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Post by demikara on Oct 28, 2019 18:08:15 GMT -6
"A practical approach is certainly needed in these times. And it is true that I prefer my students to politics. Children learn quickly after all. So much faster than adults do." He could play this game as well. "But I have always preferred my magic to anything else, whether I was teaching it or not. I'm afraid the old Ra despaired at me, given how I was raised." He was raised to be a sword arm for the court and he had no problem pointing out what was common knowledge.
Grigore understood all too well what was being said. "And will you make yourself available to the court, as you have been in the past?" And that was a hell of a question that Tyrus did not know the answer to. Or rather, he knew exactly what he wanted his answer to be and knew exactly how impolitic it would be to say it. Grigore played this game like a man his age should. In comparison, Tyrus knew any victory was handed to him.
This is why he hated vampire politics.
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Post by Circe on Oct 28, 2019 18:21:17 GMT -6
"Children may learn quicker, but lack the patience for many of your desired subjects." Catherine replied cooly. It wasn't often that a child was reduced to tears due to the lessons that Tyrus taught, but it did happen. She remembered quite a few times when Brandon returned home sullen with frustration or on the verge of tears because he had lacked the ability to process the events of the lesson.
But, Tyrus would also be a fool to not serve the new court as he had served the old.
"Tyrus you idiot.. say yes!" Xiaolian grumbled under her breath. Standing not far off, she had heard the majority of the conversation already. Drawing on a facet of her null status and training, she willed herself to not be noticed or heard. If he said no, then she would find any manner of ways to make him say yes instead. To decline was shutting MCU out of any information they could possibly obtain.
Especially since Grigore had already acknowledged the previous working relationship between his daughter and Tyrus.
"Your expertise would be appreciated as I am sure you are well aware." Catherine said, adding to Grigore's offer. 'He would be a fool not to..' She thought to herself, briefly wondering how easily it would be to goad him into agreeing.
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Post by demikara on Oct 28, 2019 18:29:17 GMT -6
"Of course. The court will always be my home. I would be happy to make myself available." He was going to hate this so much. But none of that showed on his face. "Though I hope you may be permitting of my own duties. Though it is true that I can't teach the children at a level I would prefer, they do still require time and care." And they were firmly off limits or this entire thing was off.
Grigore clearly understood the terms. "Excellent. I will be certain to take care of which nights I call upon your expertise. Children are our future after all." And would be future prey as far as he was concerned. Now if only other assets of the court would come so easily. "Tell me, do you have contact with Councilor Klein. He has been avoiding me since my ascendance." That explained why the councilor wasn't here at least. He was hiding out. The real question was why, when going along with Grigore would save his skin so much more than avoiding things would.
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Post by Circe on Oct 29, 2019 12:51:33 GMT -6
"Then it is settled?" Catherine questioned scrutinizing Tyrus's face for a moment. The mage seemed to have been swayed so easily, a far cry from what she had initially expected. In fact it was just the opposite of what she had told Grigore, assuming that neither Tyrus nor Molly and Xiaolian would accept the invitation to the gala. Fortunately though, it was a result that would easily please her father's fickle moods.
"Father," She said placing a hand briefly on Grigore's sleeve, "I doubt that he hasn't even a clue or is privy to contact with the good Councilor."
Kasimir had always been difficult, prefering to only show up when absolutely necessary; and given recent events even more so. "He may avoid you or al-Amir Khuenre even, but I have never had such difficulties. Perhaps I may be of service in this?" Catherine suggested.
It appeared that there was at least a few dreges of humanity left, if only in her offering to let Tyrus off the hook of tracking down Klein.
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Post by demikara on Oct 29, 2019 13:02:40 GMT -6
He had hardly had a choice. "I'm afraid Principessa Catherine is correct. I'm not in contact with Councilor Klein. I'm afraid she is the only way I have ever had to contact the councilor." The urge to take a pot shot about Brandon was there. "I'm a mere contractor, much like her nephew is. Though perhaps without the forced component. Under the circumstances, I am surprised the council allowed you to leave, Principessa. I was under the impression you had little choice in being a Warden." He wanted to hear her reasoning for managing it.
Grigore recognized the tactic for what it was though. "The council cannot deny me my daughter, al-Amir Khuenre. Ah, and I've been meaning to ask you. Why would you come to my gala heavily armed? I believe you ought to surrender your weapons to my daughter." Tyrus went very still at that and met his gaze, clearly not happy with the idea. He went nowhere unarmed. He may get flack for his stones and his jewelry but each was a weapon in his hands and it was clear Grigore had done his homework and knew it all too well. "I can only have one of my own so heavily armed here, al-Amir."
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Post by Circe on Oct 29, 2019 13:26:18 GMT -6
Catherine's grip on her wine glass tightened sending cracks down the stem and up into the glass, as Tyrus baited and goaded her about the Council. "You make assumptions al-Amir Khuenre, and they are not appreciated." She said darkly as she pushed the images from her mind of the dark cell and even crueler treatment from the guards. He had always known just where to hit and how to make it hurt, but she could do the same if she felt so inclined. "In the future, I would advise you to not speak of such things you know so little of, mage."
Catherine had been explicitly clear that that was a subject she was not willing to speak any further to anyone about, regardless. Regaining her composure, she watched with satisfaction as Tyrus's confidence begin to crumble. The mage had always been over confident in her opinion, especially when it came to the politics of the courts.
"al-Amir Khuenre may perhaps be a bit on edge after earlier incidents. I had wrongly assumed that he would be wise enough to leave such things at home." She ventured as she turned to set her glass on a try as it went by. "But he never does..." Catherine sighed shaking her head in disappointment.
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Post by demikara on Oct 29, 2019 14:02:17 GMT -6
Well, there was definitely some aspect of her still in there, given the shape of her glass. That was good to know even if he had no doubt he'd pay for that goad at some point. Perhaps entirely too soon, given the circumstances he was in. He could either pledge himself to Grigore or he could mark himself as someone not to be trusted. He didn't want to pledge himself. Vows given in magic were dangerous things and he knew better than to offer a pledge, rescuing Catherine or not. His hesitation was clear. Remove his weapons, his defenses, or pledge himself. The choice was impossible to make.
"Well, al-Amir. Your weapons. Or are you mine?" Grigore made it perfectly clear what he was expecting.
Tyrus hadn't taken off some of his jewelry in years. Given at least one of the necklaces was meant to protect him from mental intrusion, he wasn't eager to take it off now. "I have always been of the court. I will always be of the court, my King." The lie fell from his lips. "I am yours." And he wasn't thrilled to have to say that either. Right now, he could have used back up sorely. He didn't know what backup would have done to help him though.
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Post by Circe on Oct 29, 2019 14:24:26 GMT -6
Xiaolian had made it a point to stay close, but had lost Molly somewhere in the crowd. "Fuck.." She muttered trying to locate her lost partner. The other woman had done more than a good job of blending in, she was now near impossible to find; something that Xiaolian did not appreciate.
"Do try not to make a scene al-Amir." Catherine said motioning for him to remove the bulk of his jewelry. If he refused then she would do it for him, that would be more than easy enough to accomplish. "It is only fair that you be as unarmed as the rest of us." She coaxed. It was a lie and a half, members of the court were always armed in one way or another.
This world was much more dangerous than that of the fae.
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Post by demikara on Oct 29, 2019 15:38:59 GMT -6
He was going to hate every second of this. Tyrus unlatched the arm cuffs, closed them and handed them one at a time to Catherine. "I'm sure that most of the court is armed. If only in their more natural ways." He was not liking this. Carefully, he removed the lapis lazuli drop earring from both ears and placed them in her palm. His head felt lighter without the weight. He slipped his chrysocolla ring off his right hand next, his reluctance clear. "Though I suppose it is only fair if I am the same." He hated this and his reluctance was obvious. He unclasped his sodalite pendant next and coiled it on her hand as well. That left his with his turquoise adder stone, his nuummite pendant, and the wrist cuffs that were purely defensive.
Grigore smiled and waved a servant over. "You'll receive these back tomorrow." He could spend the night without them. Let it be a very kind lesson. "For now, I believe that you have two lost lambs you need to find. After all, you may be one of my court, but they aren't." And while everyone would be a their best behavior, Sergeant Bronson and Lieutenant Boyuan would make excellent snacks, he was sure.
It was at that moment that Molly, having lost her partner, very nearly walked into Grigore. Eyes wide, she rapidly stepped away. Okay. This was bad. And Tyrus had like. maybe a quarter of the jewelry he did have on. Where was Xiaolian when she needed her?
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Post by Circe on Oct 29, 2019 15:54:35 GMT -6
Her hands were cold to the touch as Tyrus surrendered his jewelry into them, "One more al-Amir if you would be so kind." Catherine said motioning to the nummite pendant. She knew very well what it did, and that by requesting it's removal was weakening his defenses even further. "I can promise that no one here will be seeking entry into your thoughts." At least she wouldn't be, as she had little interest in what thoughts he might have.
Everything except the nummite pendant now lay on a silver tray held by a waiting servant who had a glassy eyed and far away stare. "Sargeant Bronson, how nice of you to grace us with your presence. Where is your partner?" Catherine asked turning her attention towards where Molly now stood. The woman had never been good at grace and often the victim of her own inelegance.
There was little Xiaolian could currently do, not until Tyrus and Molly had disentangled themselves from the King and his daughter.
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Post by demikara on Oct 29, 2019 16:05:14 GMT -6
Incredibly reluctantly, Tyrus removed the nuummite pendant. That was not one he wanted gone at all, especially in these settings. "Of course, La Principessa. My apologies." He placed it on the try as well. That had been his strongest defense against either of them. Not having it one was not ideal at all. Of course, there was Molly who had bumbled in. He grabbed her by the elbow and pulled her closer. "Sergeant Bronson." The censure was clear. "Your majesty, may I introduce Sergeant Molly Bronson. Sergeant Bronson, your majesty, the esteemed Ra, Grigore Constantin." He applied just enough pressure to her elbow to make his point clear.
It took a moment for Molly to realize what he wanted and with an 'oh!' she dipped into a curtsy. Tyrus pinched the bridge of his nose. Molly had gotten a crash course in vampire politics and manners, but it was pretty clear very little of it had stuck. "Your majesty, please forgive Sergeant Bronson any errors. She is still young." And an idiot.
"I'm not that-" She paused, flushed and fell silent. "Forgive me." She wasn't sorry, not really, but she could ask forgiveness at least. "I'm not sure where my partner is. We got separated." And right now she desperately wished her partner was here because this was not something she was remotely qualified for. Why had she not been paying more attention? She was too on edge here and had hyperfocused on the wrong thing entirely.
Grigore watched this show for a moment and raised an eyebrow. "Of course. Though I question how a child made it to an officer position at all. I suppose standards must be low." It would certainly explain a lot. "It is a good thing you have left that chapter of your life behind, daughter. Such an organization doesn't suit you at all." Given they had made her hide to blend in, he was of the opinion they were fools to a one. Right now though, he was content with his coup. Oh this wouldn't be the last of his reaching, but he had all the time in the world, especially with his daughter at his side and the battle mage who worked with her pinned into compliance.
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Post by Circe on Oct 29, 2019 16:22:23 GMT -6
Catherine raised an eyebrow at Molly's response, protesting her age was a common refrain from the fae, and one she was tired of hearing. "Because the child decieved the organization by means of magic; and while soundly punished for it, was still allowed to have her position." She explained plainly, afixing her strange pale gaze onto Molly. Here Catherine was largely free to speak her thoughts and opinions on a variety of positions within and outside of MCU. In many ways it was soothing to be able to do so, especially when it came to those who had given her no choice in what she did or did not do.
"More than likely you were separated from Lieutenant Boyuan because you were not paying attention. She is a few steps away from al-Amir here." Catherine smirked, mildly amused by the ever certain Molly being taken down a few notches and having not to even lift a finger. "Lieutenant... please come retrieve your partner before she finds herself in more trouble."
Xiaolian quickly extricated herself from a very one sided conversation, and appeared beside Tyrus and offered a graceful cursty to the pair. "Esteemed Ra, La Principessa della Caterina," The woman acknowledged. "Lieutenant Xiaolian Boyuan ever at your service." She said introducing herself.
Unlike Molly, Xiaolian knew how to cope with a high stress situation; even if she didn't like it.
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Post by demikara on Oct 29, 2019 16:37:48 GMT -6
Tyrus firmly put Molly next to the Lieutenant and shot her a look that made it clear that she was not to move from her spot. Molly swallowed and stayed silent, not wanting to get in more trouble than she already most definitely was. Right. This entire situation was terrible and what she really wanted was the warden back and to go back home where things made a good deal more sense than they did in the vampire courts. And she had been paying attention, but maybe to the wrong things and she really wanted to leave now.
Tyrus sighed. "La Principessa, I sincerely wish that they had considered letting her go. But you know how desperate they are for talent and while she is entirely too immature for her rank, or even to work in any aspect for MCU, she is talented." That much he was certain of. Some days, most days, it was that talent which was her only saving grace. Had they not needed the potential fire power, he would have left her behind, name on the invitation or not.
"She thinks very loudly, daughter." He noted, then turned his attention to the newcomer. "And are you, Lieutenant?" Being at his service was no small thing. If he were able to collect the set, he would be pleased. The fae may not be swayed, but it was possible she would cave to pressure from the other two regardless. Having each of the specialists at his beck and call sounded rather delightful.
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Post by Circe on Oct 29, 2019 16:45:11 GMT -6
"She always has, Father... always has." Catherine assured Grigore with no small amount of annoyance. Molly had been the bane of her existence as a warden, and now she had absolutely no patience for whatever brand of chaos the fae was bringing with her. At least Tyrus and Xiaolian were cooperative.
"Yes your grace, I believe I understand this situation better than some." Xiaolian answered plainly. She had made no promises, and had only used the proper turn of phrase required for the situation. She knew who ultimately was in control of her fate, and it was neither Grigore or MCU and it's Council.
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Post by demikara on Oct 29, 2019 16:51:34 GMT -6
"Mm. I have no doubt that you do. Come daughter. Let's leave them to their devices." He moved away and Tyrus waited until they were out of earshot to let any amount of relaxing happened. At least the conversation was over with. Molly watched them go and swallowed.
"Did...they just leave because I think too loudly?" She had no clue what was going on right now. She looked between them. "That went poorly, didn't it?" She didn't actually need an answer to that one. Tyrus groaned and grabbed each by the elbow. He was getting them out of here and to a place where they could actually talk. They were leaving here alive and that was the best he could say about his situation.
They weren't stopped as they went clear of the great hall and he led them down a passageway then through a hidden door. "Come on. My room is this way. We can talk there." He dropped both their elbows thoroughly unimpressed with how this had gone.
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