Rendezvous with a Mercenary

[Glenn]

Myrken Wood changes people. There should have been a warning on the gatehouses of the ringwall. It changes everyone. There are no exceptions. Most often it changes a person for the worst. Occasionally, very occasionally, it may do the opposite.

On the outside, at least, that is certainly the case for Glenn Burnie. He is more athletic, more poised, far less uncomfortable than when he arrived. Oh, there have been lapses, a great deal of them, but all in all, he MOVES better than that first night he stayed at the Dagger.

Case in point were the near-fineries that he had chosen to wear today. They had been purchased with the first payment that signified his formal employment with the Calomel Government. They had been worn only once, during the private celebration of Cinnabar's accomplishments, and did not the need for THAT gathering make more sense now, given what he had learned earlier in the week...

It seemed somehow fitting to dress up for this, today, especially since the clothes, though nice, kept him mobile enough. Oh yes, his sword was at his side(which up until a few nights ago was NOT a common thing for Ariane's current student), and he wore it fairly well by now.

What he also seemed surprisingly comfortable with the presence of the six Constables currently flanking him. It may have been the time he worked alongside them, a desk off in the corner of the Constabulary headquarters, mapping out the Ashfiend situation. It may have been how much time he spent with Calomel recently, working with the man every day and then chess or sparring two or three times a week. Or it may have been that still-developing sense of assurance and legitimacy that came with being part of the government, of having the law on one's side, especially when that law was backed up by strong arms and steel.

No matter the reason why, it was a confident young man who stood outside the rather unremarkable residence right now. He knew better than to walk forward and even attempt to knock. Alessandra Demarest was full of a great many tricks. No, there was no reason to go the rest of the way. By now, she knew they were here, waiting outside. She had agreed to this, so long as he was there. She would come out, meet him halfway. That was what this was about after all, compromise.

He was there so that she would turn herself in, so that she would gain the protection that Calomel could provide, so long as what information she had to offer was well worth it.

It WAS better than being dragged off in irons, and even after everything she had done to him personally, and to those he cared about, Glenn was very glad indeed that she would be able to keep some dignity throughout this.

Thinking about her, his confidence wavered, if only for a moment, and yes, he did glance back, allowing himself to be reassured by the presence of the Constables behind him. Well then, it was time to get this over once and for all. "Alessandra." He spoke. It was loud, but not a shout. Now that he knew her true nature, he knew she would hear. "We are here."

[ShadowRose]

The call. The sound of many feet approaching.

Alessandra Demarest smiled coldly, now knowing the truth of the matter, that her secrets, though expressed that they would be kept in silence, had been revealed--that her skin was as black as the night, as lightless as the caverns in which she had been born. With curls still brown as the deepest earth, she shook her head, wondering the point of it all. The little mouseling had better have a damn good reason in uttering the truth. Or else.

Ah, but none of those thoughts now. The mecernary woman stood in fluid motion, the whisper of bare feet brushing against the wooden floorboards of her near-vacant home as she approached the door, and stepped out.

The length of her svelte form, if only to put the men at ease--or, perhaps, distract them?--was donned in a silken, curve-hugging gown that betrayed a stunning blue, and low-sinking decolletage that would no doubt stir less than pure thoughts. Style, poise, grace.. even until the end. Unarmed, with no adornments save the black sapphire ring, she stood strong, with arms out to her side, palms up, in satiric surrender.

The intensity of her doe-brown eyes fell to Glenn immediately, the small blooming of her smile appreciating his presence. Stunning he, in his fine clothing and the sword at his hip, making evident that he was growing into a respectable young man. And that wisp of a smile only grew to devious proportions as more naughty thoughts flittered through her mind--ah, she had almost had him. Pity, that.

With attentions glancing briefly to the six men at his side, her expression only became more charming, half-grin and words spoken in a voice of lust-filled dreams. "All of this.. just for me? Surely, I am not -that- dangerous, Glenn Burnie."

If the men moved to capture her, she wouldn't resist. And, if she were bade to follow with swords pointed at her back, then follow she would and without struggle.

She had wanted this, after all.

[Glenn]

The men did not move. There would not be any placing of blades at her back. Oh, Calomel had wanted him prepared; he had dissuaded Glenn from taking foolish risks. The mapmaker did not want this to be any more unpleasant than it had to be however. She was stepping forward, surrendering. So long as she did it peacefully, there was no need for violence on their end

"Consider it a gesture of respect for your abilities. Yes, you are that dangerous, at least to me apparently. Anyway, I hardly think you deserve any less of an honor guard, Alessandra." His gaze upon her was even. It was his best, most controlled expression and he was very good at it. Best not to start bantering with her.

Instead cool eyes continued to gaze upon the mercenary. It was not distaste that he looked at her. Instead he tried to pierce, tried to see her as he now knew she was. "I will also have you know that I truly thought the next time we met it would be with you at the end of my blade. Elspeth argued your case, she argued for... fairness on my part, and then stepped back and let me decide upon my own. Regardless, despite all you have done, you owe her some thanks." And he owed Elspeth so very much. Without her, he would have very much ended up in this woman's clutches.

"Come along, then, Alessandra." He turned his back upon her, though none of the Constables did. Demarest, you best have some very good information for Calomel, for your own sake.

[ShadowRose]

"We will see, Glenn Burnie.." was all she said.

And she followed in silence to the fate that was before her. And, should it come that she would die to the will of Calomel.. well, it would be with a grin.

As always.