|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:28 am
WHO: Sloane, Theo, OpheliaWHERE: North Base, empty dining/meeting hallWHEN: Evening, not long after Troupe de PanymiumWEATHER: Cold with light flurries and blustery winds_______________________________________ As his usual with meetings such as these, the fireplace was roaring, all of the candles lining the mantle and table were lit and the curtains were drawn so that light filtered through but there was no distinct glare from any of the windows. The stony walls were blank save for the aesthetic purple and gold Fellowship tapestry that was hung nearly everywhere within the walls of the North Base, a more detailed and stylized version of the symbol emblazoned in the center, the all seeing eye.
What typically was a hall for dining and merriment had long since officially been adopted by the Lady Estratus as a meeting area, usually for groups no larger than five, and as such was frequently evacuated of all Augurs, Mages, Seers and so on who were not of relevant interest. At this time, there was just a lone soul within, trapped within his own thoughts for the last hour that he had been sitting there, preparing himself. This was, after all, the first meeting of importance he would be conducting all on his own.
How long had it been? his thoughts stewed, recalling the mission the clergyman had been issued on. He had followed to offer protection if the need arose but the priest had done surprisingly well, much better than anticipated, and only after they had gotten a safe distance away from the castle where a certain item had been retrieved was there a proper uproar.
So much had happened in between, hectic times pushing things around, and after their brief meeting in Colwe only to end on such a tragic note, Sloane felt the utmost guilt. This was not his duty, but his Lady's, however she was unable to do anything in the time passed. First an attack on her life, then an attack on the Mages and Plagues all at once.
Still, Sloane had issued a note be written to Theo that morning for the current time, to meet him within this hall and that it was of the utmost importance. It was, truly.
Letting out a quiet sigh, the knight seated himself in his Lady's normal area of the table, the head at the far end, and clasped his hands together. The note specified to bring the object he retrieved from his mission, but he had made no mention of bringing his young Plague, which Sloane now realized was a gross error on his part and hoped dearly that Theo would decide to bring the lovely ring lady regardless. Such a brief meeting was not befitting her and he felt so rude to have brushed them off as he did, but with Beatrix's presence...
A sturdy knock upon the door interrupted Sloane's thoughts of remorse and worry, causing his spine to go stick straight. For a moment he was unsure quite what to say but recalled the command his Lady would use; would it be too callous as she often was? "Enter! ...Please," he tacked the last word on of his own accord, gritting his teeth a second later at how stupid it must have sounded. No use worrying about it now, however, and so Sloane stood, bowing his head as the meeting began.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 9:24 pm
"It would not do to be late." Theo felt Ophelia's tiny black fingers digging into his neck as she clutched on during his hurry down the hall. In one hand he had a wrapped bundle, and the other a partially-crumpled piece of parchment that had been left on his door. He didn't need telling twice from the ring on being punctual - he knew that this was the meeting he'd been waiting for.
The recent weeks had passed by like molasses in the castle. Theo was not a man who enjoyed idleness, and without an established position in the Fellowship other than "newcomer" he had naught to do but spend time in his room and stay out of the way. Ophelia hadn't much more to offer there, other than asking him questions about certain things already present in the room, and prying him about things outside of the castle that he had seen. If anything, she had been his sole source of amusement in the idle days, and he enjoyed being able to tell her all kinds of things. In a way she was a great replacement for his journal as she picked up on his anxieties about being useless to the Fellowship - except that she was able to nod sympathetically.
His hands squeezed the wrapped hilt of the dagger. Then there was this thing. What would happen to the item he'd retrieved? What meaning did it really have to the Fellowship?
"Mind the display." Ophelia's even voice stirred him from musing and he corrected his trajectory; she was right - he'd nearly scraped over a suit of armor, bearing scuffs from the siege of Obscuvians in recent weeks. On top of that, there was the Troupe incident.. it was amazing to think that there had been so much animosity towards the Fellowship. Would it be his place to ask about that? He was a member now, he had proven his mettle, and that put him in just as much danger as any of the other members of the Mage faction. But he didn't want to be useless to his new comrades, and hopefully with this meeting he would find a solid path to follow.
Theo's pace slowed as the approached the meeting hall that had been noted, and he took another look at the paper to make sure. He knocked on the wooden door a little too roughly, and took a moment to rub his knuckles. Upon hearing the reply from inside - obviously Sir Sloane's voice - he nudged open the door and stepped inside. The Plague was standing behind a long table, and he bowed his head as the two moved further into the room.
"You wanted to see me, Sir Sloane?" The door ground shut behind him, and he partly turned to look except that Ophelia nudged his cheek firmly back towards the Infitialis. She had insisted upon coming to this meeting, even allowing the two bell Plagues to remain unsupervised (which was unusual; she didn't let them out of her sight normally). Theo mused that she must have been quite eager to see Sloane again, but with her hardly-yielding deadpan expression, he could never be sure. "Us, I mean." He glanced around the table and took the closest available chair, which placed him and his Caedos directly across the table from Sloane. He held the dagger in his hands, still wrapped in the scraps of his old robes from the night he'd retrieved it. It had stayed in his possession since the night of the mission, and given all the recent events - the raid on the castle and the disastrous incident with the Troupe de Panymium - he had been especially reluctant to take it out of its hiding place. He had no idea what kind of magics this thing may have been imbued with, and he didn't want to mess with it with so much unrest underway until he'd had a chance to properly speak to Lady Sage or Sloane. He hesitantly set it on the table before him.
It was time to get down to business.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friendly Conversationalist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 9:13 am
As the clergyman entered, Sloane caught the distinct scent of metal and cloth, the golden Caedos he had only gotten to meet so briefly with. Sloane's head bowed to the two of them before he gestured a hand for Theo to sit and he glanced to his left, the empty seat at the head of the table where his Lady would normally be sitting during these types of meetings. However, she was not to be a part of this and her stand in had shut herself up in her room upon their return.
"Yes," he assured Theo with a clear of his throat, offering the briefest of smiles to Ophelia as one of the objects of this meeting was rested between them. "I have to apologize on behalf of myself but especially my Lady. Things have been so hectic, but I offer my sincerest gratitude in your patience and congratulations that I could not give earlier on the birth of your lovely Ophelia."
Clawed, armored hands reached out and drew the cloth away from the dagger, revealing the golden hilt, gleaming blade and the shining inlaid stones, the tiger's eye. Within the magic of the Fellowship, there were many, dozens upon hundreds, of various magical items that held various meanings, importance and powers, this was what his Lady had told him. In particular, this dagger was said to have been crafted with only one idea in mind-- protection --and so the wielder would truly need to be worthy of such protection before its magics came alive and it was nothing more than just an ornament.
"My Lady has requested that, in accordance with your performance," he gently pushed the blade towards Theo, "You keep the blade as your own." This probably seemed unorthodox or strange, but his Lady worked in mysterious was. "Those who crafted it long ago are no longer with us and it has been forgotten by those who would seek it for themselves. Better it rest with someone who will use it and is worthy of it than it wasting away being prayed to for naught."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 10:00 pm
"I understand about the wait. It has been.. quite hectic for everyone." Theo accepted the dagger back from Sloane with a stiff nod. "With the recent events.. I am still quite disturbed by all of it." He kept turning over the words just passed between himself and the knightly Plague in his mind to properly sort them out.
Worthy?
He wasn't so sure he felt entirely worthy of it. Holding it in his gloved hands, he turned it over and examined the gleaming tiger's eye in the hilt. The way the light caught the stone brought back the memory of the and made him feel uneasy. To be able to do that without knowing.. was that really skill or dumb luck?
"Even if I have this dagger, I know not what to properly do with it." His mouth drew into a firm line, so used to selling his virtues to others. Honesty was a humbling, bitter experience, and it would not do to lie to one who has shown extraordinary generosity. "Other than the preliminary research for the mission, I am afraid I don't know much of magic. That had been the first time any sign that I could cast magic had shown itself." The dagger was returned to the tabletop, set neatly on top of its wrappings.
"I don't really know what to do for the Fellowship. As it stands.." The Theo from the church would have taken this point to charm his way into selling his strong points. But if anything, he was more aware now of how vulnerable he really was. Here he was, a cripple among mages, with floundering magical abilities and no real knowledge of the craft. What good would these skills bring to the Fellowship? In light of realizing his expandability, he sat back in the chair and fell silent.
"I'm sure an apprenticeship or a proper job would be quite suiting to Theo." Ophelia had kept quiet while the two men had talked, and had bowed her head politely at Sloane's compliment. But if Theo was not going to sing his own praises (and she did not see why he hesitated - there was so much to be said of her master!), she would have to do it for him. The Caedos climbed down his arm and moved easily onto the table top, rearranging her cloth as she went. She examined the dagger, resting on its cloth. Her black fingers traced the tiger's eye, her head tilting to the side as she spoke. "As endlessly idle time is not befitting an intelligent man, especially in light of recent events." A small shiver ran up her arm when she touched the stone, and she calmly pulled her hand away.
"I am wondering if you have something in mind already?" Deadpan eyes met bi-colored spirals and watched him carefully for a reaction. Theo watched the proceedings with raised eyebrows at his ring's audacity. She spoke so frankly to Sloane, as though working out a business deal. He really needed to speak to her about how to address superiors. There was one area where his previous expertise counted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friendly Conversationalist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 11:29 am
"As am I..." Sloane could not have put it better himself, and the word 'disturbed' truly summed up all of his lingering feelings on the matter. It was a constant feeling of unease, something not being right, and shame; his calm had been damaged, perhaps permanently.
As far as the dagger went, Sloane could barely offer much information as it was. His Lady knew more, but not all, and she was unavailable. "I can only say what my Lady wanted and that was for you to keep it. Everyone has magic at their disposal, so it is said, but not everyone will tap it and most do not. Without any training or knowledge, you were able to use the dagger, it responded to you, so she believes it best that you keep it." That was all he could offer to Theo on the matter of the magical item, but the next point of conversation seemed much easier on the sword Plague. He pondered a moment, going over what he was told prior to this meeting, but Ophelia's chiming, golden voice broke through and he listened with rapt attention.
Though rude it may have been, Sloane did not see it as such--his Lady may have, but he did not see himself in such a position of power that he would be able to silence others and, even if he could, he was interested in the Excito's opinion. The way she handled her words was admirable; directly to the point and without a moment to spare, she knew exactly what she wanted for Theo. Sloane's smile of awe grew the more she spoke and he could only picture Clurie and hope that he, too, would be as articulate one day.
"You are right, dear Ophelia. There are a few things we will be able to put on the table," his eyes drew to Theo as Sloane began speaking with his hands, gesturing more for his own benefit. "If you are uncomfortable with the dagger as it is now, there are many magical practitioners here who would be willing to teach you, but you must find them on your own, we cannot provide one for you. Besides that, the library is full to bursting with books of spells and charms, but also things that do not require magic directly such as alchemy and potions." Surely Theo could make up his mind with a bit of research.
Looking back to Ophelia with a hopeful smile, he wanted to believe that this was indeed being helpful and that the two of them would be pleased with the possibilities available to them. Ophelia herself, once grown, would be able to do whatever she pleased and so these options were also stepping stones for her, as he saw it. "A job would be a bit more menial. Everyone has special skills but to be a member of the Fellowship does not mean to bend over backwards for them, unless you so desire. Essentially, we provide food and shelter, you care for your Plague and respond to any possible missions. Of course, once you find your specific niche, we will be more than happy to address your tasks in a manner suiting your skills." A moment's pause wavered the conversation before Sloane offered a hand as though presenting an invisible object, "I wonder, though, do you have any interest in herbs? Frankly, we do not hold many with the skill of non-magical remedies, and if it suits you, I would indeed suggest the role of an apothecary."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 3:47 pm
This is what she has been hoping for.
Ophelia looked up at Theo proudly as Sloane lay out their options before them. This was progress. The Infitialis had seemed a little surprised at how she handled herself - well it was not without hard work on her part. Listening to Theo, who was quite articulate himself, had helped her with her vocabulary, and she enjoyed holding practice conversations with him. If this was not to be expected from one who was only an Excito (which it must not have been - those useless bells that had come home with them following the Troupe incident babbled like toddlers), then she felt all the more proud of herself.
Theo, for his part, was rather surprised at Ophelia jumping in and directing the interaction as well. But he was more surprised by the options that were now opening up to them. He was no stranger to the library, having spent a substantial amount of time there in preparing for his first mission with the Fellowship, but he never enjoyed reading without a goal in mind. Now that he knew what kind of things were open to him, that made his life seem a little more structured. At last he felt something to anchor him, and his expendibility disappeared a little. Ophelia watched him eagerly, waiting for him to give his thoughts.
"There are a lot of interesting options you've presented to us." He paused in thought for a moment and re-wrapped the dagger. Now that he knew what doors were open, he, too, could be more frank about his wants. "As it stands, I do want to get a better feel for the craft before attempting to use it again." He tied the top in a firm knot. "I shall look around and see if there are any willing to teach an equally-willing student." He cracked a grin despite himself; how liberating it felt to know he wouldn't be idling!
Alchemy and potion work were interesting.. but to expand into that with apothecary?
That was something up his alley.
"I think that apothecary work would be worth looking into." He looked at Ophelia, as though waiting for her approval. The Excito looked up at him, before looking back at Sloane, and nodded. "I would be interested to see where that would take me." Already his mind was turning the option this way and that. Yes, an apothecary - doing potion and medicinal work - that was something he could excel in, given the right tutelage. Ophelia tilted her head and watched as he excitedly thought of where to start, what books to delve into. It was nice to see her Theo with a purpose.
"I believe that it is very suiting," she added to Sloane with a deep bow of the head. "We both have much we would like to do for the Fellowship, and now we have the proper means to do so." She wasn't so sure if that was the entire truth or just a dressing up of normal words in order to sound impressive. Certainly Theo wanted to repay the Fellowship and be an active, contributing member. She merely liked Theo to be busy and in need of her assistance. With this opportunity open to the both of them, she would definitely be useful to her beloved master.
"And now we must go about finding a proper master as our next step, should we not?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friendly Conversationalist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Dec 07, 2010 1:54 pm
With these new found options, contentment and ease filled the room. Sloane smiled at the eager faces of Plague and human before him, pleased that he had managed at least this small success.
He nodded to Theo, hands clasped in front. Finding a tutor would not be such a difficult task, the Plague assumed despite his own little understanding of the arcane arts. To him, it seemed that with the vast majority of individuals not only present within this castle but the entirety of Shyregoed (and Panymium for that matter) there would surely be many eager and willing to take on a student such as the priest.
"I am glad we were able to find something you would enjoy putting your efforts towards," the Sword inclined his head to the man, raising a brow at his darling Ophelia. "An apothecary would be very useful, especially with the recent attacks," for a moment his expression lost its luster, "Our infirmary is short handed and only able to treat wounds, not ailments." Attempting to bring out a silver lining, if only for himself, Sloane then smiled and chuckled, "You'll be quite ahead of the curve, Theo. Dare I say, you will have the market cornered."
That was what the priest and Ophelia wanted to hear; resulting popularity, importance, all things that would make the Grimm an irreplaceable and integral part of their castle--their Fellowship.
Now, however, things were beginning to wind down. All things considered, this was a fairly short meeting but of the ones he attended with his Lady most were not much longer. Matters were discussed, no beating around the bush, however the Plague would feel guilty to not at least offer them the chance to bring up other points they may have wanted to discuss. There was time, after all. "Is there anything else I may be of assistance with?" his chin rose, a small swell of pride from being able to help them. "If that is all you require, we may take our leave but I am more than eager to be of continued service," especially to the golden clothed Caedos who moved so elegantly across the table she may as well have been floating. He was eager to see what she wanted to offer the Fellowship when the time came.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 12:11 am
Before him, Theo could see the road widening, figuratively speaking. The recent attacks had given him the opening he needed in order to become important to the Fellowship, rather than just idling around like he had been doing since arriving at the North Base. Whether or not he should feel guilty about being grateful for these attacks in any degree was something that crossed his mind, but he merely ignored it and held his smile. Sloane was driving the conversation towards its conclusion, and Theo nodded.
"I think we have what we need here," he replied, making to stand. Ophelia also mirrored her Grimm's nod to Sloane, deepening it a little more as she had the habit of doing. His particular attention towards her with the last addendum to his sentence did not go unnoticed, and inside the Plague was preening ever so slightly. Well, if he was this impressed merely by how she handled conversation, just wait until he learned of her reading capabilities! Even if that one was still a work in progress, it would still be key to helping Theo with his work, or so she believed.
"I believe we have our first task," the ring said, turning back towards Theo as she made her way back across the table. The man lowered his hand and she climbed into it easily. Reaching up towards his shoulders, the small Plague slid onto her normal vantage point, holding onto his collar for support. She gave Sloane another bow of the head as Theo reached forward to pick up the wrapped dagger. "We thank you for your advice, Sir Sloane." Being polite and proper were certainly the right channels, judging by how this meeting had gone.
"Yes, thank you," Theo agreed, nodding his head as well. "I hope to serve the Fellowship well, as soon as I'm able." With that, he did another automatic half-bow, and turned to leave the room. Ophelia cast a glance back over her own shoulders as they exited, considering Sloane with her half-lidded gaze.
Yes, he was one they would need to impress, and with her help, Theo would do just that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friendly Conversationalist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
