Oh, thine silver tongue..

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to post located here]]

Conveniently tucked away within the arms of Myrken Town herself, a small building housed a very modest living space; a home reserved for a certain Alessandra Demarest--an entity rumored to be a dark-haired woman with a silver togue. This evening, she, along with several of her cohorts, mulled over the recent situations and developments of late.

"My lady, do you think it wise to upset the Constabulary so early in our dealings?" one cohort spoke aloud.

Alessandra passed him a slight, though sly, smile, words lined in mirth; "Oh, darling, the Constabulary hardly matters. Tell me... Do you think they'd rather chase a figment of their imagination; a ghost or a mental nagging of a woman that has defaced their regulations? Or go after someone--or something--with a little more worth to their organization? The Ashfiend is on the front of their minds, on the people's mind. Trust me when I say that I--we are safe for the time being."

"And what of that--" the other began to say, searching for words less offensive; ".. what of Councilor Treadwell, then?"

Miss Demarest allowed the small smile to bloom into a cold grin. "We continue as planned. Lay low until I give you and your people their next orders. The rest will be up to me. Let us exercise our caution with patience, hm?"

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to post located here]]

In the quiet seclusion of her new home, Alessandra Demarest mulled over the newest bits of information gathered for her benefit. Never was Miss Demarest concerned, nor worried, and this time would be no different.

"Warding charms? Oh, well done, Calomel. Well done, indeed. It will almost be a pleasure to meet you."

All the gentle, cunning mercenary could do was grin. Oh, what surprises she'd have waiting just for him.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to roleplay in #Broken_Dagger]]

The black-skinned devil had come to her last evening at the Broken Dagger, no matter how hard the mercenary woman tried to keep herself from being seen. And it only took the faint perceivance of an accent to tip the other female off. She should have known that they would come for her sooner or later. She knew the nature of the dark elven race... and little too much.

It was a simple mistake to assume that a small city, as such Myrken Wood certainly was, would not have it's doses of ill-folk running about. And the mercenary certainly didn't think it would be dark elves Myrken Town would have attracted. Ultimately, it was a mistake she would never make again.

Now, she rested in her small locale within the bustling, war-talking city of Myrken Wood, mulling over her own stresses; however, light the stress came to seem. Accompanied by a trustee, they talked lightly of what was to come.

"My Lady Demarest, you knew they would come for you." he said.

Alessandra regarded him with an even, silencing glance, refusing to acknowledge what she already knew. And, in an tone marked with irritance, she continued on to her own agenda.

"Canvas the rumors of this fair city for any drow activity. Past and present. And discover the name of this dark-skinned woman. It is possible we are looking for two dark elven, female entities that have, no doubt, terrorized this small, forgotten town of Myrken Wood. Stress your search on the more powerful of the two--this 'mother'. I have no reason to doubt that she is the master behind the puppet."

Her trustee nodded and bowed his head, rising and exiting her small hovel with an eagerness unmatched by any other.

Behind, Alessandra thought deeply about her future here in the city of Myrken Wood; a future that had unexpectedly grown very dark... as dark and as unforgiving as the hearts that held it.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: Follow-up to the post above]]

The information she sought had come not but half a day later, a list of dark elven names and stories to go with them. Several of the mentioned names were meaningless to her; mere pawns in the grand scheme of things. And during this most strange of meetings, she'd concentrate on only two of them.

Relaxing in her small hovel within the brimming city of war and despair, Alessandra peered into the scrying bowl, her expression deathly serious as the situation at hand had demanded. The placid water within the earthen bowl fogged over, swirling and bubbling only to fall away and reveal the visionary of a male.. with skin as black as night.

"Neldam.." she greeted without so much as a nod. Oh, how she hated dealing with him.

"Ah. My dearest Sarayn.. how.. pale you've become." the watery vision grinned back at her. Alessandra wasn't amused.

"Let us make this unfortunate meeting brief. I require information about several names I've come to acquire during my travels here. I expect you not to forget that you owe me nor do I wish to have to remind you." the mercenary woman breathed through gritted teeth, usually-warm eyes unmistakably cold.

"Of course, my darling. What you wish is yours." he responded, sarcasm in the pose of charm bleeding from his words.

"Faeryl Auvryrahel and her supposed-daughter, Jirai."

The haunting grin from the watery grave couldn't have been more disturbing. "Ah. Mad Matron Faeryl... a most deadly female to be sure."

"So she has succeeded the title of Matron in her house." Alessandra nodded thoughtfully.

"An ambitious step outwardly celebrated by her house and within the houses of other Matrons." Neldam stated.

"A fact I find surprising, indeed, despite her obvious failure with the self-proclaimed black king, Audma--"

"Sarayn, may I be so bold to interrupt.." the water-borne figure began, continuing with words weighted, ".. I suggest not, under any circumstances, repeating that name in front of the Matron Faeryl. Others have died for less."

Alessandra grinned, "Ah. A sore spot for the Mad Matron, I see. How amusing."

"Again, advice.." Neldam cooed, ".. I would not make that amusement evident."

"Point taken," and she ignored the insolence in the form of unasked-for advice, ".. do we know of her intentions with Myrken Wood?"

"Not any longer. Had I the indulgence of such information, it would be none I'd be willing to part with. Your influence here has dwindled, my dearest Sarayn."

Unfortunately, it was a bitter fact Alessandra had no hope to refute. She continued, "And what of this Jirai?"

"Having been so far away from our world, Jirai has disappeared from the lips of Matrons and lowlier individuals alike. I'm afraid I cannot offer any information about her. But be wise when dealing with the fickle woman. If she's anything like her adoptive mother..." and Neldam left it at that with a grin.

Point taken, Alessandra mused within, running a hand through brown locks.

Point taken, indeed.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to post located here]]

"Lady Demarest... the newest missive from Sir Malaroth Deucalios of Zachea." came the voice and the motion to hand the letter to her.

Within a mound of papers herself, she looked upward briefly and extended her hand to enclose fingers about the crisp parchment.

"He does have a point.." the messenger began while her eyes scanned over words written only for her. ".. why not the Constabulary, or the Brotherhood?"

Oftentimes, she received missives and demands from employers or lords that had instilled the very parchment with one of two harmful spells, instructing her trusted employees to open them for her. Needless to say, the turnover she experienced was almost daunting.

"Because, my dear.." she grinned wide, ".. I enjoy destroying virtue. To join an association so bent on peace, and good morals, where I am nothing but the complete opposite. To be offered knighthood and deemed as 'one of them' where I have done nothing but cheat to get there." Her eyes glittered tellingly.

"I am the wolf in sheep's clothing.."

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to post located here]]

Alessandra Demarest peered at the gathering of men just over the edge of Sir Malaroth's letter, the fashionable accessory of spectacles aiding nothing in terms of sight, but everything in embellishing her pretty face. After a moment of thought, she lowered the letter and spectacles from her face, entwining fingers and resting the neat little joining in her lap.

"Ah, gentlemen, I have a task for you." and, by her assessment, they awaited the word eagerly, ".. there is a missing horse within the fields of this sorrowful land, near to our beloved home of Myrken Town. Only during the cover of night will you look for it. You'll be fleet of foot, and silent. Once you have located the animal, seize it--albeit gently--and bring it to me with utmost secrecy. This is all I require.. for now."

The men quickly dipped their heads and, without a word, turned to leave.

Behind them, Alessandra replaced the spectacles on her face and returned to her paperwork, all the while grinning and thankful to have her deep-rooted connections.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to roleplay at #Broken_Dagger]]

She sat disinterested, pouring over paperwork and with spectacles on her nose, while several of her trusted men argued over the newest issue.

"This Tebrin fellow.. he's simply getting too close." he turned to regard Alessandra, she who was still ignoring the rest of them. "Lady Alessandra, let us kill him and be done with it."

Doe-brown eyes peeked above the rims of the gold-lined spectacles, half-smile spreading across the lengths of her coral-accented lips. "Dear friends. Let me assure you that Tebrin is merely a minor scratch in our side; simply an irritance and nothing more."

"And what if he becomes a gaping wound?" he interjected quickly.

"Then.." she began, cool as ever, angling the elegant column of her throat so that her eyes may intake the visionary in the corner. "Gabriel will take care of him."

In the shadow of that corner, Gabriel sat silent, arms folded across his chest and with expression deathly cold. Hair dark and face handsomely rugged, the man had once been a rival, then turned companion after years of failing to best the ever-elusive woman. Of course, such a length of time wasn't without a few scars and lasting ill feelings for the both of them.

Alessandra grinned and disregarded him, still feeling the freezing glare of his light grey eyes on her back. But, ah, he was never one to deny her orders. And the vicious scar across his face hadn't been the only damage she had done to him. For he simply couldn't speak any longer, a savage wound to the throat had taken care of that little irritance long ago. And yet, he still stayed. Why? He simply didn't have a choice. And, somewhere Alessandra knew, he felt the need to stay.

If only to watch her fail.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to post located here]]

As the messenger came in, Alessandra was already waiting with delicate hand outstretched. Received and opened, the words flowed into her vision, the parchement having been unsigned and unaddressed. Ah, the expected mannerisms from someone so volatile as Jirai. And, with a cold grin, the mercenary woman crumpled the letter in her hand and threw it aside.

Oh, how she enjoyed irritating that one.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to roleplay.]]

"Lady Alessandra.. the one remaining week of peace is almost at its end."

"Mmhmm." she answered in return, spectacles resting on the delicate bridge of her nose while eyes read the book so she carefully held in her hands. "That does not concern me. May hand will only play in the defense of Glenn Burnie. And, perhaps, if I have the time--or the desire at that time--the veiled woman, Rhaena. And only because he seems to fancy her."

"If I may be so bold to ask... Why do you even shed the slightest care for him, my lady?"

"Because he is the only one that has been kind to me." she said pointedly, thus preventing any argument in return.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to post located here]]

Alessandra drummed the lengths of her delicate fingers against the surface of the finely-polished table, pondering her thoughts as several set of eyes lingered on her. With her own gaze unimpressed, and slightly irritated, she spoke with words that were level, though weighted.

"I have not yet heard from Sir Malaroth regarding my knighting. I suspect that my deeds the other day in the tavern weren't enough; the near-death self-sacrifice for a mapmaker, and the words I shared with Teron Ashfiend, encouraging him to keep the peace."

She continued to drum her fingers, and eventually shrugged her shoulders. "Very well, " she began, "then, we continue with his tasks."

The mercenary woman regarded her men, "Find three, good-natured women that look very similar to me. Dress them, clean them, and teach them. Especially to smile. Once completed, find three different refugee families at different stages of their journey and instruct the ladies on what they must do next. I don't want them meeting, thus destroying our game." She paused, breathing in deep, ".. this is a crucial mission, my darlings. Make sure it goes off without a hitch. Oh, and.."

She grinned darkly, ".. take Gabriel with you. He will assist you in picking out my three decoys. He knows every inch of my body."

In the corner, Gabriel only frowned.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to roleplay.]]

Alessandra exploded through the door of her home after having dislodged the many locks and traps, engaged to keep unwanted predators out. With a scowl, she closed the door behind her, placing her back hard against it, intense brown eyes set in a glare for -him-; he who stood in front of her and awaited for her return; he who had unceremoniously beaten Glenn Burnie, the dear mapmaker.

Alessandra and Gabriel, her darling assassin, locked cold stares, the mercenary woman near to murder with an expression so angered, and hands almost shaking. As usual, he stood perfectly still, prepared to dodge whatever rage she might throw at him.

.. and then, they both burst out into laughter; hers a sweet melody, where his was as silent as could be; a thing -she- could hear within the dark vaults of her mind.

She giggled still, while wording, "Oh, if I could have only been a spectator during that little ploy. Unfortunately, I had -other- business to attend to." a pointed comment, "His bruises, his pain.." the mercenary woman winked, ".. you did well. Unfortunately, you know what is to come next."

Gabriel nodded solemnly, and braced himself for the beating he was to receive, just as she had promised Glenn.

She had to make it believable, no?

Later...

"So, he warned her regarding her health..?" Alessandra muttered, wiping the blood from her hands with a small rag, then tossing the thing aside without a care.

Gabriel, astonishingly handsome face now bloodied and bruised, nodded weakly.

The mercenary woman grinned coldly, "How amusing. Apparently, she didn't listen."

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to roleplay.]]

"My only hope was that -this- could have been avoided.." came the sudden mental intrusion in her mind, a voice deep, and strangely soothing. "..I told you, Sarayn.. I told you he was completely worthless."

She felt a presence behind her, strong hands laying to rest on her delicate shoulders in comfort.

"Your affection belongs to no one, but me. And, as I have shown you time and time again, -I- am worthy of it."

Despite her saddness, the utter sting of rejection, Alessandra allowed theslow birth of a slight smile to envelop the beauty of her face, her words spoken audibly, "As always, Selenthis, you are right. It was a moment of weakness that will -never- happen again. Am I forgiven?"

"You were never at fault. And, no matter how ugly the deed, you will always be forgiven."

She sighed and nodded solemnly, "I was foolish to think that I would be accepted by one of -them-. I have learned now that, regardless of our skin tone, we will never be accepted by the surface races. We are much -too- set in our ways, and much too intelligent." Over the slope of her shoulder, she looked into his eyes, into the face that was known to the -others- as belonging to the man Gabriel.

"Where, then, do we go from here? Home?" came the question.

Home.. Alessandra inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as if to envision this place called home; where there was only darkness, where cold cavernous stone replaced seasons, and where there were no elements of love nor friendship. One could -expect- treachery, and there was no chance for anything but. And, when one could expect a continuous outcome, decisions were -easy-.

Her deep brown eyes glance sidelong to the glinting black sapphire ring on his finger--an item she also wore and, for both of them, held a terrible secret. "No, my love.. we shall stay. I am not yet done with Myrken Wood."

"And -him-?"

The dark intention of a wide grin fluttered to the surface of her pale visage, all remnants of sadness wisked away by the very real dedication and love of her companion; one of whom she should have never taken advantage. Ah, but when one was wrapped up in the -game- of things, it was difficult to keep focus.

"We'll let him live. For now."

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to roleplay.]]

With flight of foot, Alessandra Demarest fled from the Broken Dagger, the heavy rain of the evening spilling off her svelte form without even -touching- her. The enchantment had been bestowed upon her by Elspeth von Drakken, a woman with whom she had several altercations.. none of which friendly, nor outright deadly either. Touched gently by her, the rain that had drenched the mercenary woman while speaking with the veiled lady Rhaena simply vanished and tumbled away to dryness. Elspeth had not even spoken a word, had not even looked at her and would have very well not said -anything- until Alessandra demanded of her intentions.

Elspeth had none.

-Nothing-. She didn't want loyalty, or asked for the mercenary woman to be in her debt, no.. nothing. And her words, by the gods, her words. She remembered them so clearly, had repeated them so many times during her flight home.

"..You may do things I do not approve of. You may speak of restraint while you show none of your own. You may harm the innocent for reasons I cannot fathom. But you are still a person. You deserve the same comforts that every person should have. Nourishment. Shelter from the elements. Someone once told me.. that any man can call himself good, while giving aid and succor to his friend. But it's only the man that approaches a downtrodden enemy with an open hand, instead of a closed fist, that is truly virtuous.."

Such beauty, the sweetness of those words was simply nothing she had ever heard in her tormented life. And such innocence of that gesture of kindness. It had simply been a blinding light, a revelation so meaningful.

It was no wonder that the woman, amazed and confused and so overwhelmed, burst through the door of her home, and threw herself on the comfort of her bed, and cried. Tears fallen for those she had harmed, for the many years she had lived in torment, for the -countless- scars on her back. And it was so -exhilarating-, to cry, to let out all the frustration in the form of tears. So very needed.

The solitary man in the corner needn't share words, for he had felt and heard the words for himself through her mind. And, he laid down beside her, silently, and stroked her shoulder. And there, the both of them fell asleep. Touched to the heart by a girl who loved books.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to roleplay.]]

"Any news"? Alessandra inquired as she entered her home, doe-brown eyes anchoring on he known as Gabriel.

"None, unfortunately." he spoke within her mind, having no way of verbally conveying what was needed.

"I would be lying if I said I was not slightly concerned." the mercenary woman lamented lightly.

"If I may so bold to say.." he began, arms folded over his chest, ".. it will take time before they can forgive you."

Alessandra smiled, a beautiful thing on her pale face, where all other dark elven females would have simply killed him outright. No doubt he appreciated her mercy. "I am patient. The years of humans are fleeting compaired to ours. I have -learned- to be patient."

"Still.." she continued, ".. I find it rather rude that I had placed so much time and energy into that letter, to explain things.. to convey feelings of which she knows how hard it is to do.. and simply not receive but a word in return."

"It is no doubt, Sarayn, that she found it rude when you threw that dagger at her." he interjected.

Alessandra narrowed her eyes, commenting dryly, "Ah, it was a good thing to cut out your tongue. Perhaps, I shall cut out your brain matter next."

At that, they both shared a grin, affectionate words if any coming from the mouths of drow.

[ShadowRose]

[[OOC: In reference to this post.]]

"Selenthis," Alessandra began, not bothering to look up from her reading, ".. I require a meeting with a certain individual. I trust that I needn't say anymore."

He stood from his stationary repose, bowing deep. No, he didn't require any more instruction for he could read her -very- devious thoughts.

"It will be done immediately."

"Mm, yes. Let us see what fish can be caught on our line, shall we?"

And her grin couldn't be any wider.