[IC] Velorio's Downfall-Looking for Players!

[Deathsong12]

Volas raised a brow as he watched the scene unfold. Not what he was expecting, not even close. He would most definitely have to keep an eye on this situation and get his hands on whatever the Governor was using. That can wait, however. He came out of where he was temporary hiding, poking his head in to see what happened inside while he was being a pansy.

He gave a small wave to the woman who had came and provided assistance. He honestly had expected more bloodshed considering he had shot one of the Enforcers. Not that he is complaining or anything, but it's just a surprise. All in all, despite the losses, it has been a rather successful day, he managed to still stay alive. After a quick glance from what he could see from the door, he moved away from where he could potentially get shot by anyone inside/moved off to wherever on the side.

[sharksama]

Étoiles glared at the Enforcerers as they made their way out. What item was that he had? It look like a hook, but it shot up in the air? Strange Parliament. She sighed in relief as they went, turning her head to Claudia and Volas. "May you two be blessed," she spoke in joy, glad to be rid of those Enforcerers. She looked to the side. "Er... Do one of you mind helping me up? That bastard shot my foot." The blue-haired girl then sighed disappointingly. "Guys, listen..." She took a breath before continuing. "I-I'm sorry I wasn't able to defeat them, or save any of the other men. And not to mention that my weapon got taken away..." She winced, prepared for the lecture she was about to get. "Again, I'm sorry."

@Deathsong12 @Rusalka

[Rusalka]

@Deathsong12@sharksama

Claudia stood stern over the girl, her face hard as steel with two firm, glaring blue eyes upon Etoiles. What a disaster this night had been for the rebellion. First, the munitions warehouse is raided and three of their best marksmen end up dead. Then, that scum of the earth governor reveals to Claudia so smug that their lieutenants had all been assassinated. It was a Night of Long Knives all over again. To say the woman was angry was an understatement.

Her teeth grit, she was about let the reckless fool have it all, one hell of a tongue lashing to remember....but alas, how could Claudia ever be mad at that adorable face of Etoiles. She sighed letting her anger go and knelt down hugging the sweet young girl, "Just promise me you'll never do anything reckless again, sweetie. You had me worried sick." She cradled the tiny body carefully in her arms with a soft smile, lifting Etoiles and carrying her. "Come now, Ettie. Those wounds will need to heal before you ever venture out again."

The masked man stood hidden in the veil of shadows. Eventhough Claudia could not see him, she could tell Volas was near. "Volas darling, I'll need you to alert the others of this attack. Tell Minerva to bring her men to the tavern. We need to regroup and formulate a counter attack soon. The Parliament is thinning our numbers."

[xChrome]

Vanessa turned to see a woman standing by the door, judging by her appearance, she was about the same age as Vanessa but twice her beauty, she clearly wasn't the fighting type. Vanessa sensed a familiar fury when Claudia noticed Etoiles' condition, she must've meant a lot to her and was impressed by how well Claudia held back her rage. Vanessa was surprised that Samuel decided to spare them, the Rebels were outnumbered and could easily be apprehended, but this show of mercy might prove advantageous to Vanessa.

Vanessa and her men soon followed suit behind Samuel, within seconds the whole warehouse was cleared of all Parliament forces and only the bodies of Rebels were left behind. Vanessa stood beside Samuel awaiting the airship's arrival and whispered to him, "Go ahead and meet the Chancellor, don't wait up on me, I'll be following these Rebels. They have to bring the young girl somewhere to recover."

[Deathsong12]

Volas frowned at the interaction between the two individuals in front of him. Even after all these years, he will still never understand people. Once he was ordered to go find Minerva, he nodded before sprinting to where he heard she was. Yet again, not really the best decision considering he is running away from a place that the Parliament attacked. For all he knew, he could have someone from the Parliament stalking him.

However, odds of that are pretty low with all considered. It helps that he dresses (a bit) like a doctor.

[sharksama]

Étoiles was a bit surprised when she was hugged. She didn't expect anything less from Claudia, but she was sure she would get a lecture. "I'm sorry I worried you," she murmured tiredly as she was lifted from the ground. "I won't, trust me. I've learned my lesson for today..." As the red-haired female gave orders to the masked Volas, she rested her head on Claudia's shoulder and yawned. She was mentally and physically exhausted from today's events. She just wanted to go take a nap somewhere. But, then again, she had to do something. She didn't want to be considered lazy by the Rebellion because a few wounds stopped her from helping them. "I-Is there anything I can do? I'd love to help anyway I can." She looked hopefully up at her dear friend.

@Deathsong12 @Rusalka

[xChrome]

Vanessa watched from the rooftops as the figure in the shadows sprinted away, it was probably the one who shot the Enforcer, now off to warn the other Rebels no doubt. However, Vanessa did not follow him, he was agile and could slip into the shadows again which will make him harder for her to tail. Instead she stayed and observed the young girl and her caretaker, the young girl's injuries would slow her down allowing Vanessa to track them with ease.

[Rusalka]

@sharksama@Deathsong12@xChrome

The fog slowly lifted from the city streets giving clear view of the night sky. Such a beautiful sight it was to Claudia, the velvet skies bespeckled with tiny, twinkling stars, the pale glow of the full moon bathing the city streets and the two women who tarried down them towards the Scarlet Carson Tavern.

Claudia looked down at the girl, a small frown contorting her ruby lips as ahe sighed, "Ettie dear...not to sound rude, but you've done all you could tonight. Admittedly, I am disappointed in you for how this night had gone, but your well being is my only concern for now, sugar." Maybe Minerva was right, the damn cantankerous crow, maybe Claudia shouldn't be so damn soft, but she was afraid of losing those she held dear once more.

As they rounded the hill, the boy Collin met up with them. "I heard everything, ma'am." The blonde boy spoke, sadness and dismay in his words. "Minerva sent one of her messenger ravens; she's pissed beyond belief, Claudia."

Claudia grimaced biting her lip. Good to know they ruffled their leader's black feathers, "Hmmm...then I suppose we are all in for a tongue lashing..." Unlike Claudia, the hardened veteran wouldn't be so lenient toward poor Etoiles. It was where the two women butted heads always. Claudia treated the Rebels as her family, but for Minerva, they were her army, her violent crusade against the ills of the rich and their corrupt oligarchy.

They stepped through the door of the tavern, out into the cold of the night and into the soothing warmth of the barroom. Claudia gently laid the weary, wounded girl across an empty table, gently petting Etoile's head. "Collin, please bring me a bottle of scotch from the shelf and a washcloth."

"Y-yes ma'am." Collin nodded concerned. "Is Etoiles going to be okay, Claudia?" He grabbed the bottle of scotch and cloth as his lieutenant commanded

Claudia answered, a soft sigh exhaled, "For the time being. A few lacerations, but nothing too major, and....oh gods..." She noticed the girl's bare foot...mangled by a savage looking gunshot wound. "Those bastards..." She snarled under her breath. How dare they do this to an innocent child, her dear Etoiles. Claudia took the cloth and poured a bit of scotch onto it. "This might hurt a little, honey." She cooed. "But we'll need to disinfect those wounds." Gently she dabbed the cloth against the cuts and the brutal gunshot wound. Oh the wounds, so numerous, only a blackhearted bastard such as Samuel, Samael Claudia called him after the Abyssal demon, could invoke such vicious harm upon a sweet young girl as she.

Collin had gone to search for medical supplies, leaving the two alone in the tavern. Suddenly, a chill crept up Claudia's spine. She gasped, turning toward the door. "Minerva?" No...it didn't feel like the stern woman's presence. Claudia was tailed here...by the Parliament.

[xChrome]

"Keep your flintlocks holstered sir, you know where my allegiance lie. But then again, I'd like to see you try." said Vanessa jestingly at the young Governor as they went their separate ways.

Vanessa followed the ladies from a distance, careful not to make her presence known. They were approaching a tavern, the Scarlet Carson, a cozy place she would've gone to if not on official business. Soon, a blonde messenger boy appeared, Vanessa crept closer to hear what they were discussing. Vanessa could barely hear much but she caught the name 'Minerva' and 'Claudia', "So that's her name, Claudia... and Minerva... she's the leader of the Rebels, we must've hit her hard to get her involved." she thought to herself.

Vanessa waited till they entered the building before going any closer, once they were in, she crept up and hid beside one of the windows. From the sound of things, Vanessa could tell that they were treating the young girl's wounds, her name was Etoiles, and the boy, Collin. "Poor children," she thought to herself, "always in over their heads and blinded by the ambitions of adults." Vanessa heard someone approaching the door so she hid in the shadows before returning back to her post. Collin had left.

Vanessa heard Claudia call out to Minerva by the door, but there was no one there. Claudia must've felt a presence nearby, Vanessa kept her fingers crossed and hoped that Claudia didn't realise that she was there.

[DriveEMOut]

@xChrome@CAWsForAlarm
"Of course, Vanessa, but remember. If I see you do something indicating you are having an allegiance with the rebels," He turned to her, a ruthless look on his face. "I will execute you myself." As the airships came into position, Samuel smirked. They lowered the metal walkway, and Samuel started to walk up. The Chancellor would be very pleased. Samuel had completed the mission. The rebels would likely try and gather for an attack, but Samuel would kill those swine easily. After all, they were a group of unorganized, poorly trained soldiers.

[ineffable]

@DriveEMOut
Angelia was waiting in the plane. She had her long legs crossed and she was fiddling with the brown ends of her blonde hair. When she heard Samuel entering the ship she immediately stood up and made her way over to him. She held out a long, elegant hand.
"Angelia Coreman, Daughter of the Chancellor and your new teammate." She gave a slow smile and curtsies.

[DriveEMOut]

Samuel at first blushed, but then composed himself. He shook her hand, and bowed. "I am honored with your presence." He then stopped talking until he saw that the pilot was occupied. "Is this long term, or just for one mission?" All of his ruthless cunning from the mission was gone, and he was left as a regular teenage boy. "Just...um...curious, is all." He dropped his flintlock, and jumped at the noise, before picking it up.
@ineffable

[sharksama]

Étoiles understood Claudia's disappointment; she wasn't too satisfied with how everything went herself. She hung her head at the words, cursing silently to herself about how she should've known better. Once they got to the tavern and settled down, she looked curiously at the ceiling from where she lay. Trying to ignore the pain in her limbs was difficult, more so with the burning scotch that was being rubbed into her arm and foot. At Collin's question, she snorted confidently. "I'll be fine, Collin. Don't worry... I can't say I haven't felt worse, though." She laughed, which ended in an, 'ack!' as her wounds were patched up.

"Minerva?" The captain? Why would she be here? The blue-haired girl narrowed her eyes at the door, tilting her head as there was no reply. She just shrugged. "Claudia, miss, what's our next move? Do we wait for Captain Minerva to decide?"

@Deathsong12 @Rusalka

[Rusalka]

@sharksama@xChrome@Deathsong12

No reply had sounded from the door left wide open. Not one peep from the afformentioned brooding woman or anyone else, just a cold, dismal silence that made Claudia shiver. The prospect of the Parliament sending a spy was unnerving enough to deal with, but with just the boy Collin, one measly flintlock, and a badly wounded Etoiles to defend her, Claudia prayed she wasn't going to be attacked anytime soon.

Steadily her hand reached for the pistol in her garter until Etoiles called her attention from the doorway with a question...about Minerva.

Claudia sighed, a bothersome frown contorting her lips. "I'd rather not let Miss Gloom and Doom lead us, Ettie dear, but Minerva does have that strong mentality that I lack. I suppose we must await her orders and stand still for the moment. If we act too recklessly again, it might end up being the death of us all." She smirked, a soft giggle. "And you already know that, don't you sweetie? I'll send word to her again. She's probably busy sulking somewhere." That last bit Claudia added a bitter bite. Minerva had the right mind to lead the Rebellion, but Claudia could sense the woman's intentions were elsewhere.

She didn't want this tension to tear apart the Rebellion however.

As she bandaged the last of Etoiles wounds, still she couldn't shake that ill feeling of being watched. Someone was out there, but...who?

"Hmmm..." Claudia bit her lip nervously. "Stay here, sweetie. I'm going to check something for a moment." She stepped out into the cool night air, a faint metallic click resounding as she lifted her dress and brandished the flintlock pistol.

Carefully she crept around back, bare feet tiptoeing across the cobblestones. There was someone spying on them alright, and that very someone Claudia had dead in her sights. With a smirk she aimed the pistol at them, barely seeing the outline of their figure in the dim light of the window, and spoke, "Sorry honey, but the tavern's closed for the night. Guess you'll have to drink your fill elsewhere."

[xChrome]

Vanessa heard Claudia going for the door so she hid herself behind the adjacent wall, little did she expect her to come up to her from behind with a pistol drawn. Thanks to the dark night, Claudia could not make out that it was the captain of the Enforcers, this gave her a chance to talk somewhat anonymously. Besides, if she were to run, Claudia might fire a shot. Her armor can take a few shots from a flintlock, but Vanessa wasn't going to risk the off chance that the bullet will fly straight for her head.

With her face still facing away from Claudia and the light she spoke, "Ma'am, I can tell that you're all good folk just trying to live a good life, hoping that by joining the Rebels you would be able to get a hold of your dream. However I'm not here to talk about your allegiance, but rather the company you keep." Vanessa paused for a moment to clear her throat and continued, "Your leader Minerva, I hope you know that she's more than what you know her to be."

Meanwhile, Vanessa had her hand in front of her legs, she prepared a fire spell away from the sight of Claudia, ready to use it if she had to.

[sharksama]

Étoiles tilted her head at the words that left her mouth. The way she spoke about Minerva... The girl got the gist that Claudia didn't like their leader one bit. Étoiles had never met the woman, so she had no idea what to think of her. But it appeared she would have an opinion soon enough.

When Claudia announced her leave, the girl stiffened. What if it was a soldier from the Parlaiment? They had already wounded one Rebel today, Étoiles couldn't let them hurt another. But as she stood up, she winced at the pain increasing on her foot. She made a small noise and sat down. "B-Be careful, Claudia."

Étoiles sat back as the woman exited the building to confront the stranger. Worry crept up her spine at the thought of her friend getting hurt. "W-Will she be okay...?" she murmured quietly, half asking herself and half asking the open air.

@Deathsong12 @xChrome @Rusalka

[Rusalka]

@xChrome@sharksama

Claudia rose an eyebrow in surprise. By the voice, she could discern easily the spy was a woman, possibly drop dead gorgeous she hoped. She lowered the flintlock somewhat, yet kept her finger poised on the trigger. How did this woman know Minerva, other than being a liason of the Parliament. Of course to Claudia, she was just passing on old news.

The woman huffed with a snicker setting a hand on her hip, "You ain't just whistling dixie, honey. I know all about that cantankerous crow. Her intentions and mine differ greatly indeed, but I don't suppose you're here to ruffle my feathers about the woman. You've come here seeking information for the Parliament, haven't you, sugar?" Claudia smiled feeling mischievous. Minerva may have the muscle down, but what Claudia lacked in strength, she made up for with her own natural talent, charm.

"Mhmm yes...I suppose I could tell you what I know, but...only if I get to look at that pretty face of yours, sweetheart." Claudia giggled rather sultry twirling a lock of her fiery red hair around her slender finger.

In the bar however....the other woman...heard everything.

Typical Claudia. Always having to spread her legs, the cunt.

Etoiles wasn't alone on the tavern. Before the blue haired girl the dark woman materialized scowling in the empty chair with her arms crossed. Her eyes, like daggers they pierced into every wound on the girl she examined until she met Etoiles' eyes with a spiteful glare. "I hope you're happy, Etoiles. More of our brothers slain because of your failure." Minerva grumbled beneath the black scarf covering her face, only those cold black orbs of hers showing such malice towards the girl. She leaned back in her chair, one of her daggers brandished. "So tell me, Etoiles....why I shouldn't kill you right now!" She snarled, instantly stabbing the dagger beside Etoiles' head.

"Etoiles, Claudia, I'm back. The medic said...." Collin stopped in the doorway, nearly dropping the rolls of gauze and bottles of antiseptic. "Miss Minerva! Ma'am! I uh...didn't expect you here so s-soon!" He tried to hold onto the supplies as he saluted shaking in his boots. "W-where is...m-Miss C-Claudia?"

"Probably tipping the velvet in a back alley." Minerva bitterly replied. What was Minerva thinking letting that whore join the Rebellion? She couldn't even fight. The only good thing she could do that started with an "f" ended with a "k". She was a weak link in Minerva's dark eyes, but alas, without the woman informing them, they wouldn't have gotten this far.

Minerva herself went on a little Night of Long Knives, just as the governor and his damned Enforcers. She was able to sneak her way into the homes of a few prominent Parliament members, mainly rich barons and tycoons who aspired to political hierarchy, and slit their throats in their sleep. An eye for an eye Minerva called it.

[ineffable]

@DriveEMOut
She smiled widely and made herself look as elegant and beautiful as she could in the moment.
"Long term. So you don't have to worry." She winks and laughs a tinkly laugh that floats around the air.
"Your name?" She queries and settles down in one of the seats.

[xChrome]

Vanessa took a moment to think over Claudia's offer, her identity for information regarding the Rebels, it's too good to be true and she could provide false information. On the other hand, she could provide information to help overthrow Minerva, it was clear to Vanessa that Claudia wanted to lead the Rebels her own way, hopefully with less bloodshed.

Before she could speak, Vanessa heard the front door open, Collin was back and he called out to Minerva inside the tavern. It wasn't that much of a surprise to Vanessa, Minerva wasn't known for large entrances, or any for that matter. She must've heard their conversation, best to end it quick. "Tell you what dear, I'll make sure the Enforcers lay off your tavern as a sign of good will. I'll be back another day and I'll be ordering warm mead. I'll show you what you want to see, and you tell me what I want to know. Right now I think you have a rather important guest waiting."

[DriveEMOut]

"Samuel." He cleared his throat and sat down next to her. He looked out the window at one of the houses. They had already passed the poor districts, and this particular house was a manor. "That's my mansion." He beamed proudly, trying to impress her. "You should visit sometime... So, onto business. Will your father allow us to use whatever methods appeal to us? I...Um...Might torture some Rebels for information"
@ineffable