Reading between the lines...( Private: Faust & Liselle )

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

OOC: Continued from here

Liselle grinned at Faust, brushing a soft kiss to his lips as he released her from his embrace. It was wonderful to be around him again. He always seemed to bring with him energy and life to her…something she needed great amounts of considering her new posting in Prime.

She needed those that believed in her around her if she was going to make it.

As he mentioned already having a place in mind to stay, Liselle bumped his hip with hers and gave him a reproachful look.

"Nonsense, Chev. You’ll stay in the Palasis de Lumiere. Like it or not, you are family and I’ll not have you staying someplace else when there is a perfectly good place that doesn’t take you so far away from me…and I’ll not have you telling me otherwise."

The conversation moved on to happenings of the past few months, to which Liselle simply shrugged her shoulders and gave him a beautiful smile.

"Nothing shattering…getting Prime all in line, rolling heads, taking name…you know me. Which reminds me…the regent would very much like to meet you. He suggested we all share a meal at some point. Milo is a very likeable man…I think you two would get along well."

She was quite certain that the two would get along –more- then well. There were few people that weren’t taken with Milo’s laid-back attitude and quirky sense of humor. He had made Liselle feel like part of the family within seconds of their first meeting so she had no doubts that the dark elf would find him an enigma…a pleasant one.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“The Palasis de Lumiere?” Raising a quizzical brow, Faust laughed at the ridiculous name and shook his head amusedly. “I’ve never heard of it before. But the Crown Tavern and Inn, now there’s a place renowned for good food, good company, and good spirits.”

Grinning jokingly, the dark elf chuckled and clapped Liselle lightly upon the shoulder. “But if you insist, my dear, then I suppose that this Palasis de Lumiere shall do. Still, could they not have come up with a better name? The words barely roll off of my tongue.”

Shrugging lightheartedly, the dark elf proceeded to listen to Liselle as she briefly explained about the previous few months, most of which had probably been brimming with hordes of activity. Faust could not even begin to imagine the countless meetings, tasks, and other responsibilities that Liselle was constantly forced to address.

As she suggested that he meet with the Regent, though, the Vysstichi Lord’s cheerful demeanor immediately vanquished. The last thing that he wanted to do was to jeopardize Liselle’s prominent position in the government and that was quite possible the moment the Regent discovered that one of her best friends was a dark elf…

…and from the same clan that had besieged Silrosia eras ago.

“Perhaps, Liselle.” Heaving his shoulders upwards once more, the dark elf ran a hand through his mane of silver –a habit that Liselle would recognize as one born from uncertainty. “I don’t doubt that the Regent is what you make him to be, but his wife is hardly the agreeable type.”

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Faust would note the frown that appeared on her face as he called the name of her home ‘ridiculous’. Indeed, it wasn’t standard but that was one of the things she liked about it.

"It means “Palace of Light”…which is why I chose the name…with all the windows. Besides, I thought it was a good metaphor for hope."

Shrugging a bit, she showed him into her opulent office and offered him a cushioned seat, closing the door behind them.

"If you’d like to stay at the Crown, I won’t stop you, although I will insist on paying for your stay…since I was the one that drug you here."

The conversation then turned to Milo, she smiled at bit and nodded her head.

"I suppose it’s a good thing that it will just be Milo and us then. Trust me, Milo is as open minded as they come. Apparently, he has a half-vyssie sister that he only recently discovered."

It had been a surprise to Liselle as well, but then again, she wasn’t the type to judge people by their looks. Acts and how they treated her and others were more important then societies vastly generalized opinions.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

The ‘color’ drained from Faust’s face at Liselle’s revelation, one that would have made most people blush. “And a splendid name it is! That is why I was saying, no one could come up with a better name.” Grinning sheepishly, the dark elf laughed in apology and hugged Liselle lightly around the shoulders.

At least she would forgive him.

Pondering over her next statement momentarily, the dark elf simply nodded. “The Palasis de Lumiere shall do for a time, but there are some friends in the city that I would like to visit and thus the Crown would suffice on occasion.” Grateful that they could find a compromise, Faust stuffed his hands into his pockets and followed Liselle’s beckoning to the seat.

Crossing his leg over a knee and leaning back in the chair, the dark elf relaxed for the first time since his arrival to Alleria Prime. And though the road had been relatively easy to travel with the help of his airborne companion, he firmly admitted that it was nice to finally be stationary.

“I hope that the press, then, does not discover about the Regent’s lineage. Nevertheless, if you say that he is likeable then I would be delighted to meet him.” Faust remarked, shrugging once more. It was not uncommon knowledge that the dark elves were despised in every which way, and thus it would probably not benefit the Regent’s public image knowing that he had a sibling that was partially dark elf. Did Nell know!

Faust chuckled at the thought.

“Now, regarding the letter that you sent me, what exactly do you have in mind for these Black Lions of Prime? A fascinating idea, if I may comment.”

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Of course she would forgive him. She –always- would forgive him. That was just who they were.

Smiling, she began to explain her plan.

"The province of prime has never had a governor…and therefore many, many things have to be worked from the ground up. My combat training, and political as well, tells me that the first thing that needs to happen is for the governing body to be stabilized and protected…for there can be no better foundation for building upon. That is where the Black Lions come in. They are meant to protect the provincial building in the Imperial Forum, as well as my home, family and self. While I do have experience in this area, I need someone that has more to make sure I’m going about this correctly, which is where you come in.”

Giving him a moment…a –brief- moment to catch up, she barreled on as only Liselle could.

"I’ve talked to another gentleman…Parreyon Syndicus. He is, or used to be, a Knight of the Order of the Black Rose, which protects the Ruler of the Empire. As this group somewhat is modeled after the OBR, I believe his help will be needed as well…and he’s a likable fellow. You’d get along well with him."

A mischievous grin slipped cross her face as she began to outline the job that Faust..and Faust alone could do.

"I need you to train the group that is going to be assigned as my personal guard. Some 60 souls or so. I know none that can best you in combat, but even more importantly…I need you to train them in the ways of Liselle Vamplyer."

Sighing softly, she reached over and took his hand softly in hers.

"Liselle Vampyler-Sapientia is a grand figure indeed, but sometimes I think that she’s more a political force then anything. A mask I put on to get the job done. Liselle Vampyler is me….the real Liselle. You –know- me…better then anyone. You know what I’m capable of. Who better to teach the people sworn to protect my life how to read me and react properly? Who better to teach them when to listen to me and when to toss me over their shoulder and run? There –is- no one better. I need you Faust. As Liselle Vampyler-Sapientia rises in rank, her life becomes in greater danger. I need people I can trust."

The young woman…so young…knew better then anyone that politics was a dangerous game…and came with a price. She would just rather not pay that price before being allowed to do some good.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

It had occurred to the dark elf on numerous occasions that Liselle’s life might be in jeopardy. As the Governess of Prime and the Thane of Alleria Prime, she had assumed a role that naturally dissatisfied one side or another, and subsequently there was no way for her to be reassured that she was ever really safe. Faust had warned her, too, that she needed to erect safeguards in her life, even simple measures that would enable her to sleep soundly at night.

Finally, it seemed, she had listened to him.

Listening attentively to Liselle’s explanation, Faust periodically nodded to imply that he was considering every word –and indeed he was! Liselle’s vision was not simple by any means, and it would take a reasonable amount of time, energy, and resources to see the Black Lions of Prime come to fruition. In fact, it would probably require more of the first of the previously enumerated for the faction to emerge effectively.

“A tall order, my dear.” Faust finally replied with a tender smile, “But not impossible to accomplish.” Grinning suggestively, the dark elf released a deep sigh as he continued to reflect over this newly received information. He was pleased by the prospect of training the very guards that would protect Liselle, but naturally there were questions on his mind concerning the specifics and details. For example, who was to enlist in this new protective force and how could anyone be certain that they could be trusted?

Wolves, as Faust had personally learned, had ways of wearing sheepskin to aid in their slaughters.

“Parreyon Syndicus…?” He curiously reiterated, raking the bottom of his chin with slender digits as if attempting to envision a familiar face. “Can’t say that I’ve heard of him before, but if he’s a member of the Black Rose then I’ve no doubt of his usefulness. And by the way, my dear, do you realize that you say that I’ll get along with almost everybody?” Grinning widely, the dark elf chuckled and clapped Liselle lightly on the back to indicate that he was merely jesting.

As the conversation transitioned to a more serious note, Faust departed with a nod as Liselle explained her pivotal role both as an Imperial figure and herself –and the ensuing dangers. “Teach them of the ways of Liselle Vampyler…” Throwing his head back slightly in another round of laughter, the dark elf finished with a candid grin. “That might take some time, my dear, but as always I’m up for the task. When shall we begin?”

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

As if anticipating his thoughts, Liselle scrunched up her face and stuck her tongue out at him in a very un-lady –like manner.

“I’m offended…I listen to you…sometimes.”

At the mention of Parreyon, Liselle remembered something about the conversation that she had had with the knight that would be of interest to him.

"Oh, when I was conversing with Parreyon, he mentioned that he was acquainted with Serion. I believe it was regarding the Sacred Circle. I’m sorry to say that I had to tell him the sad news that Serion was no longer with us. Apparently he was very fond of him so he is eager to meet you."

When he mentioned a timeline, Liselle thought for a moment and smiled at him.

"As soon as possible. I just need to put all the pieces together and we can begin. Give me a few brightenings to contact all those involved. Meantime, either you can stay with me or at the Crown and take care of your other business. Tis up to you."

Rising from her chair, she glided to the door to escort him out. She was sure he had many things he needed to do and she didn’t want to keep him waiting.

"I’ll let you go if you promise to come back tonight and pick me up after work. I believe that you owe me a date."

And the grin that slipped upon her face gave him the distinct impression that she wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Failing to respond as Liselle mentioned Parreyon’s former association with Serion, Faust merely nodded and silently followed her to the doorway. It was difficult to deduct anything considering Serion had formed a number of acquaintanceships over the years; however, he probably had more enemies than he had friends in life. Subsequently, the dark elf sincerely wondered the extent of the relationship between Parreyon and Serion. Had they been friends or enemies?

He supposed that he would find out.

“For these first brightenings, my dear, it would be better if I stayed at the Crown. There are some people whom I would like to see before our training engagements and they would be sorely disappointed if I had been in the city and not visited them.” Smiling faintly, the dark elf reached up and squeezed Liselle lightly upon the shoulder.

“Take your time preparing everything. No need to rush through this. If these Black Lions are to become what you’ve intended them to be, and I’ve no doubt that they will, then time is what we will require anyway.” Yawning slightly, the dark elf cupped his open mouth embarrassedly and prepared to leave.

“A date?” Leaning his head back and bursting into a hearty chuckle, the dark elf’s laughter ended with a widespread smile, “Can’t say that I’ve been on one of those in…years. And I believe the last time that I did…my date wound up inebriated and out cold for the night so I’m afraid that I must pass.”

Pausing momentarily, the dark elf rested his hands inside his pockets. “I would, however, very much enjoy a nice dinner with you. It’s been awhile since we’ve last been able to sit down and talk.” He grinned slightly.

[Liselle Vampyler Sapientia]

Liselle grinned at his description of his last date, nodding her head gently and giving him a brilliant smile.

"Very well, it’s a date. Pick me up later this afternoon and I’ll make arrangements at the Crown for a quiet dinner."

He should have known better then to detour her from what she had set in her mind. Liselle was not one easily dissuaded from her ideas and as close as the pair was, he would be very aware of that personality trait of hers.

Giving his cheek a soft kiss, she opened the door for him and escorted him out, looking very much forward to dinner that evening. She had been planning a surprise for quite some time and it seemed as though the perfect opportunity had presented itself for the springing of such.