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* Bastian hesitates a moment before unstrapping his weapons, placing them in the small secret compartment under the coach seat. "Damn him anyway." He returns one blade to his boot. * Catreenia smiles faintly. "You know... I'm technically breaking school code. But you aren't, as long as you don't wear them...." * Bastian pauses a moment. "I daresay he'll allow me one blade, given the circumstances." <Catreenia> ::nods, smiling a little wider:: Aye, but that's not what I meant. <Bastian> ::raises an eyebrow:: Explain? * Catreenia bends to retrieve her cloak from the coach, closing her eyes for a moment in concentration as she's turned away from the windows. **The trunk at the foot of my bed, my lord. You never retrieved them.** * Bastian blinks a few times, then nods, sliding the boot knife back into the secret compartment. * Catreenia smiles and takes his arm as they head in the main entrance. * Bastian moves quickly, and without sound, his boots barely seeming to touch the floor. * Catreenia visibly relaxes as they pass through the doors, and she smiles fondly at the man on her arm. "Well... between the two-- three? men I'm marrying, and the profession of one, I don't see how I could *ever* become bored..." <Bastian> ::in a grim voice:: Bored was never a concern, my lady. <Catreenia> ::sighing a little:: It was before I met *you,* milord. * Bastian stops outside Cat's door, holding one hand up, then he leans his head against the door, listening intently. <Bastian> ::stepping back, he nods:: All right, go in. <Catreenia> ::frowns a little, staring at the door:: No danger, m'lord. ::glancing up and down the hall before unlimbering her keys from their hiding place high on her thigh and unlocking the door, letting it swing wide before stepping through:: <Bastian> You'll forgive me, I'm sure, for being slightly paranoid. ::he glances around the room swiftly:: <Catreenia> ::nods:: Of course I do. But I trust my senses, as well. When something's wrong, I get a sort of... ::frowns as she tries to think about how to describe it:: You know how the air is, just before lightning strikes? Something between hearing, feeling, and scent? That's what it's like... a kind of prickle along my spine. * Bastian sits down on her bed, his legs trembling. "Damn, this is so what I didn't need right now." He gives her a quick, worried glance. "Il Roche thinks... he thinks you might be setting me up." <Catreenia> ::blinks:: "Setting you up?" For what? <Bastian> ::shaking his head:: You had your chance to kill me, if that was your motive. <Catreenia> ::her face paling:: He thinks I'm... I'm some sort of assassin? <Catreenia> ::stares at him, stunned, for several long moments, before starting to laugh:: <Bastian> ::raises an eyebrow at her:: <Catreenia> ::still laughing:: I'm sorry... I just... heehee... oh, dear... ::bending over, leaning on her knees as she tries to catch her breath, her belly still quivering with giggles:: <Bastian> ::using his knuckles, he kneads some of the tension out of his thighs:: I'm glad one of us is amused. I had to talk very fast to keep your head on your shoulders, my lady. <Catreenia> ::taking a ragged breath, grinning:: You've seen my grades. You've seen everyone I've dated, my credit runovers, everything... and *most* of what I know of using a knife, now, I learned from you... and he *still* thinks I could be clever enough to be an assassin? Much less *your* assassin? <Bastian> ::nodding:: I didn't say I believed it, my lady. But you must admit, your timing is... suspicious. <Catreenia> ::her smile fleeing her face as she nods somberly:: I thought... when I felt... pain, I was very much afraid that you wouldn't be coming back, and if you did, it would be because he'd ordered you to... to... ::closes her eyes for a moment, biting her lip. Her short laugh has nothing to do with humor:: It would be ironic... <Bastian> ::his other eyebrow going up:: Ordered me to what? <Catreenia> ::licking her lips:: Kill me. <Bastian> ::his eyes cloud over:: You don't believe I would, I hope. <Catreenia> ::closing her eyes again:: I believe it would kill your heart to do so... but if it had to be, I would far rather it be you. <Bastian> ::standing, he moves over to her, pulling her into a fervent embrace:: * Catreenia turns her head, leaning it against his chest and listening to his heartbeat. <Bastian> ::in a low voice:: Nothing *has* to be. I'll not let anything happen to you. <Catreenia> ::slightly muffled, into his chest:: I love you, Bastian. I would never do anything meant to bring harm to you. <Bastian> ::patting her hair:: Don't worry. This shouldn't last too long. Il Roche... he always gets his targets. <Catreenia> ::smiling a little as she lifts her head, twining her fingers into his and pulling his hand closer to study his ring:: Which is why he usually wears this, not you? <Catreenia> Does this mean what I think it does? <Bastian> ::shrugging:: It's a symbol of authority. When I wear it, I speak for the guild. Il Roche... he's taking this personally - he always does - and can't speak for the guild right now. <Catreenia> ::nods, looking at him somberly:: So, if this isn't personal-- if it's... I'm guessing... some sort of guild war or vendetta? Then you're next, correct? <Bastian> ::nodding slowly:: It does put me at risk, yes. <Catreenia> ::nods:: Then... what do I need to do? I've promised-- and I'll abide by it-- to stay here, at school. ::smiling slightly:: I won't even go shopping. But what else do you need from me, so that you'll be safe, and not worrying about me? <Bastian> ::sitting back down on her bed again, he sighs:: I'd hoped... well, I'd hoped we wouldn't have to worry so much. <Catreenia> ::smiling a little, walking over to the bed and taking his hands, rubbing warmth back into them:: Alas, for our hopes. What, then? <Bastian> ::looks at her through his eyelashes:: You'll have to be taught. I don't know how else to keep you safe. <Bastian> Especially right now. I *can't* stay with you all the time. <Catreenia> ::nods:: I understand that. I wish I could be with you, but... I understand why I can't. <Catreenia> ::frowning a little:: Is there time? I mean... ::looking doubtful:: Could Dawn or Dusk, perhaps, since you'll be busy...? <Bastian> ::nodding:: They'll help you, too. But we should start with the basics. And ::he twines his fingers through hers:: I don't want to leave you right now. <Catreenia> ::smiles, kissing his hand:: Somehow, I don't think *that* is the most efficient way to teach me, milord. * Bastian rolls his eyes. <Bastian> ::makes a quick gesture with his left hand, tucking his thumb between his index and middle finger, then dropping his fist to his thigh:: Recognition sign. <Catreenia> ::watches him carefully, smiling a little:: In the other direction, that's a rude gesture, at home. ::makes the proper fist and copies him:: <Bastian> ::nodding:: I know. It's also called the High Sign, letting the local thieves know to keep their hands off your take. <Bastian> As far as I know, High Sign is common to all guilds. The rest of them tend to be less so... more a local dialect, so to speak. <Catreenia> ::shakes her head:: I can see I'll need a cant glossary, too... ::grinning a little, murmuring:: I wonder if Madame duNache would have one? <Catreenia> ::standing up a little straighter at a sudden thought:: The hand signs that Dusk was using-- are those the same as this? <Bastian> ::shaking his head:: Some are. Most aren't. They adapted the language, for their own personal use. <Cat> Oh. Ah, well, I'll have to see if I can talk them into teaching me, then. <Bastian> ::snorts:: Good luck. Took me five years of watching them to figure out as much of it as I have. <Cat> ::grins:: Well... perhaps a pretty face is more persuasive. ::kissing him lightly:: Not that yours isn't handsome... <Cat> And besides... Dusk didn't seem as... ::biting her lip:: ...ill-disposed... towards me. Maybe, if I ask, he would let me... <Bastian> Ask politely, if you have to ask. ::gives her a serious look:: And... I'd advise against asking who it was that he had his... little argument with. It might be best not to know. <Cat> ::nods:: I always ask politely. Argument? ::cocking her head:: <Bastian> Dawn's... argument. With one of your classmates, perhaps. <Cat> Ah. ::her face stormy:: I want to know... but... I don't want to know. ::shakes her head:: And I wouldn't dare ask. That could cut both ways. <Bastian> ::touching her cheek:: The best rule to follow is not to ask. I know it's hard not to be curious, but... you don't know enough to ask wisely. <Cat> ::one corner of her mouth curling into a smile:: I know it will come as a shock to you, but I *can* be curious and *not* ask. Although someday perhaps I'll have learned enough to be useful. <Bastian> ::shaking his head:: I'm not being condescending to you, my lady. <Cat> No, I know you're not. You wouldn't. ::grinning:: Well, except when you tap me on the nose and say "subtle." ::wry smile:: But no, I'm doing it to myself. ::taking a seat next to him on the bed:: I don't want to be a... detriment to you. * Bastian kisses her briefly on the cheek. "You only need reminding, my lady, that you are not as irresistible as you think you are. Even if you *are*." <Catreenia> ::wrinkles her nose, and sighs a little:: So who gets to remind *you*? <Bastian> ::loftily:: Ah, but I am as irresistable as I think I am. <Catreenia> ::sighs heavily, looking up at him somewhat mournfully:: Yes, you are. * Bastian chuckles, pulling on her braid lightly. * Catreenia grins ruefully, scuffling her shoes on the floor. "Well you *are*..." <Bastian> You're biased, my lady. There are several people who think I'm quite resistible. You'll be meeting one of them as soon as Dawn can pry her out of whatever rathole she's lost herself down this week. <Catreenia> ::chuckles:: I'm not biased, I'm smitten. ::smiles:: Who is this paragon, who resists your not inconsiderable charms, milord? <Bastian> Bienca Saberarrow. She's a thief. Or, more accurately, she's the thief. You want it, she can get it. ::he looks at her, then leans in, whispering:: Anyone that I send to you, without my presence, will greet you by saying what lovely brown eyes you have. * Catreenia smiles a little and starts to nod, pausing to, instead, slip her thumb between her first two fingers, make a fist, and touch her thigh with it. * Catreenia raises a questioning eyebrow at Bastian. "Did I do that right?" <Bastian> ::nodding:: Yes, my lady. <Catreenia> ::smiles:: Alright-- what else? ::eyes sparkling a little with the challenge:: <Catreenia> What are these "rules" you keep referring to? <Bastian> ::casually:: Mostly about operations. For instance, it's rude to assassinate someone in their own home. <Catreenia> ::raises both eyebrows:: "Rude"? I wouldn't imagine the host would be in any shape to object to his visitor's manners. <Bastian> ::shaking his head, his eyes dancing:: Rude... it doesn't mean it's not done, but... well, your coworkers will eventually object to your rudeness. <Catreenia> ::clears her throat with a small cough:: Forcefully? <Bastian> Quite forcefully. <Catreenia> ::hesitantly:: Were you... objecting to the rudeness of... Geremi's visitors? ::swallowing hard:: <Bastian> ::swallowing:: Among other things. The ransom was paid. <Catreenia> ::her face stiff, hands resting together in her lap:: Was that part of the Game? <Bastian> ::nodding:: Geremi was... lieutenant, before me. I believe they intended to try and... remove him from his position. They succeeded in that, but they didn't profit from it. <Bastian> ::shrugging, his eyes slightly tense:: It troubles me that they might... not have been acting of their own initiative. There may have been someone... pulling strings. If there was, I never found him. <Catreenia> ::nodding shortly, her body language as stiff and closed as her fists:: My lord... I *won't* be a liability to you. I *won't* be the means of your destruction. ::turning to look at him, eyes wide and pained:: Teach me. <Bastian> ::listing them off:: Never use anyone's name. Guild names only. Geremi's an exception, because he's no longer guild. Before, he was known as Snowman. That's a long story, remind me to tell you someday. <Catreenia> ::raises an eyebrow, and nods:: <Bastian> Never invade someone else's home. That means their official *guild* home, which you may never even know the location of. My flat. Dawn and Dusk's hidey hole. Shops are different, and vulnerable. <Catreenia> ::cocking her head:: You have a flat, too? <Bastian> ::nodding:: I'll take you there, someday. Not now, though. Rules tend to get suspended during guildwar. <Bastian> Asking questions is acceptable, if you know the person with whom you're dealing, but always accept an evasion. <Bastian> The most dangerous questions are "Who?" and "When?" <Catreenia> ::smiles a little:: Evasions make me curious. But I'll be careful. <Catreenia> ::looks puzzled:: Why "when"? <Bastian> ::laughs:: * Catreenia blinks in confusion. <Bastian> Plausible deniability. If I say I have work, and someone asks me when, it becomes easier to narrow down to "who". <Catreenia> Ah. ::nods, a look of what could best be described as smothered amusement on her face:: So what do you do for small talk? <Bastian> We're not supposed to admit to what we do at all. We have "friends" that do that sort of thing. I break that one - often. I have to. Part of what makes my job easier is people fearing that I might... do work on them. <Catreenia> Ah-- yes, you said something like that when I first met you. Or rather... ::looking faintly flustered:: ...the second time I met you. You weren't particularly believable then, either. <Bastian> ::snorts:: I don't try to be believable. I *want* people to be afraid of me. The more people who are *afraid* that I'll show up, the less times I actually have to. <Catreenia> ::soft snort:: I was certainly afraid of you the first time. By the second time I met you, I was past that. <Bastian> I'll put that down to your own... destructive yearnings of the time. I'd hate to think I'd lost my touch. <Catreenia> ::tosses her head a little, smiling faintly:: What, you don't believe I could be that fearless? Or that foolish? <Bastian> ::snorts:: You weren't afraid of death. That's all I usually offer. I don't like torture. It's... messy. <Catreenia> ::nods, her eyes serious again:: I'm glad. <Bastian> ::thoughtfully:: Although I've stuck people a few times, to make a point. ::points a thumb at his chest:: My job is to make sure the guild stays out of sight. <Catreenia> Out of sight of-- the Dragons? People like me? ::tilting her head quizzically:: <Bastian> Especially out of the sight of the Dragons. ::he waves a hand:: They don't... understand. They think eliminating the guild will eliminate crime. It doesn't. The guild... shapes it. Keeps it within reasonable limits. Violence and theft are part of human nature. If the screws get clamped down too tight... then it explodes, like an overwound clock. <Bastian> ::continuing:: Human nature is sort of like a potato in a camp fire. If you don't poke some holes in it, it blows up. That's what we do... we release the pressure. <Catreenia> ::frowns in thought:: But... I thought the Dragons were supposed to keep it to reasonable limits. They don't have enough people to eliminate crime, surely, but they can keep it contained, exact harsher penalties for the more destructive crimes, to discourage them... <Catreenia> And... ::looking hesitant:: the Dragons protect everybody, don't they? Not just... other Dragons? <Bastian> That's the idea. However, I know at least seven of them who take bribes to look the other way. <Catreenia> ::frowns thoughtfully:: Are there any Guild rules that apply to non-Guild? ::biting her lip:: Like, well, me? <Bastian> ::nodding:: Generally speaking, sheep ::he pauses a moment:: Sorry, that's the term we use. Sheep are not to be slaughtered. If possible. I can steal everything you have on you, but I can't kill you. <Catreenia> ::sniffs a little:: Sheep. Hmph. Could I at least be a cute and fluffy-- no, never mind. ::smiling a little:: So... assassins only work against other Guild? <Bastian> ::holding up a hand:: *Generally*, yes. Anything beyond guild, I have to get sanction for. If you wanted to hire me to kill your father, for instance, I'd have to get approval. Weigh the risks against the gain. Would it attract too much attention, would it be worth putting you in a position where you could be of more use to us. For instance, if you wanted us to murder your father, you might have to agree to fence stolen jewels for a period of time. <Catreenia> ::nods reluctantly:: Which, if I were the type of person who'd hire someone to do such a thing in the first place, I'd probably be willing to do... ::thinks a moment more:: So... the deal you offered me... that wouldn't have been... Guild-sanctioned. Why would you do it? What gain? <Bastian> ::gently:: So you wouldn't hurt yourself. <Catreenia> But... ::swallowing hard, rubbing her hands on her skirt:: You didn't even know me, then. <Bastian> ::takes her hand, tracing one finger down the line of her palm:: I didn't have to. If you were really determined to kill yourself, you were going to try. It was the least I could do... and you intrigued me. I wanted to see, were you actually willing, what might you do, how might you react? <Catreenia> ::smiling faintly:: So you did it out of curiosity. ::glancing up at him, uncurling one hand to touch the tip of his nose:: Careful, my rogue, your chivalry is showing. ::smiling at him fondly:: <Bastian> ::tilting his head to one side:: I'm sorry. Should I tuck it back in? <Catreenia> Well... perhaps when you're ready to go back to work. I rather like it, myself. <Bastian> ::seriously:: Besides, I've seen a few botched suicides where the person, trying to end his pain, ends up... ::shudders:: Ah, you don't want to know about that. But how could I let you do that to yourself? One clean stab and you'd be dead before you hit the floor. Much better that way than living in an asylum being fed gruel, with your mind locked away, unable to speak or move on your own. <Catreenia> ::closing her eyes and shuddering a little:: I told you... I'm a coward. I couldn't have done it myself for just those reasons. Assuming I could have managed to talk my cowardly self into that first fatal step, anyway. ::eyeing him:: Thus, the attraction of a trained professional... <Bastian> ::patting her shoulder comfortingly:: No, but you might have done differently... <Bastian> If people want a thing badly enough, there aren't enough consequences in the world to stop them. <Catreenia> Mm. ::making a face:: Which is what, I suppose, keeps you busy. <Bastian> Or... ::he shrugs:: You could have never worked up the "courage" to kill yourself, but you might have then gone through the rest of your life hating yourself and everything around you because it was what you wanted to do. My lady, I'd rather be dead. <Catreenia> ::nods tiredly:: That... was where I was most likely headed, when you found me. ::looking up at him again:: And you think I don't notice that little face you make when I say you saved my life five times over? <Bastian> ::makes a show of brushing his shoulders off:: I know, my lady. But you keep dressing me up in this hero's cloak, and I don't think it fits very well. ::he leers at her, half-mocking, half-serious:: After all, there *was* profit in it for me. <Catreenia> Ha! ::chuckles:: As if my dowry is a drop in your lordship's bucket. <Bastian> ::touching her cheek lightly:: That was not exactly the profit to which I was referring. <Catreenia> ...oh. ::blushing and dropping her eyes:: But... ::looking up again with a half-smile:: to speak as a businesswoman, then, milord, you recovered my loss, but with no guarantee that the profit would end up in your pocket. ::grinning:: Unless you really *are* that confident of your ...irresistableness. <Bastian> ::meeting her eyes:: You cannot gain that which you are unwilling to try for. <Catreenia> ::laughs:: Oh, yes you can! ::wrinkles her nose:: *I* did! <Bastian> Oh, I think you were trying harder than you'll admit. Perhaps my heart was not your aim, but I know you were trying to attract my eye. ::he twines his fingers through hers:: <Catreenia> ::chuckles:: I'll admit to that all right. I'll also freely admit to giving up in frustration at my believed failure. <Catreenia> ::sniffing:: My *first* failure, I'll have you know. <Bastian> ::snorts:: Oh, I don't think so. ::he leans down, kissing her mouth lightly:: <Catreenia> Mmmm... ::licking her lips as he breaks the kiss:: Hindsight has perfect vision, my lord. <Bastian> ::kissing her again:: I almost lost control of that game to you twice, my lady. Once you know about, but then, at the dance... I don't think you knew that. <Catreenia> At the dance? ::cocking her head:: I saw you glowering when the count took my arm... ::grins:: I thought it was simply because I had, ahem, "scored." <Bastian> ::laughing:: The count... has a reputation. And he takes delight in new, pretty faces. <Catreenia> Ah. ::chuckles:: Was that it, then? Or-- ::grinning slightly as she asks the question:: *when*? * Bastian laughs again, running his hand down the side of her neck. "The last dance... I was pointing out the chosen few faithfuls... Do you recall?" * Catreenia nods. <Catreenia> Those who would go home together. <Bastian> ::tracing one finger along the collar of her gown:: You smiled at me, looking over at the count. For a moment, I thought I detected a note of... longing in your voice. I very nearly... ::shakes his head:: It is no matter. <Catreenia> ::wry smile:: I'm a romantic, milord... of course I dreamed of a happy ending to my beautiful evening. ::smile fading a little:: But at the time, I thought your insistence was... work-related. A chill reminder, when I was dreaming of romance. <Bastian> ::frowns:: I think, even then, it would have been more than I could bear, seeing you in the arms of another. <Catreenia> ::ducking her head a little:: And so, you escorted me home, and bowed me so politely into an empty bed. <Bastian> ::lifting her chin:: You *could* have asked me to stay... you did not. I... felt you still did not wish it. <Catreenia> ::sniffing a little:: I wanted *you* to ask. I half-thought that was what you'd brought me for. <Catreenia> But no... I slept alone.... and then had to watch you do *pushups* the next morning... ::lips curling up a little:: And *you* say you dislike torture... <Bastian> ::gives her a full smile:: Well... it worked, did it not? <Catreenia> ::snorts:: If your goal was to drive me to distraction... yes, it worked. <Bastian> ::smugly:: You were... quite passionate, when we finally... ::winks at her:: <Catreenia> ::sticking her tongue out at him:: A wonder I didn't self-destruct when you touched me, at *that* point! <Bastian> ::laughs again, leaning forward to kiss her:: You wouldn't have wanted to miss it. ::runs his hands down her back:: <Catreenia> Hmmm... well, you were... ::tipping her head back, attempting some display of distance:: eh, fairly skilled, milord. <Bastian> ::kissing the side of her neck, just under her ear:: Always a better performance with an enthusiastic partner... <Catreenia> Performance? ::giggling, tipping her head back:: Were you hoping for applause? *Money*? <Bastian> ::snorts, then nibbles on her ear:: Perhaps that you would kiss me back, my lady? <Catreenia> Well... how could I resist such a bargain, then? ::tipping her head back down, and kissing his lips:: <Bastian> ::fade to black:: |
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