Visiting the High Constable

[Sherazade]

When she had first found out the High constable was in the rememdium Alexis had considered going to see him immediately, but a healing man needed his rest... and she needed hers. Indeed after her outburst of temper yesterday... after flinging that knife at snowflake she definately needed hers... Still she had stopped by the place and caught sam as the girl was heading home... requested something to help her sleep, it had taken awhile to convince the Elfling it was a good idea... but in time she had the herbs she needed and instructions on how to prepare them and then she was heading back towards Charlieghs.

Dawn had broken and Alexis had not stirred she had remained wrapped in sleep for a few hours longer, when she had risen, she felt more rested than she had in several weeks "thank you sam" she murmured laughter spilling from her lips.. she must remember to give the girl something special before she left Myrken. For now though it was time to go visit the constable.

Hair was brushed and left loose, and her weapons were carefully placed upon her form... even in daylight hours she was never without them. Coat was slipped into and fastened and before she left the room the last thing she did was place her hat upon her head. Moving outside she took Tasyr's riens from Taerans hand and smiled "Dont forget to go to the waystation today Taeran, I didn't ask the favor to have you ignore it" That said she allowed him to help her mount and was soon heading for the rememdium.

Reins were slung over a hitching post upon arrival and she slid from the sidesaddle, and strode through the frontdoors... Taking directions from an attentdant she moved towards the cosntables room and would knock politely on the door. "Constable Calomel, Its Alexis DeMarashay...I would have a moment of your time" She could have mentioned the former governor had suggested she see him but given the current climate of the town in the aftermath of the riot she was treading carefully.

[Cinnabar]

"Hm? It's open." A quiet voice from within the room, perhaps a trifle distracted. But still, an invitation is an invitation.

Within, Cinnabar Calomel of the Myrkentown Constabulary is sitting up in bed with assorted sheaves of paper stacked upon his side-table and his bed. He looks pale, as might be expected of a man who'd taken an arrow to the back not a few days since, and his silvery hair is tousled and uncombed. But he's awake and alert and apparently engaged in some sort of correspondence - a task from which his visitor promises a much-needed distraction.

"Demarshay?" A few moments of puzzled thought, before he grins and nods. "Aha, yes, Governor Helstone mentioned you to me. Something about the, uh, the slain children, yes?" He nods, pleased at having recalled the details. "I do apologise for not contacting you sooner, but I fear I've been, well. Indisposed." A wry grin at that, hand waved to take in the hospital room, bedsheets and such.

Alexis is regarded with clear grey eyes for a moment, and his brow furrows slightly. "And... ha, you were at the tavern last night! I thought I recognised you. Come in, take a seat. There's a chair over in the corner." He certainly seems in better spirits than he was the night before, more vibrant and intense, and amiable with it.

[Sherazade]

Surprise glittered within the chocolate depths that found Cinnabar... as she stepped within the room and swept her hat from her head, rich loam tresses given a light shake as she sought to settle them again. "Yes about the children though i wish happier circumstances required this meeting flickering gaze took in the correspondance and she had to smile knowing instantly he was welcoming the distraction... the excuse her visit provided. "no appology needed... I've been rather busy myself." She moved with grace across the room and taking the chair from the corner settled it closer to the bed. "I must say your looking better than last night" Alexis too looked better more relaxed as she sank onto the chairs seat, hat resting in her lap, legs crossing at the ankles, a demure gesture the spoke of noble upbringing. The shadows were gone from beneath her eyes as well and there was a healthy flush to her cheeks, riding Tasyr always left her that way.

Silence for a moment took her tongue as she put her thoughts in order and then she got straight to the point of this visit "I believe the bodies were left bloodless... and unmarked.. this makes me certain the creature responsible is a Vampire" And yet again she found herself waitng for the accusation that she was insane. now wasnt the time to tell him she had also spoken to the prince... the one who rule such creatures in myrken. Nor was it time to mention she had spoken to another creature of the night.. perhaps he would not need to know her methods, most preferred not to after all.

[Cinnabar]

"Thank you - I'm feeling somewhat better, though the doctor will probably insist that that's because I've not been wandering around like a damn fool. But what does he know." A grin at that, and he sets his papers aside as Alexis retrieves the chair, giving her his full attention.

Her words regarding the dead children prompt raised brows from the High Constable, and his gaze becomes ever so slightly guarded. Hm. "I'd be interested to know where you heard that, but you're correct in that the bodies were unmarked. I couldn't say either way that they were bloodless, as I didn't check, but they were certainly extremely pale, even for corpses." As for her assertion about vampires, well. He doesn't look at her as one might regard a madwoman, that much is clear. He seems more curious than anything.

"We'd been considering that it might have been some manner of pestilence or disease, but given the lack of contact between the victims that seems unlikely. So. Vampires." He shuffles among his papers for a fresh sheet, and retrieves a charcoal pencil from the side table.

"I presume you have knowledge of such creatures, otherwise you'd not be here. What can you tell me about them?"

[Sherazade]

"And yet when they give others advice, instructions.. they are wise and to be listened to... strange no?" There was a wry twist to her lips as she gave voice to what was more an amusing observation than a question. It was a way to disarm him break through the sudden gaurded look to his gaze... but she doubted it would work... the man seemed too much of a professional. "there is always rumors amongst townfolk... i've become quite skilled at being able to find those with the loosest tongues" While it was of course true... that she had heard townsfolk talking it wasn't the whole truth... her dreams and her words with the prince and the other vampire had let her shift out the truth from the jumble of superstitions. Still if they lived in the area werent even they townsfolk... it was this thin thread of convienent logic that allowed Alexis to play looser with the truth than she normally did and yet not lie.

"I've been hunting such creatures for" There was a frown as she sought after the number and then a surprised laugh escaped her "almost thirteen years now so yes i have knowledge of such creatures" She watched as he sought a clean sheet of paper as he retrieved a charcol pencil. Relaxing into her chair, gloved fingers laced themselves together and rested against her stomach it was only then she began to speak

"when the first appeared no one can agree on still many believe and I give creedance to this.. that the first were not undead but a race of creatures that became corrupted by power" There was a brief pause, a slight cant of her head as she ordered her thoughts
"It was from this corruption, and the continued misuse of magic that their bloodlust orginated" There was a trace of pity on her features now as if she regretted the fall of what must have been a mighty race at its hieght. "those that continued to use the darker magics availible to them became voracious in their appetite... the blood of lesser animals did not satisfy and they began to feed from humans elves and other creatures that walked as they did. And some of these became like their murderers, became the first of the halfbloods, the undead".

She would stop here for the moment give him time to assimilate the information and ask questions ... for she was sure he would have some.

[Cinnabar]

"Hm." He considers this for a time, a few notes scratched in charcoal. "I trust you know your sources to be reliable?" An obvious enough question; it seems that the Constable is in the habit of querying his sources, testing them to make sure they are sound. A good habit to get into, in his line of work.

"I will be straightforward: my main concern is not necessarily the history of these things, save where it might have a bearing on how best to tackle them. What I am interested in is information which might be used to find them, to catch them, to kill them, or to make Myrkentown so damnably inconvenient for them that they will no longer trouble our citizens." Keen grey eyes regard the woman evenly, perceptive and watchful.

"Also their capabilities, and how people might protect themselves from them or how the Constabulary might do so in their stead. Since you have been hunting these things for so long and are still alive, I can only assume that you are well-versed in such things?"

[Sherazade]

Did she trust her sources to be reliable? No... not always... the swiftness with which that thought flowed through her mind surprised her, gave a telltale flicker within chocolate depths even tainted her expression. "I do not trust them blindly To trust like that invites betrayal" The last were words she had not meant to speak and so she would ignore them and moved on "however so far they have proved reliable". A fine line she had walked since becoming a hunter... and it seemed to be growing finer all the time. She had learned so much, too much perhaps for that with her experinces had left her jaded... wary of forming attachments.

"To not learn the history of them would be a mistake one i made myself in the begining" She began to unlace her left gloved.. and then peeled it from her arm to reveal the scarring of her skin and beneath the pitting of muscle still recovering, if in fact it ever would fully. It looked as if her forearm had been gripped and gnawed on by a rabid wolf. "I acted in haste driven by a need for vengance and it almost cost me my life.. I got lucky.. I would not see another make the same mistake and it have end differently." Arm would be angled so he could see all the crawling lines .. the skin covered holes where muscle had been torn away. It was in truth a miracle she had any use of that arm at all.. that fact alone spoke of a healer of great skll being entangled somewhere in this womans past.

Her lips would curve in a wry smile as shoulders rolled in a shrug, easing away the tension. "Still the history can wait..." She cleared her throat now a tickle beginning to grow that in time would turn into a cough... but for the moment she merely continued "Their capabilties are varied... greatly varied.. still all have in common these things... A need for blood to survive.. though some feed off emotions like fear as well. The ability to cloud the mind of a mortal being, shape that beings will to their own. and strength beyond what a iving being is capable of and greatly enhanced senses".

Again she found herself clearing her throat taking a moment to exercise will over that growing tickle "To tackle such beings directly would be the act of a fool." She swallowed it a convlusive movement that kept her silent for several moments longer than necessary. "However if one finds themselves confronted... Do not meet its gaze no matter how strong the complusion to do just that is.. fall into their eyes and even one of faith.. strong of will can be lost." It was stronger the urge to cough and beginning to taint her voice with tremors and yet she spoke just a fraction more. "They avoid sunlight for it can burn them ill they are naught but ash. Wounds cause by weapons of silver cause them to heal as slow as a human. Water blessed by priest or cleric burns them as if acid"

Now there was no more resisting the demand of her throat right hand rose and leather clad palm pressed to her mouth as she began to cough.. it wasnt anything serious however merely a side effect of the sleeping draughts contents.. still it would cease the imparting of nformation for the moment and before she had given him anyway to dispose of such foul beings

[Cinnabar]

Her scars are regarded thoughtfully, critically, and he nods in acknowledgement of her point. Hm. Interesting that she does retain use of that arm; perhaps more to the story than first appears. Perhaps more to the woman than first appears, also.

"Nonetheless, unless their history also details how they might be confronted, or foiled, or otherwise prevented from preying upon the citizens of Myrkentown, I would suggest that it is perhaps not entirely relevant to our efforts." He smiles to indicate that this is no snub of her knowledge. "I personally would be most interested in knowing more, but my constables are more likely to be concerned with the practicalities of what must be done to prevent any more of these murders." Meanwhile the charcoal is moving to note down those points - silver, holy water, sunlight, the swaying of mortal minds. He glances up as she coughs, and politely indicates the tray at his bedside, where a pitcher of water and a couple of earthenware cups reside. Help yourself.

"So those are the capabilities common to most or all of them. Are there any other powers which it would do well to be aware of? Things that not all of them might be able to do, but still enough that it is wise to be wary? Also, how they might be defended against is obviously of great interest. And how common are they, do you know? Might they blend in with the everyday populace, or is it possible to easily discern such a creature?"

[Sherazade]

Oh there definately was more to that story... and more to the woman as well but that was a tale for anoher time, another conversation.

Availing herself of a cup she filled it , soon the cool liquid flowed down her throat soothing away the tickle, the urge to cough. Still she would hesistate longer than necessary just to be certain, before again beginning to speak. "yes those are what are most common" ahhh so many questions and with each answer do things begin to look worse... seem unsurmountable... "I've seen some shift to an animal form... even fly" A flicker of memory slipped through her mind... the press of a body with no heartbeat the fetid stench of graveyard breath, the certainity that death was approaching. Head shook dispelling this bringing her mind back to her task.

"Skills they had in life do not departed them once they are turned, a healer still has their ability though it certainly becomes twisted more likely to be used to cause pain than heal a hurt. A murderer does not suddenly become a beacon of goodness" That last was a needless statment wasnt it... perhaps then again perhaps not she was seeking to make and point and very soon it would become clear, but not quite yet.

"How common they are is not a question that can be accurately answered, for they are not stupid, their rules for they do have them, is to maintain a low profile, to not flaunt their presence" How would she know such a thing seem so sure of her words... Ah constable you could ask but she would try to avoid answering it, for how she learnt it is a matter of great shame to her. "each area where they are to be found, has a prince, one charged with maintaining this rule among others." How? why? then had one displayed its kills left them where they would be found. Again she sipped from her cup took a brief moment to order her thoughts.

"To be honest... I'm not sure how to answer your last question.. how does one discern such a creature" Head canted slightly to one side, a rich dark fall tumbling forward over her shoulder. Her gaze as it regard him was thoughtful a hint of a frown marring her forehead "You see i've always just known... Its like a whisper barely heard something i just feel " did that make any sense constable "there are things i've noticed after i've identified them though. Most are extremely pale of skin, have a trace of red within their gaze... though i would not suggest you look for that one" There was one more thing what was it.. mind groped or the last elusive detail and she smiled when she found it "And the scent of freshly turned earth tends to cling to them, still for all my answers do nothing to allay ones fears or worries not all vampires are ravenous beasts, some strive to cling to a remanant of civility"

There was still one question she had not answered however and now she did just that "it would be hard if not impossible to protect the entire populace of myrken from such creatures and unwise to issue a public warning" That would not sit well and she knew it so after taking a breath she explained why not "One town did not listen to this last piece of advice, and nieghbour turned aganst nieghbour... claimed they had seen those they hated feasting upon blood... doing unatural things so many innocent died and if they killed one vamp i'd be most surprised, what you could do though, is seek an audience with Myrkens prince." And there it was the one suggestion that had been buliding through the entire conversation "I know for a fact the murders concern him as much as they concern you, for he believes they are an attempt to undermine his rule, and drawing such attention to their existence endangers his flock."

[Cinnabar]

The High Constable continues taking notes as Alexis speaks, nodding slightly to encourage her to continue. Eventually he glances up, considering things for a moment.

"So it's not easy to identify these creatures by sight. Hm. The aversion to sunlight and holy water might have to suffice, then." A few more notes, then he shakes his head, gaze lifting to regard the woman once more.

"Difficult or not, impossible or not, it is my duty to protect the populace of Myrken Wood from these creatures. You understand that I cannot sit by while people are killed. To say that they have a society with rules and laws by which they are supposed to abide is all very well, but the fact that they have drawn attention to themselves indicates that these laws are not being as strictly observed as they should be."

The thought that these rules and laws are more likely arranged to serve the needs of vampires over and above the wellbeing of Myrkentown's citizenry does not escape him, but remains unvoiced for now. But this matter of vampiric leaders, rulers, spokesmen... intriguing.

"This prince: how is he appointed from amongst them? By what virtue does he presume to speak for the rest of his kind - should I decide to speak with him, what guarantee is there that any promise he might make on behalf of his subjects will be upheld?"

[Sherazade]

An honorable man.... One who takes his job seriously... these were things Alexis had come to believe of the constable shortly after they had begun speaking and during the course of their conversation that belief had only be strengthened.

"I understand duty Constable.." Indeed she did understand after all it was her own sense of duty that kept her hunting... that caused her to leave her estate prompted only by dreams that made little sense. "And i do get that you cannot just sit by while people are killed... here. Still drawing a battleline against such creatures would prove just as dangerous to the populace." She paused here now feeling somewhat like she had taken a lecturing tone when she had not meant to and so the smile that curved her lips was rueful.

"The prince as odd as it might sound for such creatures to do this, is selected by majority vote in a sense... that is the one with the most willing to follow his rule becomes the prince. It is by that virtue that he can presume to speak for his kind." Cup was drained now and set aside, finger rising to rake her hair back from her face "As for any gauruntees I have met the prince and oddly enough believe him to be honorable if he gives his word he will keep it"

What the hunter believes that which she hunts to have honor strange wasnt it and she would soon state why "He knew what i was what my purpose in being in myrken was and could have made my staying here perilous to my health. Instead all he asked is that i kept him informed of anything i discovered and before i acted that i be able to prove the one i took down commited the crimes. He wants this threat dealt with constable just as much as you do"

[Cinnabar]

"I've no doubt he does." After all, with the indiscreet vampires removed, he and his kind can continue with their activities quietly. Which is not necessarily something the Constable is keen on.

"So, selected by popularity contest, then? Seems to be the way things are done around here, I suppose." Still not vastly impressed by Bromn's return to power at the head of a mob, obviously. "Though I have to say that it seems a rather... well, dangerous arrangement. Consider: A prince becomes such because he has the support of his fellows - they agree with his policies and leadership, so they follow him, and presumably suppress those who do not agree. So what happens when he makes decrees which are generally unpopular, or do not appeal to the the majority of other vampires in the area?" It's a reasonable point, and one which has the Constable somewhat concerned.

"He might be a creature of his word, I'll believe you on that count. He might prove quite cooperative and accomodating. But should he agree on behalf of his fellows to something with which they do not, what is there to hold them to his promise? What is there to prevent them from clustering around a different vampire, one who is not so bothered about the citizenry of Myrkentown, who imposes fewer restraints on their activities? For while one prince might say 'Stay discreet, limit your feeding, don't kill the townsfolk.' the other might say 'Do what you will, feed as you will, who cares if the pitiful mortals die? They're just food.', and which do you think will prove more popular? The one who restricts them, who constrains them? Or the one who bids them to satiate their appetites as they will?"

He shakes his head. "It is like two men standing for Governor - one promises to use taxes from the citizenry to maintain and protect the town and improve it over time; the other promises to abolish taxes, and by the way help yourselves to the cakes and ale while you're here. The second man will certainly win the favour of the citizenry, because people tend to opt for that which pays off here and now, not that which takes from them now to provide abstract or diffuse benefits much later. It's just how humans think."

He sighs, as if vaguely irritated that this is the case. And what's to say he's wrong? Isn't that how Helstone was deposed, and Bromn reinstated? Hadn't Bromn bought the Myrkentown mob's loyalty with bread before marching on the Meetinghouse? Bah. Grey eyes regard Alexis for a time, evaluating the woman, and her information.

"You said you've been hunting these creatures for a long time, and yet you seem to also be personally acquainted with their leader in Myrken Wood. Forgive my curiosity, but how exactly do you reconcile these two points?"

[Sherazade]

Alexis listened as he talked voice yet more questions, many of them she was asking herself, still she had answers for none but the last he gave voice too "how do i reconcile those two points" her gaze was thoughtful as she worked out how to phrase her answer for it was one she had only come to recently. "well its not something I've tried before... Always I've been in done what was needed and left... that creates more enemies than I need, more than I can deal with." Ahhh but why try this tactic now she could hear the question in her mind and knew it was likely to be in his so she answered it before it was asked "The opportunity to try a different tactic arose here... when I encountered the prince in the dagger.. He seemed to know what I was and yet did not act as I expected..."

That reminded me that not all the creatures I hunt are ravenuous beasts driven by bloodlust.. it was but a thought she gave no voice to and yet she soon found more words flowing from her lips "I'm like many women constable I wish to have a family.. to have children someday.. I can not do that if I keep creating enemies and yet I cannot abandon my duty either... I must find a new way to keep my path" Those last words clearly surprised even her ... for a moment her expression was ungaurded eyes widened slightly as the import of her words sank into her awareness and fully permeated her being.

Silence held her tongue for a long moment then for she had rendered herself speechless. Still in time she would stir head given a light shake that had tresses tumbling forward over the slope of her shoulder again "As for your other questions constable I do believe they would be better asked of the prince... any answers I gave you would be assumptions only"

[Cinnabar]

"Hm. I see." He nods, making a brief addition to his notes. "Compromise, then. I can understand your reasoning, certainly. There are... balances that need to be struck, sometimes. Especially when one is working alone." His tone is carefully neutral, though one might get the impression that he is not quite so willing to compromise as all that. Her next statement has pale brows rising, however, curious yet wary.

"Oho. Ask him directly myself, you mean? An interview?" An intriguing proposition, it has to be said. "Could such a thing be arranged?"

[Sherazade]

A willingness to compromise should not be taken as setting aside her duty should even this honorable prince prove a threat to the populace she would do her duty and strive to take him down or die in the attempt. still that is but an unspoken intent.. all she did by walking the path this way was delay making an enemy of the vampire until she absolutely had to and she knew it.

"Balances yes... agreements even but i would not ever hesistate to strike against even this one should it prove necessary" She stated that quite clearly even though the thought of facing the prince as a combatant gave even this seasoned hunter pause. Still this heavier topic was soon pushed aside by her next comment "I'm sure I can find out for you If you wish I'm bound to encounter him again"