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* Mace is dressed in his work-clothing, dark greys and blacks mostly, of comfortable fabrics. He's traded his normal foppish hat for a simple black hat. He walks with caution, glancing down the street. * Mace leads Cat down a narrow side street in the docks area and stops in front of a wreck of a building. "Ah, damn." <Mace> ::the building is mostly ash and charred cinders:: * Catreenia wears a plain grey dress of light wool, about the least stylish thing she owns, although she seemed unable to resist tying a black scarf dashingly around her neck to drape over one shoulder. "What is it?" <Mace> ::taking her hand:: Step carefully, Jewel. We need to find where he's moved. <Catreenia> ::blinks:: Thank you for the reminder, m- Mace. ::looking around the burnt-out ruin:: *This* was where your friend lived? <Catreenia> ::bending to touch the ground lightly, closing her eyes:: This... was recent. But no deaths. * Mace moves quickly among the ruins, kicking over a few sodden beams. "His shop." * Mace stoops, his fingers tracing a line over a series of faint scratches, then moves the beam back in place. "I've got it." <Catreenia> ::blinks:: A burn blister? <Mace> ::giving her a sidelong glance:: No, the forwarding address... ::wiping his sooty fingers on his trous:: Come on. <Catreenia> ::mystified, repeating in a soft tone:: ...address? ::shakes her head a little, wonderingly, and follow after Mace, picking her way over the fallen beams:: <Mace> I'd have found it sooner, but Dusk must have left it. He gets his right and left mixed up sometimes... ::taking her hand, he leads her out of the ruined shell of a building:: <Catreenia> ::blinks, and says in a small voice:: Mace? Am I supposed to have understood that? <Mace> ::glancing around:: Like the sigil on your luggage. We leave messages for each other. Hidden, you understand. <Catreenia> ::her expression lightening:: Aah! ::nods:: Hidden, but in a way you can find. Like caravan markers. <Mace> ::nodding:: The location of these markers tend to only be known to the person's... ah... friends. <Catreenia> ::nods:: friends and business associates? * Mace leads her down several streets, making almost random turns before approaching a squalid little warehouse. "How charming." He glances at the small sign, then nods. "This is it, come on." He leads Cat around the back. * Catreenia takes a deep breath, absently smoothing down her dress and following close behind Mace, looking around her alertly. <Mace> ::once in the alley:: Just advice. Never, ever go in the front of Dawn's shop. <Catreenia> ::looks at him with a quizzical smile:: All right. <Mace> ::cryptically:: It's a short way for a long fall. ::raps twice, pauses, then raps again on the cellar hold:: <Dawn> ::A muffled voice calls:: Come! * Mace opens the door, stepping inside first, before allowing Cat to enter. * Catreenia follows close behind him, careful to step in his tracks. * Mace stops in the doorway just down from the stairs. "Tis Mace, Dawn." <Dawn> ::The basement room is warm and pleasant, with a rug on the floor and coal braziers in each corner to ward off the late-winter chill. On the far wall is, apparently, an empty cell with no door - just bars that overlook the room and three stone walls. On another wall is a small set of shelves containing several books and an array of sealed jars and vials.:: <Catreenia> ::blinks, glancing behind her before studying the cozy little room again and tentatively touching a hand to the wall:: * Dawn is sitting in a low, comfortable chair behind a table in the center of the room, his feet propped up on the table. "Mace! You're back!" Dawn is a fairly short man - about 5'8" - with pale skin, blonde hair and watery blue eyes. He's wearing a cloak with the hood thrown back. His right hand is heavily covered with old scars. <Mace> ::nodding absently:: Well, Geremi hasn't killed me yet... ::pulls Cat into the light:: This is Jewel. Jewel, Dawn. <Catreenia> ::smiles tentatively, and curtseys:: <Dawn> ::snorts:: You never know, with that one... ::he raises an eyebrow at Jewel and stands to offer her a less-than-elegant bow:: Charmed to meet you, my dear. <Mace> ::reaches into his vest and pulls out a small bag that jingles:: I'm here to make you a rich man, isn't it your lucky week? <Dawn> ::laughs:: That depends, Mace... The last time you offered to make me a rich man, I nearly got killed. ::he holds out his hand:: * Mace tosses him the small bag. "I see you torched your place again. Isn't that getting expensive?" He pulls up a chair for Cat. "Have a seat, Jewel?" <Dawn> ::catches the bag with a grin:: Extremely. ::he shakes his head with mock-sorrow:: If I could just train Dusk not to kick over the braziers when he's sleep-walking... <Catreenia> Thank you m-- Mace. ::perching on the seat, studying their host:: <Mace> ::putting his hand on Cat's shoulder:: I need you to make me something. For Jewel, here. <Dawn> ::glances briefly at Jewel, then looks back at Mace, hefting the bag in his hand:: "Go on." <Mace> Jewel has... someone who's a little too concerned about her whereabouts. He's... peeked in a crystal at us a few times, and I find that dreadfully impolite, wouldn't you say? <Dawn> ::raises his eyebrows:: Scrying protection? <Mace> ::nodding curtly:: I told you I was going to make you a rich man. <Catreenia> ::glancing at Mace with a somewhat frustrated look, as if to say there's an old argument surrounding this:: <Dawn> You are indeed... ::he eyes Jewel with an appraising eye:: Even for you, that's a little extravagant, Ma- ::he breaks off as his eye stops on the band around her ring finger:: Well, now, *that's* interesting... ::he looks back up at Mace questioningly:: <Mace> ::half-smiles:: You see where I am concerned? <Dawn> Yes, I believe so... ::he eyes Jewel again, hefting the bag in his hand absently:: <Mace> ::tugging lightly on Cat's braid:: I must be getting soft in my old age. ::pulls up a chair, flipping it around and sitting in it backwards:: <Catreenia> ::chuckles richly:: *Hardly* soft. And certainly not old. <Dawn> ::grins:: Oh, indeed. ::He tosses the bag over his shoulder toward the bookshelf. Before it reaches either the shelf or the floor, it disappears soundlessly:: <Mace> ::snorts:: Afternoon, Dusk. Should have known you were lurking. <Dusk> ::A sourceless voice:: Of course you knew. Did you spot me this time? <Mace> ::leaning his arms against the back of his chair:: Of course not. <Catreenia> ::looks around a little wildly, searching for the source of the voice:: <Dusk> ::the voice is pleased:: Good. This had better be platinum, Mace, for what you're asking. <Mace> ::in an injured tone:: Would I cheat you? <Dawn> ::nods:: And a down payment only, at that. <Dawn> ::raises a hand:: No, I wouldn't think so, Mace - but so few understand how much effort really has to go into items. * Catreenia stares absently at the far wall for a moment, listening, before shaking her head in confusion. <Dawn> Starting with the item *itself*... What do you want? Jewelry? You want to provide it, or should I buy something myself? <Mace> ::touching his blade with one hand:: Believe me, I am well aware. Dormouse had me stand guard the entire time he worked this for me. <Dusk> I heard that rumor... How long did it take him? <Mace> ::in a slightly haunted voice:: About a week. Believe me, I never want to go through that again. <Catreenia> ::looks up again:: If it's jewelry you need... ::glancing at Mace:: I would be... wearing this? <Dawn> ::chuckles:: Lucky you - I have a partner, so I don't need a guard. Just lots of money. <Mace> ::jerking his chin at the area where he *thinks* Dusk is lurking:: There's dwarf-silver in there. And a chain and pendant, for the anchor. <Dawn> ::There's a soft clinking noise, and a chain and pendant appear rather suddenly along with a bright coin on the table. Apparently unsurprised, Dawn picks the items up.:: * Dawn glances at the mithril coin, then drops it back on the table. His examination of the chain and pendant is rather more exacting. <Mace> ::casually:: So what happened to the old place? <Dawn> ::looks up, his face hard:: Couple of damned mindbenders tracked us down. <Mace> ::raises his eyebrows:: <Catreenia> ::glances up at Mace, looking faintly alarmed, but keeps her mouth shut:: <Dawn> ::shrugs and goes back to examining the jewelry:: <Dusk> I *still* want to know how they found us so fast - another five minutes, and we'd have been gone. <Mace> They've got their talents... ::glancing at Cat:: Some of them are quite... useful. <Dawn> ::mutters something incomprehensible under his breath:: <Mace> ::steeples his fingers:: That was eloquent, Dawn. <Dusk> ::The air next to Dawn ripples, and Dusk appears. He's several inches taller than Dawn, with dark skin, dark brown hair, and sparkling black eyes. He pets Dawn's hair soothingly, then grins at Mace and Jewel:: <Dawn> ::grins at Mace:: Thank you. ::he looks at Dusk:: Decided to join the party? <Catreenia> ::bites her lip, looking down at the table, head jerking up in surprise as Dusk appears out of thin air:: You're... not a spirit. <Dusk> ::grins at Dawn and shrugs, then takes the chain and pendant from him and starts examining it:: <Dusk> ::looks back up at Jewel with a very amused expression and shakes his head:: <Mace> ::ruefully:: Very much alive... <Dawn> ::laughs:: Did you expect him to be? <Catreenia> Well... ::sounding puzzled:: No. ::peering at Dusk:: A... mage? An illusion? * Dusk bows to Jewel, considerably more elegantly than Dawn had managed earlier. <Catreenia> ::smiles delightedly at his bow:: * Dusk hands the chain and pendant back to Dawn with a nod. <Dawn> ::to Mace:: Okay. We'll do it. Take us... ::he ponders:: About a week. Maybe a tenday, if we have trouble getting some of the ingredients... Scope? You want us to block just this one guy, or make her invisible to scrying? And how powerful is this guy? <Mace> ::raises a hand to Cat:: She'll know better than I. Can you build it to warn, in case someone breaks through? * Dusk nudges Dawn and flickers his fingers at him. * Catreenia watches the motions of Dusk's hands curiously. <Dawn> ::nods to Dusk then turns back to Mace:: Depends on the spell they use, but I can cover most of the common scrying spells, I think. Dusk wants me to remind you that if we build it to block all scrying, then you won't be able to scry her yourself in case she goes missing. <Dawn> ::turns his gaze on Jewel:: How powerful is this guy who's keeping his eye on you, Jewel? <Mace> ::shudders:: Don't talk about that. We spent the last few weeks at Geremi's hacienda. <Dawn> ::looks a little sympathetic:: Well, it's a legitimate concern, Mace... I can't put a backdoor in it without making it vulnerable. ::he eyes Jewel:: Try to remember that - if something happens, pull off the amulet and leave it behind so we can find you, all right, dear? <Mace> ::almost angrily:: I know it's a concern. There're no easy solutions, are there? I either put up with being spied on, or I risk her? <Catreenia> He's... ::shrugs one shoulder a little helplessly:: He's adept. I don't believe he ranks among the most powerful mages in the city, but... he enchants items for a living, so he's quite proficient, at least. <Catreenia> ::turns in her chair a little to look Mace in the eyes sympathetically:: <Dawn> ::holds up his hands placatingly, but the look he gives Mace is full of wonder:: You really did it, didn't you? <Mace> ::snorts, looking sort of abashed:: Didn't plan it that way, Dawn. <Dawn> ::chuckles:: No, I didn't imagine you did... Have you been by to see Il Roche yet? <Mace> Next stop, I promise. <Dawn> ::nods:: He's got the word out for you. Wouldn't want to have to say I saw you and didn't pass it on. <Catreenia> ::smiling a little and raising her eyebrow:: Is that a good thing, or a bad thing? <Mace> Just looking, or does he want something? <Dawn> ::shrugs:: Word came down he wants you in his office. You tell me what that means. * Dusk nudges Dawn again and flickers his fingers at him again, nodding toward Jewel. <Mace> ::groans:: Glory. ::turns to Cat:: Il Roche... he's the boss. <Catreenia> Ahh. ::biting her lip a little:: Work, then? <Dawn> ::nods to Dusk, then fishes in a drawer and hands Dusk an ornate silver knife:: You do it; you're better with scrying than I am. ::he looks over at Jewel and Mace:: We need a little of Jewel's hair, for the spell. <Catreenia> ::raising an amused eyebrow as she curls her braid around her hand:: How much? <Dawn> ::grins at her:: That, or maybe he's already heard about you, dear, and would like to have a few words with Mace about it... ::under his breath:: 'Cause if you're Shadowguild, I'm a frog. <Mace> Probably. Or he's gonna bite my head off for... ::nodding to Dawn:: Exactly. * Dusk hold up his fingers for Jewel, indicating a few inches. <Catreenia> ::pressing her lips together:: Mutual protection pact. You protect me, Mace, and I protect *you*. <Mace> ::patting her hand:: No worries, Jewel. <Catreenia> ::glances at Dawn and nods, stripping the plain tie off the end of her braid and unbraiding several turns' worth:: <Dawn> ::laughs:: Protect him from *Il Roche*? ::he snorts:: <Catreenia> ::turning to look at Dawn, the suddenly chill gleam in her eye frighteningly reminiscent of Mace on a job:: Yes. <Mace> ::raises an eyebrow:: Down, dear. * Dusk runs his fingers gently through the unwound length of Jewel's hair, looking at it carefully. He looks over at Dawn with a grin and flickers something with his fingers, then goes back to combing through the hair.:: <Catreenia> ::subsides, watching Dusk run his fingers through her hair:: Yes, mi-- Mace. <Dawn> ::snorts at whatever Dusk told him, then raises his eyebrows, his gaze going from Jewel to Mace and back speculatively.:: <Mace> ::leaning back a little:: Oh, let's not keep secrets. What's on your mind, Dawn? <Dawn> ::drops into his chair and braces one foot up against the table:: I'm thinking you'd best teach her a little better before you take her with you to see Il Roche. <Mace> ::nodding curtly:: I'm planning on it. Though, with *her* teacher, I don't know why I should need to. In any case, I will. * Dusk fishes out a length of hair that pleases him for some reason, then applies the silver knife, coming away with a thin lock of hair. He smiles and nods at Jewel, then hands the knife and hairboth back to Dawn. <Dawn> ::blinks at Mace as he puts the knife away:: Who's her teacher? <Catreenia> ::raises an eyebrow at Mace, answering with an amused smile:: It's not *that* kind of school, Mace. <Mace> ::makes a gesture, not as graceful as Dusk's fluid movements:: Waterdeep. <Catreenia> ::smiles back at Dusk, sliding her fingers into her hair and easily taking up the braid lengths again, rebraiding them and deftly tying off the end, flipping it back over her shoulder:: <Dawn> ::eyes get wide:: You're joking. ::he looks at Jewel again, then back to Mace:: She's not guild. I'd stake your fee for this trinket. ::he waves at the pendant:: What's the conn- ::his eyes narrow and he looks at Jewel again:: <Catreenia> ::looks from Dawn to Mace, eyes wide:: <Mace> ::laying a restraining hand on Dawn's forearm:: I told you, they had their talents. <Catreenia> ::looks at Mace, narrowing her eyes slightly:: <Dawn> ::looks down at Mace's hand, then back up at Mace, his face cold:: <Mace> ::very quietly:: I wouldn't bring her here, you know that, to endanger you. * Cat looks back at Dawn, taking her lower lip between her teeth, the skin white where she bites it. * Dusk puts his hand on Dawn's shoulder, his face calm, watching Jewel. <Dawn> ::hesitates a long moment, then nods once:: Anyone else, Mace... ::he sighs and lifts his hand to rub at his eyes:: Another damned mindbender... <Mace> ::clasping Dawn's hand:: I told you, I didn't plan it. It was supposed to be business. But you know that I'm in your debt, the both of you. ::in explanation, partially to Cat:: I'd have died without that antidote, two years past. <Catreenia> ::frowning a little at the slang term:: Master Dawn... I'm not certain what you've heard, or who caused... that... ::waving vaguely-- and quite accurately-- in the direction of the burnt-out warehouse:: but only the direst emergencies could entice me to enter another's mind without their permission. <Dawn> ::looks at Jewel directly:: I imagine the fellow who raped my mind thought he was in the midst of an emergency, too. Didn't make it any less painful. <Catreenia> ::nods understanding at Mace's comment and, with a glance at him, slips from her chair to her knees, bowing her head:: You have my gratitude and my debt as well, then, sirs. ::looking up at Dawn, shocked, her eyes wide, her face somewhat green:: He *what*?? <Mace> ::curiously:: Business, or personal, Dawn? <Dawn> ::snorts:: Get up from there. He's exaggerating. <Catreenia> ::looks over her shoulder at Mace, still on her knees, smiling a little:: No. Exaggeration is *my* department. <Dawn> ::takes a deep breath:: They came in, fell through my floor ::he gestures toward the door-less cell in the back of the room:: and then pretended to bargain in good faith until... whatever it is you mindbenders have to do. Then he reached his greasy fingers into my mind and ripped out the information he wanted. <Mace> ::winces:: Ow. * Cat sags backward a little, sitting back on her heels, looking horrified. "He... oh gods..." <Dawn> ::glaring at a spot to the left of Jewel:: It took me half an hour to remember my name. I'm lucky Dusk was there. * Dusk tightens his hand on Dawn's shoulder and shakes his head. * Dusk lifts his hands and signs, slowly, to Mace. <Catreenia> ::one hand going to her mouth to cover a strangled groan:: I... *gods*... ::swallowing and looking up at him, eyes haunted:: I know this... will probably mean nothing to you... but by the gods, I'm sorry... that... even if I *could*, I couldn't imagine doing something like that to another thinking being... that's... that... ::turning away, angrily wiping her eyes:: <Mace> ::nodding slowly:: I'm sorry. Believe me, I can understand how... disturbing it can be. Jewel... can talk to the dead. I almost lost her to them. <Dawn> ::laughs once, harshly:: Well. My sympathies, dear. For everything that's ever happened to me, I can't say I've ever been raped by the *dead*, body or mind either one. I might have to concede you that point. <Mace> ::shaking his head:: I have no qualms to admit, I was shaking like a child. <Catreenia> ::shakes her head, murmuring:: Had he realized, he wouldn't have hurt me... he didn't mean... ::bowing her head, putting her hand over her eyes:: <Dawn> ::nods:: I can't say I blame you, Mace. <Mace> ::taking a deep breath:: But Jewel has done nothing to you, and I ask you to remember it. <Dawn> ::meets Mace's eyes steadily:: Aye. I don't have the luxury of unreasoning prejudice. It was just... a surprise. <Mace> I apologize, Dawn. I should have said, sooner. <Catreenia> ::softly:: It's not something I advertise... most people respond as you did, with far less reason. But... I swear to you, I will *never* intrude on your thoughts without your express permission. For what my word might be worth, you have it. <Dawn> ::nods and leans back in his chair:: You couldn't have known about that ::he waves in the general direction of the old location:: anyway... <Dawn> ::looks at Jewel:: Whatever my opinion of mindbenders in general, I can't believe Mace would tie himself to a dishonorable wife. I accept your word. <Mace> My assurances on it, Dawn, she's just as human as the next woman. * Catreenia winces a little at the word "dishonorable," and looks at the ground, chewing on her lower lip again. * Dusk eyes Jewel briefly, then flickers his fingers at Dawn, who laughs briefly. <Catreenia> ::glances up, puzzled, at his laugh:: <Dawn> ::to Jewel:: *Will* you please get up off the floor? That can't be comfortable, and I'm getting a crick in my neck looking at you. <Mace> ::laughs shortly, then puts his hand on Cat's shoulder, possessively:: Go buy your own woman, if you want one, Dusk. You've enough money to do so. <Catreenia> ::looking faintly outraged as she gets to her feet and sits back down on the chair:: *Buy*?? * Dusk weighs Mace's bag appraisingly, then eyes Jewel again and signs carefully to Mace, a faint grin on his face. <Dawn> ::snorts:: Of course we can't afford a woman; are you out of your mind? * Catreenia watches Dusk's fingers carefully, eyes narrowed. <Dawn> ::noting the direction of Jewel's gaze, calmly:: Dusk's a mute. <Catreenia> ::snorts, muttering:: No, for you'd *constantly* be buying her flowers and chocolates and baubles to apologize for comments like *that*... <Dawn> ::grins:: There, you see! <Mace> ::lightly, to Cat:: Worry not, Jewel. It's an old joke. And, in general, the women we tend to associate with are for sale, at least for a few hours. <Catreenia> ::blinks:: Oh. ::blushes:: Oh. ::making a face:: Never confuse the favors with the woman, Mace. Many a man has lost *both* his heads that way. * Dawn and Dusk both laugh at this, Dusk's laugh a somewhat eerie gasping noise. <Mace> ::snickers:: You'd know, wouldn't you, pet? * Catreenia wrinkes her nose at Mace and sticks out her tongue. <Dawn> ::chuckles:: <Catreenia> ::to Dawn:: If it would help, Master Dawn... there's no real tried-and-true way, but there are some ways a non-psionic can... resist invasion. <Dawn> ::raises his eyebrows:: Are there? Do tell. * Dusk leans forward with interest. <Catreenia> ::hesitantly:: No guarantees, mind you... and... ::frowning:: most psionics I know simply would *not* do that-- ::shaking her head:: The way we've been taught... ::shakes her head:: At any rate... <Il Roche> ::the door slams open and a thin, lean man strides in. His face is scarred across one cheek and his nose looks as if it's been broken several times:: * Dawn looks up, his face changing from angry to startled in an instant, and he jumps to his feet. <Catreenia> ::takes a breath:: The easiest way is simply not to be seen. ::nodding to Dusk:: As your friend here, did. If you're not-- ::stopping, startled, as the door pounds against the wall:: * Mace whirls, his hand dropping to his blade as he punts his chair across the room. He stops a moment, then relaxes slightly. * Catreenia freezes, staying behind Mace. * Dusk puts his hands down from the midst of casting a spell, only slightly relaxing. * Catreenia watches the intruder carefully, darting glances around and frowning slightly as she puzzles out her companions' reactions. <Il Roche> ::looking around with disgust:: Well, isn't this bloody cozy? Having tea and crumpets, are we? <Dawn> ::looks over at Mace, as the ranking guildmember:: * Mace bows hesitantly. "Good day..." <Il Roche> ::sneering:: You. Come with me. You ::pointing to Cat:: Stay with tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum. * Catreenia sits mouse-still. <Mace> ::sighs:: Yes, boss. ::turns, giving a sketchy bow to Cat:: I'll be back soon. * Il Roche whirls on one booted foot and stomps back up the stairs, Mace close behind him. <Dawn> ::lets out his breath as Il Roche leaves:: Shit. ::he exchanges glances with Dusk:: * Catreenia watches Mace's retreat, still not moving a muscle although her blue eyes are dark with roiling emotions. * Dusk crosses to Jewel and puts a hand on her shoulder, offering a sympathetic, but reassuring, smile. * Catreenia takes a deep breath as the footsteps retreat, lifting her hand to pull a small pearl pendant from under her gown and curling her fingers around it as she closes her eyes with a sigh.:: * Dusk turns to Dawn and flickers his fingers at him. <Dawn> ::translating for Jewel:: It'll be fine; he's just going to get chewed out for something. If Il Roche was mad enough to do him damage, we'd never have actually *seen* him. <Catreenia> ::her voice tight, and a little distant, eyes still closed:: I would have. <Dawn> ::raises his eyebrows:: How do you figure that, dear? <Catreenia> ::a little breathless, the knuckles whitening a little around her pendant:: Not... now. <Dawn> ::exchanges glances with Dusk again:: You're playing with fire, you know that, don't you? <Catreenia> ::lips parting slightly in a smile:: Moth... or... phoenix? <Dawn> ::tightens his lips:: Jewel, I like you, but I'm serious. Don't. Fuck. With. Il Roche. <Catreenia> ::frowning slightly:: Not. But... not leaving my lord. <Dawn> ::hesitates, then shrugs and turns to Dusk. The two begin a conversation via finger-speech that's so fast their fingers are almost blurs:: <Il Roche> ::from outside, there's a startled exclamation and several voices, talking in dark murmurs:: <Catreenia> ::her eyes fly open, staring sightlessly at the far wall, and she gasps, but stays still:: * Dawn and Dusk glance toward the door, then at Jewel, and then they return to their conversation. * Dawn stands and walks over to the shelf. He glances briefly at Jewel, and then blocks her view of the shelf with his body as he rummages among the bottles and vials there. He returns with a small green vial, which he sets on the table. * Catreenia doesn't even look at Dawn, her eyes settling closed again slowly. * Dawn waits silently, watching the door. Dusk paces slowly, on near-silent feet. * Il Roche walks back in, Mace in a familiar position, just to the left and slightly behind. * Catreenia moves her lips soundlessly for a moment. * Catreenia opens her eyes. <Dawn> ::looks up as Mace and Il Roche re-enter, standing again.:: * Dusk moves to stand just behind Dawn. * Catreenia keeps to her seat, staying exactly where she was left, not even looking at Il Roche or Mace. * Il Roche nods to Dawn and Dusk, his amber eyes restless. "Settle down, gentlemen." * Dawn drops into his chair, and folds his hands across his stomach. Dusk remains on his feet behind Dawn, though his eyes are a little less wary. * Mace glances around, his own eyes troubled. <Il Roche> ::putting a ring with a dark green stone down on the table:: Batten down your hatches, Dawn. War's coming. * Dawn picks up the ring and looks at it, then looks back up at Il Roche, his face serious. "How bad?" <Il Roche> ::tilts his head to one side:: Depends how fast he can run. Mind the shop, look to Mace, we'll get out of it again. * Mace holds his hand out wordlessly. <Dawn> ::nods, then picks up the green vial and offers it to Il Roche:: Contract fulfilled. Good timing, I guess. <Dawn> ::puts the ring in Mace's hand:: * Mace sighs, then slips the ring onto his finger. He puts his hand on Il Roche's shoulder. "Watch out for yourself. I ain't of a mind to keep this permanent-like." * Il Roche slips the vial into his pocket, flashing a quick, predatory smile. * Dusk nods and says something to Il Roche, not bothering to slow his hands. <Catreenia> ::her eyes glance up, quickly, at Mace's comment, before moving back to study her hands again:: <Il Roche> Of course you're not. Not stupid enough to give it to one who was. ::pounds Mace on the shoulder companionably:: I'll be back. ::waves briefly and heads up the stairs:: <Il Roche> ::pauses to watch Dusk, then nodding once, he closes the door behind him:: <Dawn> ::exchanges glances with Dusk, then lets out his breath again and looks at Mace questioningly:: * Mace collapses into a nearby chair, shuddering. <Dawn> That bad? * Catreenia says nothing, her hand tucking her pearl back inside her dress with the sparest of movements before settling them back into her lap. * Dusk goes back over to the shelf and retrieves a glass bottle, which he sets wordlessly in front of Mace. <Mace> ::putting his head into his hands for a moment:: Assassin missed him by inches. ::opens the bottle and drinks:: Thank you. Anyway, you know Il Roche. It's personal, he won't let me attend it. <Dawn> ::shivers:: One of these days... <Mace> ::laughs shortly:: Yeah. <Catreenia> ::looking up, her voice quiet:: You were supposed to be with him? <Mace> ::shaking his head shortly:: No, Jewel... I told you, I was allowed vacation, although I imagine the assassin's employer knew that. We've probably got a mole or three. ::looking at Dawn:: I'll need you. <Dawn> ::nods:: I belong to Il Roche, Mace; he tells me you're the boss - you're the boss. * Catreenia nodding, dropping her gaze to the ring on Mace's hand, idly studying the stone, the setting. * Dusk nods to the pendant on the table, flickering his fingers at Dawn. <Mace> ::shaking his head, taking another pull off the bottle:: Gods forbid. ::stands up:: I have a lot of work to do, Jewel... I'll see you safely home. <Dawn> ::nods to Dusk, then looks at Mace and nods to the pendant:: Priority One? <Mace> ::nodding:: Yeah. I hate to ask it, but... <Catreenia> ::looking at Mace, and shaking her head:: See me home, and I'll stay there. I promise. It sounds like they have more important things to work on just now. <Dawn> ::nods and exchanges glances with Dusk:: Three days. I'll have to expense the extra bribes, though. <Mace> You'll have it. Come by my flat tomorrow. <Dawn> ::nods:: <Mace> ::giving Dawn a flat glance:: And I needn't mention it, but keep your heads down. <Dawn> ::smirks:: You know us *that* well, I should hope... <Dawn> ::nods politely to Jewel:: It was nice to meet you, dear. Be careful. <Mace> ::turning to Cat:: Come on. ::his hand, when he touches hers, is ice cold:: * Dusk offers Jewel another bow, though his face is serious this time. <Catreenia> ::nods in return to Dawn and Dusk, each, looking steadily at Dawn:: When I see you again, I'll tell you about those safeguards. <Dawn> ::nods:: <Mace> ::pointing to the two of them:: Trust these two. No one else, for now. <Dawn> ::glances at Mace, startled:: Thank you. * Catreenia takes Mace's hand, and covers it with her other one, nodding. "Geremi?" <Mace> ::stops dead in his tracks:: Shit. ::back to Dawn:: Send him word. Yesterday. <Dawn> ::swallows and bends to rummage in his drawer, pulling out a thin black book with arcane writing on the cover:: <Dawn> Who else? <Catreenia> ::her eyes widen a little at the sight of the book, but she says nothing:: <Mace> Saberarrow. Get her to me as soon as you can. <Dawn> Aye. ::turning pages rapidly:: <Mace> And get your children off the street. This could get really ugly, really fast. <Dawn> ::glances up:: I'll pass the word. <Mace> ::bowing to them:: Come on, Jewel. I'll feel better when you're home. <Dawn> Go. We'll be in touch. |
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