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Post by demarcheese on May 6, 2023 20:25:18 GMT -5
Standing atop the upper floors, there remained chambers and lodgings still unsullied by the filth of the commoners and soldiery. Few, if any, could truly ever hope to enjoy the glories of such a dignified House had brought for itself inside these walls. Its pristine walls and gilded furniture seemed to glimmer under the pale light coming down the arched windows of the finest glass to be molded by human hands. The spacious corridors of Eurydice's fourth floor remained silent, as if trapped in a spell that halted time itself. Even the Eurydice sisters, owners of everything as far as the eye could see, kept to their own chambers. Besides the occasional servo-skull and the mono-task cleaning servitors, only ghosts inhabited the place.
However, today change broke the aura of stillness. A new inhabitant came to this place and brought with him vigor and poise believed to never be seen again. His words were wise and his advice of great use. Yet words and promises demanded actions to follow. Actions to be taken by firm hands and sharps minds, strong of will and of proven loyalty. A house needs a master and a master needs his servants, lest his dominion fade into nothing. This too was deemed wise and prudent despite the cost and sacrifices demanded.
And so today, those invited into this place were offered the rare honor of peering into the glories of Eurydice's past. Whatever talents and skills, be it by deceit or reputation, reached the ears of the Guilder Consul, they were deemed worthy of his attention. A chance to swear themselves to wealth and power beyond their imagine.
The empty room and its comforts, lacking only the presence of their prospective employer, beckoned those who arrived.
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Post by Fate's End on May 25, 2023 23:37:25 GMT -5
Almost every detail about him on this planet was fake. And that was just fine, for the moment. Phelan Al'Rashid ibn Tahir, or just Phelan to his friends (and closest enemies) stood admiring the glories of the mansion and the room in which he stood. The persona he'd cultivated for this mission had been of a fixer and a doer, a man with knowledge of the local population and terrain. Why the House of Eurydice might need such a man was something he himself wasn't quite sure on. But his orders had been sudden and urgent, something was amiss in the House of the Olive Branch, and he was the closest one to find out what was wrong.
He stood, dressed in casual clothing and leaning on his simple cane, noting the distinct lack of servitors in the mansion and finding it equal parts refreshing and . . .yes, unnerving. Distasteful as they were, Servitors were part of the scenery on most Imperial worlds, and to go from a city that still had quite a few into a mansion with specifically zero was a stark and immediate contrast. The building felt so, so empty and quiet.
He eyed the table of refreshments, markedly extravagant and nodded his head slightly, considering whether he should partake or not. Poison was not likely, he decided. With a soft "thump, thump" of his cane striking carpets that cost more than some citizens made in a year, he made his way over and poured himself a glass of stiff spirits, taking in the aroma with more than a little awe. To be in such riches was not something he was used to, even if the man he pretended to be today was not the man he truly was . . . you couldn't ever quite take the Tallarn out of him. From a desert world with scant resources to a room full of plenty.
"How things change," he murmured softly to himself.
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Post by hobbsy on Jun 1, 2023 0:56:17 GMT -5
Off to the side of the chamber, a door swung open as three figures entered through. The leading figure wears a lung fur robe, his oily black hair untidily cascading around his face and bionic eye. Though his two companions uniforms and the glimpses of a his own uniforms under the large robe denotes this man as an officer of this planet's PDF forces.
Keeping his head forward as he entered the room,Lieutenant Damascus Monvi's good eye lazily took in the details of the chamber. Eventually, as he reached the table with it's provided refreshments, the officer's eye came to rest on a piece of fruit. Picking it up, Damascus took a large bite and began to chew. The sound of the bite in the originally silent chamber was unpleasantly loud. The older trooper accompanying Damascus almost rolled his eyes at the rude action, but caught himself in the act and instead gave a polite smile to the other occupant of the room.
As if noticing the Tallarn for the first time since entering, Damascus finished his mouthful and cleared his voice. "And who might you be?" he enquired with a slight sneer.
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Post by Fate's End on Jun 29, 2023 0:11:07 GMT -5
Phelan eyed the man and his entourage, trying to place the face. A noble, obviously, but not one he immediately knew. Best to find out more.
Fortunately, his cultivated persona was carefully made to be like his own personality in many regards. Easier to act the part if he had to lie less.
"Phelan Al'Rashid," he offered by way of introduction, leaning on his cane with one hand and holding the glass of spirits in the other. "And you?"
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Post by hobbsy on Jun 30, 2023 2:07:25 GMT -5
The noble was silent for a moment, leaving the only sounds in the room being the whirring of his artificial eye and the now more softer chewing. After sizing up Phelan he swallowed and replied. "Lieutenant Damascus of the House of Monvi. I assume you have also been invited here today?".
As for his aids the older man continued to smile politely while the other, a young bright eyed girl, looked hungerly over the provided food and beverages. Clearly it was taking every ounce of discipline she had not to eat yet.
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Post by Fate's End on Aug 8, 2023 19:43:06 GMT -5
Phelan regarded the noble with a mixture of bemusement. "No," he responded softly. "I just wandered in for the food." He motioned grandly towards the spread with the cup he held, liquid sloshing gently, his eyes lighting on the bright-eyed girl and he momentarily ignored the noble. "You should eat. It's not just for your master." The word "master" rolled off his tongue tinged with a tone that made it half a question, half a sarcastic jab.
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Post by hobbsy on Aug 13, 2023 3:47:31 GMT -5
Although Phelan did get a reaction from his first comment, his further act and comment did. Damascus gaze followed him as he address the aid, and the use of the word master got a flinch in both the remaining eyebrow and the corner of his frowning mouth.
The young aid on the other hand, lit up at his words. "Oh, thank you ever so much!" she said before digging into the for at hand without restraint. The older aid quick stepped over to address the young girl. "Lance, Lance! You really shouldn't be eating the food yet. Our host isn't here and there's most likely more people to arrive." he said in a firm, yet hushed tone.
Lanced turn around with her mouth already full of food. "But all this food has been laid out and the officers have already started to eat. Why can't we have some? He even said I could!" she managed.
"Well alright, but please for Emperor's sake leave something for the other guest if they come." the older mdn replied with a look of exasperation. He looked up to Phelanto give an apologetic smile as a 'thank you' and 'sorry'. The lieutenant on the other hand, viewed the whole show with a look somewhere between frustration and indignation. Though instead of doing anything about it, he began to pour himself a cup of the same spirits.
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Post by Fate's End on Aug 22, 2023 23:11:38 GMT -5
Phelan watched the ensemble with a carefully controlled expression, though perhaps it could be said his lips quirked in a small smile at their antics. He raised his glass to the Lieutenant, "To Health." He toasted with a soft tone. Elsewise, he glanced around, waiting to see if anyone else would appear.
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Post by hobbsy on Aug 25, 2023 18:25:23 GMT -5
"To health?" the lieutenant replied, his voice ever so slightly raised. Although he already had a sneer on his face beforehand, to seemed to be more emphasized now. The two aids both looked over at the two men as they stared at one another.
Damascus slowly tapped the bulky augmentation on the side of his face with his free hand. The eye whirred as if to almost emphasized itself. "This is all that comes from drinking 'to health'.".
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Post by Fate's End on Aug 31, 2023 22:01:15 GMT -5
"Clearly," Phelan said with a vicious smile. "You weren't drinking the proper refreshments if that is what you have to show for it."
He probably edged too far into impertinence. This man was a noble, and an officer besides. But they had both been invited, and he suspected that the best way to stay in this house at the moment was to be more than a little antagonistic towards the other gentleman. At least until the mysterious host had arrived.
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Post by demarcheese on Sept 8, 2023 13:49:31 GMT -5
The gilded doors opened without a sound but that of the soft thump of someone pacing over the velvet carpet.
Slender and composed, the figure emerging from the inner sanctum carried itself with elegant restraint. Yellow eyes of artificial tincture spoke of sophisticated implants and beguile the predatory nature of their owner. The man, for it was a man of refined features, dressed in gathalian linen and shimmer silk walked towards those already present at the room. Despite the expensive fabric and crisp state of the clothes, no ornaments or glittering jewelry was to be seen. His pristine white attire was entirely devoid of these soothing distractions for the ego. The only notable concession to was a single brooch, no bigger than a pair of thumbs, glimmered under the light with breathtaking crimson hues. It resembled some form of strange round insect, probably of xenos origin.
"Welcome to the House Eurydice" he greeted "I trust you were able to make yourselves comfortable in my absence. If not, then please feel free to do so just as we speak. We are grateful for the time you have already invested into visiting our humble estate"
The newcomer spoke with a soft voice and fluid words, carefully spacing each one as if time moved at a slower pace for him. Thin lips curved to form an affable, albeit weak, smile.
"Allow me the honor to present myself, distinguished guest" he continued with a courteous bow "I am Varian Carnel and by your leave, I will be your host and potential employer for the duration of our meeting"
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Post by hobbsy on Sept 12, 2023 2:32:19 GMT -5
Monvi's sneering turned to outright fury at Phelan's words. He bared his clench teeth as his skin turned a slight shade of red. A storm was about to break.
And just when the situation was about to come to a head, the host spoke up. At the presence of a new arrival, the lieutenant turned to aline himself and his attention towards Varian. The anger, as quickly as it had appeared, was gone. The sneer remain though, along with a sense of bitter brooding. His older aid breathed a sigh of relief and turned his attention to hushing the younger aid who was now using the hosts words to justify eating the food presented.
Damascus had first thought the newcomer to be a servant of the House. Dress well, but with no items particular distinction or rank. Yet the altered eyes and slow yet calculated demeanor seemed to hint at something more than wage endorsed manners. The lieutenant's suspicion was confirmed as Varian introduce himself as a potential employer. The term employer irritated Damascus, but he would see this through for now. At least until he had a better understanding about what this whole invitation was all about.
After silently listening, Damascus dryly introduce himself. "Lieutenant Damascus of the House of Monvi, though I am sure you already know that as our host."
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Post by Fate's End on Sept 17, 2023 21:40:01 GMT -5
Phelan kept the same dangerous smile as he watched Damascus' fury grow. But at last the host arrived and interrupted. Probably for the best, all things considered.
Immediately his eyes took in the strange brooch and his mind went still. He had half-expected the eldest daughter of Eurydice to be here. But she was nowhere in sight. Instead, this man who stood easily half a foot taller than him was here, seemingly the potential employer.
Interesting
He didn't bother to introduce himself. Again, the cover he operated under on this world was largely similar to who he was, barring a few details. A background fixer, doer and go-between. All traces of his true allegiances scrubbed away and leaving only the barest hint of a man who would get things done, and not care about the legality of doing so in the process.
"The food and drink are excellent, of course." He responded to the newcomer. "Though I'm curious, you don't share a name with the family that owns this estate. You speak in their name? Or are you just using the Eurydice manor as a helpful meeting spot?"
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