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[hr][b]Interacting with:[/b] Thierry & Marceline [@Ti]
[b]Location:[/b] Refuge Dungeon
[hr][/center]


Zarina was flabbergasted to say the least. Her hand taken and kissed as if she was a high noble and by quite the looker no less. One that was actually taller than her too. The group had settled before the prison itself, underground and safe from even a Wyrm attack. She had been playing a card game with Marceline and Abdel, with the former ending up being quite the clever little pup. She was standing before the armoured envoy and stuttered her first couple of words.

[color=C78A2C]”Ah, uh- Yeah. Enchanted, Sir.”[/color] her body language displayed a level of anxiety she hadn’t often shown before. Maybe she wasn’t expecting this sort of introduction. Maybe it was a ruse? Or perhaps he actually sought to charm her? In any case, her good mood resonated quite well with Thierry’s approach and even prompted a light blush from the teen, [color=C78A2C]”The prisoners are behind us, yes, through this door. To ensure their safety, and everyone else’s, we’re keeping them here until the Duque settles things with those upstairs.”[/color] she rested a hand on her hip, [color=C78A2C]”Sounds good? No bamboozling? We have enough to worry about.”[/color]


Abdel, on the other hand, glared knives at the big newcomer. He didn’t speak, for it wasn’t his place, but unlike Zarina his mood could easily kill the atmosphere if he manifested it any further. Seizing his cane, he stood between Thierry and the entrance to the dungeon and simply eyed the outsider with clear distrust. He would only move the moment Zarina gave the go ahead.

Thierry adorns her with a charming smile at the warm reception of his presence. He squeezes lightly upon her finger tips, [color=0072bb]“In absence of your name, may I call you rose du désert, for your features liken as much”[/color]. His eyes move to watch as Abdel moves towards the dungeon door, addressing the boy as well when he stands up straight. [color=0072bb]“You’re a sprightly one, jeune homme. Nothing should pass your vigilant watch, even I am afraid.”[/color] He gives a generous beaming disarming smile to the boy, shifting a warm expression to the third and quieter one. [color=0072bb]“They say the wise listen as the fool speaks, jeune fille, pleased to make your acquaintance.”[/color] Thierry gives a courteous bow as he offers to take Marceline’s hand in a more reserved manner to place a kiss upon it.

[color=C78A2C]”Ah.”[/color] Zarina shook her head, [color=C78A2C]”Zarina. I’m Zarina Al-Nader.”[/color] she had landed back onto planet Sipenta after that charming compliment, [color=C78A2C]”This is Marceline, and this is Abdel.”[/color] the hand that had been kissed was then used to point toward each member of the group.

[color=0072bb]“Belle, I am charmed. Such strong names for these two as well.”[/color] After the greetings, Thiery simply smiles as he returns to the matter at hand towards the eldest of the three, [color=0072bb]“As stated, I am only to ensure the humane treatment of those inside as a formality. There is no room in my heart for concern after meeting mademoiselle”[/color].

Abdel kept a confrontational stance and an adamant glare. He did not trust these outsiders- they all gave off the air of the staff he so loathed, [i][color=9e0039][b]”I don’t think we should let this colourful strange man. I don’t like him.”[/b][/color][/i] he spoke in his mother tongue, which Zarina was supposedly the only one to understand in the room. The tall Virangish girl turned her body to perpendicular to the two males and gestured calmly to pacify the cautious pre-teen, [i][color=C78A2C]”It’s fine. We go as planned, and worst case we’re three on one.”[/color][/i] she shot a knowing glance and smile over to Marceline before addressing the Duque’s envoy, [color=C78A2C]”If you would follow me, Sir Theirry.”[/color] a couple of steps passed Abdel and she would open the gates to the dungeon where two dozen of the higher staff were held, [color=C78A2C]”After you.”[/color]

Thierry continued to politely smile as if not phased by the exchange in Virangish. Then interrupting with a cough once it appeared finished, [color=0072bb]“If you want Mon Grand, I will let you look after my sword whilst these ladies show me around.”[/color] He pulls the large two-handed sword from his shoulder, holding it out with a single hand, [color=0072bb]“But you must be careful with her, she is precious to me. I am trusting you here”[/color]. He smiles as he gives Zarina a wink, allowing Abdel to clumsily contend with the weight of the blade when he takes up the offer. Once Thierry moves through the door, he turns and bows, holding out his hand to invite Zarina to take it as she escorts him around the dungeon.

Abdel went from confrontational stoicism to downright scowling at the man upon being given sword babysitting duty. He wanted to speak up, maybe even square off with the knight, but Zarina was quick to intervene, [color=C78A2C]”I’m sure your sword will be fine by the door. Thieves don’t exactly have anywhere to run, now do they?”[/color] she nudged her head toward Abdel, and in turn the young male drew with the gift and used what he knew to manipulate the heavy weapon and carefully place it against the stone wall by the door, [color=C78A2C]”I do need Abdel for this task, after all. If the Wyrm finds a way in here, only he could save us~”[/color] she gave a similar wink to Abdel.

The dungeon smelled of sweat and was quite hot given many bodies resided in it and had a tendency to move out of sheer boredom and a need for exertion. They were given plenty of water to compensate for this heat, with Abdel sometimes drawing from the air to cool down the place. Most shared cells, though the Vice-Wardens were purposely kept separate given their strength, [color=C78A2C]”Healthy, fed and mostly intact.”[/color] Zarina turned on her heels to face the Knight in the middle of the hall with rows of cells on both sides. Her arms opened up, inviting Thierry to investigate for himself.

Marci was finding it difficult to endure through the pleasantries, allowing Zarina to take the lead on the interactions with the enamoured knight. She got the best of herself as she was unable to avoid chiming in on the remark, [color=598527][b]"A lot better than some of the care we received"[/b][/color].

Thierry nodded, offering Marci a comforting smile, [color=0072bb]“Then I thank you for your generosity, his grace would be pleased”[/color]. He slowly walks through the corridor as he nods towards those within the cells, his expression more stern than the friendly overtures he offered the others outside. [color=0072bb]“I am afraid a few others here wouldn’t be granted that same pleasure.”[/color]
As Thierry approaches towards the individual cells, he turns towards Zarina, [color=0072bb]“I assume Vice-Warden Adela would be held with those ahead. May I request the opportunity of a private audience to speak with her? I assure you of no foul play, merely the exchange of words. You have my honour as a knight.”[/color]. He offers Zarina that disarming charming smile again allowing her opportunity to respond to his request.

Thierry’s interest in the Vice-Warden Zarina had personally locked up brought the Virangish to lower her arms and gesture for the Knight to follow her. Abdel took the head this time, however, and proceeded to unlock the door at the end of the stoney hallway where four ‘isolated’ cells could be found. They didn’t have bars and instead were completely sealed off by heavy metal doors with air passing through the small gap beneath where food was passed, [color=C78A2C]”Adela is …”[/color] she paused for a moment, only to remark the riding crop hanging by one of the doors, [color=C78A2C]”Over here.”[/color]

Inside, Adela would seem relatively well. Her hair greasy and dishevelled, her attire stained and the latrine likely needed some changing. But otherwise the cell seemed maintained and her health intact. The door was left open, although Abdel and Marci kept their distance, ready to unleash their knowledge of the gift if need be, while Zarina kept to the doorframe to supervise the exchange. 

Thierry nodded at the accommodations made, though mentally noted the lack of privacy in the conversation, as a result, keeping the exchange briefer than intended. [color=0072bb]“Adela, glad to see you are kept well”[/color], he nods towards her before slipping into a more official tone,  [color=0072bb]“His grace received your letter, and to thank you for drawing the matter of the Refuge to his attention. He is most displeased at the situation. Once matters have concluded and you are released, you are to report to him directly.”[/color]

With Zarina keeping watch, the two officials could have their exchange without any interruptions. Adela had remained seated on her bed until she recognized the Black Knight himself, Sir Thierry Montblaise, [color=664BD6]“Sir!”[/color] she quickly sprang up and kept a stiff posture while addressing the Perrench knight, [color=664BD6]“I-”[/color] she stammered, the existing sweat on her forehead from the heat of the dungeon accumulated quickly now that she was put under pressure, [color=664BD6]“It was Tavio, Montblaise! He betrayed the Duque’s trust and tried to use outsiders to resolve this issue!”[/color] she then gave Zarina the stink-eye, [color=664BD6]“These outsiders who have caused this mess in the first place. Locked us like animals when I tried to take their side!”[/color]

The Virangish was about to retort but a particularly frustrated Abdel stepped up, [color=9e0039][b]”Shut up! You didn’t say ANYTHING when they went to the desert.”[/b][/color] he wedged himself by Zarina to get a better eye of the small cell, [color=9e0039][b]”All you do is lie, lie and LIE. Lie to Luisa about appreciating her. Lie to Zarina about giving a damn about them, Lie to …”[/b][/color] he was gritting his teeth, [color=9e0039][b]”Everyone about me! Because you hate me- No, US.”[/b][/color] Zarina, upon witnessing the tantrum, was already drawing with the gift. Converting the heat but also the strong winds outside the dungeon itself. If he kept on going, she was ready to subdue him.

Thierry raises an eyebrow at the intrusion of their private conversation, though he expected as much. [color=0072bb]“His grace will be less tolerating than garçon here if he feels you are attempting to deceive him, Vice-Warden Adela. Choose your words carefully.”[/color] He turns to direct his attention towards the others at the doorway,  [color=0072bb]“It appears the Vice-Warden is suffering from dehydration. May I request some water for her to drink, wash, and some clean clothes for when she meets his grace?”[/color], finishing with a nod towards Zarina and Marci.

Marci recognises this as an opportunity to allow Abdel to withdraw, holding her hand upon his shoulder. [color=598527][b]"Come with me, I will need some help with the water"[/b][/color]. She glances up towards Zarina, as if awaiting her verdict.

The Vice-Warden was just about ready to defend herself and save face in front of Thierry, but the towering man shut down any hope of a recovery. It was a similar situation to the crop or prison she had faced before ending in the dungeon, and she wasn’t going to blossom with newfound courage after three days in the dark and heat, [color=664BD6]“... I will be nothing but truthful to his grace, the Duque.”[/color] she crossed her arms and made herself smaller, [color=664BD6]“As I wrote in my letter, Tavio sent these outsiders as sacrifices to purge the Aberracion, but the monster swallowed it first.”[/color] her voice was hushed and she gravitated toward the corner of her cell whilst keeping eye contact with Thierry.

Zarina shot a glance at Marci and conferred a nod to her when she seized the initiative to appease the situation. Abdel, still shooting daggers with his eyes, wanted to say so much more, but ultimately couldn’t muster the strength to go against both Zarina and Marceline, [color=C78A2C]”She’ll be provided with everything she needs.”[/color] she raised an eyebrow whilst scrutinising the weather form of the vice, [color=C78A2C]”So long as you consider the potential emotions and animosities involved, Sir Thierry. We could have killed them, or treated them with the same treatment they’ve given to the minds of every resident here.”[/color] she provided perspective as she stepped into the cell, standing by the armoured man and looking down at the older woman, [color=C78A2C]”It would be quite cruel to do such a thing, no?”[/color]

Thierry nods as he nods and offers his arm out towards Zarina to take.  [color=0072bb]“Merci, if you don't mind escorting me out of here. I am satisfied with the condition of the prisoners, Mademoiselle.”[/color], he turns on his charm offensive with the Virangish girl, offering her a smile. [color=0072bb]“I am sure Vice-Warden Adela has much to prepare for when she speaks with his grace.”[/color]

Zarina peered down at the presented arm, and then up at the envoy’s visage, [color=C78A2C]”I’m afraid I’m ill-equipped to match your splendour, Sir Thierry.”[/color] she replied with a smirk pushing on the edge of her lips and a light tinge of sarcasm to her tongue, [color=C78A2C]”Although I’m sure Marci would appreciate the extra hand to get around.”[/color] from a smirk to a downright shit-eating toothy grin, she made sure Marceline saw it.

As the duo brought the water, Abdel would be the first to sense a disturbance that team Yalen had since detected. The Wyrm had entered tethered range, but was not heading for them, [color=9e0039][b]”The Wyrm! Do you feel it too, Marci?”[/b][/color] Zarina squinted in slight concern and looked over at the tall warrior by her.

Marci nods in agreement, [color=598527][b]"I can feel it, just on the edge… it doesn’t appear to be heading in this direction. It seems to be making its way to… … Hosta"[/b][/color].

With the response and the revelation of new information, Sir Thierry relaxes his arm. [color=0072bb]“His grace will be requesting my presence. We can explore this further at a more opportune time.”[/color] He brings Zarina’s hand to his lips as he kisses upon it. [color=0072bb]“Luck for the upcoming fight.”[/color], he offers her a wink as he starts marching past the cells, the sword seeming to lift and pull through the air towards him as he straps it upon his back. He gives a respectful nod towards Marci and Abdel as they come through with the waters. [color=0072bb]“Till next time.”[/color]