Four Weddings & A Funeral [Cassidy Al'lende]

[Maddyn]

Darkness... everything about her was the same pale darkness of a room pretending that it didn't want to be daylight. As if light was peeking through closed brightening, searching past the fabrics and a way to force the daylight candlemarks upon Telath. The air though probably wasn't like anything Cassidy had ever experienced within her long life, it had taste even just by breathing... and it tasted like a mixture of having had a kissing contest with Orcs and then decided to drown her sorrows in as much alcohol as was readily available. And then went out looking for even more alcohol.

And thus this was where Cassidy Al'lende found herself within the town of Frigid River. She was somewhere underneath the town itself, within the town Sewers to be most precise. The ground itself was hard and cold beneath her, a river of what could only be defined as sludge slowly trickled down towards the arcane incinerator that a Mage called Mister Milo had constructed at the personal request of Lady Ameilia Natalyi of House de Lylles. The air was revolting, badly illuminated really - just enough to get by and realise this really wasn't the place for the Lady Protector of New Coldmoon and one of the Syl'rosyan Ladies of one of the Elvish Major Houses.

Tiny pinpoints of light could be seen about the sewers, Cassidy's Infravision within the gloom kicking in to show the outlines of numerous rats and vermin. Along the walls, there wasn't any ladders or manholes - Frigid River simply didn't have them. The only way into the Sewers was either by taking the Incinerator maintainence route... or climbing up someone's privvy.

Lying there on the ground though and propped up against the wall as the lingering effects of the drugs wore off; there was a disturbing impression in the Elvish Lady's mind that just perhaps she'd managed to lose track of a few candlemarks. Like she'd been awake after her time watching Pirvan primp over himself, enjoy Lliae's company, see Andrea walk in... and then an interesting meeting with Andavariel. And just couldn't quite remember what she'd been up to last.

Beside Cassidy on her right was literally two dozen empty bottles of red and white wine cast about randomly though; each one drained completely. A broken red wine glass lay next to this, having been shattered against the wall along with a piece of carefully folded up parchment with writing in Cassidy' hand saying "Omar, love always - Cassidy". And then there was the next piece of the puzzle, because while it wasn't exactly certain she was pretty sure all the same she'd been wearing a dress when she'd shown up in Frigid River. It was just that somewhere along the lines, she'd gotten changed.

She was wearing leather pants of brown leather probably two sizes tighter that should've been possible even for her lithe frame to cram into; running really wasn't going to be an option just yet. Slender boots running up her calves; a cotton blouse left dangerously unbuttoned up the front with a little faerie embroided on the front right hand side. A belt of black leather with a buckle, fingerless black gloves on her hands. Adding to it all was a slender dueling foil on her left hip and a longknife on the right. Even Cassidy's hair had been changed, the golden tressed braided elaborately behind her.

Within Cassidy's right pocket, and really even getting her fingers into these weren't an easy task. Another piece of parchment showing a bill from the Riverside Clothing, a reciept for foil training at the Frigid River Weapons Academy and tweve gold crowns.

It really was quite a dilema on how things had gotten to be this way.

OOC:
Invitation Only.

Cheers, Maddyn

[Cassidy Al'lende]

Well. This was just splendid. Not only had she left her manor, ventured to Frigid River and met Pirvan's family, and passed out...(not before being smacked on the arse a few times, mind you) -she was lost. But not just lost, underground. They had always warned her that if she didn't change her ways, she'd be going South...but who knew it would be inside a sewer. Utterly miserable, she dragged her weak self up to her feet, and felt her knees shake, even beneath her light weight. Her head pounded, like it had the morning after her ball. A wicked smile, even in this situaton- twisted her plump lips...but that was because she had too much to drink. Still, she tasted alcohol, just barely on her tongue and wondered why. Hadn't she only drank water? Oh, well, she must be dead.

Using the wall as a support, a frail scream echoed from her mouth as she flung her hand back in disgust. These walls were lined with a slimy brown glaze. The blue-eyed woman gazed down in fear as she found her manicured hands to be quite the opposite of what she remembered. Instead of her soft, silken skin- it was slightly roughened and well-used. Her fingernails, usually gleaming with clear enamel, were hindered by dirt beneath each nail. Her rings---Cassidy collapsed against the sticky walls. Her rings were missing! A frail, dramatic cry was lost within the sewers. What had become of her?

Rubbing her eyes, and then head- she found that her hair had been braided. What? Cassidy, without a mirror (God forbid!), slowly...with horror- traced each braid with her the pads of her fingertips, her mouth opening in terror. Her eyes, bewildered- flashed downward and found her clothes absent! (Oh no, she was not nude- but her apparel was not something a Lady of the Al'lende house would attire. No. This was not right. Cassidy didn't mind wearing tight things, as her male beaus would agree- but as she limply regarded her calves, her thighs, her hips...why, even in dim light- she was sure that this was more a body suit then clothes. She was better off naked! No longer fragile, trembling fingers swept across her calves, her thighs, her hips...every curve was revealed, every dip... A low groan rumbled as she sniffled pathetically. How come she had never thought of wearing her dresses this tight? And now, whoever decided to save her (there would probably be a line of handsome men), they were likely to see her with her hair braided, and with leather on. Dreadful. Not to mention she had some blouse on, and found it temptingly unbuttoned in the front. She shook her head sadly, and her fingers fled to the buttons. Another button was undone, and in the right angle- the sweet swell of her breasts were exposed. Perfit.

She could not see much, but after examining herself, and looking at the quality of clothes she wore, (it was very important, you understand), she came to reason that, there were, indeed- rats and vermin with her. She didn't scream. She didn't start pounding her little fists on the floor. She slowly walked, sometimes stumbling- with crystal tears falling down her cheeks. She must have done something bad. Cassidy reasoned that her affairs with Iseril could have been it. Or even her plans to burn the orphanage in Medonia. Maybe it was seducing Andrea. Yes, that made sense- this all happened after he came to the Kaldres House, didn't it? However would she get out from here? She knew naught about sewers! And frankly, she didn't have the time to think about such silly matters.

"MINUEL!" She screamed, hands on her hips. Hips. Hips. Hips, as delectable hips she did have, Cassidy found a belt around them. And then...a weapon. What?! Cassidy examined the foil impatiently, and threw it to the ground. What did her capturers think she was going to do with that? She had guards- Guards. Where were they? "Minuel?" Her husky, melodious voice went weak. The Lady Al'lende expected her knight to come out of the shadows, pick her up- and sweep her back to her mansion. And maybe they could fit in a quick romp... He was a fine piece, indeed.

She fell to her knees, as her boot crushed a bottle. Confusion lit her fine, elegant features, (totally unfitting the athletic clothes she wore--despite appearing quite appealing) -- and she leaned over and retrieved it. The elf never even noticed the parchment in her hand, read it with distaste, and unthinking, threw it away with the foil. She'd never had pockets, but fancied the idea- so when her fingers attempted to enter, (was it this difficult for men, as well?) she found bills. More confusion. Riverside Clothing? A blonde moment maybe, but she mused:

"I wonder what I purchased."

And foil training? Cassidy turned back, still seeing the weapon gleaming barely in the dimmed light. And turned back to see her belt. Her empty belt. Why, it wouldn't hurt to have the foil, until she found Minuel. After retrieving it and the letter, Cassidy was actually impressed with herself, despite having a moment of tears. At the moment, she wanted so much to scream, and cry and have a tantrum- but there was no one to have a tantrum to. Cassidy's lip quivered anyway. Twelve gold crowns. Just twelve? Had she been robbed? Or were her earlier suspicious true, was she dead?

[Maddyn]

Or perhaps it was just the result of what happened when you got a Faerie Druid and an Elvish girl with a penchant for Mysticism and a tendency to get bored extremely easy. Really, Cassidy had proven a most fitting target for the two children's attentions and both of them had taken full advantage of drugging the people at the Kaldres Manor. And then the real fun had truely begun, Dallandra using Mysticism to basically render each of the five as naught but Marionette's while the drugs Willow's concocted coursed throughout their bodies and wrought naught but an idle dreaming from which they'd all awoken from simultaniously.

Broken memories saught to piece themselves together within the fragile recesses of Cassidy's mind, but working out the events themselves that'd led Cassidy towards her current predicament really were going to take time.

Screaming out for Minuel however did nothing but startle a few outlines of rats, Cassidy's Elvish voice not exactly pleasant on the ears when it echo'd through the sewers. Really, if Cass didn't know any better anyone would assume she'd been singing for candlemarks on end and was only just starting to regain her voice. But other than the rats, there wasn't anyone about Cassidy within her sight that really cared one way or another how she'd gotten down here, why or even being most willing to offer a way out.

It had something to do with narrative principles and the continual manipulations of Dallandra and Willow. Only damsels in distress were allowed to have a Hero show up apparently out of nowhere. Fight off the impolite and generally poorly dressed villians (abliet, some were allowed to have perfect smiles in at least one Jorelite's case), toss the damsel over their shoulder before making the dashing escape. Or something along those lines anyway, some people would be amazed at just how often that happened within the Empire over the innumerable centuries that flitted by.

But then Cassidy wasn't dressed as a Damsel, it just wouldn't be right to interfere in what was an apparently a Heroines quest to do something or other important. After all, she had a sword and wore pants - what kind of Heroine in the stories ever swung from candelieers or got into drinking contests while wearing a dress? It was just ever so inappropriate.
Heroines though weren't supposed to cry however, and with those shed tears the story almost unravelled... before it realised, it just didn't care at all about Cassidy's feelings. She was just another Elf after all within the Empire, nobody that'd actually be missed if she went missing? Right?

But as Cassidy stood there sorting over the various details she had before and on her; a few memories pieced themselves together for herself... odd, and not quite making the entire sense of the situation...

The air about her was thick with various smokes and pipeweed from the Human, Dwarvish and Elvish patrons who were each sitting about the various tables in the badly lit tavern. The poor lighting though was standard throughout the place and had more to do with the fact that most people who drink excessively tended to have a disliking for strong bright lights. Faces themselves were barely touched upon but each and every single person was looking up at Cassidy in either distaste (Dwarvish generally, a few muttered protests about getting a lass with a little more middle and perhaps a beard to be proud of), or various other comments ranging from offers for the evening through to adoration.

She was standing on a table, maintaining balance with absolute ease as she stood there with a pint of Dwarvish ale in one hand and her other tracing across her body in ways that would've caused some rather unnerving questions for parents anywhere if children saw. Again it seemed Cassidy had somehow managed to lose her original dress she'd entered Frigid River in - the when and were on the other hand was a complete loss. Garbed this time in what was little better than nightware, Cassidy wore a silk shift that clung to her every curve and wasn't exactly the most opaque considering her body was definetely gaining admirers from the male clientele. A slit on both sides up to her hips, the front of the shift was completely cut out down past her navel with only a thin silk strip underneath her throat and breasts preventing a complete disaster. The back too was removed...but at least Cassidy underneath had retained the foresight for underwear...

Singing perfectly, it might've startled Cassidy just how good she sung as she danced like a goddess, slipping through the room and she left her table with eyes watching her every move. The pint of ale as ever seemed constantly refilled each and every time Cass drunk (and boy did she go through the stuff, enough to make even a few of the Dwarves mightily impressed by the Elvish woman's tolerance for what should've been able to knock out an elephant). The song she sung though, while beautiful in her voice was a little on the boring side compared to Imperial Epics and Elvish love poetry... it was about Gold. A Dwarvish song...

[Cassidy Al'lende]

Cassidy never thought she had a pleasant voice, so when it echoed along the sewer walls, she winced. Atleast she could scare away some invaders, if anything, right? Her toe, attired in high-calve boots, was impatiently being tapped against the slimy floors. Which way to go, which way to go?... Cassidy, obviously- never considered that she was heroine. No, Cassidy wasn't. She was a woman who used her charms to get what she wanted. Like a hero. But there was no one here to seduce! Her bottom lip jutted out in a pout. And she sighed. The blonde didn't even think she could succesfully run without stumbling about. Ladies didn't run, so why would she try?

At a slow, hip-swaying pace (And boy-oh-boy, did those hips look delish in these pants!) Cassidy began walking towards the little light she did see. A faint memory entered her mind, but it didn't include ale. Not this one. It was eras ago, and was really quite frightening. She was with a group of people, (for this reason, Cassidy couldn't remember) and some black-hooded cult members were chasing them. (True story!) Well, no one seemed to acknowledge that she would never be caught running, especially with her favorite slippers on- Her company ended up meeting a large fence, and their only hope was to climb over it. Oh, not Cassidy! The stubborn lady refused to show her legs- (She did have SOME pride!) and one of the men from the group, with passionate loyalty, and heroic qualities- jumped back over the fence, and threw her over! Cassidy's brow furrowed. He had the spite to throw her anywhere! If he was alive, she knew he'd be working beneath her, and never would think to do anything like that again. Unfortunately, she could not get her revenge- since the black-hooded cult members ended up reaching her hero before he could get back over the fence once again. Shame. Just remembering this, made her realise that she would not fit this attire. Not at all. She was the type of girl that lounged, asked for honey in her tea, and seduced men for amusement. Her fun had nothing to do with fighting evil. Cassidy laughed pathetically...Nay, that was not happening.

When naught happened when she cried, Cassidy was confused. Why wasn't anyone rushing to her? A careless shrug passed through her. No, she didn't like this very much. Until now, until she screamed for Minuel and he didn't come, until she cried- and no one came to her aid... it was all fake. All a dream. It was frightening, because after three terrifying memories shook through her, Cassidy realized that everything was very real, indeed. She, frankly- was very disappointed with herself. What was she thinking? Dancing for all sorts of races? Totally unlike her! And singing? Cassidy shook her head, the Lady Arctrina knew better to sing, or atleast when she was not drunk. That was refreshing, though- finding that with enough alcohol, her voice was actually very pleasant! Her lips quivered with stubborn spite. She was proud she showed those dwarves not to hold such a weak stereotype for Elven women.

Cassidy was fond of dancing, really. Not the ballroom type- of course. The one where your lover was trying to catch you, as you jump off the bed, avoiding being pounced, and dodge lusty fingers. Yes. Cassidy was very good at that dancing, and during her ball-room attempts, she was merely finding who would enjoy dessert with her later. But on a bar? In a tavern? The to-be Thane was surprised with herself...but hardly angry with her latest decisions.

The vixen learned, long ago- that you should treasure every experience you have, and it was much easier to never be ashamed of anything you do. That way you're not displeased with yourself! It worked very well for the Lady Al'lende, because she thought herself a rather well-rounded, content person. She would try to remember everything so she could later relate it in bed. That way...

Her mind was getting off track, (Quite easy in such a horrid situation) And she wondered where Pirvan, Lliae and the other buggers were. She bet they were in the sewers too! Probably suffering just like she, and she could picture Lliae wearing the same apparal. Oh, why didn't she consider this before? Her beloved new friend would never let her be! So the sun-kissed lady walked with more confidence, and a pleased heart.

[Callig an'Cianol]

Peer Moderation

Splish. Splish. Splish. Squish. Splat.

Cassidy's boots, as she walked along the bottom of the sewer, were becoming covered with muck. It was probably just as well that she couldn't see much but the scurrying rats down here. The sludge gurgled as it moved slowly down the tunnel from it's point of origin toward the magical incinerator. The rats certainly couldn't appreciate the sway of her hips, encased as they were in tight leather. All of Cassidy's posturing was for naught. For the moment.

As she walked toward the light that was very faint all she had were her own thoughts. They were apparently ambivalent toward her recently discovered bits and pieces of recollection. She was disappointed with herself, and then she was not displeased. Perhaps she was just trying to turn events to her satisfaction, but for the moment there was nothing to be had. The Lady Arctrina of New Coldmoon had only her own two feet to get out of this perdicament, and her own intelligence.

This really was a long tunnel.

Of course it was. The sewers criss-crossed beneath all the old buildings of Frigid River, linking every facility. There were some very dim openings spaced periodically- perhaps those latrines with a small window. That at least gave a hint that on the surface, the sun had risen. A second clue was the light she was heading for didn't flicker, the way a torch or flame might. That only gave the suggestion that the light was steady. It could still belong to some practitioner of arcana instead of the sun in the sky. Perhaps it was some permanent lightsource meant for those who suffered the task of making repairs in these tunnels? Perhaps there was someone down here after all? The light beckoned eagerly.

Still, it required a lot of walking to get there. The light never seemed to grow any closer, it always remained just ahead. It was hard to tell if Cassidy was coming any closer to her goal. It didn't help that periodically, she had to pause to knock off the clinging muck from the shameful boots she wore. At least they prevented the slime and refuse from coating her feet and her leather pants as well. The only company she had were her memories, and unexpectedly one further scene slipped in.

The feel of cold metal was suddenly pressed between her breasts. Glancing down, the glint of gold glistened in the dim light of the tavern, and the warmth and texture of a man's fingers brushed the ivory skin. A face swam into view, handsome enough even for Cassidy, with it's roguish grin gracing the ill-shaven cheeks. Sparkling brown eyes were quite fixed upon the expanse of skin where his hands tucked the crown in appreciation for the fine display of entertainment Cassidy was giving. She was bent down, straining the high split of the transparent gown along her hips, balanced delicately upon the balls of her bared feet.

The mug of ale was still clutched within her hand, but the other raised to her crimson lips, and blew a kiss to this most recent admirer. She rose, turning as she did so, and leaned back for all to see the price of his admiration lodged in the full swell of her feminine curves. A roar broke out from many male throats, though not all the faces in the swimming crowd seemed to partake. A few faces scowled, a few mouths laughed. But in general, the men of the tavern were enjoying this impromptu display very much.

Cassidy shook out her long blonde hair, and gave them all a sultry smile. The crown she plucked out from its nest, and tossed it carelessly aside to join a quickly growing pile of its kin on the bartop where she pranced. Lifting the mug of spirits to her rosebud lips, she took a hefty drink; far more than a Lady would care to swill infront of onlookers. A few drops of the frothy liquid trickled from the corner of her mouth, and trailed down her fair skin into the valley of her breasts. With a giggle, she flickered a teasing, sultry look at the crowd she was performing for, and let a single willowy finger trace the same path til she caught up to it. Wiping the drop away, a male creature from the sea below eagerly stood from his seat, his mouth half open. Bending once more, giving him a very good look at where the ale had come from, she popped the digit into his mouth for him to clean it, and then turned to burst once more into a rather bawdy song that could only be crafted by the dwarven race.

[Cassidy Al'lende]

I can dig it.

A woman's sway of hips was never for naught. This certain blonde was very firm in the idea, that if a female kept her feminine attributes at their best, then they could always get what they wanted. Always. Yes. Naive, but this is Cassidy we're talking about. However, who can blame her for these silly ideals? Certainly not anyone with a just mind...for if one would simply venture into this girl's past, they would see- that even as a child. She merely had to pout her plump lips, and flutter her sapphire orbs, and soon she'd have that desire, right at her fingertips! And now, many eras later- and after achieving many more desired features, other than bright eyes, all she had to do was give a little hip shake, and at the most- glide her hungry hands along some bronzed muscle...

Cassidy, while she was a blonde, and she did have some ditzy moments, just like any other person- wasn't unintelligent. Most people would assume, just because she had a little bit more of safe fun, (HA!) Cassidy was quite knowledgeable about the ways to ensure this ...that she had no common sense, or couldn't handle herself. Sure, she enjoyed being pampered, and of course she wasn't afraid to spend money to make herself happy...-but- Cassidy also had to deal with many various situations. For the strangest reason, a few certain people- Cassidy walked with a little bit more vigor at this thought- did not fancy her. However, this did not mean that she was not observing people's tactics, her own tactics during arguments. And in the end, she reasoned that it was just so much easier to accept that -she- was right...after all. A girl must do what girl must do. There were some exceptions to this, of course. Like with Pirvan. Her eyes dropped momentarily, before she realized this- and continued to walk forward, ignoring the pain in her calves. Usually pains in her calves were brought from--- Now, now.

Pirvan...well, Pirvan was the only male to not drool when she flashed some skin, or conveniently exposing her derriere at its best. The ironic thing was, she didn't question his sexuality. The blue eyed vixen grinned wryly as she treaded through the ankle deep muck. "Disgusting" she muttered with annoyance. Her head was full of him, and how entranced she was in his parlor. But it wasn't a pleasant thing, she didn't think so. Cassidy couldn't let him take the reigns. She always had to have the reigns, lest... She frowned.

As she struggled, and actually began to pant a little- her frustration grew. How in aeternia had she ever gotten here? This was just ridiculous- to get here she would have somehow walked all this distance before. Or, what if she was going the wrong way? Her brow furrowed with worry. Oh, oh dear. She wasn't sure she'd make it going the other way back. Her bones with lithe, and she was a mere lady- her body simply denied such tiring misuse.

Another memory slipped within her, and her eyes widened with surprise at this certain one. She still didn't understand why she was offering herself to men like this- she was no whore, and didn't need to dance around a bar to get greedy, bedroom eyes. But it wasn't shame that greeted Cassidy. No. It was pure bewilderment. She remember laughter. Smiling, and the elf shrugged. She must have been having a good time, then. To be quite honest, as she remembered these things- the fair-headed lady was impressed with herself. How clever she was.

[Maddyn]

Moving towards the light at the quickened pace wasn't the easiest of things for Cassidy though. Her leather pants, while certainly confirmed the Elfin Lady's belief that she looked delish in them did have a tendency to be tighter than would've been practical. Just how Cassidy had even managed to squeeze into them was a mystery, nevermind having them done up so before the belt circled her slender waist. Her steps when quickened weren't the normal sure fire grace she usually held, and when combined with the slick filth covered ground raised above the river of muck wasn't the safest of things.

Especially if Cassidy didn't want to risk falling in.

The pinpoint of light though was soon discovered as not exactly being the kind of one that Cassidy was going to enjoy climbing up even if she could find a way. It was someone's privvy. But then, neither was this the only one as a turn down the sewers lengths revealed pinpoints of light periodically like street lamps... one in the distance briefly flickering and vanishing before reopening again. The smell of the place really was offensive, clinging to Cassidy and mingling with what was probably once a purfume and really wasn't having a very good survival rate under the weight of stench.

But there it was, a flicker of black within the gloom - a shape moving ever onwards ahead of Cassidy at a sure pace before twisting around a bend again leading towards the right. So, she wasn't alone after all.

But finding out the where and why, well that was the result of Willow's drugs that'd laced Cassidy's wine and rendered her asleep as if within a pleasant dream during that time. And during that time, the little Elfin Mystic by the name of Dallandra had made use of all five bodies within the Kaldres House for various purposes of her own. Both good, bad and generally amusing - assuming you had the same kind of twisted humour that the adorable little girl managed. And like all dreams, they required to be concentrated upon or else they'd slip away... each piece flitting through Cass's mind and in an illogical sequence...

And this one appeared to be a little later in the evening...

The sounds below had long since died out into a dull quiet, but that was perfectly alright given the nights entertainment for Cassidy had all but left the Elf exhausted... all but, she couldn't help but feel the vigour and satisfaction from a night well spent. After all, she'd spent the evening literally wrapping every male in the Spear and Skull tavern around her little finger... it hadn't been that hard mind but any victory was one to be claimed lest another steal Cass's claim. And given that the Spear and Skull, from the three levels and occupying almost an entire town block could hold almost seven hundred and fifty people on a good night... it was currently debatable whod be able to hold the most influence within Frigid River.

Who'd jump to their feet if Acting Govenor Pirvan Kaldres issued a command... and who'd sit right back down again is Cassidy so much as smiled sweetly?

She was upstairs, concluding the negotiation with Omar - the Manager of the Spear and Skull as per when she'd first shown up candlemarks ago. As satisfying as the evening'd been after all, there wasn't any point on doing something for nothing.

The chamber itself was well furnished with polished wooden floors and a large double bed in the middle with crimson sheets and coverings. An elaborately carved dressed lay towards the side with a bottle of fine wine and a single glass filled with the crimson liquid. She was alone, there really wasn't another person left within the Spear and Skull even this late at night... well, except the Manager naturally who lived here.

Propped up on a few pillows, Cassidy lay there draped across the bed in absolute elegance. A Lady didn't sweat, but even Cassidy would have to admit she'd definetely been perspiring after the evening of dancing, singing and drinking the night away. Her flimsey silk dress clung to absolutely every curve of her body, the expensive silk was probably ruined now but then nobody downstairs had shown the slightest inclination fo complaints (Dwarves excepting).

What wasn't sweat was the spilled Dwarven ale and spirits that'd managed to find itself clinging to Cassidy's body, her cream skin as ever leaving her back completely free from clothing. The split in the thigh length dress along both sides were made readily use of, supple long legs revealed for all to see through to everything from Cassidy's throat to navel completely visible with the exception of her breasts. The silk tie keeping the dress up remained, but that really was about it keeping the clothing on Cassidy.. well... besides her perspiration.

If Cassidy's dress was made out of wet tissue paper it would've concealed more of her.

It didn't take much imagination at all to picture the Elfin Maiden naked as she lay there sipping her wine with a kittenish smile set upon her exquistite Elven beauty. Golden hair spilled across the pillows and her sapphire eyes studied the man before her. "I'll go pick up Mr Milo's tab in the sewers in the morning...conclude the final little game of ours then...." she mused as she took a sip of her wine.

Omar, a Human of some seven foot in height and muscled ever so pleasantly as he say there on the edge of the bed studying Cassidy with unwavering lust, he was a handsome man all things considered except for the way a scar ran across one of his eyes blinding him there. Faint stubble ran across his cheeks and long dark brown hair left to hand at his shoulders. "Mhmm... you did good Cassie, business'll be good for months now thanks to you my beauty..." he spoke softly with a smile, moving ever closer to Cass as she continued to study him with the same unwavering smile gracing her flawless fine features. "And as agreed... the old Carthali Manor's now yours and the lifetime pass for the Hot Springs...mmm...you'll always have a job here - the rest of your dresses'll remain in the chamber." he continued, drawing so close to Cassidy that she could feel his breath against her body.

Without a care in Telath, Omar's hands ran across Cassidy's legs and ever higher, disappearing beneath the filmsey gown as he leant over her. His hands tugging at her underwear gently as a repulsive grin without a hint of intelligence revealed itself...

But there was a surety to Cassidy that everything here was absolutely under control.
This was her after all. Since when had there ever been a man who couldn't dance to her tune... one way or another?

"Be gentle Omar..." Cassidy replied huskily, arching her back so that the strips of cloth across her chest became that much more taunt; her elegant throat bared as he eyes closed over. But the smile of Cassidy's could've dropped a Hellbear dead in it's tracks as she took a sip from her glass of wine with one hand... and the other was causing Omar to freeze in his tracks.

Somehow, and Aetheria knew where Cassidy had concealed that was a slender knife within her hand held directly between Omar's legs, two traces of blood running across his thighs and was currently at severe risk of castration.

"Because I won't love... you're allowed to look, beautiful but no touching, that wasn't the agreement we had now was it?" Cassidy continued softly, raising her hand that little bit more and causing Omar to raise himself that little bit. "But... I don't mind, not really... but if you remove those dear, I'll remove that... fair isn't it?" Cassidy continued with a wicked grin as Omar very, very suddenly released Cass's underwear and backed away as if hit with a mattock to the skull. "Ah... a shame... and things were just becomming interesting Omar love..." she purred, raising the knife to glance at the trickle of blood running across both sides of the dagger before pulling herself off the bed gracefully.

"You're... you're insane!" he stammered, prudently sticking near the wall of the room and trying his best to ignore the blood seeping down his legs from the very near miss at becomming a Eunuch. "Get.. get out!... everything's in your room!" he continued, wondering in fear just whether Cassidy would've if he'd continued... but her smile didn't leave any doubt. Greed however won out in the end, not to mention the hopes of seeing Cassidy in the future... look... but don't touch. "But... you're always welcome... just keep.... oh Ioannes..."

Smiling all the while, the kittenish smile returned as she claimed a key from the dresser and walked to the door; already opening at her slightest touch. "Until later love... everyone wants, but you're not to decide who has..." she purred, and just couldn't resist. Her slender fingers rose behind her neck as she stood there in the doorway, and undid the silk tie there... pealing the dress away from her body so that she was only garbed in her scanty pants; blonde tresses preserving what little modesty was allowed. "And you love, just don't have the balls..."she added, glancing over her shoulder and winking before making her way down the hallway to her dressing room; Omar's eyes watching as she left... or at least the sway of her hips...

...and for the life of him, even with the risk of castration so close... couldn't help but feel he'd come out better off even with the loss of tens of thousands of crowns and a very near miss....

[Cassidy Al'lende]

No. Cassidy certainly did not want to fall in. That was like asking a cat if they would enjoy chasing a dog. My fair readers, I do not think you understand the horror that was sending Cassidy through turmoil. Cassidy's feet never touched an unpolished floor, much less a pool of the city's waste! She was trying to breath through her mouth, for the stench was this offensive, and would end up in coughing fits. Her throat tingled slightly. "I shall die. A lady... to be tortured so!" She whimpered this repeatedly, but switched then to cursing the Gods: "If you kill me, be it now- you wicked devils! I shall find you, and take over..." The blonde was starting to talk out of her head, based on her own pitiable distress. With every, single step - a gentle cry rocked from her practiced lips, and approximately on every tenth step did she stop suddenly, flinging her arm to her head in dismay, and with a dramatic last step, did she lean over to catch her breath. Her slender fingers flung to her panting bosoms, and dwindled themselves into her chemise, which exposed a large amount of sweet cleavage. The valley between her pert breasts was moist with perspire, and she traced up to find her pulse, beating rapidly at the fine arch of her nape. Her oh-so-lovely eyes drifted close, and she listened to the steady, healthy beat of her heart, it was that silent. For the first time after this entire ordeal, did she truly think. Cassidy always accepted things as they were, fought to the death- and in the end, won what she desired. But it seemed, dreadfully- and this began to dawn on the sun-kissed beauty...that this certain battle was like trying to learn how to breath underwater. Something bewildering had happened. Something unnatural, for even after her worst mornings after drinking an abundant amount of alcohol, did she remember. Her lips tightened, and after inhaling deeply, did she decide that she would miss very much if she died. Even as a lady. "Carry on, Cassidy," she whispered, and with strength that bewildered her, did her nicely shaped leg take another step.

Cassidy tried to not be disappointed when she saw that the light connected to privy. Especially since moments before, she had prided herself on making it here. The elven woman reassured herself by thinking of names that the public would title her. Like The Sewer's Lady. Her nose scrunched. Nay. That would -not- be what she'd be remembered as! Beauty of the se- NAY! She would need to remove sewers all together. The woman, with such soft, gelded hair was mumbling names to herself, finding that the time was traveling even quicker this way- allowing our readers to be very impressed. For being a weak snot, she was doing well for herself, it would seem. Perhaps a little tour around Frigid River was just was this brat needed?

And then she saw the flicker.

"YOU THERE!" She screamed desperately, her voice husky and sweet, begging. It was like a bedroom plead, it was voiced that perfectly...If her visitor could find a way to turn away from that, then Hell would freeze over. "I, Lady Cassidy Al'lende-" She had to gasp to catch her breath as she was running faster, trying her best not to stumble, her arms outstretched willingly. "Demand that you wait! Lest I will-" a scream, because her foot slipped, and only did this blonde manage to catch herself with pure luck - "Send," her voice was weak as she leaned dreadfully against the walls, "my guards..." She was really panting now, and the pulse at her neck was flashing. She felt like she could not get enough oxygen within her...despite her chipper mood- and determination, (Surprising for a lady such as she) this "Adventure" was paying its price on Cassidy's pampered, unworked body. She could hardly move without feeling the pains in her calves and the ache of her lungs.

"Again," she mouthed, the word not even leaving her. The memories. Her eyes squeezed shut.

And when they opened, she found her hand dipping into the opening of her chemise, her other hand trailing wantonly along her torso- nails biting in the tender skin there, and her lip bleeding- from a bite too hard - from her pearly white teeth. A fire had returned in this woman. A wicked, sinful lust that had been slowly fading over the years. Her nights with men had become an enjoyment, and for her own satisfaction...not to mention something to fill her time. A lady entertained at night when she desired it. And she did, but now with such ferocity, it was alarming. And no longer was it to quench cravings within her. But to play. Seduction had been to get what she wanted- but she felt the wet silk on her body, she distinctly remembered the cold, hard knife in her hand- how it felt in her fingers. How powerful she was. The public believed her such bad things of her...A fleeting, saucy smile twisted her supple lips. If they only knew how bad she really was... She did, and desired to do a hell of a lot more than drag a stableboy into the hay, and go for a quick romp... No longer were these memories a -surprise- to her. They -were- her and she considered them a blessing. Because finally...she achieved something that people look for their entire lives. She reunited with who Cassidy Sage Limara Al'lende really was.

She was quizzical, sharp, teasing, alert, had assets that a goddess would desire, and manipulative. Cassidy no longer got what she wanted. Because with this woman, this witch -she took it. There were no battles with her. Because every checkmate was simply amusement for her, and a mere way to slow her plans down. Because as she sat across from her opponent, this vixen saw how it ended. And was just eager to persuade, lock and torture her victim in the corner. And that's what she planned to do. Cass'dea remembered a Mr. Milo from the exchange. And she was in the sewers. Perhaps this was the person she had seen across the way?

As a predator seeks its prey, Cassidy's entrancing blue eyes narrowed dangerously, and she no longer walked in a hurry. She wasn't. The time would come. With a twist of her golden locks, Cassidy smiled coyly. "Oh," it was a moan, "Mister Milo?" She purred, enhancing this shameless whimper with the encouragement of feminine, carnal giggles. "Don't be such a tease..." For even if she could not catch this man, she could certainly lure him to her...especially if these tens of thousands of crowns were on the table. Oh, it was lovely. Cassidy was once again, Cassidy!

[Callig an'Cianol]

"YOU THERE!" The delicately crafted cry echoed from the tunnel walls. "I, Lady Cassidy Al'lende- Demand that you wait! Lest I will- send my guards..."

The shadow cast upon the wall by the fixed light paused, and it shifted. The shadow's motion hinted that perhaps the figure had turned around at the call. A soft noise echoed down the tunnels to Cassidy's pointed ears. It might have been laughter, but the soft gurgling of the liquid as it flowed past her boots, and the echo of her own voice turned upon herself might have made the sound seem other than it really was. Heavy boots thumped across the stone and sludge to turn his course toward her.

The shadow grew.

Within minutes, it gave way to a man-shape. Obviously not elven, broad shoulders named the being human, at least in part. Long, dark hair brushed over his shoulders, only the front of it held back with a strap of leather. A strong jaw, sea-blue eyes, and a firm smiling mouth. Beneath the course linen of his shirt, firm muscles slid beneath bronzed skin. His lips were curled up in a half-smile, and his eyes raked down her form, sliding between the unbuttoned cloth of her blouse and noting that the leather pants across her hips might have been painted on. Of course his gaze paused at the rapier, slung from the belt that circled her narrow waist, and at last he dragged his attention back up to her face.

"Lady Cassidy Al'lende, of course. Come to practice your swordsmanship on a few rats, have we?" He made an obvious glance about the dripping tunnel, as if looking for something else. "And in which of those pockets have you hidden your ... guards?" He was most definitely amused. "Not Milo. I'm Waldrian Jonnard." His voice altered, rising an octave, and he bowed sweepingly and mockingly. "At your service, M'lady." His amusement grew as he straightened, his lips spreading into a grin.

The grin brought another memory into the light, sliding out of the darkness and the stench. This one began with the approach to a small, round, stone hut. Greyed from age, rounded blocks of water-smoothed limestone rest stacked upon each other, mortared with clay to make them sturdy. The door, built grudgingly of sturdy oak was crossed by thick bars of iron, and bolted together. The entire place had a weighty feel to it, as if it were as permanent as the mountains that overshadowed the entire city. A largish stone set close to the portal was scribed with deep blocky letters that proclaimed "Riverside Clothing." Around the building, at regular intervals were set small windows, with wood and iron shutters that matched the door, to close them up come the darkening.

The door pushed inward, moving silently on hinges well kept and oiled. The cornice above was slightly short, so that a human entering would have to stoop, but it was by all means accessible to the taller races. Light spilled inward from the thin slitted windows to illuminate a small, rounded room. The thick smell of freshly dyed cloth hung redolent in the air. Neat blocks of stone formed tables around the outer edges, upon which lay the most common of clothing. Unadorned tunics, trousers, socks, and chemises in natural colours remained folded neatly.

A sturdy dwarf approached Cassidy as she entered the building, tipping her head back to look up at the taller elf. "Serale. Ken I be helpin' ye?" Bloody elves, thin as a sapling, be blown away in the wind. And not even a proper beard to speak of. Cassidy ignored the dwarf, for the moment. Perhaps the real seamstress would appear, and rescue her from this horrid little creature. But no one else ever came, the dwarf simply stood where she was and watched the elf move around her shop. Long, delicate fingers with their perfectly shaped nails ran over the wares. Much of the clothing was plain, but all of it was of a quality not even Cassidy could complain of, and well sewn.

"I'm looking for... something ... scandalous." The elf finally turned, deigning to lay her eyes on the stubby and ungraceful creature that shared the room with her. "I have plans for the evening, and I need something special. A gown. White silk. Then I'll need something else to wear afterwards. Something ... dashing." The elf's rose-kissed lips curved upward into a smile.

Without comment, for she certainly didn't like the elf's attitude, but she wasn't about to be rude to a customer that could pay for her wares, Dunnear turned and began to rummage her stocks for things that might suit the elf's tastes. She pulled out a white nightgown, of almost sheer silk. The sides of it were slit all the way up to the waist, with only two thin strips of the same fabric spanning the wide open V in the front of the gown. There was nothing covering the back. As Cassidy lay eyes on the piece, she almost swooned. Her fingers almost snatched it from the dwarf, and held it against her slender form with delight. "Oh, it's Perfect!" She purred, preening as she envisioned the sheer silk caressing and defining her oh, so lucious curves.

She hardly glanced at the dwarf as she laid out the other outfit, a pair of doeskin leather pants, a white linen blouse, and a leather belt to go around them all. A pair of leather boots lay next to it as well as a pair of leather gloves. Cassidy's lovely eyes glowed at the sight of them. "Absolutely perfect. I'll take the lot of it!" She began shedding the demure dress she'd worn to the Kaldres House earlier in that brightening, right there in the middle of the shop. The dwarf sputtered into her beard at the sight of the elf undressing in public view, and was nearly as taken aback as she donned the white silk gown immediately. Tossing her pouch down on the floor before the dwarf, Cassidy gave Dunnear a dismissive look, and gathered the rest of the clothes into a pile. Then, she exited the small stone clothing store, and made her way toward the Spear and Skull tavern, the curves of her rounded bottom swaying with each step.

[Cassidy Al'lende]

Cassidy bit on her tender lower lip, and watched the man approach her. She didn't understand this. She didn't see how any of this could have happened. Yet the blonde was fully prepared to face this man. Minutes seem to go by so slowly as he walked closer...and yet, so fast, for truthfully- the woman worried for herself. She did not know how to use the weapon at her waist, and while she put off intimidation, she was truly frightened. Yet, like we acknowledged, she did not seem to fear anyone. Her shoulders were back, her jaw at a confident angle, as she flashed the man a saucy smile. It faltered. Just a little bit as she observed his stern jaw, blue eyes and firm muscles. She inhaled almost happily. This was when she worked best. And she watched him, amused- as his sapphire eyes fled down her. She knew, even whilst she was surrounded by a foul smell, that her long legs, firm hips and rounded derriere was worthy of a double take...but when he did so, she stomped her foot impatiently.

Her bright blue eyes snapped to his and they narrowed dangerously. Her lips slowly, temptingly - with precise practice made them turn in a seductive, though obviously arrogant grin. Cassidy's head tilted with wry humor. "Waldrian Jonnard, of course." She retorted haughtily. She could almost see the sexual tension. Oh so desired. Slightly like Pirvan and her relationship. Except, in the end- she believed she'd like Pirvan more. She pretended like she knew the man, and gave a long sigh..."I'm afraid, Jonnard, I don't need any practice." Her brows arched and her coy smiled widened with impish pride. "I'm quite the master." Let him believe she wasn't as weak as a dove. It certainly wouldn't hurt.

She withdrew her sword from its sheath, and experimentally ran her fingers along the edges, just light enough so she would not cut. Cass'dea felt the cool edge against the palms of her soft fingers, and observed with bare interest. Casually, and with a sway of her hips did she confront her visitor. The blue eyed vixen stood a mere foot away from him and boldly examined him...head...to foot. And again, then- head tilted again, she mused a slow, kittenish, "Hmmm...

And slowly, to insuitate that she meant no harm- the lady began to tease the corner of the dagger along his arm, his chest... a grin spreading her lips. She came closer. "Tell me," she whispered, "How I can help you..." Really, she wanted to find out information. Information about what had happened. Information, to her greed's satisfaction, of how she could touch those crowns that were spoken of. Oh, she would find this out- alright, this is how she worked. And he would play her game.

Cassidy, however- was not surprised by these memories. It was impossible. They were things you have done...and so, it was like she expected it.

OOC: Sorry for the short reply. Edited a little.

[Maddyn]

If anything though Cassidy was about to learn a few important lessons in life and that was that not every male tended to think below the belt whenever the Elfish woman came close. In spite of her undone blouse, her leather pants that well might indeed have been painted onto her body... Waldrian had little to no interest in Cassidy like that. If anything the Elf looked like some petulant child intent on getting her own way as she stamped her foot and bit upon her bottom lip, and in doing so Cassidy's mannerisms marked her as such to the man. Lessons to be learnt, and manners to be aquired for the Noble Elf of the Syl'rosyan Combine and the Lady Protector/Thane of New Coldmoon.

It was a blessing for Cassidy that the blade she drew was naught more than a foil considering the weight otherwise of most other blades would've been more for the lithe Elf to manage by far. Neither did Cassidy draw the sword like a Master, the keen light weapon slid forth from the sheathe and was flourished with all the skill and deftness of the average playwright - and with about the same effect. To look flashy was all well and good, but using a sword in actual combat was another matter entirely.

Arching an eyebrow ever so slightly, Waldrian's mouth set in a contempuous smirk of distaste at the Lady's behaviour for parodying something so serious as if but a jest. When the knife was freed though from it's own sheathe, Waldrian stepped forwards with his hand instantly claiming Cass'dae's within his stronger grip and spun her about quickly as if naught more than a doll within his arms. Pain flared within her arm, and all too quickly Cassidy found herself with her foil pressed against her throat with the dagger pressed ever so gently in Cassidy's cleavage.

"Lady Al'lende, never draw a weapon you can't use..." he whispered, his mouth close to Cassidy's ear though he spoke nothing of contempt for the Elf as they stood there within the dank and gloom of the sewers. ah, and how familar those words sounded to Cassidy as she found that they'd been spoken to her but the brightening before. "Because sooner or later, someone's going to meet your bluff and you'll be naught but blood and ribbons of flesh, Mi'Lady." the last word more added as an afterthought, utterly lacking in anything even resembling respect.

It wasn't all that long after she'd gone and aquired her choice garment for the evening, the white silk little shift that was about as appropriate a garb for bed as chainmail was for a soldier. Not that Cassidy had any intention of wearing it in such an environment, oh Aetheria no! And spoil this evenings fun? That just would've been terribly lacking on foresight... just as it was terribly lacking in judgement to go dressed so splendidly to ensnare the men within the audience so thoroughly. Not without being able to at least make sure they learnt to behave... one way or another. Being pressed up against some allyway wall, used and discarded just because Cassidy lost control of a situation and some trapper from up in the mountains didn't take no for an answer seriously.

It was nearing towards sunset, the sky itself already starting to bathe in pleasant shades of crimson, pink and orange as the light faded away to begin the Darkening. A faint breeze stirred the grass within the training fields of the Arms Academy as Cassidy stood there with a slight scowl; hands resting upon her hips in defiance. Dressed within those all too tight leather pants, the blouse that this time around Cassidy hadn't even bothered doing up at all and her splendid blonde tressed braided and coiled about her head like a crown. The foil and longknife lay upon each hip.

"Never draw a weapon you can't use... Phedos, you know what Lady Al'lende. Promise me you'll never touch a weapon and I'll go and hire you some guards; you're just not built for fighting child." an older and rather male voice spoke. Her teacher for the brightening had been some deradfully plain Nimalni, too broad of shoulder for an Elf and with odd grey skin. Homely features, ponytail of liht brown hair and his eyes a plain brown that made the Elf known as Nightinagale plain. Middleaged, and annoyingly not once had treated Cassidy as naught but a student of his - already having remarked several times that her clothes were inappropriate for what she wanted.

Not to mention pointing out that he had a daughter Cassidy's age, and if he ever saw her dress like that he'd be dragging her home by the ear. A few snippy comments about just how Cass'dae's parents would feel knowing she went about publically dressed like that just had to be thrown into the mix.
"Oh Cass'dae... really child, look - we can try this on the morrow but I'm afraid child your wrists just arn't strong enough, your body's nowhere nearly as flexible to use those blades as you want just yet... these things take time." the elderly Elf continued, shaking his head slightly as Cassidy glared at him, a few choice insults already on the tip of her tongue as he met her glare with a fatherly appraisal. "You know if you learn this, your hands are going to callous too...you'll need some gloves otherwise the leather grip's too harsh."