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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Mar 24, 2011 20:45:09 GMT -5
By the time the ferretmaid come back aways, Krauser had long gone. Likely off to try to pick the lock on Larka's bedroom door and give her a surprise, maybe going out of the fortress to get something to drink, maybe he was hanging around where he last saw Vrelt, hoping to get a chance to drop in on something they both wouldn't want him to know about maybe even simply was either at his room or somewhere else in the immense fortress. Who knows.... (That and I have simply ran out of something to do with Krauser. I guess you all can decide where he went. xD xP )
Callista was less than enthusiastic about it and did not hesitate to shot down his bird (it's a metaphor, like shooting down someone's plane? Means your killing the high spirits and the such. xP ) The pure ferret merely crossed her arms and spoke. "I still think we should just kill him, what are the others going to do about it? Send their tiny shark bait militaries against us?"
He kind are not used to being THIS diplomatic. Sometimes they may with leaders they get along with, but other than that. When it came to her homeland, it was either they're way or the warzone. Where they often won.
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Vrelt
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Post by Vrelt on Mar 24, 2011 23:59:01 GMT -5
Drask laughed, picturing the Royal Families trying to mount up any invasion of his fortress. They would be crushed before they even knew what had happened, Drask was sure of that. His army was extremely disciplined and well trained, especially compared to whatever army the Royal Families could put together. "Their puny little armies do not frighten me in the least. I could crush them all with the guards alone. What frightens me is the possibility of them sending in assassins, many leaders of Riftgard have died by the paws of an assassin, including my father. I don't wish the same fate. Even with Cad Bane and Vera, there are still other competent assassins, and the Royal Families have the money to hire any assassin."
The king was ambitious, but he was cautious and shrewd, he planned for every possible action any enemy would take. His strategy was complex, yet it was guaranteed to work, at least in his opinion. Of course, he couldn't be sure, since no other ruler in Riftgard's history had tried this strategy. Many had tried to swifty crush their opponents, and many had failed; Drask was determined to try something different, something that would gain him victory in the end. Without getting himself killed.
Vrelt kept himself from smiling when Jayne spoke; it seemed his plan would work, judging by the way she acted around him. He had caused the ferretmaid to doubt in Callista, if only a little, but it was a start. As much as he tried to be professional and cold, he found himself feeling a bit interested in Jayne. She seemed to genuinely care for his safety, or at least she felt guilty, and that was all he needed.
The ferret licked his lips, and spoke, his voice still cold. "You're right; I should have been treated with respect and dignity, not a glass of Artist's Delight. I'll forgive you, Jayne. Just promise me you'll make sure they don't try to hurt me again. Can I count on you to do that?" Vrelt decided to play off the fact that Jayne seemed enthralled by his blue eyes, and he looked into hers, trying to keep his influence over her. This was going to be easier than he thought; and inwardly, Vrelt Darkfang was smiling that wicked Darkfang smile, thinking of how well this was going. Even if they tried to kill me, today is a bloody good day, and tonight will probably be even better.....
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carabadgermum
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Post by carabadgermum on Mar 25, 2011 18:26:08 GMT -5
Larka waved back at Wallon as she headed to the palace. "If you're going to make a report I'm not going to bother, nothing for me to tell really." Then she slipped into the shadows and was gone from the ferret's sight.
The stoatmaid was a bit disappointed that she hadn't found any good info on the royal whelp. She would have loved to have been the beast to take him down a peg. That wasn't to say that she couldn't plant certain materials that would give Drask all he needed to hear the royal families begging for Vrelt's head on a spike. She almost had to thank the little whelp though. He had finally given Drask's forces and those beasts that the new queen brought with her a common enemy. It wouldn't be so difficult to spend time with Krauser now that they were working together for the same cause. Speaking of the old stoat she wandered what he was up to now, if he had found anything to occupy himself while she was out sneaking around in the shadows.
((Fred, i think i might be able to send Jayne out for a breath of fresh air in a couple of posts so she can run into Wallon.))
"Of course!" Jayne answered too quickly before she considered what the words really meant. This promise to Vrelt could very well come into direct conflict with her sworn obedience to the queen. It was very hard to think of such a thing however when he was gazing at her so intently. It was hard to think about anything really.
The ferretmaid blinked and looked down at her footpaws. "I - I really should be going. If they ever found out that I ..." that she what? She hadn't done anything had she? She had only gone to fetch a drink. She was a servant. It was her job to do that sort of thing. But it was also a servant's duty to stay until she had been dismissed. That must be the reason her footpaws stayed so firmly planted on the floor of Vrelt's chamber.
Jayne's green eyes did stray to the exit. Part of her longed to run away and escape the confusing rush of emotion but there was another small part that wondered if he would ask her to stay. "I-is there anything else you require of me, sir?"
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Kal Skirata
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Post by Kal Skirata on Mar 25, 2011 21:52:22 GMT -5
((Too many 'l's XD))
Walon started to make his reply, but as soon as the words came to his lips, they died there as Larka was now nowhere to be seen. Realizing the futility of making a reply, he shrugged and turned his gaze up to the palace. "I always hate making bloody reports. Always so many questions." he muttered under his breath as he started the walk up from the docks. "We should so get a lift or something to make this easier." Or let a ferret captain get lazy said his mind snidely.
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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Mar 26, 2011 1:15:18 GMT -5
Krauser was....... Not really doing much, other than the slight excitement he just had hearing in on Vrelt's encounter with Callista and dealing with Callista's..... Servant beast thing, whatever. He was in no real hurry with Larka in reality, she often easily found him before he did. That's how she ticked and that was her specialties..... Well, one of them. She has many other tricks other beasts don't know about other than him... (OOC: Insert perverted face. > = ) )
Krauser simply decided to go where the ferretmaid had gone and get some food...... And confront a certain steward.....
Callista simply snorted. "That's it? The simplest way to deal with that is to get them before they get you. You ARE rich enough to hire multiple assassins right? So simply try to snag them all at once before they get around to doing it to you...... Though I guess the local population would see kindly to that, along with possible allies...." Callista was starting to get back into her own type of game. militarily thought. It started with simple diplomacy right to militarily thinking on how to eliminate enemies that may not even know she and her husband are plotting against....... Well she sure was.
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Vrelt
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Post by Vrelt on Mar 26, 2011 2:05:12 GMT -5
"Now you're beginning to see the big picture. If I was to kill the heads of the Royal Families outright, then it would make many of my own officers question my leadership. The people would not look kindly to me if they lose something that's been apart of Riftgard for nearly as long as Pure Ferrets have ruled this island." Drask was glad to see his wife thinking through what he said and not thinking him a coward; for it was foolish for them to try to eliminate his competition at the moment. The king was making sure he would not commit any mistakes when he seized total power of Riftgard, unlike the kings prior to him.
He spoke again, a thoughtful expression on his face. "When you are dealing with beasts that are used to espionage and assassins, you must be creative. And you must be patient. If we rushed my plans, then they would not be guaranteed to work. It will take more than a show of force for us to become the victors, Callista. Especially when we're dealing with some quite clever opponents."
Drask would have loved to personally kill several members of the Royal Families, and he was sure his ally Jorhan Stahl would like to do the same. And perhaps they would get their chance soon, if Callista added her ideas to theirs. It would bring a fresh perspective to their plans, one that could easily turn the tide in the struggle for the control of Riftgard.
Vrelt continued smiling inwardly, this was going to be easier than he thought. The ferretmaid readily agreed with what he said, without hardly even thinking about it. He allowed Jayne a slight smile, finally breaking out of his cold expression. "Thank you, Jayne. I appreciate your help."
The ferret again debated on how to continue with Jayne, whether to keep her here longer or send her on her way. On one paw, he wanted to keep trying his luck with her, but on the other paw, he wanted to get some sleep before dinner. Besides, Jayne was liable to be missed if she remained here during the rest of the day. In the end, he decided it would be best to wait until night came to do anything, until he had eaten dinner and got rid of the effects of alcohol. Then he would see the ferretmaid again.
Vrelt hoped he could keep whatever hold he had over Jayne as he spoke again, his voice still cool like is has been throughout their conversation. "Promise me one more thing, Jayne. I want you to bring me some more Fire Water tonight, sometime after dinner. Will you do that for me?" The ferret tried his luck just a little bit father, as he gently traced his claw across Jayne's cheek as he spoke, attempting to get the same affirmative response he had gotten before. Vrelt was certain that he would get her to follow through on what he said, after all, she seemed enthralled with him already.
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carabadgermum
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Post by carabadgermum on Mar 26, 2011 9:43:13 GMT -5
(( one 'l' *headdesk* i knew that. i did really))
Now if I were a naughty old stoat where would I be? Larka thought to herself with a smirk. She ghosted up and down the halls of the palace silently not finding her query until she had an idea. The way to a beast's heart is through his stomach. Not that Krauser had a heart but she was sure she now knew where to find him and changed her direction heading towards the kitchen.
The ferretmaid gasped at his touch and then bit her lip not trusting herself to speak. She nodded, trembling and then out spilled her reply as she turned to make her escape, "Yes, Sir, as soon as Her Majesty dismisses me after dinner. I'll be right here, I promise. I mean I-I'll bring you your Fire Water, j-just like you asked."
Jayne curtsied quickly and then ran out the door. She could hardly breathe and her heart was hammering so she took the back stairs and rushed out to the garden to get some fresh air. Nothing was growing this time of year but the courtyard was quiet and she hoped to clear her head a bit before she went to see if her mistress needed her again.
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Kal Skirata
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Post by Kal Skirata on Mar 28, 2011 16:45:51 GMT -5
The quiet of the courtyard was shattered by an explosive exclamation of pain. "Hellgates! Who left this rake in the middle of the path? Its just asking to hurt somebody! If I had been in a hurry I would have killed myself on it!" the speaker came into view, and unsuprisingly, it was the Admiral, holding a rake in one hand with his coat still slung over his other shoulder. The swelling on his nose made it clear he had just stepped on the tined end of the rake, causing it to hit him in the nose.
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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Apr 13, 2011 0:17:11 GMT -5
Callista still was not completely on the hook though. She feared this would end up complex, frustrating, long, tedious and finally, may end up failing miserably. Though maybe if she put up some on her more 'fancy' ideas (few they were though), I might have a good chance....
" You know? Though the common beasts indeed may not like such an event. They are still just that. Common beasts and petty pirates. Any government with half a brain and some money can manipulate the entire population if need be. When some of the lesser kingdoms to the East needed a more obedient and work-willing population. They open up places like "Soup" homes to feed the poor or build low rate homes for the homeless.... It ridiculous, but it get the nobles some support...."
( I couldn't think of anything for Krauser! T_T =( )
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Post by Vrelt on Apr 13, 2011 1:08:22 GMT -5
Drask considered what his wife said about appeasing the common beasts. He had already initiated a few programs such as these, but they were not very extensive, mainly because of the Royal Families. They were constantly attempting to ensure that Drask didn't gather too much support, and not all of the population of Riftgard benefited from the changes. Of course, now that Callista brought it up, Drask was determined to rally even more support behind him. Already, he knew that most of the beasts enlisted in the army and the various groups of guards supported him wholeheartedly, but some still held on to there belief that Vrelt should have become king.
It was hard to eradicate any of those treasonous beasts, however, for most of them rarely said that they supported Vrelt and those that did were....dealt with. Drask knew this was a battle of attrition, and if he continued gaining the support of the citizens of Riftgard, he would be able to remove the power of his rivals much more quickly. "Good point. That's something that I'll have to expand upon. Riftgard is probably a much better place for vermin to live than other islands, but most of our citizens have never experienced true hardship. I'm sure they can be easily appeased, however."
The ferret laughed softly, suddenly thankful that Callista was brighter than any other beast he could have married. He thought back to another Pure Ferret that had almost been his wife, thinking of how Callista put her to shame. "It's good that you're useful for something else besides sharing a bed, Callista. Having an intelligent beast around, one that I can trust, certainly makes my life easier." Drask wasn't one for tenderness, most of the time, but he did reserve such tenderness for Callista, even if what he said wasn't exactly romantic. Then again, their relationship was an interesting one.
Vrelt closed the door as Jayne turned and quickly left, a wicked smile finally appearing on his face. He was pleased with the progress he had made after only being here for a few hours, at this rate, he will have caused more turmoil than normal before he left on his next trip aboard his vessel. The ferret set aside the Fire Water, and climbed into his bed, thoughts of Jayne were the last thing he remember before falling asleep. Tonight should be good for the rouge, better than usual in fact.
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carabadgermum
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Post by carabadgermum on Apr 13, 2011 10:46:13 GMT -5
Jayne's first response to the shattered silence in the courtyard was to jump behind the nearest piece of statuary but when she made out that the intruder was hurt, her better nature took over. She stepped out cautiously onto the path. "Oh fates that looks like it hurt quite a lot. Can I get you something, ice or-or something to dull the pain?"
The ferretmaid knew the Admiral at once. He had been on the boat that had brought she and her mistress to Riftguard. She knew that he was very high ranking in the scheme of things here but she was sure, as he was a ferret like herself, that he too was one of those beasts the queen would rather she didn't fraternize with. However, he was hurt. There must be some exception made in the circumstance. But, oh fates, she was making a lot of exceptions to the queens rules today.
Larka opened the door to the kitchen and smiled, "Well there you are." She looked around but the cook seemed to be off in the scullery getting supplies. She didn't know where the steward had got off too but she didn't really care. She was just glad to be alone in the room with the other stoat. "Back from my spying mission." she rolled her eyes and then grinned. "Did you miss me?"
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Kal Skirata
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Post by Kal Skirata on Apr 13, 2011 15:41:14 GMT -5
Walon was taken aback, surprised that the ferretmaid had offered ice and help. Then he noticed how beautiful she looked, and stood silent for another long moment, speechless. Eventually he nodded. "Indeed, that would be greatly appreciated." he said in his cultured accent, so unlike most vermin pirates. "And I apologize for disturbing you. That was uncouth and careless of me." he continued, giving a rare apology. But...For somebody as beautiful as she is, its deserved he thought privately, his expression not changing from the slightly embarassed smile.
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Post by Hans Vermeer (Cole) on Apr 13, 2011 22:15:12 GMT -5
Sharing beds? The words almost made Callista wince, not with a spike of pain, but with complete annoyance. Like she wanted to sarcastically say 'Oh! Really!? Thank you so very much! Least I know I'm worth more than a sex trip to the bed! I'll remember that when you ever get into deep trouble and wonder whether I should get you out of it or not...'
The thought creeped into her head. 'So THIS is why some spiders kill and eat they're mates....." Despite this, she did love him. Though she disliked how unromantic and a mood killer he could be...... Than again, it could be just him playing with her as usual. It was difficult to tell at times whether Drask was being serious or not....
As always, Krauser was FAR from short on obnoxious and funny comments. "Of course I missed you! How many other females do you know that bend over on command? I mean nowadays, you have to like. Go out with most females and get to know them tell them you have feelings for them and all that rot. I mean? Since when did we all act like the woodlanders anyway? Sometimes I wonder if you and me are the only two real vermin left in this world anymore!" This and many other comments are things that make this relationship unique to all others. Comments like this didn't mean Krauser didn't love or care about her, but if you were any normal average beast who had been in normal relationships before. You would likely NEVER know that comments like this are just that, complete GAGS! Though even than, your required a strange and strong sense of humor.....
(Hope this is good, still trying to deal with the new Krauser's character. If it's too much, I can change it. xP )
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Post by Vrelt on Apr 14, 2011 0:07:59 GMT -5
It took all of his self control not to laugh at Callista after seeing the very slight change of expressions. Drask knew her well enough to catch that his words stung her a bit. The ferret knew she would get him back, she always did, but he did take enjoyment in pushing her buttons, every once in a while. Drask did allow a little of his emotions raise to the surface, a ghost of a smile, one that looked similar to Vrelt's wicked smile. He crossed his arms over his chest and spoke again, his voice formal. "No comebacks this time, milady?"
Drask was done talking strategy for the moment, he knew that it would be discussed again, more than likely after dinner, with Stahl and his wife. Although he was extremely dedicated to the assignments that came with being king, and personally instructing and training his army constantly, Drask did reserve time for one of his favorite things; verbal attacks and duels with Callista. Oddly enough, arguing was what began their relationship in the first place, and it was something that continued.
He was quite good at hiding his emotions from other beasts, just as he had been doing, including his own wife. It seemed almost second nature to him. Drask often buried his feelings, hiding them from other beasts, something he practiced since his mother's death. He always relied upon himself, instead of relying on any other beast, at least until he married Callista. Though he was still distant and sometimes cold, he had become quite open with his wife, unlike any other beasts he knew. He really loved her, but it wasn't like him to constantly demonstrate it, at least not in the way Callista would expect it.
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carabadgermum
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Post by carabadgermum on Apr 14, 2011 14:49:36 GMT -5
"Oh no, not at all." Jayne waved away his apology. "You didn't disturb me at all. I've been a bit distracted is all. If I were paying attention, I might have noticed that rake and moved it out of the way before it found it's way under your paw." She realized she was rambling and stopped herself by biting her lip. "Ice!" she remembered suddenly, shaking her head to clear it. "I said I was going to get you some ice for that knock on your muzzle. I'll just..." the ferretmaid pointed back down the path toward the kitchen. "I'll just go and get that." She spun around had headed in the way she had indicated.
"Isn't that the Gates honest truth?" Larka shook her head in mock concern and sidled over to him to take a seat on the table next to the plate of food he had acquired for himself. "So what did you find to occupy your time while I was away. I'm afraid I don't have much to report." She looked a bit disappointed, swinging her legs as the dangled over the table edge like a dibbun. "The whelp's ship was clean as a whistle."
The stoatmaid noticed a bit of fur that was sticking up by Krauser's left ear and reached out to smooth it flat with her paw. "Have you learned any tasty little tidbits we can trap him with?"
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