Madison and Lara 3

[Lara]

Hey :) charries will be posted here soon

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

"Oh, Ophelia. Heaven help the fool who falls in love."

Nαмє
Ophelia "Sofie" Jane Oswald
Agє
24
Gєη∂єя
Female
Sєχυαℓιту
Bisexual

Aρρєαяαηcє



Pєяѕσηαℓιту
-clever
-versatile
-talkative
-bold/forthright
-risk taker
-cheery
-some find her irritating

Hιѕтσяу
-given up for adoption at birth, and she has no idea who her parents are
-discovered that she had the power of fabrication at a young age
-was confident and comfortable in her skin from a young age and her boldness caused no one to want to adopt her
-spent her entire childhood in an orphanage and was kicked out at age eighteen
-took a job in a brothel in order to keep herself off the streets and was trained well to be successful
-she honestly doesn't mind her job all that much, though she does wish that she was treated a little better. That doesn't mean that she cares what others think of her, because she doesn't, but she would at least like a bit of respect despite her occupation





Oh, look at all the lonely people.

Nαмє
Carter Timothy Rotham
Agє
25
Gєη∂єя
Male
Sєχυαℓιту
Heterosexual

Aρρєαяαηcє



Pєяѕσηαℓιту
-antisocial
-determined
-can be selfish
-understanding
-hard working
-a bit of a pessimist
-knows his place

Hιѕтσяу
-son of relatively poor parents. They owned an inn, so they were not dirt poor, but were certainly not well off either
-spent most of his childhood helping around the inn, cleaning things up and such
-at age sixteen he began an apprenticeship with a blacksmith who was friends with his father because he did not want to inherit the inn that his parents ran, he wanted to be self made
-the same year, his mother died of sickness, but his father is still alive and still runs the inn by himself
-by age twenty, Carter was allowed to make deliveries to the noble houses on his own
-now, he still performs this job, but he also helps in making the weapons, since his skills have grown so much

[Lara]

They look awesome! Love the format too, the quotes are so mystical :) I have a lot of work to do tomorrow, so I might not get mine up till Wednesday in all honesty, but I'm going to try to do my best to have them up asap!!!!

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Lol, the quotes are song lyrics. And okay, I can't wait to see them!

[Lara]

Awesome :) Here's mine

"For this is the way of things. Those who dwell in the light, cannot see 
into the darkness.."

Name: Ashverr Grey
Nickname: Ash
Known in the streets as: The Wraith
Age: 26
Gender: male

Appearance:


Character Traits:
-Untrusting
-Cunning
-Manipulative liar

History:
No one knows much about the Wraith beyond that he showed up in lower Durrest a few years back. He was a scrawny teen then, but already he had skills some grown men couldn't claim as their own. He had a quick hand and a quicker eye, being good at cards, and better and stealing secrets. These secrets he used to blackmail his way into a more secure position, one of enough money to hire his own team. A gang, most people call, but vigilante is more appropriate a term. Ash has set goals, but mostly it is all for his own gain. He takes on jobs from the aristocratic, killing the enemies of his customers, and when he gets into a tight spot he is always able to weasel out of it. His currency is information, and his policy is blackmail. He is man everyone knows of, and yet few would admit to seeing. Most don't see him for long. Just the flash of silver and the dark of night.

Dreaming is for those who appear lost from reality. The dreamers are the 
dangerous ones.

Name: Leanna Hawthorn
Age: 22
Gender: female

Appearance:


Character Traits:
-quiet
-gentle
-determined
-calculating

History:
Leanna is a society girl born and bred. She was groomed to be the gentle wife of a lord when she came of age, the perfect prize to bring honour and fortune to her family. On the exterior she is exactly so: timid, quiet, sweet. She has a passion for music and the finer things in life.
However, inwardly she resents the life her father and family have chosen for her. She is a heartrender, and believes herself to be more effective on the frontlines of battle, attacking the battalions to the east, or healing the wounded soldiers of their own army. She may not have much practice with actual battle, but she is cunning, and learns quickly, always keeping an ear out for the going ons.
She hates the fact that she is betrothed to marry a man she has not met this summer solstice.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

I love them! Would you like to start?

[Lara]

Thanks. And yeah sure, I can if you'd like. Likely won't be able to write it tonight though.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Okay, that's fine. Maybe we could start with Leanna seeing Carter while he's delivering weapons to her father, or something along those lines? As for Ophelia and Ash, we could start them off on a lot of different ways. He could be seeing her for her services, or they could meet in a bar or something like that? Or if you have other ideas, they could work too. Do whatever you think would be the most interesting!

[Lara]

All good ideas! I guess I'll see what happens when I start writing. Will have post up as soon as I can :)

[Lara]

Ashverr knew how to manage the streets unseen. He knew the way the shadows fell, and how to stay in them as people passed. He knew how to appear smaller, appear older, appear... weak. He knew how to apologize sincerely after bumping into a passerby, so they didn't notice their purse was missing. It was as easy as breathing for him, and just as natural. He had grown up practicing thievery and slight of hand.
But tonight, neither were on his mind. He had a small pouch of coffers in his hand, clenched to keep them from jangling. It was a small price to pay. The price for an hour at the La Rosa, a popular brothel near his part of town. He stepped in the doors and immediately grimaced. Roses were too expensive to import at this time of year, so the brothel was decorated and scented with fake ones, heavy enough that it clouded the air with the scent. "I wish to speak with Rosanna," he said to the woman at the desk. She simply nodded and went to retrieve her master, the lady of the place. The woman was tall and stately and sashayed out towards him like she owned the world. "Ashverr, if it isn't lovely to see you. What brings you to my humble abode?"
Ashverr could see through her confidence. He could see the way her eyes looked slightly panicked. All people feared him, especially those who had the most to lose. "Relax, Rosanna, I am not here for business with you."
The woman clearly relaxed. "Then maybe I can interest you in one of my girls..."
Ashverr held up a hand. "I do not have time tonight. I merely wish to speak with one of them."
"Business?"
"Yes." He knew she would not argue with this. No one interrupted his work.
"You will still need to pay..."
His purse clinked onto the counter and his expression remained unchanged. "Give me a private room with no peek holes in which I can converse with Ms. Oswald."
Rosanna nodded, motioning to one of her servants. "Of course." She purred, allured like most by the clink of silver in her hands.

If she was asked by one more man to dance she would throw up all over them. Wouldn't that be lovely? No. That would disgrace her and her family too thoroughly, and she would be locked away for a few days, ruining her hard earned work. This would all be for naught. Then maybe she might make one of the lords throw up on her... claim they had had too much wine. Respectfully retire to her room. No. That was far too conspicuous, and far too convenient. Someone would suspect.
Much to Leanna's pleasure, her opportunity to escape this dreary party turned up while she was thinking, and not paying attention to her feet. Her partner stepped on one, a light mistake, but enough for her to work with. She winced, and immediately assured the flustered man that it was quite alright, and no, he didn't have to worry.
Then she took her leave, breathing as much of a sigh of relief as she could in her corset. My father and his plans for marriage are going to kill me one day. All these parties to integrate me into society... bah. I know enough of society without parties.
Without meaning to, Leanna found herself moving into the stables. The night was quiet, as her family and all their guests were busy inside. She enjoyed the horses, the way she could feel their deep breaths heaving in and out, their hearts thudding in a rhythmic beat. It calmed her. She walked up to Lance, her gelding, and gently stroked his whiskers. "You would not advise me to marry... would you? Of course not. You're much more reasonable than my father." She teased, to which the horse whickered and nudged her pocket, looking for treats.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia worked on straightening up her room, preparing for her next client. She'd already seen two men that night, one was a regular named Adric who had been coming to see her for years, and the other was named Benjamin who had said that he was from out of town, just passing through. Ophelia always made a point to learn the names of her clients, and she also tried to learn a little bit about them. She knew that talking helped to make everything run much more smoothly. Ophelia took her work seriously. She was in control, she was dominate.
Now, she finished making the bed and grabbed her brush from her wardrobe, brushing through her long auburn hair gently, checking herself on the mirror and deciding that she looked fine. She wore a very low cut, long burgundy dress, that showed off just the right amount of cleavage, and a sheer shawl that hung off her shoulders slightly. She was quite beautiful, a given considering her job, but Ophelia had never really seen anything all that special in herself. No one would be able to guess that though by simply observing her, for Ophelia was one of the most confident, comfortable people that you could ever meet. Sighing slightly, she set her brush down, and was about to head out into the lobby to see if Rosanna had anyone else there to see her, but before she could approach the door, it suddenly opened. She saw that Rosanna was there with a man beside her. He must have requested to see her specifically, though Ophelia was certain that she had never seen him before. Of course, this didn't stop her from approaching, a warm smile on her face and a small glint of something indescribable in her eyes, something that resembled mischief. "Good evening, sir," she said politely, her voice silky and smooth, "Please, come in." She gestured into the room and reached out, gently taking his hand, leading him into the room, closing the door behind him. "Now, who do I have the pleasure of meeting this fine evening?" she asked him, standing a bit closer to him than was a normal distance between two people, having a conversation, but she made no advancements on him, liking to take things slow.

-----

Carter knew that he should have been at the castle hours ago, but he the new swords that the king had requested for the royal guard simply hadn't been ready yet. Now, it was dark outside, and he knew that he would probably get scolded for being late. Well, it wasn't his fault that the blacksmith who he was apprenticed under was getting to be an old man and couldn't work as fast as he used to be able to. Carter tried to help out as much as he could, but since he was still only an apprentice, even after so many years, he could only do so much. Now, he was driving a small one horse carriage that had all of the goods ordered by the king in the back, and he pulled the carriage around back, knowing that the stable boy would take care of his horse while he was making his deliveries. He got down from the drivers seat of the carnage and saw a figure standing in the stables. "Hey, look after my horse for a few minutes, would you? I'm very late, and I need to speak with the king," he called to the figure, but quickly realized that he had made a mistake. The figure in the stable wasn't a stable boy at all, it was a woman, and not just any woman, but the princess. What was she doing out here at night?
"I apologize my lady, I mistook you for someone else," he told her, though his voice wasn't all that sincere, but rather more irritated that she wasn't who he had been looking for. Of course, he meant her no disrespect. Carter simply hated being unconvinced, or late, and right now, he was both of those things.

[Lara]

Ashverr took in everything about the brothel. Windows, escape routes, hallways, stairwells, the numbers of doors he passed. He wouldn't need an easy escape tonight... but who knew when he might have use for this place?
Rosanna and he walked silently to the upper rooms, where she pushed open a door. He was greeted by a smiling face and a welcoming smile. She had been trained well. She knew how to look inviting and settle nerves. But that was not what he was here for.
He nodded to Rosanna, a silent dismissal. To anyone else, Rosanna wouldn't have listened. She was above many, and haughtier than most. But Ashverr's rank fell above hers, and she listened, nodding once before whisking away.
Ashverr shut the door carefully, and then turned to her. "Be at ease," he said, a simple indication that she didn't need to please him. "My name is Ashverr Grey and I am here strictly on business matters."
He knew that most grisha hid their powers, for the risk of being captured and sold into slavery was great. But he knew what this woman was. A fabricator... a weaver. "I have use for your particular skill set, and I would offer you a job." He stayed passive for the whole discussion, but his eyes were sharp. "It would entail tailoring my men to hide their identities. Creating keys and locks for me, making clothing of a kind you know very well that can't be bought." His eyes tracked down her gown, not missing how it was made solely to draw attention to certain places. He was not against admiring, even if he had no personal interest in that kind of thing. "In return, I can pay off your indenture to Rosanna. You'll be free of debt, and I can pay you on the side for your work."

.......

Leanna was more than surprised when a carriage drove up at this hour. She had not expected any visitors in the evening. When the apprentice stepped out, she relaxed. She had worried for a moment that her father might have sent a guard to haul her back to the party. She could imagine his stern face now. 'My little Violet, why do you hide in the barns? You are to beautiful to hide.'
She begged to differ. She was too beautiful not too. She didn't want marriage.
When the apprentice made the mistake of thinking she was a stable hand, Leanna was pleasantly surprised again. It wasn't everyday that she was treated like a regular human being. While it was slightly a shock, it was a good one. However, when he realized his mistake, she expected pleading and begging for her not to have him flayed for is error. She expected tears and heartfelt apology. It would have been smart for him to do so. But instead, his response sounded only mildly apologetic, and very annoyed. One of her eyebrows rose as she assessed him. His honesty was admirable, and seldom seen. But he was not very smart, if he wished to remain in one piece. She could easily complain to her father and have him 'disposed' of. Luckily for the boy, she was not as petty as most courtiers. "I'll watch your horse." She said simply, her voice kind, but there was an underlying air to it, as if he should be very very thankful for her to do such a thing. She walked out to the carriage and soothed the worked animal with merely a touch of her hand. Horses liked her as it was, and as she eased this animal's muscles and breathing, it nudged it's head closer, seeking companionship.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia had definitely been trained well, but she had been trained mainly to make love. The kind and soothing temperament that she possessed at this time wasn't necessarily something that she had been taught. Sure it wasn't entirely her normal personality, but she truly did want anyone who came to her to feel comforted. She knew for a fact that not all men who came to her were simply looking for a good time. A lot of times they were going through something tough, trying to forget about something or someone, going through heartbreak, or were just generally stressed. Yes it was her job to pleasure them, but she knew that it was also her job to make them feel better.
When she was told to "be at ease" she took a step back, clearly not expecting that response from him, a somewhat confused look on her face. What he said next only confused her more. "I'm sorry sir, but I don't know what business you could possibly be referring to," she said, shaking her head a bit, "This is my business." She gestured to the room around her. The fact that he seemed to have sought her out specifically scared Ophelia a bit. What did he want with her and how did he find her? She listened as he threw way too much information at her at once, trying her best to follow. Still, it didn't mean that she understood a word that he said. What did he mean "his men" and "her skill set"? Who exactly was this man anyway? However, when he reached his final statement, about making clothing for him, she knew exactly what this was about. Somehow, he knew about her abilities. Sure, she wasn't exactly secretive about them, and she often mesmerized her friends and clients with her gift, but how did this stranger possibly know that? Had he been watching her? She saw that he certainly was now as his eyes trailed down her body, admiring it. Ophelia truly had no idea what to say, but she saw red flags everywhere. "I think that you should leave now, sir," she finally said, her voice gone of all of its soothing tones. Now, she was much more on edge. "I am not indentured to Rosanna, I chose to come here," she told him, not going into the details, for it seemed that this man already knew way too much about her, "I get paid a small wage, and it's enough to keep me off the streets, so I have no desire to leave. I'm happy here." Her last statement wasn't entirely true. Ophelia didn't dislike her job, unlike most of the other women did, but she would be lying if she said that she had never dreamt about having something more.

-----

Carter knew what happened to people who disrespected royalty, but he thought that he had made it plainly clear that he had meant no disrespect for mistaking the princess for someone else in the darkness. If she did choose to be offended by it, then he knew that he could talk his way out of getting into trouble, just like he always did. Carter wasn't necessarily a smooth talker, but he was logical, and could easily get people to agree with him that way. When she said that she would watch his horse, Carter was more than surprised. First of all, he was positive that the princess had no business being out here, especially at this hour (though he knew better than to say anything about it). Secondly, why would the princess even have any desire to look after his horse? Did she even know who he was, or what his business here was? Carter could tell that she was expecting to get gratitude from him for her offer, but he knew that she would get none from him because there was no way that he would agree to let her do it. If the king found out that he had made his daughter watch over a horse, even though she had offered to do it, Carter certainly wouldn't be able to talk himself out of that punishment. He was about to speak, but instead stopped and watched as she approached his horse, and lay a gentle hand to its muzzle. He had never seen the horse relax so fast to anyone, especially not to him. Carter was convinced that the creature hated him. "Princess, I can't ask you to do this, literally, I can't," he explained to her, knowing that she should know very well what the rules were. She may not get into trouble, but he certainly would. "If you could fetch me a stable boy though, I would be grateful to you," he told her.

[Lara]

Ashverr saw when doubt clouded her features. He saw when confusion darkened the earlier confidence just as surely as a cloud blocks out the sun. He was not unused to being responded to in this manner. He was, however, surprised when she said she was not indentured to Rosanna. All her girls were. Why else would they be here? Rosanna was a sly woman, and always made it so her girls could not pay off their 'debts' even if they wanted to. Maybe this girl's case was different, but he highly doubted it. Rosanna wouldn't want to let any girl go, let alone one with such an unusual hair colour. But his time was drawing to a close, and he didn't want to waste a second longer if it seemed that he would be leaving without a fabricator in his employ. He would find another. There was always another. And he could tell that he was unnerving this girl. Good. Let her fear him, fear his methods. Everyone did, even those closest to him. But he had a sneaking suspicion that this cause was not all lost. "Before I go... what do you earn in a night? 14 silver? 15?" he raised an eyebrow, knowing very well how much Rosanna's girls got paid, and how much they charged. He knew Rosanna took a large cut of the sum for herself. "I could pay you 30 for lighter work, guarantee you protection, food, lodging." He shrugged one shoulder up in a noncommittal move. "You make your decision. I'll wait at the Canter at six tomorrow night to hear what choice you've made." He pulled at his jacket: fixing the collar. He truly wasn't sure if she'd have the guts to show up or not. If she could face an unknown man with unknown motivations, then she certainly had the guts to be one of the team. And that was why this was a test. "Drinks are on me. If you don't show up, I'll take that as a no. I won't ask again, and you can rest assured that you won't be bothered by me any longer." He nodded in her direction, a friendly farewell, and a strange one coming from someone with such dark eyes. Then he slipped out the door and was gone.

............

Leanna liked to think that she was good at reading people, good at picking up on the little signs and hints that they dropped... indications of whether they wanted something, were hurt by something... frustrated. She was trying to read the blacksmith's reaction to her offer, and saw surprise, and then a flurry of thoughts that she couldn't read. She was expecting the surprise. Everyone was surprised to see her, it would seem. No one expected the perfect little princess to even leave her rooms. Isn't that the princess? They would whisper. What is she doing out? Out where? Where was she even in in the first place? Sometimes she longed to leave this wretched country and go somewhere where no one would recognize her face. Somewhere where she would be treated as an equal, and where she could earn an honest living... deserve the sort of graces people gave her. She saw when the blacksmith made his decision, and her face fell at his comment. Of course. Of course he couldn't let her watch the horse. But she wanted to feel useful... she wanted to do something helpful for once. She could calm the animal, she could keep it quiet, but the boy was already sending her away. A part of her snapped straight, her spin becoming stiff as she slid back into the role that he clearly expected of her. "Of course." Her voice was quiet, and held both frustration and regret. She returned with the stable boy, telling him to watch the horse, before she walked back into the barn to stand by her own horse again. She leaned against him, not caring that her dress would gather horse hair. Let the blacksmith think what he liked. She was staying here. He couldn't dismiss her from her barn like he could from the task she had hoped to help with.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((I'm going to skip ahead to the meeting for her if that's alright...))

Ophelia had worked to get her required hours of service in earlier in the day so that she could slip out and meet with her strange visitor at night. She didn't trust him at all, for he seemed extremely shady and dangerous. When a strange man comes to you in the night, knows about your powers and offers to pay you twice your wage in order to come work for him without giving you any details, Ophelia knew that it wasn't wise to trust him. She knew a lot about men after all, but even if she had not, she would have known better than to make a decision without getting more information first. Even if she had no interest in whatever he was offering, Ophelia just was curious as to who this man was, how he had found her, and what he was all about. Now, she approached the tavern where he had told her to meet him, stepping through the front door and into the light. She wore a dark green dress, similar to the one she had worn the previous day. It was low cut, and was custom made to show off her best areas. Ophelia also wore her long, dark red hair in a braid flowing over her shoulder and down her chest. She did turn a few heads as she walked in, as it was obvious what her occupation was, but she ignored people's stares and confidently crossed the tavern to the bar. Seeing her mystery visitor from the previous night sitting there, she approach him from behind. "Me coming here is not a definite answer, you know," she said to get his attention, her hands on her hips, "First, you're going to give me some answers." Ophelia took a seat next to him on a barstool, remembering that he had said that drinks were on him if she showed up, so she raised her hand a little and the bartender brought her a mug of something. She took a small sip and decided that it wasn't half bad. "Now," she said, turning to the man once again, "I want to know just who you are and why you need my help. What exactly do you plan to use my gifts for?" Ophelia could tell that he wasn't what most would call an honorable man. Like her, it seemed as though he made money by less than honorable means, but she was okay with that. She just wanted to know.

----

Carter could see that the princess was upset as she went off to fetch the stable boy for him, but he couldn't imagine why. Did she want to get him in trouble? He would already be in trouble for making the delivery late, and if the king found out that he had made his daughter watch over his horse, things would only be much worse, and Carter knew that he didn't have the time of the energy to talk himself out of trouble now. Once the stable boy arrived, Carter unloaded the large trunk that had all of the swords that the king had ordered for the royal guard inside, and he began to carry towards the back entrance of the castle where he was aloud to enter. Of course, he didn't know that there was a ball going on. However, before he made it to the back door, he passed the stable and saw the princess inside, with a different horse now. He knew that he really shouldn't think anything of it, but he sighed and approached her slowly, setting down the crate. "Do you come out here a lot?" he asked her, wondering if it was something that she was allowed to do, or if she was just sneaking around, "Because you certainly seem to have a way with horses." That was really the only thing that he was curious about, how she had made his horse calm so quickly when he had never been able to do it himself, and had never seen anyone else do it either.!

[Lara]

((yeah that's fine :) ))

The Wraith had work to do that night. He had a few rounds to make, gathering information, outwitting opponents and the like. He also had to spend a few hours with his team members to keep them happy, buying them a few rounds of ale and laughing along with them. By the end of the night, he was tired, and had slept soundly for all of the morning. By the afternoon, he was up and at it again, taking care of more honest business that could be done in the hours of the light when people smiled at each other. It was only when the moon rose that those same people would turn on their fellow man and stab them in the back. He was at the pub early, gathering information from some of his contacts there, and then just sitting and watching quietly. He wasn't sure if the girl would come, but he hoped she had guts enough to.

He wasn't disappointed.

She not only walked in, but she walked in clearly stating what her profession was, and that she was proud of it. Her chin was up, and her eyes promised retribution. The corner of his mouth lifted in a half effort at approval. "I must say I wasn't sure you'd come." The way he said it stated that he was pleasantly surprised that she did. And when she asked for answers, he wasn't really surprised. He tipped his head slightly in indication that he'd answer. He leaned over and whispered against her ear, "Let's take this conversation somewhere more private." Then he stood, looping his arm through hers, and left some coffers on the table for the bar tender, who he smiled at. To anyone, it looked simply like a drunk man taking a pretty girl up to his rooms. That was how Ashverr intended. Once they were upstairs, and the door was closed, the act disappeared. His posture straitened and his eyes grew sharp. "I will be frank. My name is Ashverr Grey, but I am known as the Wraith." He knew that most people knew of him. They told their children stories of him coming to steal them away if they weren't good. He was a nightmare of the parent's dreams as well. "I want you to disguise my mercenaries with your gift. Change hair and eye colour, that sort of thing. Make cloaking outfits. The standard. My business is in heists and blackmail, and you would be quite an asset to my team." He was completely honest, seeing no reason to withhold that information from her.


.........................

Leanna spoked whispered secrets to her horse. She told him of the new suitors her father had lined up for her. Not in hopes she would marry. She was already betrothed. No. He wanted her to woo many men, so that she would have many connections at her beck and call when she became queen. He wanted her to have alliances. Even if she couldn't marry into all of them. She spoke of how one man had been nearly into his forties, and had been far too forward. And how another had been so nervous and fidgety. She spoke secrets to the animal that she would never otherwise utter outloud. And in response, her horse merely let her lean on him, snorting or lifting his head every now and again. She knew he couldn't understand. But it was nice to talk, especially when no one would listen. Even that blacksmith had given her trouble. She should have expected it. She got it from everyone after all.

She was surprised, however, when he came back after a while, apparently having unloaded the crate from the carriage. Then he was questioning her. She couldn't help but feel slightly affronted, as if he was interrogating her. It sounded like a question one of the gossipy maids would ask. Do you come here a lot? Translated to: Are you allowed to be here? Her eyes hardened, but she didn't look away from her horse. "Yes." What was the point in lying? It was true. He'd probably catch her again... and if she lied, he'd know that she had. But then he added that she seemed to have a way with horses. She nodded. She did. Her heart was pounding out of control, though, worried. He could think it suspicious. He could figure out her gift. What then? He could kidnap her. Sell her. He could be a hunter. He could kill her. She swallowed and forced herself not to react. "I like the animals." She said simply. "They know me." That much was true. She was down here enough that all the horses knew her. But beyond that, she felt that it was the horses that understood her best. Not her family. Not her father.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia wondered how he could be surprised that she had shown up. How could she not after the way that he had just shown up and then left again? However, she wasn't naive, or a fool. She had come prepared with a long, sharp dagger, hidden under the folds of fabric in her skirt, just in case she should need it. Women of her occupation tended to know a bit of self defense for obvious reasons, and at the very less, they weren't afraid to be rough. She took another long sip of ale before he spoke again, saying that he wished to take the conversation somewhere else, which only made her more suspicious. Still, she went along with it, taking his arm and leaning on him a bit, a convincingly mischievous smile on her face as they passed the other patrons at the tavern. Along with knowing some self defense, Ophelia had also picked up on how to be a very convincing actress while working for Rosanna. It was simply another thing to add to her impressive skill set. As soon as they were out of the sight of others, Ophelia let go of him immediately, following him into the room, ready to grab her dagger if things took a turn for the worst. She looked at him as he spoke, introducing himself properly for the first time, and then speaking of his nickname. Ophelia had heard of someone called the Wraith before by word of mouth from her patrons. It was amazing what men would tell her simply because they thought that she was nothing more than a dim witted whore.They would complain that the Wraith was giving them trouble, or that the Wraith had stolen something of value from them, but she had never thought much of it. She had always thought that this Wraith was simply a neighborhood menace, but Ashverr was making it seem as if he was much more than that. Maybe it was just his ego talking, but Ophelia got the feeling that it was more than that. As he explained exactly what he wanted her to do for him, it sounded easy enough to her, but Ophelia was far from sold. "Well, Mr Grey, you certainly don't hold back anything, do you?" she remarked, raising an eyebrow, "I suppose that that shouldn't be a surprise to me though. I've learned that men simply love to hear themselves talk. I mean, just listen to you. 'I am the Wraith, I specialize in heist and blackmail, fear me'." Her impersonation of him was quite amusing to say the least. Ophelia looked at him, and it was clear by the look in her eyes that she wasn't taking this 100% seriously, but it was simply how she did business. "What you're asking me to do, Mr Grey, is to become a felon," she pointed out bluntly, "Now I know that my current occupation is less than respectable, but at least I don't have to worry about being captured and imprisoned or killed on a daily basis." She knew that this was a very good point. The previous day, he had offered her protection and lodging in exchange for her services, but she already had both of those things. If she took his offer, it would be a very serious risk that simply wouldn't be worth taking if there wasn't more in it for her. "I told you yesterday, I am perfectly content where I am," she continued, "You're going to have to offer me more than a warm bed and a few extra silver for me to turn to a life of crime, Mr Grey." She eyed him, her hands stubbornly on her hips, wondering just what he would say. Yesterday, he had said that he could simply find someone else with her same powers to help him, but Ophelia knew that that would be very hard to do. She had to admit that she was still unsettled by the fact that he had found her so easily, but when she really thought about it, it couldn't have been all that easy for him. And besides, she could tell that he liked her. She had picked up on all of his looks and tones of voice that clearly showed that he approved of her ways, and she doubted that he would let her go as easily as he claimed that he would.

-----

Her answer to his question did not satisfy Carter. "Yes, obviously these animals know you. You've probably been around them for years," he stated, "but my horse is old, and stubborn, and grumpy, and he's certainly never met you before. I want to know how you were able to calm him just like that." He raised a challenging eyebrow at her, even though he could clearly tell that she didn't want him to be here. Carter was even more stubborn than his horse, and he wouldn't leave until he got the answer that he was looking for. He had never seen anything like her abilities before, and he wondered if it was natural talent, or something more entirely. "Since you're so into animals, knowing that I was planning on giving him up because he is so hard to deal with might persuade you to explain your ways to me," he said. Carter didn't think that animals had feelings, but he felt like the princess was someone who did believe that. He had no problem selling the troublesome old horse, or trading him away, or setting him loose, or even killing him if it was his last option. He knew that he needed a younger, faster, more obedient horse to pull his delivery cart if he was going to keep things efficient. Tonight wasn't a good example of efficiency of course, and Carter knew that he should get inside and make the delivery to the king, but he was already late, and he knew that a few more minutes wouldn't hurt anything. He looked at the princess, waiting for her response.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Sorry for the length differences :/ I just had more to say for Ophelia...))

[Lara]

((That's fine. I'm trying to write as much as I can for both :) ))

Ashverr watched her expressions clearly, glad to see when the nervousness started to give way to something else. It was good to be nervous for a time, but too much stress for too long meant a wimpy person. He didn't want wimps working for him. Wimps would get caught by slavers. Though she had managed to stay out of their hands for this long.

After he had told her what he wanted her for, as she had asked, he was quite amused at her retort and lifted eyebrow. Here she was accusing him of liking to talk, when she was the one who had asked for answers. He found it rather amusing indeed, and figured the blunder was probably due to the fact that he was a strange man, and she was still not sure what to make of all this. "Men may like to boast," he tipped his head, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "But women sure do like being right. I was merely giving the answers you asked, and saw no reason to lie to you. I want you to trust me enough to work for me after all." He shrugged lightly and leaned against the window frame in the bedroom.

He did enjoy recruiting. It was always such fun to see how the newbies reacted to the prospect of untold riches at the price of felony. He was surprised that she didn't jump at the offer to gain the protection of his gang. There was no one safer than those protected by the Wraith's men. And for a Grisha, this was important, especially because there was always the risk of being discovered and sold off. Many a good man would stoop low enough to kidnap and grisha and sell them for good money. As such, they were always at risk. Ashverr could easily kidnap her himself and force her to work for him, but it was this offer of good faith that proved he had her best interests in mind. "You're right." He nodded solemnly. "I am asking you to turn to a life of felony. But as I said, it is your decision. If you say no, I can always go find the other fabricator my spy just learned of. Do you know of her? She lives a three day travel north, but not that hard to get to." He smiled lightly at her, as if this was all good fun, discussing friends, and not negotiating.

"What I am offering you, is more than a warm bed and silver, and you know it. My protection is not something you can get anywhere else, and not something I'll offer again. I'm sure you know why the ladies older than thirty suddenly 'retire' from Rosanna's... right? And why strange cases of certain girls disappearing sometimes arise?" It was no secret that Rossana, when catching a whiff of a grisha, would also sell her own girls off for the money, and older ladies were forced to retire. Everyone knew, no one cared. "You can't stay with her forever." He was stating the obvious. He raised an eyebrow then slowly. "If you think it is more dangerous to be with me, then you're wrong. The thing about having the keys to the city in your pocket, is that no one dares to cross you. Not even the law enforcement. I'm not a petty criminal. Why do you think even the highest lords pay me for my work?" He chuckled darkly then, thinking off all the heists he had gone on even in the last few months. "But... as I said... it is your decision, and the night is growing late. I still have people I need to see, and things I need to do. What is your decision?"

..............................

Leanna's whole body was tense. He was asking too many questions, too close to the truth. If he were a greedy man, he would capture her and sell her, once he knew. If he were a bad man, he may kill her. He couldn't know. He couldn't ever know. She had to convince him otherwise. It had to stay a secret, even from those who mattered most to her.

Pulling on her court mask to hide her emotions, she smiled courteously, "Oh, it's quite easy." She lifted her hand and started to rub small circles over the animal's neck. This maneuver usually worked to sooth them even without her abilities, and her horse lowered his head, his eyes growing heavy lidded. He was clearly enjoying her stroking. "This works every time," She said sweetly.

She didn't like what he said about giving away his old horse. That could mean anything. Old horses were sometimes sent to the butcher to feed the hounds. Leanna would not let that happen. The poor animal had just had a hard past. She knew from the mistrust she had seen in his eyes. In order for her to get this boy to believe that what she was doing worked, and that he could do it too - and so keep his horse - she would have to make him believe it. Tentatively reaching out with her abilities, she slowed his heart and relaxed his muscles slightly, the usual reactions to understanding and belief. If he felt the way he did when he understood, then maybe he really would believe her. Or that was the hope.

If this didn't work and he expected something fishy, then she would be in huge trouble. She'd have to figure out some way to make sure he didn't tell... and if he was intending to kidnap and sell her, then she'd have to figure out someway to escape. Both which were not good options at all. "See?" Her voice was slightly nervous. "Easy."

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia sighed deeply as he spoke. She could tell that he was trying to scare her, trying to make it seem like she had no other option than to come running to him for protection. She knew that she couldn't stay with Rosanna forever, but she knew that by the time that she was thirty, she would be long gone from that place. She would have finally accepted a proposal to run away with one of her many foolish patrons who had gone and fallen in love with her, or she would have simply found another job. She wasn't the scared little girl that she used to be when she had been kicked out of the orphanage and had had no where to go. She had some money now, and she had some connections. Ophelia knew that she could get along just fine without turning to felony.

However, the change of change of scenery was appealing to her, and Ashverr had insisted over and over again that she would be safe from the law, and not just the law, but from hunters who wished to capture her for her abilities. She would be able to use her powers to help people, or at least help people commit crime. That was a bit questionable, but Ophelia reminded herself had no problem with scandalous affairs. Maybe for once in her life, she would be important. Maybe she would finally be worth something. Maybe she would finally have a true home.

Ophelia sighed, then was silent for a moment before looking him straight in the eye as she said, "My Grey, I accept your offer. However, I have some terms that you must agree to. First, I will not be bound to you. If I so choose, I will be able to leave you at any time and return to my previous life. I will not be a slave to you. Secondly, I will not service you or any of your men, unless it is of my own desire to do so," She already knew that she was probably the only woman working for him, since he was constantly referring to his "men", and she refused to be abused just because she had much experience in making love.

"And lastly," she continued, some of the seriousness leaving her face as a small smirk appeared on her face, her eyes lighting up once again. "I shall need a nickname," she insisted, "I cannot be simply Ophelia when you are the Wraith, now can I?" The look on her face indicated that she was just messing around, but at the same time was also completely serious. "My friends call me Sophie, though you will not call me Sophie," she explained, "It needs to be something of the same caliper as the Wraith, but not as menacing. I'll leave you the job of coming up with it. Now, do we have a deal, Mr Grey?" She extended her hand out to him, looking for an official handshake.

------

Carter watched as she rubbed the horses neck and watched as it seemed to be soothed almost instantly. He had never seen anything like it. He was about to speak when he suddenly felt a strong sense of calm come over him. His muscles, tense and knotted from years of working the forge seemed to relax, and the sensation made him involuntary sigh softly.

If Carter had been a normal man, not so stressed and uptight by nature, then the princesses little trick would have worked on him. However, Carter didn't know what it felt like to be relaxed, and as soon as the sensation came over him, he knew that something was up. He hadn't felt this way in as long as he could remember. His life was hard and stressful, not leaving much time for him to be relaxed. It took him a few moments, but his eyes eventually landed on the princess, a confused look on his face. "Did you....did you do that?" he asked her.

Carter quickly reasoned that she must have done it, for it was the same thing that she was doing with the horses. She had been making them calm, and now she had done the same thing to him. Suddenly Carter knew exactly why he had never seen anything like her abilities before. Because, they truly were abilities. She was one of the grisha. "You're one of them, aren't you?" he asked her, his voice almost a whisper. He was naturally amazed, as he had never actually met anyone with powers before, much less a princess.

He knew that she must have to hide her gifts from her family and everyone that she knew in order to stay safe. If anyone were to find out, she would be shamed brutally. Carter almost felt bad for her. Almost. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, I swear," he told her, knowing that he really wouldn't gain much from selling her into slavery, or alerting the king as to the abomination that was his daughter. That was the thing, Carter didn't really see her as an abomination. "Just show me more," he said, looking at her intently.

[Lara]

Ashverr watched, ever calculating, as she thought. He knew she didn't approve of some things. He also knew that she was confident in others. What? He didn't know. So he waited patiently to hear what she might say, sometimes thinking that she would say no, when she frowned slightly, and sometimes thinking that she might say yes, when her expression lifted.

Then she said she'd accept, and Ashverr was secretly glad. He liked her. She had just the right amount of bravery and spunk to get along with the rest of the group. She certainly would need it. But she started listing her terms, and his mouth quirked up slightly. She'd definitely make a good addition. He couldn't help but respect her a little for not entering into anything blindly. "You will not be my slave." He nodded in agreement. It was not his wish to bind her to him. Too much effort. He'd rather she chose to stay.

Her frank comment about being left alone unless she said otherwise made his eyes twinkle. He nodded solemnly, even though the mirth was still there. "I shall alert my men to the fact that you shall be left alone unless you so desire otherwise." He stated, a smile finally appearing on his lips after he had promised. It was fair... at least, to promise her that much. "Though I add a regulation of my own. I do not wish you to be distracting my men all the time. So if there is a night where I need them, you will heed my command to make yourself scarce," he said seriously, figuring this was pretty straight forward. He would be in charge of her anyways... but he wanted to put it out there that his men weren't just play toys anymore than she was. They all had work to do, and a job to get done.

He smiled lightly at her last request, not telling her that he had planned to get her a nickname regardless. Every member of the team had one. So he just nodded and shook her hand firmly, signalling the start of their partnership. "Very well, Ophelia, I shall try to think up a name for you. We have a deal." He smiled then, a mischievous sort of expression before he walked to the door and pulled it open. "I'm going to be taking you back to the safe house tonight, and you can meet the rest of the team. Unfortunately I won't be there to introduce you. Business, you understand." He smiled then, as if he knew a great secret that she did not. "And I'm sure Katie, my wind walker will be thrilled to meet a fabricator." He knew he had made it sound as if there were only men on the team. It was habit. After all, Katie preferred it that way. She was the epitome of all tomboys.

............................


Leanna watched the blacksmith carefully, watching as he seemed to relax. At first she thought she had done it too much, relaxed him too thoroughly. But he looked so nice and relaxed that she almost didn't regret it. She hoped it worked. But then confusion rippled over his features, and she lost her hold on his body, feeling his tension return as she slipped away. At least she had managed to reduce it for him.

However, she wished she hadn't done anything at all when those horrible words came out of his mouth. Did you do that? Leanna couldn't hide her panic then, and her words felt like cotton balls that she couldn't shape, couldn't swallow. So she half choked on them, her face pale. And it only got worse. The blacksmith knew of the grisha. Knew of the people with powers. The abominations. He guessed that she was one. Oh it was the end of the world. Better to stop her own heart now than be sold. Better to die of a heart attack than to see her father's horror when he discovered... better that than to hear her sister scream. Leanna looked quite faint when the blacksmith suddenly wouldn't tell.

She blinked once, almost not understanding, and then drew in a deep shuddering breath. He wasn't going to tell. He wasn't going to harm her. It was alright. It was going to be ok. She'd be ok. She could leave here as if nothing happened. But he wanted her to show him more... that could be dangerous. But how could she say no, when she needed him to keep his promise? She nodded slowly and focused on her horse again, slowing his heart rate and relaxing his muscles and mind until he fell into a deep sleep, his breathing deepening. "I can put him to sleep." She whispered, as loud as she dared, which was hardly loud at all. Then she lifted her hand and looked down at it. A slit appeared, red and angry, as if she had cut her palm on paper. Then, just as quickly, the slit disappeared. "I can hurt and heal too." She looked up at him then, worry in her eyes. She hoped he was satisfied now. "You mustn't tell, honestly, you can't. There's no saying what would happen to me. You understand, don't you.....?" She realized she didn't even know his name.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia nodded approvingly as he said that she would not be bound to him, for this was the most important of her terms. If she decided that she didn't like being apart of his "team", or if she decided that a life of crime simply was not for her, she wanted to know that she could return to Rosanna's, or go wherever she pleased without being bound to Ashverr by accepting his proposal.

As he addressed her second term, Ophelia could see the he was trying and failing, or possibly not even trying at all, to suppress the mirth on his face. He promised that his men would leave her alone, but said nothing about himself. Ophelia originally had included him in her terms, saying that she wouldn't service him or his men. However, Ashverr had left himself out when he had repeated what she had said. What exactly did that mean? Ophelia was used to men giving her attention, but she hadn't expected it as much from sly, yet stoic Mr Grey. She supposed that he was still a man, despite being vastly different from any other that he had ever met. His mysteriousness both intimidated and amused her, and Ophelia decided that if he found himself to be lonely, and if he played his cards right, she would consider doing him a service. Therefore, she didn't bring up the fact that she has noticed that twinkle in his eyes.

As he added his own regulation to the list, Ophelia nodded, thinking that it was fair to assume that she might be a bit of a distraction to his men. "I do not come on to men Mr Grey, they come on to me first," she informed him, a small smirk on her lips, "But you have my word that I will stay away if you tell me to. I will not purposely tempt your men." She knew that now that she was free of Rosanna, she could be more picky anyway. She didn't have to take whatever man threw himself at her, she could be more of a heartbreaker than she already had a reputation for being. It was fun for her to mess around with the minds of men, so long as things did not get so serious that she was actually causing them emotional pain. Put plainly, Ophelia knew when to tease and when to stop.

As he finally placed his hand in her extended one, Ophelia shook it firmly, sealing their deal. She smiled when he agreed to come up with a name for her, for she had been expecting him to deny her that request. It wasn't something that would break her deal with him if she didn't get it, but it would make her much happier in a silly sort of way. She thought that him having the name the Wraith was egotistical, but just as a joke, she very seriously wanted one as well.

As he opened the door for her, Ophelia exited and waited for him to come and walk beside her. She listened as he spoke, her face falling slightly as he explained that he wouldn't be around to show her around her new home and introduce her to her new coworkers. It made Ophelia wonder how much of him she would actually see now. Was he truly the head honcho type of person who distanced himself from those below him? Would he always be away on "business"? She was surprised to hear that someone named Katie would be showing her around instead. So there were more women within his team? She figured that there couldn't be many, seeing as he had warned her to stay away from his men, and not to tempt them.

"Well, alright," she said, knowing that she didn't have much of a choice, "But you're going to be a gentlemen and walk me to this safe house of yours, Mr Grey." With that, she took his arm as they stepped outside, into the dark streets of the city. There weren't many people about, but she had taken his arm just in case anyone were to see them and get suspicious.

------

Carter saw the shock on her face when he asked if she had manipulated his body functions to make him more relaxed. He didn't know all that much about the grisha, just things that he had been told by old friends, but he knew about how people often captured them and brutally sold them into slavery. Therefore, he understood her fear, but Carter knew that he could never sell another person into slavery. It was immoral and wrong. He believed that even if the grisha were different than everyone else, that didn't mean that people had to take advantage of them.

He had never understood why people hated the grisha so much. The idea that some people had special powers fascinated him, even though he didn't really understand the how it all worked, or what kinds of powers people could have. Carter was normally a very stoic and to the point person, but the idea of grisha had made his eyes light up ever since he was a little boy. It was his weakness really, the one thing that could crack through his hard exterior.

He was glad that the princess seemed to relax a little when he promises not to tell anyone about her abilities, and he watched intently as she showed him some of the other things that she could do. He watched as she manipulated the horse and made it go to sleep, and then he watched as she magically cut her hand, and then healed it again. Carter had never been so mesmerized in all of his life, and it showed clearly on his face, which was strange considering how stony faced he normally was. He had no laugh lines, and instead he had frown lines, and even though he was still young, he had a few stress wrinkles in the corners of his eyes. Seeing him smile as a rare occasion.

"So you can manipulate other people's bodies?" he asked, clearly having no idea whether to be amazed or horrified by that. He was silent for a few moments, just watching her. "What's it called?" he asked her, wondering if her powers had a name. He realized that she could do immense good with her powers, relaxing and healing people, or she could do immense harm, hurting and killing them. She had so much power, it was amazing to think about. However, because of the way that people viewed the grisha, he knew that she could hardly ever use them.

"If you knew me at all, you would know that trying to make me feel relaxed isn't a good idea," he said, recovering from his see a little bit, "I don't think I've been relaxed a day in my life. I don't know what it feels like, or at least I didn't until just now, so thanks I guess." He gave her a halfhearted smile and a shrug.

[Lara]

Ashverr knew that she didn't like that he wouldn't be introducing her. Part of him liked that. That she already felt more comfortable with him, than with strangers. That was a bump up over preferring strangers to his company. He couldn't complain, and he smiled lightly at her, as they walked back down through the dingy tavern. "Don't worry, I'll be around enough." He looked through the smokey room as they walked through it, stepping once more out into the dark street. "I'll see you tomorrow morning to give you your first assignment." He elaborated.

Then he tipped his head, looping his arm through hers. "I'm ever the gentleman." He assured. He hadn't planned on leaving her alone. How would she find the safe house without him? Besides. He had to be there to assure his team that she was one of them now. So he maneuvered them through the streets, even growing away from the crowded and touristed section that held the pubs and gambling houses. He finally came upon the old hotel. It looked fully functional, and was. But it didn't exactly look inviting. No soft folk would venture inside, and that was how it was meant to be.

Ashverr stepped inside and pushed back into one of the sitting rooms, where a few people lounged. "Crow, Hook. Where's Blade?" he asked. The two men lounging there on plush sofas turned and smiled. One of them was genuine, but the other had a more cunning look to him. "Upstairs. Sharpening those knives." he shrugged, making a ropy scar across his shoulder wink. The other looked hesitant. "You sticking around for poker?" he asked. He clearly admired Ashverr and looked up to him. Looked younger too. Couldn't be older than seventeen.

Ashverr smiled kindly at them both. "Not tonight. Monsieur Worthschild has a proposition for me," he said vaguely. "You know how it is." He tipped his hand, when everyone knew that no one knew what it was like to be Ashverr. But the men laughed anyways. "I'm leaving our new recruit with Katie to show around." He raised an eyebrow at the smaller one. "Don't ask too many questions, Crow." Then he looked to the other. "And you, play nice." Both men nodded eagerly as Ashverr steered Ophelia away and up the stairs. "You can introduce yourself later. I need to get you to Katie and then run." He was honest. Second door from the right, he opened to reveal a girl sitting cross legged on the floor, leaning over a wicked looking knife which she was methodically sharpening. She looked up and flicked her black braid over her shoulder. "So she agreed." She said, offering a smile. "My name's Katie. But call me Blade." She held out her hand to shake. "And what do they call you?" Ashverr started to back away. "Well I'll leave you two to it, I need to run." He saluted and Katie waved, ushering Ophelia into the room.

..........................

Part of Leanna was very pleased to see how much she could wow someone with her gifts. She had dreamed many times of showing someone. Of how they might react... disgust... fear? Anger? Anything was possible. She had been to afraid to find out how someone might react. So she only worked with the horses. But now... she had tried a human, and it had been different... but natural, as if she had been meant to do it all along. As if she was made for something better than just influencing animals. Humans were startlingly familiar.

What she had been expecting even less, was to see the blacksmith smile. He clearly really was enjoying her show. The smile looked strange on his features though, as if he had never used those muscles much. It saddened her to know that. She knew like could be hard. She knew more than most, but she still had smile wrinkles, even if they were from faked smiles. Which was better? Fake smiles? Or none at all? She wasn't sure.

He asked if she could manipulate other people's bodies, and Leanna flushed, focusing on the sandy coat of her horse, running her fingers through his soft fuzz. "I uh... yeah." Her voice was soft and she glanced briefly at him. "I haven't... I haven't had much chance to practice... except on myself... and that's risky. I can't wake myself up again, if I accidentally put myself to sleep." She explained. She blushed lightly, ashamed of herself. "If I had practiced.... was stronger... I would have been able to sense your tension... and would have known it wasn't a good idea to try and relax you." It was true. She was inexperienced with human bodies as of now, and really couldn't read them, or tune into them as well as she could with the horses. His body was a puzzle of complex wiring and structure, and she didn't even want to try to look at his brain or his heart. She couldn't figure out her own, even when she understood what she thought and felt.

"I... I'm a Heartrender." She said softly. It was terrifying to say it out loud. She never did. Sure, she thought it. But she never spoke it. It was like she were yelling it off the top of the castle's highest tower, loud enough for the world to hear. Really, she had only whispered, but it was still the scariest thing. She nodded lightly at him, moving away from the horse. Her father would be looking for her. She had to get back inside. "You're welcome. I'm glad I did some good... I'm afraid I have to go now. What is your name, blacksmith?" She asked, curious.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia followed Ashverr into the old, abandoned hotel that looked not the slightest bit clean. She had never really lived in an overly clean atmosphere, seeing as she had moved from an orphanage to a brothel, but this place seemed far worse. Thankfully, it was a little bit better once they got inside. She saw the men all lounging around on the furniture, and when Ashverr addressed them by those names, she nearly burst out laughing. So they truly all had names?! And they addressed each other by them? Ashverr had made it sound as though only those who feared him called him the Wraith, but now it seemed that it was entirely possible that everyone around here called him that too.

She looked between the two men that he was speaking to, seeing that one was but a boy, several years younger than her, and the other was much older, and had a much more amused look on his face as he looked her over, to which she rolled her eyes simply because she could. She noticed though that she wasn't the only thing that the two were looking at. They both looked at Ashverr in a sort of way that it was clear to her that they both respected him very much, and not just respect out of fear. They respected him because he was deserving of it.

Before Ophelia could find anything clever to say to the men, Ashverr was using her up the stairs, insisting that she could introduce herself later. He opened a door to reveal a girl who Ophelia figured must be Katie, sharpening a knife just like the other man said that she would be. It was then that she realized that My Grey was far more gentlemanly than his ruffian friends.

Ophelia was used to the world of socially unacceptable people, but this was an entirely new side of that world that she was not used to. She wouldn't necessarily say that the woman with the large knife frightened her, but she simply was unsettling. Ophelia told herself then and there that she would never turn out like this Katie. She was, among many other things, a lady, and she would never be willing to trade that in for a sword and some trousers. However, she knew that she shouldn't be too quick to judge, for Katie's smile seemed genuine.

Ophelia took her hand and shook it, knowing that she certainly would not be calling her "Blade" at least not for the time being. She watched Ashverr leave before looking back to Katie to answer her question. "It depends on who you ask," she said with a small shrug and a small smirk, knowing that it was very true, "You can call me Ophelia though, seeing as that's my name."

-----

Carter listened as she answers his questions, thinking that she was pretty good at controlling her powers even though she claimed not to have much practice. Apparently humans were harder to control than animals, which made sense since they were more complex, but she had done a fine job with him, and he didn't want to think about what could have possibly happened to him if she had done something wrong. What if she had relaxed him so much that it had stopped his heart? Carter quickly pushed those thoughts from his mind.

As she went on to explain that with more practice she would be able to read his tensions and such too, Carter only thought that her powers were even cooler. At the same time though, he began to understand why people feared the grisha so much. What if she could train herself enough to read minds or something like that? While it seemed highly impossible to Carter, he knew now never to think that about anything. He knew that she could also be used as a great weapon to if she were to be sold into slavery. Someone could buy her, and use he powers to harm their enemies, or even kill them without getting a single drop of blood on their hands. It all was amazing really.

"A Heartrender...." he repeated, thinking that it was a good word to describe it, "Well, it certainly is impressive." Carter didn't dish out compliments much, and if she knew him better, she would be honored to receive one.
"I'm Carter....Carter Rotham," he told her when she asked for his name. "And, I'm not a blacksmith, I'm just his apprentice. I have been ever since I was sixteen, and I will be until the day that old man drops dead," he said, but quickly corrected himself, "Sorry, that sounded rather heartless..." He was simply fed up that the old man wouldn't give him the respect that he deserved after so many years of faithful service and learning. He still had Carter making deliveries and working the front counter, just like he was a kid.

"Actually, I should be going too," he told her, "I was supposed to deliver these swords to your father earlier today for the royal guard, but they were ready until later." This of course was the fault of the old blacksmith who simply couldn't work fast enough to meet demands anymore. Carter had offered to help, but he had been rudely denied because his apparently, even after years of training, he still wasn't skilled enough. "Do you know where I might find your father at this time of night?" he asked, "Is this a bad time?" Of course, he didn't know about the ball that was going on inside the palace in her honor, and that this was most likely a very bad time indeed.

[Lara]

Katie was no lady, and no socialite, but she did like having another female around, even if she clearly had a different personality. It was still nice to have more females and less egotistical males. Granted, not all were egotistical, some were actually very nice. But hey, a female was a female, and a male a male. And she had been sorely lacking in girl friends. Her smiled widened at the girl's answer, and she reached out to shake her hand. "Very nice to meet you Ophelia. I'm Katie."

She stood as she shook Ophelia's hand, simultaneously transferring her knife to her other hand as she did. "Otherwise known as Blade. Fairly self explanatory." She shrugged. "I know the nicknames sound silly now, but when you're out there in the field... it's nice to feel like someone else. It's a mask to slip into." She explained, smiling again then as she sheathed her knife among a few others. "It makes the whole thing feel more intense and serious. And it does wonders when people fear you. They fear Blade... not the great and terrible Katie." She rolled her eyes and then laughed.

Walking to the door, she nodded at the hallway. "Come on. I'll show the layout of the place. Have you met anyone yet? They're probably all dying to meet you." She laughed softly. "And you might want to have a name ready to give them when they ask. Or they'll give you one of their own, and you aren't going to want that." She cautioned, teasing and serious all at once. "Think about it while we head down."

She walked down the stairs with her and pointed out a few different rooms to her, like the library, the dining hall, the cards room, the coat room, the kitchen. She tried to give her an idea of all the important areas, but it was hard to get them all. "Alright... I think that's enough of a tour for now. Think you remember anything?" She asked, looking sympathetic. "Let's go meet the guys. If you think you're up for it tonight. They're most definitely going to challenge you to a card game, or other foolish endeavour of some sort. Feel free to refuse." She warned.

.......................

Carter Rotham. Not a name she recognized, but there weren't many she did. With so many court names to remember, Lords, Ladies, their sons and daughter, aunts, third cousins, and nephews, she hardly could remember her sister's name, let alone the lower class. But it was a good name. A name that suggested ancestors of much more noble work than a simple blacksmith. Not that being a smithy was simple. It was hard work, required years of apprenticeship, and was one of the higher paying jobs available.

Although, apparently this man was still an apprentice. Unfortunate. He was young now, yes, but getting started work young provided years of experience while hands were still quick and minds sharp. She could understand Carter's resentment. She smiled then, dipping her head in acknowledgement. "Nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Rotham. And don't worry. I quite understand." She assured, hoping he heard the honesty in her tone. "I'm sure if he's old enough to delay a delivery a few hours, then you won't have much longer to wait until he retires. I'll put in a suggestion to my father to give him a good pension plan." She offered, knowing this often prompted older workers to retired with their money.

She looked around nervously then, swallowing the lump in her throat. "It's actually a very bad time to speak with my father. He's at the party inside..." She looked down at the floor guiltily. "It's actually my party... well... not mine. But held in my honour... which is why I really should be getting back." She swallowed. "But sweaty old men you know, I had to get away from the dancing for a bit... I uh... I could say I met you and insisted to oversee your delivery, and that's what took me so long. I'll tell him about your old master," she offered, hoping that this helped in some way. "I'll just give your crate to the steward to take care of." She knew this was probably the best route of action, especially if neither of them wanted to get in trouble.

"Just leave the crate here... I'll get back to the party and make sure the steward knows of it." She swallowed then, stealing her nerves for going back into the throngs of people. She certainly didn't want to, and certainly didn't see the need. "Thank you..." she added softly, after a moment. "For not freaking out. And for your promise." Promise not to tell, promise to keep her safe.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia was pleasantly surprised by how nice and polite Katie turned out to be despite her dark appearance that might suggest otherwise, and Ophelia decided that she would definitely get along well with her. As Katie explained the significance of her nickname, it made her start to believe that Blade and Katie really were two different roles that the woman switched between whenever it was convenient for her to do so. Katie was polite and kind, while Blade was rough and intimating. Ophelia had to act differently for different people in her life too, but she never changed so drastically from one to another. More or less, she was always just Ophelia. She didn't want to be feared because she could stab somebody. She wanted to be feared because she could outwit and outsmart people, because she could keep up with men, because she wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. Because she simply wasn't like any other woman.

"Mr Grey was talking to some people when we arrived, but I wasn't introduced to them. He said that there would be time for that later," she explained, answering her question. Then Katie said that she should have a name to give them, she shook her head. "I'm going to tell them that my name is Ophelia," she said, "Mr Grey promised that he would come up with a nickname for me, and I'm going to hold him to that. It was part of our deal." She was starting to realize that their names had something to do with their personality, and she was extremely curious as to what Ashverr would bit for her. She could tell that he liked her, but she wanted to know more about what he thought of her.

Ophelia was more or less silent as Katie led her around her new home, showing her were everything was. She tried to memorize things as best as she could, but there were so many rooms, and she knew that it would take her a while to remember it all. She wanted to ask to see her room, assuming that she would be given one, but she did not interrupt, knowing that she would get to see it eventually. Besides, all of her things were still in her old room back at the brothel. She would have to go and collect them later.

Then, Katie said that they would go and meet some of the men, and Ophelia couldn't hide her amusement and curiosity. "They're nothing that I can't handle," she said confidently in response to Katie's warnings, knowing that when it came to dealing with people, she was never at a loss for words and never didn't know what to do. "If there's something you should know about me, it's that I rarely turn down a challenge, no matter what kind." Ophelia was quite competitive in anything that could be considered a competition, and she always liked to prove herself to those who doubted her skill.

----

Carter knew that she probably didn't introduced herself because she suspected that she knew who she was, which he did. She was the princess after all, Princess Leanna to be more specific. Everyone in the kingdom knew that. He was happy that she didn't seem to be too unsettled by his sharp tongue and harsh words, for most people were. "Oh, he won't retire, I can assure you of that," he said, rolling his eyes a bit. The blacksmith was a stubborn old man who wouldn't give up even though he should. "Thank you for the offer though," he said, thinking that it was kind of her to offer to speak to her father about it. Carter figured that she would most likely forget though, but that was okay. Most people forgot about him anyway, so he was used to it.

As she explained that there was a party going on inside, Carter was a bit surprised. He certainly hadn't been anticipating that, and he hadn't been expecting it when he had arrived either, seeing as she was outside by herself. He figured that she had just wanted an escape, and he turned out to be right. When she said that the ball was in her honor and mentioned sweaty men, Carter knew that it had to be a ball to try and find her a suitor. He thought that it was awful really, being forced to dance with a bunch of strangers for hours on end. He didn't blame her for sneaking out, and he knew that he would have too if he was in her shoes.

"Well, if you insist...." he said when she told him to leave the crate for the stewards to pick up. He didn't necessarily think that he should dump his responsibilities on others, but he knew better than to argue with a higher authority. "Just make sure that your father receives my personal apologies for being so late. Tell him that it won't happen again," he said, wanting to make sure that the king knew that he truly had tried his best to get the swords delivered on time. He only nodded when she thanked him for promising to keep her powers a secret. "Don't worry about it," he told her.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

boop

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((We're still doing this, right?))

[Lara]

Definitely!!! Have had a really busy weeke with assignments and exams so I haven't been able to reply yet, but hopefully I can soon!

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Oh, yes, I understand. It's just unlike you to go missing for so long like that, so I just wanted to make sure you hadn't changed your mind and backed out. I really love this rp and where it is going! I can't what go your reply!))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

*cant wait for

[Lara]

((Yeah, so sorry. School just really piled up and then I had no time to even check goodreads :( But I think it's slowing down now! :) I like this rp too ^-^))

Katie shrugged nonchalantly, not really caring one way or another what name this new girl gave her companions. She had warned her... however, that the boys would give her their own nicknames. At least this girl seemed to have some guts. That was good. She'd need them around the guys. Especially Mick and Jester. But overall, they were a rather rowdy bunch, and took a little getting used to.

Katie looked back as they paused in front of the dining room doors. "Brace yourself." Her lips quirked up slightly to one side. "Don't worry. I'm sure you'll do just fine." She pressed her fingers against the door and pushed inwards.

They were immediately hit with rowdy laughter and the smell of mead and males.

"Yo! Spike! Pass it over!"

Another thud.

Cheering.

The guys were playing 'sticks' a game that kids often played in the streets, where they would toss a long pole at each other, trying to catch it out of midair and not get hit. If it was dropped, a player was out. The tip was usually padded with a bundle of cloth, so getting hit still hurt, but wasn't damaging. The idea was to train the kids to throw and dodge spears. This game of sticks was being played with an actual spear sporting a very deadly point.

'Spike' was grinning like an idiot, and holding onto the shaft which had buried itself in the wall. "Didn't touch the floor, still counts!"

"Stick arms!" A burly man shouted, his face red with laughter. "You couldn't stop it after you caught it!"

Spike was still grinning like an idiot as he wrenched the spear out of the wall. "I still caught it. And if I hadn't of ducked, you would have killed me with your lousy aim you big oaf."

"Guys! We have a new recruit!" Katie's voice echoed over the din, and all the men stopped what they were doing to turn and gawk. "The new girl!"

"Welcome to the den of thieves!"

As if a cue had been called, all the group swarmed around the two, grinning and shouting a million different things. Like where was she from? And what was her job here? And when did she join? And what her name was? Katie was saying something about giving her space, but that wasn't really heard over the din.

.........................................

Leanna felt badly for the kid. It showed her at least that other people were in bad situations besides herself. "Don't mention it." Her voice was quiet. She was sure that she could get her father to make the old man retire. Her father didn't approve of being un-useful. She would see what she could do.

"I'll see you later then." She glanced once more over her shoulder. "I'll make sure my father knows that it is not your fault these were late." She promised. Her father would be horribly mad to learn who's fault it was. But if she could do a little kindness, then it was worth it. Maybe she'd live up to her title some day.

She found the steward easy enough, and he just frowned disapprovingly as he went to fetch the crate. It wasn't much longer that her father caught up to her and his face was an unnaturally pale shade. "Leanna. Do you know who is in there, asking for you?" He hissed close to her ear, his hand closing around her arm. "The prince of Denmark, and do you know how it looks for you to be snubbing him by leaving before he has danced with you? Do you know how it makes me look, when I have to say... 'I'm sorry, I have no idea where my daughter is?'"

Leanna paled. "I'm so sorry Father... I didn't realize... I just... I had to slip away for a moment. You know how I can be in too warm rooms with too much noise..."

"No excuses! This has happened too often!" Her father rubbed his temples, huffed out slowly, and then let her go as he began to pace at a speed that could very well wear ruts into the floor. "He's still there... the prince. I need you to go in there now and dance with him. And for the good Lord's sake, please make a good impression!"

Leanna didn't get a chance to explain where she had been, nor what she had been doing really, as her father quickly maneuvered her back towards the ballroom and nudged her in. She knew what she had to do. She had to smile and act very kind for the prince. Lovely. She could feel the bile in her throat now.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia followed Katie to the doors, hearing through them that there was obviously something going on inside. She heard Katie tell her to brace herself, but she had no fear. Her occupation had lead her to deal with men of all kinds, and she knew that she could handle them just fine.

As the doors opened, and Ophelia got a look at the chaos that was going on inside, she truly was surprised, for no amount of preparation would have prepared her for what she saw. She had expected to see the men sitting around drinking, talking, playing a card game, possibly even brawling, just like all men did, but instead, she was greeted with the sight of a bunch of grown men playing a version of a game that she often saw little orphan boys playing in the streets. They were running about and yelling, acting like they were overly rowdy twelve year olds. Ophelia took back what she had thought earlier; she had certainly never seen grown men behaving like children before.

The whole thing made her rather uncomfortable actually. These men seemed to be nothing at all like Mr Grey. She hadn't exactly been expecting them to, but she had expected some degree of professional behavior, seeing as they would logically be the best of the best, having been recruited by the Wraith. Instead, she was greeted by a bunch who clearly needed to be whipped into shape. She had dealt with high energy men before, but none this childish.

As Katie announced their presence, and simply introduced her as "the new girl", all of the men instantly lost interest in their game and came flocking over to her, surrounding her and bombarding her with questions. This instantly made her feel uncomfortable, but she quickly overcame it. She reminded herself that men were all easy to control if one knew how to do it correctly. She ignored their bombardment of questions, knowing that her dress made it very obvious where she came from, and they would learn why she had come very soon indeed.

Ophelia snapped her fingers promptly in order to shut them all up and assert her dominance. Once they had quieted down enough and stopped swarming her she said, "My name is Ophelia Oswald. Mr Grey has recruited me to be his new fabricator." She looked over the faces of the men, wondering how they all would react. Which that, she stepped forward and picked up their silly spear, clasping her fingers around the wood. Then, channeling her powers, she willed the spear to become a small carved wooden fox in the palm of her hand which she nonchalantly tossed to the man closest to her.

-----

((Should we skip ahead for these two? I can't really write much for Carter now that she's gone))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Hi...?))

[Lara]

((Gah! Never saw this! :( writing reply asap. And yeah, that's fine for Carter. Feel free to take on another character if you want while he's gone (like play someone at the party), or rp what's happening to him at home, it doesn't really matter :) ))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Okay. Maybe I'll do both and take on another character at the ball, and write a bit about Carter at home. Just write a little something for Leanna, so that I have something to work with for the ball part, and I'll do it in the next post. Can't wait to see your post!))

[Lara]

((Sounds good :) ))

[Lara]

The men were clearly all thrilled to have a new comrade. They had great fun when they were at home, and not on dangerous missions. It was dangerous practices, like hurling the spear at each other, that allowed them to loosen up and have a bit of fun before their next gruesome job.

So a new team mate was rather thrilling. They didn't often get new recruits, and were happy to welcome a new one into the mix. It was only natural for them to all talk at once, and ask her questions about herself. They were interested, intrigued. And they all knew what brothel women looked like. A good few of them guessed that that was where she had come from. Katie just looked on as Ophelia snapped her fingers. She raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment on it.

The men did go quiet then, a lot of them losing their smiles. It was clear to them, that she may not be as happy to see them as they were to meet her. The men backed up a bit, sobering as she told them what she was here for. Despite their saddened attitude at her unwelcoming greeting, many of them whispered among themselves when she mentioned what she was. And then she took the spear and shaped it, and the younger one's eyes bugged out in fascination. A boy caught the little fox she tossed, and he clutched it, wide eyed. "You're a foxy woman, miss." he whispered in awe.

One of the older men broke the spell then. "A vixen more like. That'll be her name, watch. Vixen. Grey'll approve of that one." There were a few soft chuckles, and then the group dispersed. Some murmured welcome, but others avoided her gaze all together. The spear was gone, and the new girl was clearly not interested in making friends, so there was no more need to crowd around her. Some of the men plopped on sofas near the fire where one of them struck up a story about ice storms in the north. A couple of the younger of the group sat around a table and pulled out a deck of cards, laughing among themselves.

Katie merely laughed from where she stood, clapping Ophelia on the shoulder. "Well you didn't get trampled, I'll give you that. But you did scare quite a few of them off. Don't worry. They'll come around again in a bit. I imagine you hurt a few feelings with the snapping and hard staring." She teased.

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

The look on the young boys face when she tossed him the little wooden fox instantly made Ophelia smile. She loved children, but she really never got a chance to spend any time with them. Sometimes she would use her gift to make them little presents and leave them where she knew that they liked to spend their time. Making the little fox for the boy truly did make her happy inside, and what he said to accompany his amazement made her laugh a little bit. She had never head a young boy use that word before, and it sounded strange on his tongue. Just then, the older man spoke up, and just as Katie had said, they gave her her nickname. Vixen, yes, Ophelia decided that she could get used to that. She smiled a bit in approval, and was about to speak, but just then the crowd started to dissipate, and she instantly felt as though she had done or said something wrong.

She felt Katie's hand on her shoulder, and she looked at her, slightly confused. "Scared them away?" she asked, not understanding, "Mr Grey said that everyone would love to see my powers. He said that I would be accepted here.... If it's the stick... I mean spear, that they are upset about, I can easily make them a new one..." She looked around, and it was clear that she was not feeling as confident as she had been feeing earlier. She wasn't used to people shrinking away from her like this, she was used to commanding their attention. Therefore, she didn't understand exactly why these men seemed to want nothing to do with her anymore all of a sudden.

What Katie said next only confused her more. "Hurt their feelings?!" she exclaimed, slightly shocked by that accusation, "I...I certainly didn't mean to snap at them... Did I snap at them?" Clearly she was a bit flustered now, as she had not expected this to happen at all. She had expected all of the men to gather around her, and perhaps invite her to a card game, or ask her to tell a story, or something like that. Now she was being told that her slight bit of confident sass had somehow offended them. Mr Grey certainly hadn't had a problem with it, in fact, he seemed to like being spoken to the way that she spoke to him. Ophelia looked around, seeing that no one was paying her the slightest bit of attention, and she shook her head a bit, knowing that it really shouldn't matter. She was here to work, not make friends, so she convinced herself that she simply diner care.

"Fine, I suppose that it isn't that big of a deal," she said, clearly a little peeved about the whole thing, but she sighed soon after she spoke, letting her irritation go. "I think that I would like to be shown my room now please," she said, looking at Katie, much more clam now, "I think that I'll turn in early tonight, it's been a long day after all..." Ophelia already knew that she truly did like Katie, and she wouldn't mind spending some more time with her, but honestly, she just kind of wanted to be on her own right now. Everything was happening so fast, and clearly, she wasn't adjusting well.

Ophelia found herself wishing that Ashverr was here. She had known that she wouldn't be as successful her first night here without him here with her. He had ran off to God knows where instead, leaving her to fend for herself, and while she thought that she would have been fine, clearly, she was not fine. Really, for the first time in her life, she had no idea what she was doing.

-----

Carter sighed and climbed back up into the old coach, looking down at his horse that the princess had so easily calmed. He didn't look very calm anymore, he just looked old and tired. Carter sighed, flicking the reins just hard enough to make the old horse go and pull the coach behind him. He rode through the darkness back into town, unable to stop thinking about the princess, and more specifically, about her gift. It really was amazing, and he wished that he could have stayed to see what else she could do. Unfortunately, he had to go back home. Joy.

Once he reached the small blacksmiths shop, he took the horse around back and tied it to it's post, giving it some fresh food and water before he went inside for the night. Even though it wasn't that late, all of the lights in the shop were off, and Carter knew that that meant that his old master had already gone to bed. He sighed a bit and rolled his eyes, knowing that he didn't have much choice but to do the same. He locked all of the doors before going back to his small room, which only consisted of his bed, a large storage chest, and a small bedside table. Carter pulled off his boots and set them aside, and then changed into his pajamas before sighing deeply and laying down in bed.

He stared at the ceiling of the dark room, not feeling very tired yet, but perhaps it was just because he still couldn't stop thinking about the princess. He wished that he could see her again, but doubted that that would be possible. Even when he did return to the castle for another delivery, the chance that he would see her was slim to none, and anyway, what were the chances that she wanted to see him again anyway? Why would she want some stupid man asking questions about her powers when she was supposed to be keeping them hidden. Carter sighed again, knowing that h would do what he always did with these kinds of things. Convince himself that he didn't care, and move on.

----
((I'll just be the guy that she was sent off to dance with by her father...))

Alister looked up as the princess finally made her way across the room to him. He had asked her father where she was several times, and had gotten little to no response that was of any use to him. How could that foolish man not even know where his own daughter was, and more importantly, how could he let her slip away on a night like tonight? Every eligible man within five hundred miles had come out to see her tonight, and attempt to win her hand. How could she even meet any of them if she wasn't ever around? Luckily, Alister was both patient, and persistent.

"Princess Leanna, I thought that you were going to keep me waiting by myself all night long," he said with a smile that came off as more than a bit sly. He took her hand before she could object and led her on to the dance floor as a new song began. "Now, do tell me, what took you so long to find your way to me, hmm?" he asked, looking down at her, "I haven't seen you around in quite some time actually..." He raised an eyebrow, clearly curious about where she had been and why, and being very nosy about it.

[Lara]

((Just wanted to give you an update and say that I'm almost done my reply! This week is going to be the busiest week of the entire year given that I've got exams, so I'm sorry I've been so slow these few weeks. Hopefully I have more time after next week to be more regular!!!!))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Okay, yes, I understand. I've got exams this week too. So you think your reply will be done tomorrow? Yay! I can't wait! I'm really enjoying this rp))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

((Hi! So, I'm done with all of my major testing now, and I should be back on regularly! I have a few finals left/end of the year stuff, but for the most part, all of the important stuff is over with!))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Hi?

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Are we still doing this?

[Lara]

Absolutely!!! Like I mentioned before I'm so busy I haven't gotten a chance to sit down and write this yet. I'm behind in English and have huge tests coming up in calc and Chem and prom is this week as well. I'm working on doing this as fast as I can, don't worry. But it might be a while yet :(

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Yeah, I understand, but you had said that your post was almost done like a month ago, so u was just making sure that you didn't forget. Have fun, and good luck with all that stuff! Can't wait to get back to this!))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Hi....?

[Lara]

Katie bit her lip, wondering how to explain what the mystery that the men were, to this newcomer. It would be hard to explain where each and every one was coming from, and why they acted the way they did. They would need hours and hours and ages to talk about each one, and Katie decided it was probably better to just let her discover what they were to each of them, on her own. She looked back to the groups, watching the men interact, and noticed the little ticks and traits that cued her into what they really felt. They all still clearly were very aware of Ophelia's presence, many of them curious, but trying to hide it. This was something she'd have to let Ophelia learn to navigate on her own.

She turned back to her new friend and smiled lightly. "They're guys, and honestly, I don't get them half the time either." She laughed and shrugged up a shoulder, "Trust me, when I said they'd come around again, I meant it." Her expression was serious, to make sure Ophelia knew not to give up.

She walked them out of the main room together, closing the heavy doors after them with a thud. Her braid swung over her shoulder and she brushed it away, smiling at Ophelia again. "They're an untrustworthy bunch, let me tell you." She nodded slowly. "As are most in our line of work. Tricky business. But I suppose you would know about that, staying out of the clutches of slave traders for so long." She said it in a manner that told of her admiration for the girl, and that was saying a lot coming from Katie.

"So don't loose hope on the guys, they'll warm up eventually." She elbowed her gently. "But we women must stick together, yes?" They had reached the stairs and Katie ascended them with no small amount of grace, that could only come from hardened muscles. "You'll be staying very close to my rooms, so if you have any troubles, or need anything at all, feel free to stop by." Her dark eyes shone in the moonlight that entered through the window a the end of the hallway. "Breakfast is at no time in particular, but come down around daybreak tomorrow if you want it to be hot." She pushed open a door, showing a room that was almost identical in layout to her own. Small space, and fairly space, with just a pallet for sleeping, a table, and a chest for storing things. "I know it's not much... but we really don't spend a whole lot of time in our rooms, so... well... I hope it will suit your needs."

She stepped back then, letting Ophelia have a chance to enter and shut her out if she wished. "Well. I'll be two doors down. Are you going to be ok here? Is there anything else you need before I go?"

...............................................

Monsieur Worthschild had been very helpful, very helpful indeed. Ashverr pulled up his gloves and tipped his hat down, his eyes shining faintly in the yellow light of the lamp that swung outside the old mansion he had just been in. His purse was slightly heavier, but even more heavy was his mind.

The cogs were turning, deciding, wondering, and he was pleased. This new plan would work very well for the dregs. An amused smile curled up on his shadowed face as he turned on his heel and slipped into the night.

..............................................................................

How she hated parties. The stifling heat, made worse by her voluminous skirts and lavish makeup. She couldn't breathe properly, much less dance without a good amount of effort, and it was taxing. But on top of that, she had to pretend that she wouldn't rather walk on coals, and that she was enjoying this very exquisite form of torture.

Any number of these many pairs of eyes on her right now could notice something off, could notice how she slowed her own breathing so she wouldn't grow faint. Could notice that she was nervous, and draw their own conclusions. Worse, someone here may already know, be planning to kidnap her, and sell her as a slave. She could end up in a zoo, or as a plaything to some rich king.

The horror.

But worse, was the weasel that came sliding towards her. The prince, she presumed. He certainly had the cultured charisma of one. I would have liked to keep you waiting for forever, but sadly my plans were foiled. She smiled sweetly. "I apologize profusely for my absence." She did not want to move towards the dance floor. Moving in this heat, in these heels, was a nightmare, but alas his grip was strong and she could not escape, so while her eyes were shooting daggers, her mouth smiled innocently at him while they joined the dance.

His hands slid to their correct positions, and she found them moving to the melody strung out by the musicians. As far as the men went in this room, he was not bad looking, not at all. And she loathed him for it, for it was all that much harder to hate an ugly character when it was graced with a pretty face. "I'm afraid I had to steal away for a while," She smiled mischievously, knowing well how to lie her way out of problems. "You see, my poor hound Lucile had puppies just the other night, and I needed to check on them." True, true, and yet still a lie. Lucile and her puppies were safely in the care of a maid.

But she knew what men such as these wanted to hear. They thought women weak, and loving such things as puppies. As long as no one thought her capable of stopping someone's heart, then she was safe. "They're the sweetest things, you see, but one was a runt, and I was so worried he would not make it." She puckered her face into an angelic pout, all the while avoiding looking at his eyes. It always became too personal when you looked at your partner's eyes. So instead she focused on his top button.

The music drew to a closure and she nearly gasped in relief. "I'm sorry, Monsieur, but I must grab some water, I'm feeling quite warm." she said hurriedly, trying to escape to go grab a drink.

((Whew, man! This year has been crazy! I had to take a bit of a break there from the internet, as work was crazy, but I'm back now! I hope my reply was long enough, and that your summer has been going well!))

[ϻαđίѕσи ~ I'm gonna be free, and I'm gonna be fine, but maybe not tonight]

Ophelia sighed as she looked at the men again, still trying to decide what it was that she had done that had made them all suddenly lose interest in her. She was used to captivating the attention of others, and she wasn't used to being ignored. It wasn't that she was upset that she wasn't the center of attention, she wasn't that shallow, but she believed that a a bit more of a welcoming would have been appreciated. Truly, she didn't feel welcomed or wanted here at all. Ashverr had stressed her importance here, had told her how he had needed her, but to Ophelia, it felt as though he was the only one who thought anything of her. Perhaps his opinion was the only one that mattered around here anyway.

Ophelia's thoughts were interrupted by Katie, and she knew that she could sense her distress. She nodded a bit, deciding to take her word for it when she said that the others would come around. After all, Ophelia could already tell that these men weren't like the ones that she was used to dealing with. These men had darker pasts and heavier hearts. They had more to tell about, but also more to hide. It was clear that they had been through much and had been forever changed by it. For a moment, Ophelia wondered if she would ever be in their shoes if she chose to stick around.

Ophelia turned and followed Katie through the large doors, listening to her as she spoke. She was happy that at least one person here seemed to care about her existence. Her words of gratitude surprised Ophelia, and she knew that this woman had no reason to envy her. "You do know how I stayed out of the clutches of slave traders for so long, don't you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, for most people found her previous occupation to be less than honorable, "I lied, and I manipulated, and I betrayed. I put myself in a position where I could use people to my advantage, and I wouldn't change I thing I did." It felt good to have no regrets, but Ophelia knew that she was less than a role model. At the end of it all, she was quite despicable and untrustworthy, but she was also alive and free. If she had learned one thing in her life, it was that she couldn't get anywhere without making some sacrifices. "It isn't my fault that people will always say yes to a pretty face," she explained, "And it isn't my fault that I've been surrounded by idiots all my life. I've simply taken advantage of my resources, but that doesn't mean that you should think so highly of myself. I was born clever, not intelligent, and those are two completely different things."

Ophelia smiled a bit when Katie assured her once more that everything would work out eventually, and she nodded, knowing that she was very right when she said that women had to stick together. She had every intention of sticking with Katie, for her kindness towards her so far had been more than Ophelia had ever been expecting. From what Ashverr had said, she had expected Katie to be a cold, hard hearted woman, but thankfully, this wasn't true at all. She knew that Katie was someone that she could easily become friends with. Perhaps she already had.

She paid attention as Katie explained what she would need to know about breakfast and such, and she looked into the room that would now be hers. She was a bit disappointed to find that it was much smaller than her old room, and compared to her old room, it was very grey and dull. It didn't have any of the brightly colored drapery, or the fresh cut flowers that her old room had had, but she supposed that she could add those things in time. "It's perfect," she assured her new friend, not wanting to displease her at all after how kind she had been. Ophelia wanted to express her gratitude to Katie, but she found that she didn't really know what o say.

Instead, she simply nodded, assuring her that she would be just fine here for the night. "No, no, you don't need to worry yourself with my well being. I don't need anything, and if I do, I can fend for myself just fine," she assured her, though she did have one request, "Although, when Mr Grey returns from wherever he has gone gallivanting off to, send him my way if you can. It doesn't matter the hour. I simply wish to have a word with him." With that, she simply smiled a bit, stepping inside of the room and slowly beginning to close the door. "Goodnight," she said softly, finally closing the door all the way. With that, she crossed to small room to the small bed that she had been given, where her single suitcase had been delivered. It held only a few dresses, a few necessities, such as a hair brush, and her most dear possessions. Ophelia slowly began to unpack, deciding that she might as well begin to make this room her own.

-----

Alister did not pick up on any of the princess's signs of discomfort, for he was far too focused on himself. He knew that he needed to make himself look good in her eyes. He needed to be polite and sociable if he was ever going to make an impression. The princess was pretty enough, but Alister knew that he personally did not take any particular interest in her. All of this was what his parents wanted, but he supposed that they could have picked out a far worse princess for him to pursue. Therefore, he didn't complain too much.

He swiftly lead Leanna into the dance, listening as she made excuses as to why she had run off. "Did she?" he replied when she brought up that her dog he had puppies the previous night. "Now, don't you have someone who takes care of that for you?" he asked her, not believing that her words were untrue, but he also sensed something very off about them. She would have to be pretty stupid to run off from a ball as important as this one in order to check on a stupid dog. "Is that so?" he asked again when she brought up the runt that she had supposedly been worried about, "Well, perhaps after this dance, you can take me with you to go and see them again. I do quite like dogs, you know." His words were genuine, he did want to see the dogs of they actually existed, but if they did not, he would have been just as happy to force her to admit that she had lied.

Alister continue to lead her through the dance, about to speak again when she suddenly pulled away, and he found that the song had ended. She seemed extremely prepared to leave him behind, but Alister's face hardened, determined not to let her get away so easily. After all, they had barely spent any time together, and he didn't want another man to swoop in and snatch her up before he had had his fair share of time with her. "Water sounds like an excellent idea, I'll come with you," he said, quickly following along behind her, even though he knew that she did not want him to. Alister was extremely persistent.

((Yay! You're back! Yeah, my summer has been going pretty good, how about yours? So are you officially, actively back now?! I really want to keep going with this!))

[Lara]

((It's been alright. Stressful because I have a summer course I'm trying to finish. I'm glad you're cool with still doing this tho! I have a couple weeks in between where I might be at my cottage w/o internet, but other than that Im back actively!))

Katie knew the rooms weren't the most lavish, and also that Ophelia was used to better, and she honestly felt badly about that. But what could you do? She nodded, mustering a smile when Ophelia said it was fine. "I'm glad," She responded, dipping her head as she stepped out of the door again.

Her smile did tug wider when Katie spoke of Ashverr 'gallivanting'. That surely was a funny word to describe his work, and Katie couldn't help the image that popped into her mind of the Wraith skipping around through the streets, his knives in his hands, a grin on his face. It was enough to make her laugh, for sure. "I'll let him know, though it might be late," She said, once she suppressed the mirth that had bubbled up in her. "Goodnight Ophelia." She shut the door softly, walking down the hallway to return to her own room. She opened the window to let the cool air and moonlight in, and then sat on the floor.

She pulled out her blades again, running her whet stone over and down them, watching as the silver slivers shone in the pale light of the moon. They were beautiful weapons, and she kept them well cared for. It was only because she knew to expect Ash and a new assignment that she stayed up later, working over her weapons. They were her assurance of safety. Her tools.

"You'll polish them away to nothing." Deep and rough, Katie knew the voice well enough that she didn't turn around.

"How did your gallivanting go?"

She heard his humour in his pause. "Interesting way to put it," he replied.

"Ophelia came up with that one."

"Did she." He walked silently around to stand in front of her, and when Katie looked up, she saw the mischief in his eyes.

"So how did it go?"

"Splendidly. I have a new task for everyone. We'll have a debrief in the morning. In the meantime, I need you to fetch information on the ice palace."

Katie nodded. "Can do." She stood, sheathing her blades on her back in a graceful motion, and moved towards the window. "Ophelia said she wanted to talk to you." She jumped up onto the windowsill with the grace of a cat. "Had a typical first day with the guys. Probably wants some affirmation." Her eyes were hard when she said. "Be nice."

"When am I ever not?" Ashverr smiled, tugging on a glove and heading out of the room. His spy was out doing her work, and now he had to take care of the new recruit. He walked to her door, rapping on it. "Ophelia, are you awake?" He had manners after all, and wouldn't just slip into the window of the new girl's room, even though doors were cumbersome.

....................................................................................

How perfectly horrible. Of course he wanted to see the pups. She dismissed this with a 'how kind of you' and 'that's really thoughtful but my maid can handle them now' 'mustn't disturb them while they sleep, poor babes'. Inwardly she was rolling her eyes through the whole thing. She could feel the princes's heart beating not too far away. Oh how easy it would be to squeeze... just a little. Make him feel just as uncomfortable as she did. Make him have a reason to take a break and leave her alone.

At the same time as she thought these things, she knew how wrong it was to think them, and immediately brushed them away. To harm another person... it just wasn't right. No matter how petulant and bothersome someone might be.

This one, was extremely bad. Of course he would offer to come with her. As Leanna made a beeline for the refreshments table, she was quick to notice that he was never more than a pace behind her, flanking her the entire way. "How chivalrous," she muttered. Shouldn't he offer to fetch my drink? She smiled politely at him, picking up one of the crystal glasses filled with water, which she handed to him, before taking another for herself. She delicately sipped some, noting the citrus tint. "I do believe some air would do me good."

He would follow, she knew he would. But at least one suitor out in the night was more manageable than many all at once flocking her for some time or conversation with her.

So with a swish of her skirts she moved to the balcony doors, and then through them onto the open terrace, sound dropping away. It overlooked the gardens, and the breeze swooping in from the east was such a lovely change from the stuffy air of indoors. She breathed in deeply and sipped again from her glass, perfectly content to ignore the prince. Let him grow tired and wander off. She would be having no suitors today, thank you. At least, it seemed, that no one here would even speculate her powers. What a relief.