Pandora moving from the hallway and toward the meeting room. A pleasant surprise, indeed, but he doubted that she had time for simply him for tonight. Likely she was enjoying her new multitude of free time, and wished to be off to enjoy herself while she could...But nonetheless, he was glad to see her, and his eyes showed as much, even though his voice seemed oddly indifferent and cold."Good evening, Pandora. I trust your rest was well...?"
[/b][/u][/center]The expression on Pandora's face was alive. A smile where her frown usually sat, her eye's sparkling with kindness that never seems to be there, and even her eyebrows seemed level rather then the usual arch. "Greetings, Master. I have come to observe."
She continued walking until she reached the table, and elected to sit at the opposite end that Tathar himself was positioned at. Gloved hands reached out and gripped hold of the back of one of the chairs, and she lifted it, drawing it away from the table, before returning all four legs to the floor. Settling down, Pandora folded her hands in her lap.
"Please, carry on."
The smile remained on her lips, and her icy blue eye's watched the temporary Master of the City intently. In all truth, she would be doing exactly this on and off for the rest of his sentence. When she was not enjoying her newfound freedom, of course.
He nodded to her as she sat, though he was unsure as of to what she would be observing. As far as he knew, he had finished with everything that needed immediate attention, except for placing the bound documents into the shelves of the library, of course, but that could wait a while, so he took the opportunity to speak to her freely...and what better to speak of than the events of just that evening, before she had come down from their chambers? He could think of a few personal things he wanted to talk about, but business came first with a position like this, so he would carry on with that for now."Very well. Are you aware of the events that transpired this evening?"
[/center]She gave a simple nod of her head at his inquiry. Of course she knew what took place. This was her home. She knew everything. "I am."
He was probably expecting something MORE then just that, but she wasn't about to give it to him. She did not have an advisor to sought out advice. Nor did she have someone to hash over ideas with, and thus he would not either.
Besides, he could very well go over anything he wanted to with the NightWorld Council later on this evening when they arrived. If, of course, he survived that.
Her eye's remained on him, as if she could read him simply by looking. He wasn't that easy to read, oddly enough. Of course, she could simply get out of her chair and cross the length of the table to him. A single touch and she could read his every thought... But why, really? She knew enough already.
He huffed....It would seem she was indifferent to the imminent loss of Mathas, especially since he had threatened to break the very veil that she had strived so very hard to forge and maintain, and for so very long at that. Surely her want to protect those ideals and the secrecy that made it possible for NightWorld to exist still existed within her...Or maybe her personal feelings for the man left that skewed. He decided to use the opportunity and power he now had to test something."Then I am sure you are aware that his actions and threats qualify as treason against all of NightWorld? And the likely punishment that your....pet...will recieve?"
[/center]The smile stayed on her lips, not even wavering. Her eyebrows remained leveled though she had to fight not to arch them. In fact, she seemed carefree, as if she didn't understand the implications he was getting at. "I do."
A moment passed before she spoke again, for she wanted him to think she was agreeing to anything he thought.
"As I am sure you are aware that you are but acting Master of the City for a Moon Span. And that whatever 'actions' you take will not simply be brushed aside when your sentence is complete."
Oh that smile. How it stayed exactly where it was. She had all but just informed him that he could do all the work, and act however he wanted, but that when his sentence was complete, he would undoubtedly pay for said actions. It was light threatening someone without actually voicing it.
As if saying he was to do all of the work, but that he would not be permitted to make any decisions without later paying for those choices. She had, it seems, handed him the job without the glory.
He frowned at her...As much as he cared for her and lusted after her every movement and word, her stating the fact that he would pay for whatever actions he took through the duration of his seat as Master of the City slightly upset him, though he would show nothing more than mild discontent with it. At least he knew that the length of his position was decided, and he would not be taking her place indefinitely. So, he would leave Mathas' fate to the Council to decide when they arrived, after all of their own business was stated. Their decision would determine his punishment. However, if she was going to punish him for something done to protect the best interests of all of NightWorld, then he would be sure to have her hand in it, as well. After all, it was because of her that Mathas acted the way that he did...that he spoke out of his station, being a mere mortal."Whatever I do will be for the benefit of all of NightWorld within the land. If I warrant retribution for it then I will gladly accept it. Now, how about doing me a favor, dear, and placing these where they belong in the library?"
He motioned to the stacks of bound parchments to his right. There were not many, really, not compared to the volume of them that she herself normally had, b ut they had hus far been this day's work for him.
Pandora kept the pleasant smile on her face, as she rose. Her head bowed slowly, words already escaping the slightly parted lips. "Yes, Master."
Then, crossing from her end of the table, towards him, Pandora reached out and began gathering the parchments up one by one in her gloved hands. When the very last one was within her arms, Pandora bowed her head once more, and backed from the room, keeping her head bowed, eye's to the floor until her back reached the archway that led from the hallway into the Meeting Room and vice versa.
Lifting her head once more, Pandora turned without glancing to Tathar again, and headed away from the Meeting Room. Her footfalls were equally as silent as they always were, and when she rounded the arch that led into Williams room, the poor man jumped.
"Forgive me, William. I have just been ordered to take these parchments into the Library."
Her eye's sparkled as she spoke such things. It had been centuries since Pandora had been ordered about, and she found it all a bit humerous. Poor Williams expression broke her silent grin into a loud case of laughter as he bristled about, reaching to take the parchments from her.
The NightWorlders did not know that Tathar was being placed as Master of the City on a temporary bases, but those that worked initially for her, and now humoring her by working for him knew of the conditions. William, of course, was one of them. As he bristled in attempt to relieve his first Master of her work, Pandora simply withdrew them out of his reach, and gave a gentle shake of her head.
"Now now, William, it is quite alright. Master Seregon is to be obeyed as if I were dead and he had rightfully earned his position. It will not kill me to deliver the bindings to the NightWorld Library. Honestly, William. It is quite alright."
The smile on her face stretched, and she brushed past William, taking the easy leap from the ground floor of the Tower, to the Second where the NightWorld Library was located.
Without worrying about the lamps, Pandora crossed the blackened room, easily navigating through the many shelves there that housed the books, until she reached the centre of the Library. There, she placed the pile of parchments down on the table, for Tathar to sort out later.
She would need to feed, but first thing's first. Pandora flopped her behind down in the chair at the table, and began leafing through the parchments, looking to see if anything would be worthy of being added to her own private collection.
He watched as she acted so....unlike the rest of the NightWorlders that he had dealt with today. It would seem that she had something that he did not...Was it the fact that she had her vampiric charms to aid her? If so he could not hope to match that...All he could use to weight his side was the fact that he could and would tear transgressors limb from limb. It was not as good, but it would suffice for the duration of his temporary position. His gaze never left her form even as she moved away from the meeting room and into the area beyond, heading for the library....And as she disappeared from his sight he sighed to himself. She was acting like everything between them had never happened. That they had shared no such intimate moments as they had. Perhaps he was merely a toy to her, after all. But he would accept that. At least it gave him a reason to be around her, and he began to wonder exactly to what extent she would go to follow his orders...He may have to test that thought later, but right now he wondered whether or not he had any further responsibilities to attend to. After all, he had never been around Pandora as she worked, aside from dealing with the parchments, and even that was not too terribly much experience from observation...No, for now, until something was brought to his attention, he would sit here and wait. Perhaps a new NightWorlder would come to call. The thought made him look to the table where he had slipped the small book that was his journal, and he sighed once more, having forgotten that he had placed it with the parchments. Well, he had read some of Pandora's own personal musings, so if she happened by it then it was only fair.Oh, what have we here... Pandora didn't even need to open it, for the moment her fingers inclosed around the Lycan's private journal, the words she couldn't see between the hardened covers became pictures. It appears he had started it shortly after he arrived here within Tranquility, and briefly described his time within her home. Her eye's stared off into the distance, as her main focus was on the moving images that only she could see.
His aquiring of the Smithary. His escorting of the residential healer Trinity. The way she developed feelings for him, and his own thoughts that he did not return such feelings.
A small smile broke out at the corners of her lips, as she rewitnessed their first encounter together when she had stumbled across him in the square, and he had ultimately offered up himself to her. Ah yes, it was as delicious as the moments she lived it.
The smile vanished, as she watched the inturruption all over again. Her gloved fingers digging further into the bindings of his words, unaware of their strength.
The broken cot... A letter to Trinity, now that she didn't know... His discovery of his new home in the Village. How different it seemed from his perspective rather then her own. Not unsatisfied, but certainly different.
His disappointment in the new shoes, and his longing to keep the old rutty boots... His first glance of Symphony. His agreement to wake her to save William from that certain fate. The punishment... His longing to feed her and return her to her own chambers... His first Moon Phase within Tranquility...
Why, it went on and on. She lost track of time, of her surroundings as she lived his days in Tranquility over for him, without so much as cracking open the book.
Portier, the carpender, his assistant Lily. All if it, flashing like magic before her eyes. Never before had she been able to observe something merely by touching it, and thus she was lost to the world around her. Marveling in this tiny world within a world, within a world.
He laughed. He sobbed. They were one and the same, and oh how they bounced around the walls back to his ears. They were the songs of the angels. Sometimes he tried to sleep, but it eluded him--eluded him the way that Pandora did. Most often he paced. Now, he raised his head thoughtfully, almost as though considering, then threw all of his rapidly fading strength at the door--and again--and again. It did not, of course, budge. You'd think it was made of metal or something. He screamed as he did so."Get in here, pup! Get in here and face me like the man you'll never be, you...dog, you mongrel, you mutt! Get in here and let me out so I can kill you! Sit, boy! Lay down! Baaaad dog!"
And then, a few moment's respite as he sobbed, his tears tasting salty as he licked them off his face. Then he began again.
"Pandora! Pandora, I know you can hear me! You can hear EvErYtHiNg! Teehee, come playyyy with me, Pandora! We'll run away where even the dog can't follow his nose to us! We'll go play with the Faeries, Pandora! Pandora? Pandora! Why have you forsaken me sooooo? Don't you know that I love you--r blood? Pandora, come give poor Matty a treattttttt. He said you would. The Bastard told me you would!"
[/center]While she was no doubt perusing the pages of his thoughts on events within Tranquility since his arrival, he was stuck here with naught to do but stare at the table and walls and everything else that caught his eyes. He thought once or twice about going up to the library to keep Pandora company, but decided against it...No, right now he would leave her to herself. He would bother her about...other things...later.She was just reaching the part where Tathar began to talk about how he and Mathas simply cannot seem to get along, when the devil's words reached her ears. Calling for her. Begging for her. No no, this simply wouldn't do. Prying her fingers from the book that had not been opened, Pandora watched as if in slow motion as it fell to the table infront of her, the sound of parchments hitting wood echoing through the room. Then, shoving her chair back, Pandora made for the drop.
Landing in the usual crouched position, she quickly straightened herself and turned to William, whom was seated, as usual, at the single table within the small room.
"When is the Coucil due to arrive this evening?"
She listened and nodded her head as William provided the answer she had already expected.
"Very well. Do go tell the Master that he is required to travel to Tranquility Square to collect the rent due for the Tavern. And have him take Mathas along. We cannot afford to send any guards, and Mathas has always proved to be professional on such occassions. Besides, the Tavern Keepers know that he works for me. They will trust Tathar's demand for currency."
Once more, William began speaking, and Pandora stood there listening, her head nodding as he protested such an idea. When he finished voicing his opinion, she spoke once more.
"Yes, William. I am quite aware of that, thank you. They shall simply have to get along for the mission. Besides, we cannot have him ranting away from his cell when the Council arrives. Do as I asked, please."
She watched William with her icy blue eyes, until he made for the archway, calling out to stop him in his tracks.
"And William. It is not to sound as if an order from me. The Lycan is not to know of the Council heading this way. He must be under the impression that he has the free time to conduct this errand as it always is."
She waited until William nodded his head in complete understanding to gesture with a single gloved hand, excusing him and sending him on his way to the Meeting Room. Waiting another moment or two, Pandora then bent her knees once more and made the easy jump from ground floor to upper level to prepair, pleased to find Bertha already there waiting her with what Bertha considered an appropiate business outfit sprawled out on the bed.
As he sat there drumming his fingers atop the table's surface he witnessed from the corner of his gaze as William entered the room, and he raised a brow. However, his demeanor quickly turned from smooth curiosity to blatant and outright fury at the thought of having to take Mathas along to collect rent from the tavern. Surely he would try to escape...Surely he would blkabber as to what he was to the villagers that were still out and about and awake....And surely he was not required for something so very trivial. But, if it had to be done then it had to be done, and while he moved to retrieve and don his cloak he sent William to bring Mathas in....And silently began to wish for a gag to use on the man...Oh he had better behave on this little outing.USELESS! It was all...useless. Finally consenting defeat, he sagged against the door, sobbing. OH, the injustice--the pain. He should have known. He SHOULD have known better than to put forth his faith in a woman, even an undead one! Oh how she had lulled him with gentle caresses and promises. And still, still he was human. Still she had never allowed him to give her what he could only take. It was such a pity, such a pity that it just made him cry. What a shame!And this..who was this knocking so loud?
"Who is this...triptrapping over my bridge? Could be a little billy goat? I'll gobble you all up!"
But it was no billy goat, it was merely William, presenting him with the cloak of night. He stumbled to his feet, staring at the man with frank disbelief. William? William was his savior? The little man who sat and played cards all day? Well, well, wonders never ceased.
"Thank you profusely, so KIND of you to notice, I always liked you, by the way I have an unmarried cousin over Four Stones way, maybe I could put in a good word for you, and Thank you!"
But to his surprise, the cloak was thrust upon him, and he donned it immediately without protest, relishing the smooth, silky feeling, as though he were laying in grass. It offered something more also, a sense of security. You always knew where you stood with a cloak. But then he was being directed out, and down to the meeting cells, his position being explained to him As the confusion and rage built up. They expected WHAT of him? Impossible. He'd never do it--except--he knew he would. He staggered into the room, glaring daggers at the man, but for now--for now--bit his tongue.
He offered no words as Mathas made his entrance into the meeting room, and he merely pulled his hood up over his features, tugging it tightly foreward to hide his face. Oh how he loathed this little bit of business...If it were left up to him he would snap the man's neck then and there and leave his corpse to rot, but as it stood it would appear that he had to stomach his presence for the moment, at the very least...But as soon as they returned he would make sure, personally if need be, that he returned to his cell to brood and scream and cry. He then bade William to kindly open the door so that they could continue their way toward the tavern, waiting with ever present patience as the man labored to unbolt and open the door, stepping quickly out into the darkness of the night that would envelop them outside...And he hoped that Mathas would not try to run.Oh, sweet breath of fresh air, the night called to him, a fatal temptress of lust. He half sprang, but caught himself, teeth grit. Oh, how he'd long to try...it would certainly be better than this unsufferable task...but no. While the smith seemed to be using his stoicness as a rule, Mathas was obviously ill at ease, shaking and stumbling. The finger snapping began, quiet at first, then much louder and faster. This was obviously some sort of test. Well, he could be a good Boy if necessary. He even forced his teeth into a grin as he glanced to Tathar, wondering if that would provoke the other into becoming enraged.When Bertha had finished her masterpiece, and Pandora looked as beautiful as even Bertha could make her, she gave her servant a brisk nod of her head, and crossed the room to the drop. Before she had time to step over it, Pandora could hear the door downstairs open, which could only mean one thing. Tathar and Mathas would be on their way to the Square to collect the currency owed from the Tavern. A gentle smile crossed over her expression and Pandora dropped. The room was empty, and when she stepped into the hallway, discovered why. William was just fastening the lock back into place. She gave him a brisk nod, though she suspected he didn't much see it with his back turned to her, and she continued on her way towards the Meeting Room.
With barely enough time to take her proper seat at the head of the table, the sound of William working on the door once more snapped her to attention, and she quickly rose from her seat once more, her hands locking behind her back, standing alert beside her chair.
As the twelve members of the NightWorld Council filed in, she gave each a brisk nod of her head, quietly bidding them greeting. These meetings were rarely quick and never quite enjoyable. Undoubtedly they would be here for at least an hour, bickering back and forth about the way Tranquility was being run.
When the last of the NightWorld Council member took their seat, Pandora sank into her own, her back riggid, and her gloved hands folding beneath the table in her lap.
"Blessed be, Council."
In chorus the Coucil greeted her in return, and the meeting was underway. Mostly, it was the usual. Who and what had arrived since last meeting. Who and what had deceased. Disappeared. Who posed a threat to NightWorld laws. What new forms of torture were being practiced. You know, the boring every day junk that everyone just wants to fall asleep listening to.
As a matter of fact, Mathas' taunting brought nothing forth from him...Nothing at all. He was as expressionless as a statue, and he spoke just as much. Maybe it was the fresh air...the chance to get outside of the Tower and stretch his legs for a bit of freedom of movement after a long day of being cooped up within the Tower, seated at a table and sorting random papers. Either way, he was glad to be outside...Even though it was to be but a short while, perhaps an hour or so. The slight swishing sound of his cloak moving back and forth between his steps became a rhythm in his ears, as well as the different sounds associated with the night. Every now and again he would tune his hearing to strain directly behind him, listening to see what Mathas was up to besides the incessant snapping of his fingers....Indeed, it grated on his nerves, but for the sake of keeping the laws he did not voice this opinion.Well, well, two could play that game. Yes indeed, oh so fun, he was gonna wiiiiiin this game. He even managed to cease snapping his fingers as the Tavern loomed before him. Maybe he'd even get a drink...Lord knew he could use a drink. But NOOOOO he had to be professional. Whoopdefreakin doo. Well, he could manage that. He forced his face into a much more normal grin, and paused outside, inclining his head to Tathar."After you...sir."
He would not call him master, but he could consent...for the time being...on sir.
When the conversation shifted to Pandora's choice of a Temoin (second in command) Pandora's insides froze. They had been after her to officially elect a Temoin since the last one disappeared. They had not approved of Portier at the beginning either, but over time she had proven her ability to conduct herself befitting of the title. "Aye, I have Council. I have elected and set forth the workings of a local by the name of Tathar Seregon. He is NightWorld and conducts a Smithary during Daylight hours to support the illusion he is just an average working man."
She failed to mention his race, in hopes that the Council would simply pass over it. Such hopes were dashed by the few gasps that echoed around the Meeting Room. Were it anyone else, Pandora could picture everyone start talking at once. The Council, however, never seemed to have that issue. It was almost as if they had already agreed prior to their arrival, exactly whom would say what. Not for the first time, Pandora wondered if they could communicate with each other without the use of mortal voice.
When it was voiced that they held distaste in a Lycan serving on the Royalty Line, Pandora simply sat back and listened. She had no need to agree or disagree. They were not looking for her opinion. When the question was poised if she had selected him for his skill and ability to guide the Hidden Realm of Tranquility through the NightWorld era or if her personal feelings for the mutt had played a role within this decision, Pandora's spine straightened.
"Permission to speak freely, Masters?"
She waited until the request was granted, before she continued.
"Myne feelings for the Lycan played not a part in this decision. He has proven to be quite valuable. He can conduct business during Daylight Hours when I cannot. He is knowledgable in our laws and our understandings. He strives for the same goals, the same realm. I choose him, not because he amuses me, but because he is valuable."
Her eye's drifted around the room as she tried to read the expression on those twelve blankly staring faces, before she continued once more.
"I understand you would rather another Vampire serve as my Temoin, however consider this, I beg of you. He is Lycan, yes. But he is not restricted to the NightWorld hours. Whom better to slave at my side then someone whom can do so even when I cannot?"
The silence around the room convinced Pandora that the NightWorld Council could very well communicate with each other without her knowledge and when one spoke up, she turned her gaze solely to them. So they would trial and error it. Should Tathar prove to be inadequette, not only would he be removed as Temoin, but Pandora would be removed as Master of the City.
She did not like this alternative, but who was she to disagree. The Council had spoken, and she had no choice but to obey.
"Very well."
Lord, what they would do if they had known just how much Tathar had taken on, and that he infact had progressed from Temoin to Master of the City by errror. Undoubtedly, she would never see the outside of a silverchained coffin again.
As her thoughts settled on this, she was brought back to attention when the Council began asking about Mathas and what Pandora's intentions were for him. Would she make him her servant? No... No this was NOT the conversation she wanted to have.
When she did not answer, one of the members stood and began the long rant about the importance of following proceedure in regards to a servant.
Well then, so Mathas was going to quiet himself down? All the better, he could cool his nerves before he had to stroll in and look for Dian, the night tender of the tavern. As far as drinks for himself would go, no, he had no reason to do such. He coulkd not get drunk....so there was really no point in doing such at a business call like this. He made for the antrance as Mathas mockingly bade him and stepped within, looking around.He was starting to loose it, just a little bit, but held it together as best he could. He followed Tathar from behind, which at least gave him the opportunity to glare insolently at him before dragging his face back into a smile. Except for the drunkard Ruffians, silly humans who had no idea what a REAL drink was, the place was empty. How...irritating. He raised an eyebrow to Tathar."Seems they aren't ready to part with their tax money just yet..."
[/center]He did not see the glare from behind coming from Mathas...He didn't even hear the slight sounds made by the face shifting into a smile as saliva moved in the man's mouth...No, his attention was completely on the area around him as he moved foreward, stepping through into the kitchen. And sure enough, there was Obsi, and he took the task of speaking quietly with her that he had come on part of the Tower to collect rent owed. Though, admittedly, he kept his senses strained to Mathas, making sure that the man was being well behaved enough.Oh, the smell of rum, the smell of ale, it permeated through his brain like a drill. He struggled to keep his face calm as he nodded to Dian, of course he had too--it was on his face this mission relied, of course, regardless of whatever Tath might think. Still, he could begin to feel an...itch. And when the door opened, he let out an almost dreamy sigh. Here was his chance, his chance, his chance, soooo close. Surely tath would not want to cause a scene in the middle of the tavern? He took a few small, so so so small steps towards the door, still smiling, but...hesitating. If he got caught, he needed to make it seem that he wasn't trying to escape, he was merely shifting his position Since they were in the kitchen area, shrouded by the sounds of the little bit of cooking going on at this time of night, he let out a low and rumbling and drawn out growl at the shifting sound of Mathas' steps. He would have no qualms about grabbing up a knife and burying it in the man's back if he actually decided to run. Sure it would cause a scene, but any human can throw a blade, and a blacksmith is expected to know how to use them accurately. After all, in order for them to be thrown correctly, they had to have a decent enough center of balance. When he spoke his voice was low and hushed, just enough for Mathas to hear."Do you really want to do that, Matty boy...? If you run, you'll never get your fix again..."
[/center]He immediately froze. What HAD he been thinking? that seemed to be happening to him a rather lot lately. He turned casually back to Tathar and held up his hands."Now, now, Sir, I merely wanted to get myself into a more comfortable position while this little...exchange could be done. And now that it is, I assure you I am Quite ready to head back to the Tower."
His grin was all truth and glitter.
He growled again, this time more silently and with a sneer, pocketing the small pouch of coins that had been handed over as he made his way outside once more, though only after a brisk nod and word of thanks to Dian. He was likewise ready to return to the Tower...Their little outing was quite finished, and there was no further reason to dally about, and as much as he wanted to he did not even bother to glance at his shop...It would still be there when he got a chance to visit once more. But for now he made sure his pace was quick, but not enough so to outpace Mathas...he was still intent on keeping him at the very least within range of hearing...and that was a wide range, indeed."As am I, Mathas, as am I."
[/center]He smirked, having his own ideas on why that would be. Even though he was behaving, he couldn't helpt but stir the pot--just a little, teeny bit."Ah, I can imagine so, what with a different breed of dog coming into town every night, I can imagine it'd be very busy to tag them all."
[/center]He smirked to himself, but kept silent all the way through the square and village, all the way leading up to the backside of the Tower, lifting a hand and giving his signature firm but subtle rapping on the center of the door, just under the slit that William used to peer outside to whomever knocked. They were both garbed in their cloaks, of course, so there would be no problems there, and they should be able to just slip right in, and he could possibly steal a little quality time with the Vampire.When the speech had finally come to an end, Pandora struggled to keep her face expressionless. It didn't matter who you were, how long you've lived, or how powerful your race, under the watchful scolding gaze of the NightWorld Council, you were a weakling. Nothing but speck and pebbles to be kicked up at will. "With all due respect, Masters, I am quite aware of the customs. I have not marked Mathas. Was it not your suggestion to allow one of the prisoners to feed from me, seeing as I am a Master Vampire. Was it not your decision that an enchanched mortal could prove to be handy? Have I not complied?"
She listened again, as one spoke for all of them, before she gave a brisk nod of her head and continued.
"Forgive me. I meant no disrespect."
She changed her course and tried again.
"I have not marked anyone yet, and until the day in which some poor undead receives all four marks, Mathas shall continue to be treated as my pet. He is short tempered, but he means well. I shall not mark Mathas for I fear his fragile mind cannot take the markings. Unless it is your wish, Masters, I shall continue to simply allow that feeding to progress one way."
Her eye's sought out each dozen pairs, fruitfully attempting to read what lay behind them. Pandora never felt like much of a Master Vampire in the presence of the Council. Suddenly, the unexpected accusation of her marking Tathar came to her ears, and Pandora visibly flinched.
"That is correct."
She listened as the Council Member spoke again, before giving a brisk nod of her head, her gloved fingers picking at each other, thankfully out of sight from the NightWorld Council.
"That mark had been accidental, and has thus been removed, Master."
She was cut off as another one of the members began speaking. Even though his voice was calm and detatched, Pandora felt as if he had been yelling and barring teeth, the strength of the words meaning more then the tone in which they were spoken.
"With all due respect, Master, I am following your laws. I have conducted myself accordingly, and I have put your requests, your orders, above all else. However, I believe that what I do with my own personal life is not a matter for the NightWorld Council's discussion."
Oh the nerve... Pandora had to use all her restraint to keep from winching at their reply.
"Very well. The mark placed upon Sire Seregon was removed due to personal concern. I feared it would not be wise to make him immune to the tricks of a Master Vampire such as I."
Once more, she was cut off. When she was permitted to speak again, she protested quietly. Her teeth grinding, and she all but hissed out her reply.
"I do not believe he would betray you. He has not yet broken any of the cardinal laws, Master. In time, he will prove that his intentions are pure. As for my Marking him, with all due respect, Masters, but that is not for you to decide."
Pandora forced herself to slowly look around the room, meeting her icy blue gaze to each of theirs as she continued.
"I will not force my mark upon someone, least of all him. If this shows weakness, then I will gladly accept that fate. He will be of no use to you if he has been forced into this world, just as Mathas was. I do not wish to mark a servant for strictly business matters. I will NOT mark Sire Seregon, nor will I mark Mathas. Forgive me, but it matters not what punishment you wish to sentence for such a thing. My decision will not change."
She had been so focused on the meeting that she hadn't even heard the Tower door open. Had she have, she would have been instantly aware that Tathar and Mathas had returned.
A voice? A voice so sweet and familliar? Pandora? Indeed it was! SHe was back, she was back! He was hard put to contain his joy, but managed to keep it down to a little grin. He stepped forwards quickly, since the thought of her voice saying his name was like a toxin, but then he heard her actual words and slowed. And then stopped. A certain alien numbness had spread throughout him. She had marked Seregon. But she would not mark him. She had never marked him, but she had marked the blacksmith. He did not catch the part about her removing it, he was still trying to focus. So she thought him 'fragile', did she? He supposed he was. Fragile becuase of her. But that was not the point. The point was that, for him now, all hope was lost. She obviously despised him, had never had any intention of giving him what he so desperately craved. She even protested against orders. Was he so vile to her? Well, well. He could deal with that. He certainly could. He turned slowly to the werewolf, knowing that he had heard as much as he, and could likely see the horror on his face." Master of the City, if...if I swear unto your orders, if I accept you as my master, and if I prove to be loyal and dilligent to whatever task that you set before me, and if I cope well with my withdrawal, will you....grant me freedom? I understand the dangers of such a request, but there are other places, other lands where my face will not be recognized, where our secret would be safe. I am sure a man of your prowess could find a solution."
[/center]As they entered it would seem that all of NightWorld matters had not been left up to him after all, and that his errand to collect rent from the tavern had been a ruse...Though it was still necessary. So she did not trust hiom enough to grant him the chance to speak before the Council? To prove his worth and merit upon his own words rather than her own? Though he was thankful that she was speaking so well on his part. yes, he had heard her words, or at least a vast majority of them, and out of respect for HER duties, he remained at the Tower door with mathas and William as the man closed and bolted it behind them. If he was not to be before them as Master of the City, then he would not go before them at all...Oh they would have words about this at a later time...Right now he merely stayed where he was standing, out of the way of the door, but he kept his hood pulled up over his features. It would appear that the Council knew a great deal about the events that transpired between Pandora and himself....Was she telling them, or were they gathering their information by other means and ears...? No...Her words let him know that she had intended to keep their business private....It was someone else...And he growled silently to himself, barely audible to any more than a few feet from him, unless of course they had acute hearing....like, say, vampires or whatnot...And he was beginning to gain a sneaking suspicion that the Council's body was mainly composed of the Undead, in which that meant that he was the vast minority here in the room...aside from Mathas, of course...And speaking of Mathas, he was curious as to the man's reaction to hearing the Council's, and Pandora's, words as well...and the look of utmost horror and disappointment on his face was...priceless....And his words were even moreso....And he had to think of the request. All of a sudden, Mathas was acting as if none of the negative had happened between them...He supposed it was a start, and his reply was hushed, barely that of a whisper."I shall see what I can arrange. But understand this...I make no promises."
[/center]She had not caught Mathas words to Tathar, simply because one of the NightWorld Council members was speaking again. Promising immense pain should she not follow through with their previous arrangements. The usual, she figured and did not care to answer them. They had stopped speaking just as Tathar himself spoke from outside the room, and though Pandora caught his words, she had no idea what he was talking about. First fear hit her, at the prospect of them plotting behind her back. And then anger. And then, just as quickly, calmness. It was never wise to show emotions around the Council.
"If that is all, Masters, I do believe a few of the NightWorld members have arrived, and I must attend to duties."
She glanced around the room, and was immensly relieved when the Council Members began rising from their chair. Instantly, she pushed her own back and stood, regretfully bowing her head to each as they took their leave. She would have rather not, but they, afterall, outranked her.
When the room had finally cleared, Pandora paused a moment, before exiting the room as well. Her silent footfalls carried her towards the Tower door, and thus towards Mathas and William. Her gaze locked first on Mathas, and then on Tathar, but she did not break her stride. Instead, she easily shouldered her way between the two traitors and entered into Williams room.
Now that Tathar had returned, he could see to the rest of the duties while Pandora composed from the long and harsh meeting. She still needed to feed, but it was never wise to hunt in such a foul mood. No, feeding would simply have to wait until later in the evening when Pandora had her temper under control a bit more.
