eclecticwitch

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Linda's Shop

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She could hardly keep up with the woman as she piled her arms high with clothes. So many different types of fabrics brushed her arms and face. It was sensory overload. And that wasn't even to speak of all the colors! She felt dizzy from it all. She had to use a bit of Craft to keep from buckling under the weight of the treasures.

Fatima was then urged and rushed into a fitting room - a literal room in which to try on all of these lavish clothes. She felt uncomfortable being in there alone with Linda but was not keen on having either man in the room either. She did not see Dareen in the building, having her there would have made her her feel less exposed while she became more exposed, as it were.

Of course, she was just being a tad silly. There was nothing to fear from Linda. And Jandar was there in the store. The shopwoman was unlikely to pull a knife on her. In fact, the worst wound she could expect from the woman might be to accidentally get stuck with a pin. Perhaps a small way the townsfolk could fight back against the Aristo. Or perhaps they would be too afraid of retaliation to even do something that could truly be a mistake.

Location: Winton - Linda's Shop

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Sybl was enjoying watching the little Queen flit about and talk fabrics with the shop woman. Especially found it quite adorable when her arms were quite overloaded with cloth. She took it so charmingly. Not a complaint. She didn't call for him to come carry the clothes for her though he would have gladly done so. She was quite singular.

A knocking at his mind's door called him from his thoughts. He listened without any outward sign that something was disturbing his peace. The psychic scent surprised him and that surprise passed back along the thread as the connection was made.

'It is not her, dear friend. This one is different. I could spare a moment. What do you need?'

”Not her?” There was silence before the mental voice of the Black spoke against with a hint of less an edge and curiosity. Pain traveled down the connection. Something Saetan wouldn’t allow if he could help it. "I am in need of assistance, but who are you with then?”

'She calls herself Fatima. She is a Queen without a castle. You are hurt?'

"A Queen without a castle?" Without a court? "Laska was less than pleased by my excellent tongue. Especially when I noted her for what she was." Was. Was no longer. But there was no hiding the pain and curiosity that shook the bond between the two men.

'Aaaah, well. When one dabbles with fire… I am her escort in town, I cannot leave her without it becoming suspicious. Where are you?' But, truly, he did not wish to leave her. The despair of that thought sang along their psychic thread.

“There is a cave down on the beach. That unpopular spot…” Which was unpopular because that was where the Blood had been drowned for ‘disloyalties’. No one knew outside of the Court, but the feel was there and thus the townspeople avoided it.

'I shall come directly. I must excuse myself first.' With that he broke the thread. He did not think to excuse himself to Jandar or Dareen. That was not how things were done. He approached the fitting room door and knocked politely.

“I’m decent,” came the call and so he opened the door. He had to stop a moment for the pale cool blue, nearly grey gown of taffeta that she wore was stunning. There were deeper grey pipings on the dress and black embroidery along the skirts. She shimmered. With a smile, he closed the door and approached Fatima.

Bowing deeply he said, “I’m afraid I must leave you.” His voice was horribly cracked now and the words pained him deeply. He straightened and coughed. Sybl felt the gentle brush of her mind against his. It was like warm summer rains come to soothe him. He readily allowed it entrance.

‘Let us speak this way, I am sure it is easier for you.’ She folded her hands in front of her and Sybl was refreshed by her kindness.

‘Yes, thank you.’

‘What is calling you away so soon?’ The tone he heard from her voice, that coquettish whine did not match the calm energy of her mind’s touch.

‘My humblest apologies, but I must see to a friend in a bit of trouble.’

‘Trouble?’

‘Yes, do not worry. He shall be fine. I will return soon.’

‘Do you need a healer? I am well versed in the arts.’ He thought on this moment. He wasn’t sure how well Saetan would take the young woman appearing alongside him. But Sybl knew himself to be no healer. His only balm and potion being alcohol. He sighed.

‘I’m afraid your entourage will not be welcome. And you might not be as well. He is a private man.’

‘Private or not, if he is in need of help I am poised to offer it.’ The stern and collected way she was speaking with him now was so very different and took him off guard. His brows furrowed as he surveyed her. What was this little lamb of a Queen? She was unlike anything he had ever experienced. How delightful she should be his.

‘Alright, I will take you. I just hope your hounds do not do me grievous harm.’

‘I wouldn’t let them.’ He doubted she could keep them from hurting him but, regardless, he had a friend to attend to. And a chance to see what his Queen could do. He passed Linda a handful of coins, scooped the tiny Queen into his arms, and used a site shield to hide them both from prying eyes. He exited a back way, thrilling in her arms around his neck and, for to make haste, he ascended into the air as if climbing a flight of stairs to the sky. She gasped and her pure ecstasy of it tickled him.

“We’re flying!” She exclaimed.

‘No, just walking on the air. I have no wings,’ his tone was bemused and he looked down but her face was turned away, looking out across the vast ocean. And Sybl knew, in that moment, as the salty breeze tousled his hair and brushed her across his face, that he would die for this woman. For she meant change.

Location: Winton - Linda's Shop

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Before being entirely whisked away Fatima sent Jandar and Dareen a simple message.

'Someone needs help. I will be back soon. Worry not.'

Naturally, they were going to be very worried. And very, very cross with her. But as it stood, she could not leave someone in need if she could help them.

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Winton - The Inn --> Linda's Shop

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Fatima felt a flush come to her cheeks at his comment about rubbing her feet and she stared at him wide-eyed. What on earth could have possessed the man? But he seemed to be just as embarrassed and so Fatima chose to ignore the comment. Gen's statement though! It just about caused her to faint. What in the world had come over the man? Any of these men? However, she was delighted to have so many bodyguards friends coming along for the trip. And they would certainly be eye-catching, what with an Eyrien tagging along and all. She would make quite the spectacle it would seem.

She walked alongside Sybl, all demure patience. She asked polite questions about the town, nothing too probing nor specific in the fear he might think she was attempting some sort of take over. She did not at all want this shitty little town. She wanted her own shitty little town she had been born in and promised to rule since then. Her heart actually ached for it, how odd.

She easily brushed it aside upon entering the shop and got back into the groove of the foolish young Queen with a taste that far exceeded her annual income. "New?" she responded to the woman, a glint of curiosity in her eye.

Location: Winton - The Inn--> Linda's Shop

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His brow wrinkled at her response. High fashion and weaponry? Was she being serious? Was that a joke? He looked toward the others for some clue but nary found a one so he gave her a half-smile that did not quite hide his confusion. The last thing he wanted to do was to look foolish by giving the wrong sort of response. His confusion was furthered by her comments on different colors which all sounded quite plausible to his artist's ears. Jandar even joined in and Sybl found himself in a state of distress. Jokes or truth? He hated this game.

"I would assume that there may be something to be found to your liking," he inclined his head to both people, hoping against all hope that this was an appropriate response. He hadn't realized how much he had stiffened until Fatima looked up at him with those pale eyes. He worried he was hurting her but it seemed her concern was for him because she lightly patted his arm before leading them out. Since no one was laughing or hurting him he assumed he must have made the right call for the conversation and relaxed.

He found the walk pleasant with Fatima asking many delightful questions. He was proud to be able to answer them all to satisfaction though as they wore on his voice was becoming more and more hoarse. When the reached the store he attempted to slyly drink from a flask tucked in his overcoat. He was fairly adept at hiding this movement from his years in Court. To be caught had meant punishment and one had to learn some sublime sleight of hand in order to not be caught. As much as he was saddened to no longer have the comfort of her touch, he found himself quite enjoyably occupied watching her flounce about the shop and ask questions. Sybl found his way to a quiet patch of wall where one would not be in the way.

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Winton - The Inn

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Fatima let out of cry of delight at Sybl's agreement. She then pouted and stuck her tongue out at Gen when he said a most reasonable thing. She, of course, agreed with him whole heartedly. Realistically she did not want to spend what money she had on a stupid dress to go see a stupid Queen. Stupid.

"I hope it is not too far a walk," she said in a coy sort of voice. "I have done some wandering around town and my feet ache." There was a note of complaint in her tone though any who might know something of her would know that she was lying. Look weak. Act weak. And when you enemy goes for the blow, you can surprise them. One of the many useful things her mother had taught her about the politics of being a Queen. "Whoever would like to join us is most welcome. Though, Jandar has the better taste in clothes," she said teasingly.

Location: Winton - The Inn

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Sybl wouldn't mind an escort. Of course that was what her Court should do, though he would have much preferred some alone time with this Queen. Talk to her. See what made her tick. What made her so very special. He clasped a hand over the young woman's dark fingers on her forearm. "Whatever the Lady desires," he said in his gruff voice. "The store is not too far. I would be glad to rub your Lady's feet upon our return." Perhaps he should not have said that. But he wanted any excuse to touch her. He was acting strangely and a hot blush came over his face. Could he be so dumb? He then turned his attention to Dareen.

She had very mannish mannerisms. Her arms crossed and her face set in fierce indifference. She took to the walls and shadows - his usual haunt in a room when his presence was not explicitly demanded. However, it would be a shame for him to ignore a female member of this Queen's Court simple because she did not act womanly. He offered the mercenary a charming smile and said, "Perhaps the Lady Warrior would care for a new dress as well?" Whatever her could do to impress Fatima. But also... it did no good to leave anyone feeling left out.

Or perhaps she preferred the solitude as he himself sometimes did. Perhaps his invitation had been unwanted. Or the subject of dresses in general. "There is a good blacksmith I could take you to as well," he said as after thought.

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Winton - The Inn

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Sybl's movement caught Fatima's eyes briefly. She watched him approach the bar and then her gaze was whisked away back toward Jandar as he spoke. And then Spoke. She gave him a mirthless smile. Lovely, lunch with some dumb bitch. She inwardly winced at the words he threw to her on a thread. “Unless we can escape to Kaeleer before noon tomorrow I’d say playing along would be prudent. But this Alice is a selfish covetous bitch, so we should be careful.”

She sent back, her heart heavy, "I'm afraid it may take us some time before we can make it to Kaeleer." She did not have time to expound on this. Faeril demanded her attention as well. She was having so many threads knock at her mind's door in so short a span of time, she wasn't used to it. Involuntarily she turned in the direction of Faeril's 'thread' half expecting the woman to be standing there. She was not, which was probably for the best considering they had a spy in their midst.

The thread she sent back was sent, hesitantly, on a red distaff thread. 'He is in fact in front of us and will be joining us for a time as a... tour guide. I'm afraid we cannot escape him. Curiously though... I believe him to be one of mine. I am not sure what this means for us.' She was ready to cut the thread. However, there was more to be said from Faeril. Fatima's brows knit in confusion and she interrupted the black widow, 'Look, I'm sorry, but there are things that require my immediate attention now. Dareen has been a good companion this whole time and we can discuss her wrongs later tonight.' She knew her words were short and clipped. She knew Faeril would not like to hear that. But right now, Dareen, with the most kindness meant, was the last thing on her mind. The thread was immediately cut. She did not want to attract attention flaunting what could be considered such a high level jewel in mixed company. That was, should anyone be looking.

Jandar was knocking again and this time he brought heavy news. Her heart sank and she had to fight to keep from falling to her knees. And to keep tears of frustration from her eyes. There was just too much going on right now, too much that needed her attention. And this was the worst new she had received thus far. Though she had not let Faeril get far in telling her much about Dareen. “If you’ll recall, I visited the Queen to find Xandar…However, it appears they have already captured him, and may have already handed him over. Even if not, I don’t think we’ll be able to get him back at this point. As for the matter of lunch, well, either we accept or get rid of this hanger-on Warlord Prince and get the hell out of here. The final choice is, of course, yours.” He was likely gone and never to return. Jandar, having been her great support after the loss of the father figure in her life, could probably read her like a book. She gripped her skirts and did the only thing she could think of to help break that spell of anger which gripped her heart.

Spinning in a circle she smiled all coy and sweet. She perked up and primped up in the way her mother used to when she was trying to get a man's attention. "Well, if I am to visit with her Queen for lunch I must have a new dress. This one is so shabby!" She spoke in a light, sing-song voice that she figured any air-headed dope of a Queen might use. She threw a quick thread out to both Jandar and Mikhail 'Someone hang me now. For how long am I going to have to play simple and simpering?' She then flounced her way over to Sybl and gave him a syrupy smile as she threaded her arm through his. "You will show me to the best shops, yes?" 'I am so sorry.' again to Mikhail and Jandar.

Location: Winton - The Inn

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Sybl was fully immersed in his own world of self-hatred turned upon the other Warlord Prince in the room he considered to be a threat to this imagined relationship he held with Fatima. How woeful and stupid. He gulped down the first glass in one go before filling and swallowing down a second. His stony face did not betray the turmoil inside of him and he looked up with great surprise as he was suddenly accosted by one of the rough Eyriens. His time in court had taught him to distrust and dislike the breed immensely. They were good for rough sex and hard labor.

It was of a great shock when this one approached him in kindness and what could be considered quiet for an Eyrien. Sybl swirled his amber drink around in the splotchy glass. "That is the idea," he responded in cold indifference. He wasn't about to let on more than need be. And this man talking to him was taking away from his time spent inside his own head thinking miserable, stupid thoughts. He was then joined by a young, delicate brown-skinned woman with an array of fascinating tattoos over her marble etched face. Dareen caught his attention immediately and made him almost forget that he had an internal world he was working on. She was fascinating to look at. He could have honestly look at her all day. And he found himself wondering what sort of tattoos hid under her clothes. In a non-sexual way. Of course. Naturally.

Her question caused him to smirk darkly. He was tempted to reply 'The Queens Bedroom' but thought better of it. Such a thing was highly improper. It was truly the place he spent the most time and knew anything about. He had not spent much time in the city at all. Piss poor guide. Very good spy. He knew what he was here for. So, he began to list the places he had heard the others speak about over dinners or through pillow talk.

"The beach is, of course, very nice. A few private parks around as well. For those more city inclined the theater is a hotspot." He rasped out the words with difficulty before he had to cough and then take a drink. He wished they would stop asking questions. Sybl disliked having to talk and he had done quite a lot of it today. And it seemed he was going to have to do quite a bit more. The woman offered him a drink and he offered her one of his most disarming smiles. "Thank you but the matron of the bar left me my own. I would not wish to deprive you." Another cough. Another drink.

He dropped his glass entirely as a slender arm and warm hand entwined with his. He was caught offguard. She was TOuCHING him. Like actually touching his physical person. Electricity was pulsing through his nerves and he felt he was on cloud nine. He wanted to scoop her up and just smell her. Instead, he stared down at her, frowning. The words she said were catching up to his physical reaction to her touch. She wanted to buy dresses. Well of course she did! He would show her the best dresses in town. Anything she desired. He would go so far as to pay for them himself. No... sew them. Whatever she wanted! He took a breath. "As you wish."

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Winton - The Inn

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Fatima walked back the rest of the way to the inn in silence. She had much to mull upon. How in the world were the going to get the black? Where was he at this moment in time? How far across the whole of Terrielle was she going to have to trek in order to secure him. And once she met up with him, how in darkness' name was she going to convince him to come with them?

She entered the inn and was relieved to see Denvar's happy face. His joking did much to soothe her frayed nerves. She gladly took the seat and brushed her curls back from her face. "It went... better than I expected. Though worse in some ways," she began. She did not want to give too many details in such a public setting. She did not have the time to continue her tale as Jandar entered the building with a new friend.

She frowned as she gazed upon the lanky stranger. She had not anticipated dealing with anyone new. And now they had a guide for around town? They needed to get out of town! She stood, having to peer around bulky Eyrian bodies to get a better look at the lad. He seemed young. And broken. Poor thing. She could feel the connection between them and that made her uneasy. What could this mean for the future of her group?

She turned her gaze to Jandar. "Did you accept this lunch invitation on my behalf?"

Location: Winton - The Inn

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He could not claim to be entirely pleased, having to babysit some prince and his puppet Queen. It was, however, something to do that did not involve Alice, which in a way would be a nice reprieve. He lived to serve and that could get to be a very dull and painful life. He made no comments Jandar nor paid heed to the villagers. His mind was curious about this rogue Queen and what sort of wild thing she might be.

He entered the inn behind Jandar, hands clasped behind his back. His green eyes roamed the faces of the group collected here. Some Eyriens, quite bold for them to jaunt about Terrielle. They could be rough to deal with. A true odd assortment of creatures for a dangerous Queen. His eyes alighted on the small figure which came from behind the two brawny winged males. For a moment his whole world condensed to just her frowning face. His heart raced for he felt a connection he had lived his entire life dreaming he would feel. And it was to some backwater Queen. No, his backwater Queen. He couldn't imagine anything more beautiful than this woman.

He heard his name and snapped back to attention, reality re-forming around him. Ah yes, he was here on behalf of Alice. What did meeting this girl now mean though? He half bowed to the room upon his introduction and then his eyes were on the Queen again. There was an exploding war happening inside of him. He had to serve Alice until the end of his contract. But fie that vile woman! She was an ugly, paltry thing next to HIS Queen. But would leaving Alice for this woman cause more trouble than it was worth? Of course, it was worth it, wasn't it? This moment now was what sustained him through countless nights of tortures.

He remained sullen and quiet. He willed that her eyes should look upon him. His being screamed for her attention. But she spoke to Jandar, her gaze no more than fleeting upon himself. Sybl felt intense jealousy boil his guts and felt a deep disdain for the man in front of him. He shouldn't think like that. He scrubbed a hand over his face before approaching the bar. A drink would help. A drink always helped. He ordered something strong from the barman and waited for what would happen next.

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Winton - Olenna's Home

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Fatima stood momentarily in stunned silence. An odd Queen indeed. However, that was not what had stilled the usually flamboyant woman. It was the fact that the old priestess had agreed to help them. Her features darkened at the mention of a price. Of course. It would have been naive to think anyone in this world would help for free. The price the woman mentioned made Fatima turn pale, a cold sweat rolled down her back and she brought her hands to her lips. This was a steep price indeed.

After a long moment of consideration, she came to the only possible conclusion. There was no other choice.

"I accept your terms," she said as she lowered her hands. She made an attempt to look as Queenly as possible but the fear that rolled in her gut like acid stayed visible. "I shall return with he who wears the Black." She curtsied to the woman. "I bid you a farewell for now. It is best we work on this mission as soon as possible. We shall meet again soon."

Or they would all be dead.

She turned to the two men she had come to the cottage with and offered a thin smile before heading in the direction of the inn. As she walked she took Mikhail's hand in her own. Looking up at him she said, with warmth, "Thank you for saying such kind things about me. You always offer me such strong support. I appreciate it." She squeezed his hand before letting it go. She had to figure out a way to steal away the most important and dangerous man in all of Terrielle.

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Winton - Olenna's Home

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Fatima frowned, understanding fully the way this woman saw the Queens. Especially Hyallian Queens. She sighed and shook her head emphatically. "No no. I do not plan to take from others there. I wish for asylum and to seek help to end the plague that is our current governing powers." Forth right and honest she supposed would be best at this point. There really was no beating around the bush with this was there?

"I want to change this realm. And I believe we need the help of the next to exact this change. The numbers of us here are too few and too powerless. We must find help lest we all fall into the games of our decadant and bloated Queens." Her tone was pleading, begging this woman to see the truth in her words. "But if you do not help us we will continue to fight the taint regardless." This she said with striking conviction. She would not give up.

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Winton - Olenna's Home

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It seemed the old woman had a penchant for speaking in nostalgic retoric. For days gone by, for what once was. Fatima found herself thinking that for the future they would need to let go of what once was and build something new. Something that could not be corrupted in this way. She brought her hands in front of her, clasping them at her stomach.

She nodded solemnly. "I will not force you to speak on anything you do not wish. I only hope to do what is right by my people. And I am ready to take on any challenge to ensure that their needs are met." She was attempting to be vague enough that she did not give away their true intentions to someone who could not be trusted. But as she spoke, the way her words sounded made her think that perhaps she was coming off as too ready for cruelty. "I am seeking a safe haven." She took a deep breath, glanced at the two men who had come with her, and then looked back at the old woman. "I am looking to crossover."

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Winton - Olenna's Home

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Fatima walked the old road with some sense of nostalgia. Her own town had decaying roads such as this. She could remember a time, walking down them to see to her people and their sheep. The scent of sea air made it a less complete picture as well as the lack of incessant "baa-ing." She had to admit she did not miss the baa-ing. The scent of food mixed with the sea air and Fatima found she was hungry as her stomach growled loudly. The next thing to come to her was the creaking sound of which its source soon became apparent.

She offered her best, crooked smile to the old woman but this soon fell as she mentioned her darker jewel. This was a secret and something like this in the hands of the enemy could be devastating. Of course, she knew not if the woman was indeed an enemy. It left her feeling off-balance. After a moment's silence between them, Fatima gathered herself and smiled once more.

"Good morning, Priestess. I hope you are well. You have a beautiful home." She took a few steps forward but did not come too close. She did not want to appear aggressive or invasive but did want to offer some semblance of respectful distance. She opened her hands and held her arms out from her body in an encompassing gesture before curtsying to the woman. "My name is Fatima and this is Mikhail and Gennar. I had hoped we might have the chance to speak regarding your old altar."

Blood's Jewels (High Casual Fantasy Revolution)

Location: Alice's Manor, receiving room

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Jandar strolled into Queen’s Alice manor. It was rather difficult to keep his expression politely neutral when he was feeling the utmost disgust at all the pretentious ‘splendor’ – especially the awful, ugly ceiling. The heavy perfume also made him want to sneeze, but he refrained. The furniture was overdone as well, but really, there were so many things [i]wrong[i] that a few overly luxurious chairs were entirely unworthy of mention.

“Of course, I understand how busy a Court can be,” the Warlord replied to the servant civilly, offering him a curt but forgiving nod. He was left alone for a while after the servant left, and Jandar strolled along the receiving hall, his expression coolly judgmental as he examined all the trifling decoration. He had the feeling that it’d be a long while before he could see the Queen – if she’d receive him at all. Who knew what inanities she was occupied with.

Though he knew perfectly well he could call upon a servant, he didn’t see a cause to do so. Perhaps he could explore a bit under the guise of bored wandering. Trailing a finger just in front of one of the paintings, as if he were absorbed in inspecting the manor’s artistic adornments, he slowly and leisurely began to trek further inside.

Sybl inwardly winced. If there were few things in this world of which he was certain they would include these:
If it were the black jeweled warlord prince there would have been more panic in the steward’s voice.
If he were to serve under Alice she would come to find it most tedious.
And lastly, that she would not live long once she exposed herself for who she was.

None the less he smiled. "It would be my pleasure, my Queen," he said in his quiet rasp before moving through the doors. It was not long before he saw the man who came to call. Certainly not Saetan. "She'll be upset if she finds you left the receiving chambers," he told Jandar as he approached. He gestured back the way Jandar had come, indicating that he should walk before Sybl.
Jandar turned when he heard the newcomer, and looked him over in a quick up-down-up sweep. “Then she should not have given me the opportunity to loiter,” he answered. He’d deal with the Queen’s potential irritation if he had to. However, he did follow the direction of other man. He was a mixed Warlord Prince, it seemed, which was somewhat curious. “So, you are to occupy me until the Lady deigns to receive me, I take it,” he stated, rising an expectant eyebrow at the green eyes man.

Sybl raised his eyebrows to the man. How odd that her trust should be seen as something to take advantage of. Was he one of those young men who were perhaps looking to get into the Lady's good graces? And then perhaps her bed? It would certainly give Sybl some reprieve.
"Or perhaps to babysit," he replied cooly but with a smile on his lips. "In truth she hoped you were the Black." He wondered what the man would do with this information.

“It is common sense that guests need to be minded lest they make their own entertainment, no?” Jandar retorted, amused. He was not at all offended by the implication that he’d done the kind of misdeed only a recalcitrant child would have done, because even if that were true, he had his own reasons for acting as he did. “Besides, what else is all this beauty for if not to appreciate?” he drawled, perfectly polite but with an undertone of something else, as he gestured vaguely at their surroundings.
Jandar cocked his head to the side when the other man mentioned that his lady was hoping for SaDiablo. He could guess based on that fact that whoever the local Queen was, she must be lacking in brains - or simply fatally reckless - to hope for such a thing. “The kept beast?” he sneered, injecting the appropriate amount of scorn to cover his ambivalence at the idea. “I’ve certainly heard he’s let out of Dhemlan every now and then, but for him to be sent here…that would have to be quite the occasion,” he smirked lopsidedly, blatantly lightly mocking now. Partly to fish for information, partly to vent, and partly because he had nothing better to do.

"He is in possession of quite a…. An individual personality." He put it as kindly as he could think. Bearish would also have been appropriate. Violent. But Sybl could not entirely fault the man for his rage at his situation. "I doubt the man would ever appear in so small a Court. Queen Alice is only just a rising jewel." He spoke with hollow pride in his voice. "What brings you to visit our lovely lady?"

“Know him personally, do you?” he asked with scoff. Though it was possible, Jandar would sooner believe the mixed-blood had only heard of SaDiablo’s reputation. Sybl declined to answer this question and remained silent. “Mm, small but quaint. Nice seaside location. Could be useful for a little vacation for those of discerning tastes,” Jandar couldn’t help but let a bit of critique leak into his voice as he emphasized that word. “This place does have some potential,” he prevaricated to cover up for the minor slip beforehand, acting the part of a haughty assessor. “We were travelling for leisure, and I’ve heard some tidbits about the local court that piqued my curiosity. So, I’m here to acquaint myself with it, make some connections. You know how it is,” he shrugged lightly.

Sybl could hear the way his words were emphasized or changed. This made him anxious because, with others, this would mean some kind of mind game he would likely lose. He was not good at discerning what was to be meant - only the “lyrical” changes of voice. He frowned slightly and looked toward the door. “And who is we?”

“We are the Lady I serve and her growing court. She’s young, but has potential,” Jandar answered curtly. He didn’t want to give much more away to this Warlord Prince, especially since he’d have to make some things up for Alice later on.
"A Lady not invited? How daring." He crossed his arms and shifted his weight slightly. "I wouldn't mention your Lady to Queen Alice." Should he tell Alice of this woman though? If they were just passing through… what if they were here to take over Alice's claim? He was suddenly very uncomfortable.

“Is Queen Alice not interested in an alliance, then?” Jandar wondered. He suddenly gazed sharply at the other man, as if seeing him for the first time.

"A Queen must be invited before entering another's territory." He raised an eyebrow. "Surely someone of your station would know this. Unless your Queen is here to make trouble there are certain channels through which something like this should be done." He uncrossed his arms and took a step closer to Jandar. "Are you here to make trouble?"
The Warlord chuckled lightly, despite feeling a light sliver of intimidation from the approaching Warlord Prince, and due to his own mistake. “She’s a troublemaker, but not in that sense. We’ll be leaving soon, so you needn’t worry. But proper or not, it was a risk worth taking...or so she claims,” he shrugged. Honestly, Jandar hadn’t considered that a Queen visiting uninvited would be such a great offense. Once again, he’d said too much.

He sighed and shook his head. "I'll let my Lady decide to what she shall take offense. I hope the risk really is worth taking. I hope your Lady is worth this risk." He moved back, leaning against the wall.