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[img]https://i.imgur.com/ONchJfH.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/QTleDb0.png[/img]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/rhdxr3u.png[/img]

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj0boS-gQTY&list=RDqj0boS-gQTY&start_radio=1[/youtube]
[color=#FFFDD0]TIME:[/color] Evening
[color=#FFFDD0]LOCATION:[/color] The Gossamer[/center]

The Gossamer was lit like a jeweled lantern this evening, warm and golden with the chatter of nobles and the soft clink of fine crystal filling the air. None of them noticed the closed-off section in the back, cordoned by velvet rope and guarded by two nervous servers.

They noticed, however, the man was already sitting there.

Kilian occupied the corner table as though he were a king. The girl, his little witchy pet, stood behind him to the right, chain secured at her waist, hands folded, body still, blindfold tied neatly over her eyes. The new dress fit her well, and her hair was clean but still damp.

The waiter nearby looked like he might faint.

On the table before Kilian sat a platter of delicate pastries. He picked up a croissant, considered it for only a beat, then lifted it up toward the girl’s lips.

[color=RosyBrown]"Open."[/color]

She obeyed.

He placed the bite gently against her mouth, cold and detached, as if he were feeding a barn animal he didn’t particularly care for but needed to keep its strength.

The waiter trembled as he tried to look away.

Kilian set the pastry down and folded his hands atop the table. Calm, controlled , unsettling despite barely doing a thing.

He waited patiently for his company to arrive.

[color=RosyBrown]"Ready yourself. Our guests will be here any minute now."[/color]

Lucian stepped through the threshold of the Gossamer looking all the regal prince that he was. His long red hair was tied back neatly in a low ponytail, something his sister had insisted on. The cool night air billowed his thick red coat lightly before the door was closed behind him. An older servant walked up to him, clearly not terribly fazed by his appearance. 

[color=Gainsboro]”Good evening, Your Royal Highness Lucian Camilia.”[/color] The old man greeted him. Lucian lips curled into the semblance of a smile as he nodded his head in acknowledgement. Without much need for words, Lucian turned to begin taking his coat off and the servant stepped forward to take it. 

[color=slategray]”I believe I have an appointment.”[/color] He finally spoke, eyes turned to the male servant. His tone was not mean or callous, but left no room for disagreement. 

[color=gainsboro]”Of course, right this way, sir.”[/color] 

His boots tapped lightly against the hard white floors of the restaurant. The chains of his pocket watch clanged lightly against his pants with each step. He certainly caught the glances and whispers that followed him, turning occasionally to offer a kind smile and a nod before continuing. 

When in public like this, steps are always measured. He was taught from a young age that when presented as a Prince, he must always make pains to be aware of every little movement and action he takes and how it is viewed. It made him absolutely loathe places like this. Though, he couldn’t fault the man for thinking of Lucian’s station. A prince in a bar would be a sight to behold indeed. 

Lucian followed the servant to the back, his eyes watching the man that slowly came into view. He’d met Kilian before during his apprenticeship, but still hadn’t gotten a full measure of the man yet. His eyes widened, however, when he noticed the woman next to him. She was in chains and blindfolded. Knowing Kilian, he could gather who, or rather what, she was. 

[color=gainsboro]”His Royal Highness, Prince Lucian has arrived.”[/color] The servant announced, glancing briefly at the two servers standing guard.

[color=slategray]”Good evening, Kilian.”[/color] He spoke once he’d been announced. [color=slategray]”And.. Who might this be?”[/color] He asked, glancing over the woman with a gaze as cold as the winters in his kingdom. As pretty as she was, he knew that from her position next to Kilian she was a monster and he couldn’t help but to overlap her with the figure that had appeared behind his late wife. It took some doing to control the tension in his jaw.

Kilian stood as the Prince was announced, and offered a poised bow as Lucian addressed him. 
[color=RosyBrown]“Welcome to Sorian, your Highness. You look well.”[/color] Kilian said, then turned, letting his gaze drift over his shoulder to the woman in chains behind him.

[color=RosyBrown]“And this…[i]thing[/i]…is Agony. Named for the sole offering her kind brings to our world. Agony is what she sowed, so Agony is what she now reaps.”[/color] He paused with a smirk as his eyes turned back to the Prince, his hand motioning for Lucian to take his seat.  The servant moved to pull the chair out from the table as to make room for the Prince. Kilian continued. [color=RosyBrown]“Feel free to get comfortable, your Highness. Our other guest shall arrive any moment.”[/color] 

Lucian offered a nod in return to Kilian’s bow. He made a small mental note that even Kilian was capable of small talk and the thought brought the smallest of smirks to his lips.

He turned as Kilian introduced Agony, his admittedly faint smile immediately fading once more. His gaze lingered on the woman for a moment. In any other instance, he may have pitied her. Now, all he felt was a rage like a clenched fist in his chest. 

With measured movements, Lucian sat down at the chair pulled out for him. [color=slategray]”Cabernet Sauvignon, if you have it. Earl Grey Tea, if you don’t.”[/color] He spoke to the servant, not bothering to look up at them. His gaze was fixated on the [i]thing[/i] by Kilian’s side. The servant floundered for a moment, blinking rapidly before they pulled away to find something for him. ‘Was… was that on the menu?’ They thought frantically to themselves.

[color=RosyBrown]“Cabernet Sauvignon…”[/color] Kilian repeated with cold amusement. He reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small, silver flask etched with tiny yet intricate designs. Something about the small container seemed more than meets the eye, as Kilian opened it, brought it to his lips, and took a nice long swig.
[color=RosyBrown]“Not much of a wine man, myself... So I brought my own libations,"[/color] His words came out with satisfaction as the warmth of the dram spread throughout him. [color=RosyBrown]“However, I must say… Cabernet Sauvignon… If you’re going to drink wine, that’s the one.”[/color]

Kilian’s words tugged Lucian’s attention from the woman and his gaze shifted. He watched the man take out his own drink, one he had brought himself. It hadn’t surprised Lucian to know that the man carried his own on him, rather he certainly would have assumed as much just from the look of him. A man like that couldn’t fight the horrors he fought and not take to the drink on occasion. 

[color=slategray]”My mother’s drink of choice, so naturally I grew a taste for it.”[/color] He offered. [color=slategray]”Though, I’m not unfamiliar with other forms of libations.”[/color] He chuckled dryly. 

The small talk about wine was swiftly and dramatically interrupted.

The velvet rope separating the corner was pushed aside and the two nervous servers guarding the section jumped as Fenrys, an enormous, silvery-grey dire wolf, padded silently across the carpet, preceding his owner. Torvi followed, making her entrance a spectacle of opulence and lethal grace. She wore a long, flowing black gown with a fitted bodice. The top featured sheer fabric across the chest and shoulders, creating a delicate, elegant illusion sweetheart neckline with a thin V-cutout in the center. Gold floral embroidery decorated the bodice, extending onto the sheer fabric to decorate her neck and shoulders in a rich, ornate leaf-like pattern. Her long, dramatic bell sleeves were heavily detailed with the same goldwork. A black sash wrapped around her waist, defining her athletic silhouette before the skirt fell smoothly to the floor.

Fenrys slowed and then stopped precisely at Torvi’s hip, his massive golden eyes surveying the room. Torvi inclined her head, her silver hair a stunning contrast to the gown. Her accent was thick and melodic. [color=#9D7A80]”My apologies for the small delay, Prince Lucian. I am Torvi Jorviksdottir. It is an honar.”[/color]

She settled into her chair, her golden eyes locking onto Kilian with a slow, playful smile. [color=#9D7A80]”Kilian, you look like you hafe found somethink very varm in that flask. Do you hafe enough to share vith an old friend?”[/color] She winked.

Kilian rose as Torvi approached, offering the faintest incline of his head as his gaze swept over her attire with an intentional pass. His eyes lingered just long enough to acknowledge the effort of her gown, to show her that he’d noticed. Her playful smile earned a small pull at one corner of his mouth as he met her eyes. The gaze did not go unnoticed by her.

[color=RosyBrown]“Impeccable timing as always, Torvi."[/color] Kilian exclaimed, tossing the flask her way. [color=RosyBrown]"But careful, now… That’s the same brew they were serving that night in Irinaburg. I had some sent over; figured it would help the others feel more at home. Plus, Varian whiskey is more useful to me than Caesonia’s watered down swill. It’s stronger, more…flammable."[/color] He said, the hint of a smirk on his face shifting into a crooked and mischievous grin as he looked back towards the blindfolded woman just long enough to make his point. 

As his gaze returned forward facing, he offered Torvi a delinquent wink and then turned his attention to the literal 200lb wolf in the room. [color=RosyBrown]"And I see I’m not the only one who brought a date to our little gathering. A dire wolf in the gods damned Gossamer…Hilarious."[/color] Kilian stated, voice dripping with dry wit.    


There were things that Lucian would have never expected to find in a place such as the Gossamer; dragons, unicorns, and whatever creature had just sauntered in like it owned the place. It took him a moment of staring at the wolf before he noticed the owner behind it. She looked about his age and had an air of confidence around her, which made sense considering the company she kept. His gaze shifted to the wolf again as the thought crossed his mind before returning to the woman.

The woman was beautiful by all standards and he knew she knew it based purely on the way she carried herself and dressed herself. She all at once fit in, and stood out. It was mildly impressive. Dog, not withstanding. 

[color=slategray]”A pleasure to meet you, Torvi.”[/color] He replied coolly. His gaze now flickered between the thing at Kilian’s side and the giant wolf seated next to their companion. It was comical, really. He could only imagine how this looked to outsiders. A Prince, a man with a woman bound in chains, and a devilishly attractive woman with a wolf the size of a small bear. Comical. 

Lucian’s mind had begun to wander as the two spoke, but was pulled back in when he heard talk of Varian Whiskey. His gaze shifted from the wolf to Kilian and the flask he carried, a brow raised at him as the faintest smirk tugged on one corner of his lips. He watched the flask pass hands with mild amusement. 

Torvi’s silver hair swayed as she smoothly grabbed the flask from the air. Without looking, she unscrewed the top and brought the cool, familiar metal to her lips. The raw, peat-smoked Varian whiskey hit her like a pleasant memory. It tasted like home.

[color=#9D7A80]"Irinaburg..."[/color] she murmured, a soft, dangerous smile appearing as she lowered the flask and sat down. The subtle heat in her eyes was meant for Kilian alone. [color=#9D7A80]"That was a very varm and vild night.”[/color] She hummed before she took another, longer sip, enjoying it. Then Kilian mentioned a "date" and her gaze shifted to Fenrys. She sent a cool, amused look back at both men.

[color=#9D7A80]"Fenrys is the most handsome partner, yes? In my village, if you are chosen to become Ulfhednar as a child, you are paired with a volf pup. Legend says your life is tied to theirs and vhen one dies, the other feels it so deeply they might not survive.”[/color] She paused, then tilted the flask toward Lucian in offering, a challenging spark in her golden eyes as she shared her story. She figured Kilian wouldn’t mind, and she had noticed him eyeing the container. [color=#9D7A80]"Of course, this is all myth and legend, so who can say if it is true? I can tell you that Fenrys comes from a special breed of dire volf that lives much longer than your average volf."[/color] As if in answer, Fenrys looked to Lucian and it almost seemed like the wolf smirked before dipping his head respectfully to the Prince.

Lucian had heard skin deep rumors about the Ulfhednar. Never anything substantial, so he was eager to hear as much as he could about them. He unconsciously leaned forward, his eyes now locked with hers as he listened. 

He smirked again as the flask was offered. He made a quick glance with Kilian to check if the male was okay with this before lifting it to his lips. Kilian offered a simple nod as permission.

The warm burn on his throat as he swallowed it down brought back memories that felt like a distant, numb dream. Someone else’s life, someone else’s story. 

He ran his tongue along the inside of his teeth, as if trying to get rid of the taste as soon as possible out of fear of becoming that person once again. Lucian turned to look back at Fenrys as Torvi spoke. Lucian knew enough about wildlife, especially the beast sitting in front of him, to know that he needed to be respectful in return. He offered a low bow of his head to the wolf.

[color=slategray]”How do they pair you?”[/color] He asked out of curiosity, his gaze fairly innocent as he looked back at her again. He motioned to offer the flask back to her.

Torvi accepted the flask back, replacing the cap and passing it back to Kilian. She leaned back, the gold on her sleeves catching the light.

[color=#9D7A80]”Ve call it the Sjald-Vaka–the Soul-Vigil,”[/color] she explained. [color=#9D7A80]”It is a hunt for the other half of your spirit. Between seven and nine years old, ve are left in the High Crags. Meanevhile, the volf mothers bring their litters to the slopes at the same time. You vander for days, starving and vatching, until you feel a pull in your chest that matches the fire in your blood. You are looking for the one who completes you.”[/color]

She glanced down at the silver grey head near her knee.
[color=#9D7A80]”I vas stubborn and climbed too high. I got trapped on a frost-slicked ledge in a blizzard. I thought the mountain had claimed me, but then I felt him. Fenrys didn't just find me, he hauled me back from the drop by my cloak with all his pup strength and guided me through the vhiteout. Ve valked out of the mist and snow together.”[/color]

Fenrys let out a low, vibrating chuff, his tail giving a heavy thud against the floor. Torvi looked down at him, arching a silver brow with a playful smirk. [color=#9D7A80]”Vhat? You think you can tell it bettar? Be my guest.”[/color]

She laughed softly before turning her focus to Kilian. [color=#9D7A80]”But enough of the old vays. Kilian, you hafe the floor.”[/color]

Giving Torvi a pleased nod, Kilian took control of the moment. The hunter leaned forward onto the table with his elbows, resting his chin on clasped fists and smiled smugly at his companions.  

[color=RosyBrown]“I’ll start with the basics.”[/color] His voice emerged with the air of superiority and intensity that Kilian had come to be known for. [color=RosyBrown]“Plain and simple… This kingdom is a disaster. These people have let the cancer of magic spread far and wide like the imbeciles they are. There is no discipline, no fear of consequence. Abominations roam the streets and those who pretend to have power have become complacent.”[/color] 

The disgust he held for the situation was obvious as he spoke, as was his disdain for those responsible. [color=RosyBrown]“All of that ends now. The foolish bitch of a queen that called us here was outed by her own son as a witch. That makes our job even easier. King Edin is desperate. He’s malleable and far more of a simpleton than his wife. She was foolish, but the pig of a king is an actual fucking fool… And with the church behind him, we’ll have little to no resistance here when it comes to our mission.”[/color]

Kilian leaned back in his chair, his fingers wrapping around a piece of bread as he brought it to his lips and took a bite before continuing. 

[color=RosyBrown]“Our Vanguards have observed the auras of the majority of Sorian’s nobility. We are building files on each. It is evident that Magicae has infected many among them, though a few stand out among the rest. ”[/color] 

Kilian reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and revealed a dossier, which he slid over to Prince Lucian. [color=RosyBrown]“I’ll get to the others in a moment, but let’s start with Prince Callum Danrose. His aura is…[i]disgusting[/i]. This shows us that the arcane runs deep in the royal bloodline. Like mother like son, it seems. He is by far our biggest hunt. However, we must proceed with caution. Despite how I would personally rather chain him up in streets and make an example of him with public execution… It would be risky to go so public when it comes to the Prince. The throne is already unstable, and outing another Danrose for magic only makes things worse.”[/color]

Swapping the bread for his glass, Kilian takes a nice long swig of his drink as he lets the information settle amongst Torvi and Lucian. 

[color=RosyBrown]“But make no mistake, we will bring the Prince to justice in due time. We will cleanse this kingdom of his vile soul.”[/color] 
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