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* Catreenia watches Mace depart on silent feet before starting with some trepidation down the staircase into Dawn and Dusk's back room. <Dawn> ::calling up the stairs:: Come in, come in... * Catreenia relaxes a little and continues down the stairs, pushing back her hood as she reaches the bottom and looks around. "Mace said you had some-- fittings, or somesuch, you needed me for?" * Dawn and Dusk are both sitting at the table. Dawn is poring over his spellbook, and Dusk is absently flipping largish darts into a target set up on the far side of the room. They both look over at her as she comes into the room and smile. <Dawn> Yes, please, come in and have a seat, Jewel. * Catreenia nods, removing her cloak to reveal a fairly plain gown in rose, trimmed in charcoal grey. She hangs her cloak on a convenient peg, and comes to sit at the table, folding her hands in her lap and waiting patiently. * Dusk reaches into a box and pulls out the amulet, offering it to her. It looks much the same as before, though a tiny arcane inscription has been etched carefully onto the back. * Catreenia accepts it, looking at it carefully front and back before undoing the clasp and hesitating. "You do want me to put it on, yes?" <Dawn> ::looks up and nods:: Yes, please. We need to do some fine-tuning. <Catreenia> ::nods and clasps the pendant around her neck, flipping her braid free of the chain and settling the pendant over her breast with a vague expression of unease.:: <Dawn> ::looks at Jewel with a faint smile:: You don't care for magic? <Catreenia> ::looking a little defensive:: It makes me... uneasy. It always has. Yes, I know-- ironic. ::sighs and settles back into the chair, absently toying with the end of her braid:: <Dawn> ::chuckles:: We're even, then. ::suddenly all business:: This is going to take us a little while. I'm sorry if you're bored or confused, but please don't interrupt until we say it's okay. All right? <Catreenia> ::nods:: Mind if I study? <Dawn> Go right ahead. ::he rummages in a box and comes up with several pieces of paper, and begins to confer with Dusk in finger-talk:: * Catreenia watches their fingers for a moment, looking back and forth between them. * Catreenia gradually loses interest, shifting again to settle more comfortably into her seat as her eyes lose focus and her breathing slows and evens. * Dawn and Dusk work for a good two hours. Every so often, Dawn will cast a spell and then they go back into conference. * Catreenia blinks every so often, seeming to come back to herself, and looks around alertly, settling back as she sees them still in conference. * Dusk leans over to lift the amulet from Jewel's chest. He gives her a quick, apologetic smile, then folds it in his hands and moves his lips silently. After a moment his hands begin to glow, and after a moment more the glow ceases, and he turns back to Dawn. <Dawn> ::briskly:: That's it. <Catreenia> ::blinks, somewhat startled, as Dusk touches her, looking up from her reverie, relaxing again as she sees what he's doing:: That's all? ::rubs her eyes:: How long did that take? <Dawn> ::glances at a candle on the shelf:: About two hours. Did Mace say how long he'd be? <Catreenia> ::shakes her head:: He said he had business, and to stay here until he came for me. <Dawn> ::snorts slightly:: Just like him... Well, it looks like you're stuck with us for a while, then. Want something to eat? Drink? <Catreenia> ::smiles:: Something to eat would be appreciated. Studying always gives me the munchies. * Dusk catches Dawn's eye, then nods. He stands, stretches, then walks through a wall. * Catreenia blinks. "Did he just... he didn't..." She stares hard at the wall. "There's a door there, isn't there?" <Dawn> ::grins:: Just a hallway, actually. It ends in a staircase. Dusk makes *wonderful* illusions, don't you think? * Catreenia nods, eyes narrowing as she looks slowly around the room as if suddenly doubting its reality. * Dawn grins as if this is exactly the reaction he was hoping for. * Dusk returns with a plate of bread and meat and three mildly dilapidated flagons of small beer. <Catreenia> ::eyes Dusk as he returns and opens her mouth to ask a question, stopping with a frustrated look:: And I can't even ask *him* independently, because *you'd* have to translate for me. ::shakes her head:: <Dawn> ::taking a flagon from Dusk:: Thank you. You'd make someone a wonderful wife... ::he automatically ducks Dusk's half-hearted backhand:: <Dawn> ::to Jewel:: If I translate incorrectly, don't you think he'd kick me in the shins? What do you want to know? <Catreenia> ::grins:: That depends. You're partners. I'm the outsider. ::gestures to the room:: How much of what I'm looking at here is real, and how much illusion? <Catreenia> ::smiles a little, eyes twinkling:: And I've already been taught to accept evasions, if given. * Dawn raises an eyebrow and looks at Dusk. They have a quick conversation, then Dawn turns back to Jewel. "Down here? There are at least three active illusions. I'm not going to tell you the exact number, of course, for our safety, or precisely where they all are, but... You saw the hallway that leads upstairs. There's another hallway that leads to a door out. And... ::he grins:: A few other surprises, for people who come in without permission. <Catreenia> ::relaxes a little:: So I'm not sitting on a trash pile and warming my feet at a brick wall, then? ::impish twinkle:: <Dawn> ::laughs:: No, you're sitting in a chair and warming your feet at an honest fire. *That* much illusion wouldn't serve any purpose. ::he grins:: And if Dusk was willing to spend that much energy, you'd think he'd start with making us a little prettier, don't you think? * Dusk waves a dismissive hand at Dawn. <Catreenia> ::grins at Dusk:: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"? <Catreenia> Or was that... "I'd make myself prettier, if I needed to. You're on your own." ::giggles:: * Dusk grins and signs at her, which Dawn snorts at, but translates as, "No point cleaning him up when he won't behave." <Catreenia> ::laughs:: A pretty rogue is still a rogue? * Dawn snorts again and Dusk laughs silently and toasts her with his flagon. <Catreenia> ::smiles, regarding Dawn impishly:: Perhaps *this* is why you won't buy a woman, then. The green-eyed monster rears its head! <Dawn> ::laughs, then grins at her:: Could be... * Dusk snorts soundlessly and drinks. <Catreenia> ::giggles and makes a sandwich of her meat and bread, biting into it hungrily:: <Dawn> ::eyes Jewel slyly:: A secret for a secret? <Catreenia> ::raises an eyebrow at him:: It depends on the secret you wish to know. And whether it's mine to give. <Dawn> ::cocks his head curiously:: How'd you come to be hooked up with him? <Catreenia> ::blinks:: With Mace? <Dawn> ::nods:: <Catreenia> Hm. ::takes another most-unladylike bite of her sandwich, and chews thoughtfully before swallowing and smiling slightly:: Well... the answer I would give always makes *him* scowl. <Dawn> What's that? <Catreenia> ::smiling softly:: He saved my life, several times over. <Dawn> ::chuckles:: Yes, I can see that would make him squirm. He's not really supposed to be in the business of *saving* lives. <Dawn> How does *he* say it happened, then? <Catreenia> ::blinks and cocks her head to one side:: Hm. Well... ::thinks some more:: * Dawn raises an eyebrow, then turns and signs something to Dusk, who promptly does a spit-take. <Catreenia> The way he explained it to an acquaintance of mine was that we'd crossed paths by chance, and he offered me his services. ::smiles a little fondly, studying the fire:: <Dawn> ::snorts:: That certainly sounds like him... cryptic. <Catreenia> ::frowns at Dusk, puzzled, before looking back at Dawn with a small, knowing smile:: It is... the precise truth, actually. * Dusk mops beer from his shirt. <Dawn> ::grins:: I'm sure it is. That's what makes it the perfect Mace comment. Crystal-pure truth, and entirely without useful content. * Catreenia takes a sip from her beer mug, before taking another bite of sandwich. <Catreenia> ::smiles:: Useful to whom, m'lord? <Dawn> ::grins:: You're learning. <Catreenia> ::grins:: I have ample motivation to do so. ::her smile slipping a little:: Does this sort of thing happen... often? <Dawn> ::picks up a sliver of meat and downs it:: What sort of thing? <Catreenia> ::swallowing hard:: War. <Dawn> Oh. ::shakes his head:: Not that I know of. Private vendettas, all the time-- all-out war is pretty rare. I've been through... three. ::he glances at Dusk:: * Dusk holds up four fingers. <Catreenia> ::looking back and forth between them:: I'm sorry if I ask too many questions, please, I mean no offense. How long have you two been together? <Dawn> ::grins:: It's okay. You ask a question we don't want to answer, and we won't answer it. We've been together for... ::he looks over at Dusk as he counts backwards in his head:: Sixteen years? Seventeen? * Dusk shrugs and nods. <Catreenia> ::smiles a little, covering her mouth with her hand:: That's nearly as long as I've been alive. <Dawn> ::grins wryly:: If you like, my life didn't really begin until about then, either. <Catreenia> ::raises her eyebrow:: Then you look very mature for your age, m'lord. ::grins:: <Dawn> ::laughs:: I'm no one's lord, dear. <Catreenia> ::smiles:: It's a polite form of address. Better than "hey, you," you must admit. <Dawn> You could just call me Dawn. <Catreenia> ::smiles:: I could. Variety is the spice of life. <Dawn> ::chuckles:: Call me what you want. I'll be a m'lord if I must... Though generally I only rate that kind of respect over on Pleasure Island. <Catreenia> ::laughs:: Well, just think, I'll address you respectfully and you don't even have to pay me to. <Dawn> ::grins:: Now that's a novelty, I'll admit. * Dusk signs something to Dawn with an evil grin and receives a hunk of bread upside the head for his comment. <Bienca> ::a voice from near the ceiling:: Always the dragon, guarding his wealth, aye, Dawn? * Catreenia takes another bite of sandwich, washing it down with beer, glancing at Dusk curiously. "What did he--" She falls silent at the sound of another voice, looking up. * Dawn starts to his feet and snatches a dagger from under his sleeve. Dusk reacts just as swiftly, a trio of darts appearing in his hands. <Bienca> ::a patch of shadow unfolds itself from the rafters, then drops lightly onto the floor:: Much better, really. Took me almost fifteen minutes to get in here. ::tosses a small package to Dusk:: My compliments. <Dawn> ::relaxing as he recognizes the voice:: Bienca. * Dusk catches the package with his left hand, raising an eyebrow. <Dawn> ::grins:: Fifteen minutes? I'm getting better. You'll have to tell me later how you got past the hallway. * Catreenia watches at the other woman warily, relaxing slightly as Dawn names her. <Dawn> ::nods to Jewel:: Bienca, meet Jewel. Jewel, this is Bienca Saberarrow. * Bienca is a tall, slender woman who seems almost more shadow than flesh. Her ebony skin gleams in the soft light and her black hair, almost blue, is bound tightly to her head in a thick, coiled braid. <Catreenia> ::nods her head to Bienca:: Pleased to meet you. <Bienca> ::to Dusk:: It's a present, lovie... you open it and say "Why Bienca, how thoughtful of you." Just in case you forgot. ::she laughs, her teeth startlingly white against the rest of her:: <Dawn> ::smiles at Jewel:: Bienca is another one of the trustworthy ones, but you'd better wait to hear that from Mace himself. <Catreenia> ::nods, with a small smile:: Thank you, I already have. * Dusk opens the package warily, then grins widely. He tosses a small something across the room to Dawn. <Dawn> ::catching:: What- Oh, nice... ::he pops the chocolate into his mouth:: * Dusk grins at Dawn, then crosses to Bienca and kisses her rather thoroughly. Dawn says, through a mouthful of chocolate, "He says thanks." <Catreenia> ::covers her mouth and giggles:: * Bienca returns Dusk's kiss with enthusiasm, twining her hand through his hair. "Good. I'm glad you like them. Took me six and a half minutes to get in that shop, and the damn head-fake still set off the alarm. Ah well, better luck next time." * Catreenia takes another swallow of beer, studying Bienca curiously over the rim of her mug. * Dusk gives Bienca an eloquent bow, then bites his chocolate in half and offers her the remainder. <Bienca> ::leaning towards him, she delicately eats the chocolate directly from his hand, then laughs again:: * Dawn shakes his head with an amused look. <Dawn> And what is it that brings you to our humble abode, dear? ::he snags another piece of bread from the plate on the table and takes a bite.:: <Bienca> ::turning, she looks at Jewel critically, walking in a slow circle around the girl. At one moment, she bends, smelling the girl's hair. Taking a step back, she takes Cat's hands, holding them away from her body a moment to look, rather directly, at Jewel's figure.:: What lovely brown eyes you have, my sweet. <Catreenia> ::smiles:: Thank you. ::crooking an eyebrow:: Do I pass? * Dawn relaxes a little further and takes a swig from his flagon. "Beer, Bienca?" <Bienca> ::seriously:: You're awfully short. You could try and grow some. ::she turns:: Love some. * Dawn exchanges glances with Dusk, then sighs. "Oh, all right... my turn." He stands and walks over to the wall, disappearing through it. <Catreenia> ::grins a little:: Alas, you pick one of the few features about which I can do nothing. * Dusk steals Dawn's chair, propping his feet up on the table with a pleased look. * Catreenia grins at Dusk as she finishes off her sandwich. * Bienca eyes the table for a minute, then sits on it, her long legs still reaching to the floor. * Dawn returns with another flagon of beer and gives Dusk a mock-glare as he hands it to Bienca. "Steal my chair, will you?" * Dusk grins and pats his lap invitingly. <Bienca> ::taking a long swig of beer:: It's in the nature of thieves, Dawn. He steals your chair, I steal your heart, you steal my firstborn. You know how it goes. * Catreenia giggles. "You're like a married couple..." * Dawn grins at Bienca. "Of course you've stolen my heart, dear. I certainly hope I haven't stolen your firstborn, though." <Catreenia> ::looking at Bienca curiously:: So... don't start what you can't stand? <Dawn> ::grins at Jewel:: If you can't stand the heat... ::he glances over at the coal brazier in the corner, then winks at Bienca:: <Bienca> ::snorts:: Last time I checked, he was running around with your bunch yelling "Comes the Morning" like a savage. <Dawn> ::winces:: Tell me you're kidding. <Bienca> ::taking a sip of beer, she regards him over her flagon:: He's about that age, and he needs *some* friends, you know. * Catreenia looks from Dawn to Bienca, and glances questioningly at Dusk. <Dawn> ::sighs and takes a swig from his own flagon:: Well, don't complain to me if someone tries to put the pieces together and comes up with a rather unflattering sum, dear... * Dusk grins at Jewel, then shrugs and points to Dawn. * Catreenia rolls her eyes, grins, and waves her hand at Dusk in a "never mind" gesture. <Dawn> ::grins at Jewel:: They're not *really* mine. And I *certainly* never told them to start a gang. Il Roche nearly killed me. <Catreenia> ::mutters softly:: A lot of that going about... ::louder:: I'm trying to figure out how to ask this without asking something I'm not supposed to ask. ::grinning a little:: <Dawn> ::grins at Bienca:: Mace has been giving her lessons. <Bienca> ::raising her eyebrows:: A new apprentice? *Her*? <Dawn> ::shakes his head:: He didn't tell you? <Catreenia> ::smiling a little:: A sheep who doesn't wish to be mutton, more like. <Catreenia> Aha, I have it-- what does "Come the Morning" mean? <Dawn> ::considers how to answer:: It's the rallying cry for a street gang of guild-connected kids who call themselves the Children of Morning. <Catreenia> ::nods slowly, her face thoughtful:: ...ah. I can see where Il Roche might have... cause for disquiet. <Bienca> ::shaking her head:: I wasn't sure... I never really thought him the type to get married... might have been his way of being cute. You know him. Thinks he's funnier than he is. * Catreenia grins suddenly. <Dawn> ::grins at Bienca:: Aye. But he paid us to make her an amulet, which he's too cheap to do for a passing fancy. <Catreenia> ::coughs to cover a chuckle:: Cheap? Mace? <Bienca> ::seriously:: Aye, now? That's something. If I could get past his door, I'd never have to work again. * Dusk signs to her, {Like you have to work now?} <Catreenia> I thought a thief of your caliber would work at her whim. <Bienca> ::finishing off her beer:: It's the principle of the matter. As *I* can't get in there, I'm sure it must be filled with the wealth of Dragons. <Dawn> ::with interest:: You can't? At all? What's he got? <Catreenia> ::amused grin, as she murmurs:: Or perhaps he just likes his privacy.... * Dusk eyes the amulet around Jewel's throat, then grins at her. <Bienca> ::shrugging:: You'll have to ask him. He's caught me four times, though. * Catreenia wrinkles her nose at Dusk, and drops the amulet inside her dress. <Dawn> Interesting. I'll have to see if he'll tell me some of it. I can always use ideas... Though if we took you fifteen minutes, I'd have to say we're pretty safe, here. <Catreenia> ::looking puzzled, as she looks from Dawn to Bienca:: Are you talking about his flat? <Dawn> ::waves at Bienca:: She is, I assume. *I'm* talking about this place. <Catreenia> Hm. ::frowns slightly and nods, studying her folded hands:: <Bienca> ::putting the empty flask on the table:: In any case, I'm here to pick her up. Mace's business is going to take him til very late. So, I'm to escort you home, Miss Jewel. <Catreenia> ::looks up in surprise:: You know-- ah. ::blushing faintly:: Of course you know. ::looking at Dusk:: I'm all done, correct? * Dusk nods and smiles. * Dusk glances at Bienca. {Coming back later?} <Bienca> ::sympathetically:: Poor Mace... as I was leaving, he was talking with Roche's Eyes and making this face ::she grimaces painfully, closing her eyes:: <Catreenia> ::smiles:: Very well. ::starting to stand, and widening her eyes:: Oh! ::looking at Dawn:: I'll tell you later. I haven't forgotten, really. <Dawn> ::makes a similar face:: Poor Mace. <Dawn> ::to Jewel:: When we have more time, yes. <Catreenia> ::nods, and shoots a worried glance at Bienca before looking back at Dawn:: What are "Eyes"? * Bienca smiles. "Oh, *certainly*. Missed me, have you?" * Dusk grins at Bienca and winks. <Dawn> ::shivers:: A person. She's creepy. Hope you don't have to meet her. <Bienca> ::leans over the table to give Dusk another kiss:: I'll drop this one off and be back in a few hours. Gotta check on Nip, you know. * Dawn rolls his eyes good-naturedly while Dusk returns Bienca's kiss. "We'll see you later, then." <Catreenia> ::frowns slightly:: Hm. Alright. ::stands and reclaims her cloak, putting it on:: I'm ready to go when you are, Mistress Saberarrow. <Bienca> ::standing up:: Oh, here. ::she reaches into her shirt and hands Dawn several small valuable items:: Just practicing. <Dawn> ::sighs resignedly as he accepts his things back from Bienca:: Thank you, Bienca... <Bienca> ::patting his cheek:: You're welcome, gorgeous. Shall I bring dinner, or trust you two not to burn the kitchen down? <Dawn> ::laughs:: By all means, bring dinner. <Catreenia> ::grins:: My apologies for tempting the fates with lunch. <Dawn> ::grins:: 'Swhy I sent Dusk for it. He might bring you an invisible lunch, but rarely a burnt one. * Catreenia giggles. * Dusk sticks his tongue out at Dawn. <Dawn> ::leers at his partner:: Please! Wait until the ladies leave! * Catreenia blushes faintly. <Bienca> ::heads towards the stairs:: This way, Miss Jewel. * Catreenia nods and follows Bienca a few steps behind. * Catreenia puts her hood up again just before reaching street level, and glances around. * Bienca walks easily next to Cat, her extreme height rather more noticeable when she's standing. * Catreenia glances up at Bienca a few times as they walk, studying her out of the corner of her eye, and keeps her other eye on their surroundings until the area around them begins to improve. * Catreenia frowns a little, covertly rubbing her arm under her cloak. * Bienca talks aimlessly, mostly regaling Cat with stories about her wayward son, but at the same time puts a cool hand on Cat's wrist, the long fingers squeezing slightly. * Catreenia speaks in a low tone underneath Bienca's louder chatter. "Someone's following." * Catreenia smiles and laughs at Bienca's story. <Bienca> ::nodding:: So of course, I had to wash his mouth out after that, you understand. I know dear, just keep moving. <Catreenia> Of course. Such cheek! ::keeps her face frontwards, taking Bienca's arm in comradely fashion as her eyes unfocus slightly.:: * Bienca shakes her arm slightly, dropping a dagger out of her sleeve. "Can you use a knife?" She turns, seemingly at random. <Catreenia> ::following Bienca's lead:: Of course, it's very important to a girl like me to accessorize properly. ::one hand sliding up to her bodice, under her cloak:: <Bienca> ::nodding approvingly:: Good girl... oh we're in trouble. ::the street, quiet and shadowy, seems to come alive as several scruffy looking men step out of the shadows:: <Catreenia> ::in a low voice, as she smiles:: Three more directly behind. <Bienca> ::shaking her other arm, dropping a twin dagger into her left hand:: Definitely in trouble. * Catreenia lifts her hands to settle her hood farther back on her hair, turning her head to look directly at one of the scruffy men, smiling and winking at him. <Bienca> ::the rabble moves in, tightening the circle around Cat and Bienca:: <Bienca> ::one of them men blinks a few times, staring at Cat for a long moment, then, with a bland expression on his face, he moves, hugging the man next to him:: What the? ::the other man, somewhat consternated, attempts to extricate himself:: * Bienca looks around slowly. "Martigan? What do you want?" She stops, facing a dark haired man with pox-scars on his cheeks. * Catreenia stops as well, turning her back to Bienca's. <Martigan> Where is he? <Bienca> ::raising her eyebrows:: Which he would that be, Mart? <Bienca> ::the one man continues to whisper endearments to his mate, disconcerting the others in that area:: * Catreenia stays quiet, warily eyeing the men around her, her bodice-dagger held in a stabbing grip under her cloak:: <Martigan> Don't play dumb with me, Saberarrow. Where's Il Roche? * Bienca laughs suddenly. "Wouldn't you just love to know, you stupid, two-bit cheat?" * Catreenia raises an eyebrow, but says nothing. <Bienca> If you're very careful and start running now, you might get away, Mart. <Bienca> ::the man, seeming disappointed, releases his comrade, then turns to another one, his eyes lighting up:: Ah... ::he moves to embrace that man, the first one pulling out a short cudgel, he raps the enraptured man in the head with it sharply:: <Bienca> You should go, Martigan. <Martigan> ::drawing a shimmering sword from his sheath:: I'll go, when I've got what I came for. ::at a signal, the men left close in, various weapons sliding into their hands:: <Bienca> ::grinning:: Oh, you want it? Come get it! ::she dances forward, her blades flashing:: * Catreenia stays close to Bienca, looking distracted for a moment before her mouth firms into a grim line and she brings her knife out into the open with a practiced killer's overhand grip. * Bienca wades in, scoring several quick cuts and taking a nasty wound in the upper arm before retreating, throwing each of her daggers and dropping one man with a clean stab through the eye:: * Bienca reaches for the small hand-held crossbow at her hip, slapping a small metal bolt into place. * Catreenia defends Bienca's back, her blade seeking kills almost automatically in quick, snake-like strikes strongly reminiscent of Mace's style. * Catreenia slips her knife through an attacker's ribs, thrusting upward and yanking it back with a small gasp, eyes wide. <Martigan> ::menacing Bienca with his blade:: Come now, Bie. Be sensible. I'll pay you well. <Bienca> ::snarling, she turns, firing the metal bolt at one man. He screams, clutching at the very end of the shaft in his ribs, then slumps backwards:: I am being sensible, which is more than I can say for you. * Bienca slaps another bolt into her crossbow, snapping at Cat. "Hit the dirt!" She triggers the bolt, then throws herself to the pavement. <Catreenia> ::drops to the ground:: * Catreenia rolls herself in her cloak. <Bienca> ::the crossbow emits a sharp flicker of light, then two sabers, glowing ghostly blue, appear. They whirl madly, making a tight killing circle over the two prone women:: <Bienca> ::urgently:: Don't move. <Catreenia> ::keeping her voice pitched to Bienca's ears:: NOT going to. I told Mace. <Bienca> ::the crowd of ruffians pause, trying to close in, but the whirling blades drive them back. The blades, however, won't seem to extend past a certain point, and the ruffians linger at the edge of the kill-circle:: <Bienca> Well, let's hope he gets here before this expires. <Catreenia> ::pressing herself as flat as possible:: Any more of those? <Bienca> ::shaking her head:: Once a week, only... just glad I hadn't used it in a while. ::she rolls over, nearer to Cat:: <Bienca> ::the ruffians wait, several of them grinning or leering at the two women:: <Bienca> I'm out of tricks, girl, if he doesn't show. Hope you got something up your sleeve, or we're in for a lot of hurt. <Catreenia> ::smiles a little:: He promised me. <Bienca> ::the blades flicker a few times:: <Bienca> ::in a very low voice:: When they go out, try and run. Go back to Dawn. <Catreenia> I'll try. But if I pass out... expect it. ::turning her head slightly to watch Martigan as the blades flicker:: <Bienca> ::the blades flicker again, faltering in their pattern. Bienca slaps another bolt into her crossbow:: * Catreenia gathers herself, keeping her eyes on Martigan. <Catreenia> ::whispers:: Don't die. Mace'd kill you. <Mace> ::gracefully, a dark shadow leaps down from a nearby rooftop, falling into a crouch, one hand on the rough streets, just behind Martigan. The shadow looks up, revealing Mace's eyes, flat and cold, looking out:: * Catreenia shivers a little involuntarily, keeping her eyes on Martigan's. <Bienca> ::the blades flicker one last time and go out. With a snarl of victory, the ruffians start towards the two women, their weapons up.:: * Mace stands slowly, his knife already in his hand. "I wouldn't do that, if I were you." * Catreenia stays flat on the ground, unmoving. <Martigan> ::chuckling menacingly:: You're outnumbered and I'm closer to them then you are to me. Stalemate, Mace. * Catreenia stares at Martigan, her eyes going slightly unfocussed. <Mace> ::shifting his weight slightly:: Like that matters? Give up now and I'll let you run away. <Martigan> ::sneering slightly, he gestures to his men, which start towards Mace, while he moves a step closer to the women:: <Bienca> ::pulling her crossbow up some, she swivels it towards Martigan:: <Martigan> ::his eyes widen suddenly and he staggers, one hand going to his temple:: <Catreenia> ::whispering to Bienca:: Put it... down... kiss him.... ::closing her eyes, face pale:: * Bienca pauses a moment, dropping her crossbow and opening her arms to Martigan. "Our funeral, girl." <Martigan> ::his face softens slightly and he nearly falls into Bienca's arms, kissing her passionately:: * Mace whirls into action, his blade flashing as he leaps into the midst of the ruffians. * Catreenia sways, supporting herself on one arm long enough to press her dagger into Bienca's hand before passing out. * Catreenia crumples bonelessly to the cobbles. <Martigan> ::drawing back in shock as Bienca stabs him with Cat's knife, he grunts, a trickle of blood coming from his mouth. With a gasp, he raises his sword, driving the blade into the chest of the woman who just killed him.:: * Mace whirls, dropping a pair of the ruffians. He stops, his eyes widening as Bienca screams once, then falls back, limp, on the cobbles. The rest of the ruffians flee as Mace drops to his knees at Bienca's side. * Bienca opens her eyes weakly, a bloody froth on her lips. "Mace..." she reaches for him, her fingers shaking. <Mace> ::taking her hand, Mace presses her fingers to his lips:: Don't talk, Bie... <Bienca> ::she coughs weakly:: ... let you down... <Mace> ::shaking his head:: No, Bie... she's alive... she's alive. Come on, hold on a minute... ::he looks around wildly, seeing only corpses in the street:: * Catreenia groans weakly, one hand groping up blindly to press against her head. <Mace> ::looking at Cat:: My lady! Wake... I need you. <Catreenia> :sighs, her eyes cracking open slightly, squinting against the light:: M...lorrrd? <Mace> ::urgently, his voice breaking:: Can you reach Dawn from here? Tell him to come. Bie's dying. * Catreenia blinks a few times, rubbing her hand over her face and rolling onto her elbow, still squinting. "Can't... m'out..." A sob in her voice as she reaches for Bienca, her fingers coming away wet. "Oh gods..." <Mace> ::grinding his teeth together, he gets to his feet:: Stay with her. Don't let her go... I'll be right back. <Catreenia> ::struggling up, dragging herself closer to Bienca and grasping her hand before collapsing again:: "Will... be here..." * Mace closes his eyes once, as if in great pain, and then runs down the street, heading towards the mages' shop. <Catreenia> ::squeezing the thief's hand, whispering:: Stay, Bie... help's coming, stay.... |
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