A meeting with Princess Charming (Cassidy, Private)

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn had been quite thankful for the gate guard's directions as he rode down the main road, flanked by trees and interrupted by a large, iron gate, guarded by a few... guards. To Arkahn they looked more like toy soldiers, putting out their chests and looking pretty for their Thane, probably only experienced on the traininggrounds, but soiling themselves when on the battlefield, where your newly made friends quickly became newly made splashes of blood on your face after being cut up by some bloodlusting Orc or devious trap. No, the Tigron had no respect for these men, and wouldn't even call them soldiers. Still, he had to show them their Visa, which he did without looking too much at them. It was almost shameful when guards looked liked they were wearing make-up. "I am Commander Th'alashar, Commanding Officer of the Daltina Armed Forces. Thane Cassidy Al'lende is awaiting me."

After the guards gave him back his visa the Tigron softly clacked his tongue, ordering Dunbar, his horse, to move. Slowly he rode towards the mansion, which didn't look nearly as decadent as Arkahn had expected from the Thane. The Katta halted in front of the mansion, slowly dismounting and handing the reins to a stableboy before taking off his luggage. As he climbed the stairs the Tigron just hoped his letter had been recieved. His doubts were taken away as a butler walked towards him, meeting him at the doors and greeting him with a small bow. "Serale Sir, you must be Commander Th'alashar. Lady Al'lende is already awaiting you." The butler reached out towards Arkahn's luggage, which the Tigron only handed over after a moment of doubt. It wasn't much like him to give away his weapons and valuables, but he understood he could not appear before the Lady with his luggage in hand.

Quickly the Tigron looked himself over a bit, straightened his short, blue jacket which was lined with two rows of copper buttons. A stripe of his white shirt was barely visible underneath it, and tucked into a black sash from which he had hung his sabre. A pair of dark blue trousers were tucked into his black leather boots, but were so wide that they actually fell over hem, reaching to just under his knees. The boots themselves were carefully polished. Slowly the Tigron followed the butler to the Lady's office, in the meanwhile taking off his black leather gloves. When finally reaching the office the butler knocked softly, and when ordered to come in he opened the door, offically heralding the Tigron's entrance. "Your Grace, Commander Th'alashar has arrived." Quite startled the Tigron slowly walked in, a bit unsure of what to do, until he suddenly remembered what everyone had done when Lady Al'lende, the late Enamorian Governor entered the tent. Making a deep bow the Tigron waited for a short moment. "Serale Lady Al'lende, I am Arkahn Th'alashar, Commander of the Daltina Armed Forces. I have sent you a letter some brightenings before." The Tigron slowly clasped his hands behind his back, his chin lifted to the sky a bit while he waited for the Thane to answer.

[Cassidy Al'lende]

"Serale Lady Al'lende, I am Arkahn Th'alashar, Commander of the Daltina Armed Forces. I have sent you a letter some brightenings before." Cassidy's golden brows arched softly as she slowly sipped from her teacup. She clucked her tongue with disapointement, and dismissed the tea by pushing it away. "Charmed, I assure you." Cassidy muttered, leaned forward and pulled the golden chain which was hung elegantly from the gelded bell. The silence between them was unnerving, but Cassidy's brow was furrowed with concentration as she finished scribing a letter, by completing her signature. Within a few seconds, a bustling maid, with a round bosom and even plumper derrier rushed inside the room.

"You called, M'lady?" She asked breathlessly.
"Aye, take this away, Gertrude."

Gertrude's eyes flashed and she whispered, "My name is Celia, Mada-"
"Thankyou, Gertrude." Cassidy interrupted, flicking her wrist and insisting that the bothersome woman leave...and quickly.

And then...was the silence. The door closed quietly behind Celia, and the blonde released a fatigued, annoyed sigh. After shuffling through many files within her desk, she withdrew a slender cloth folder and from there came opal colored parchment paper. On that was easily written notes.

"Welcome, Lord..." she hesitated, ran a hand flirtatiously through her blonde locks and purred, "Th'alashar. To my home." Her pearly skin gleamed prettily as her lips pouted, "We might as well get to the subject. But politeness is a priority." She settled her slender fingers on her womb. "I beg you tell me how your journey was? Were my guards rude? Are you starved, or parched?" Impatiently she snapped out the proper questions that were normally asked with graceful ease. The elf obviously wanted to be gone with it.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Every single thing Lady Al'lende did matched perfectly well with the picrture Arkahn had painted in his mind of nobility. And it wasn't a pretty picture at all. Arrogance, disinterest and sheer rudeness coming from a misplaced sense of superiority radiated from the woman's every limb, and frankly Arkahn was amused by all of it. This woman was so arrogant, so full of herself, that Arkahn couldn't really believe that she was really like that. How could anyone have a personality like that, unless she was acting. Still, Arkahn would play her little game. He needed her, and likely she needed him as well, although the Tigron didn't think she couldn't do without him. A woman considered beautiful by every smoothskin man should not have any trouble finding some idiot to do her dirty work. Thank the M'Taerowl Arkahn wasn't even remotely attracted to the hairless female with her arrogant ways and annoying behaviour.

A slight smile formed itself around his lips as she referred to him as a Lord. The Katta wasn't even a Sir, heck he wasn't even remotely affiliated to nobility, but still it had a nice ring to it... Lord Th'alashar... Well, maybe later, if the M'Taerowl so choose it. The Tigron raised his eyebrow at the woman's sudden stroke of politeness, ofcourse every question dictated by etiquette rather than genuine interest, but a very nice way to test the woman's patience.

"My journey was uneventful and probably quite boring to you if I went into detail. Your guards were as rude as could be expected from men appointed to guard someone's life. Nothing I hadn't expected there. And to be honest, my lady, I could use something to drink and eat. Talk of business never goes well if one talks with a parched tongue or a rumbling stomach." In all honesty, the Tigron wasn't hungy or thirsty at all, he had eaten a mile before he reached the city and had a waterskin in his travelling bag which he had drained moments before he went through the city gates. Still, a little test of patience never hurt as it allowed him some insight in the woman's character.

[Cassidy Al'lende]

The woman didn't noticed how much Arkahn was revolted by her haughty nobility, or if she did- one would doubt she minded. Obviously...minding was not her way. She looked up, disinterest barely lighting her features, her light blue eyes only gleamed in the light which was displayed by the cracked window beside her. Your guards were as rude as could be expected from men appointed to guard someone's life. Nothing I hadn't expected there. Her head went back, and confusion made her brow furrow. Smoothly she retorted, "Spare me, my lord. I don't care whether you're honest or not, I'd rather you not hinder the reputation of this city. I'm glad we understand one another." Her expression was cool and dismissive. I could use something to drink and eat. Talk of business never goes well if one talks with a parched tongue or a rumbling stomach." And slowly, it dawned on her. Why, he was as wicked as she was! Definietly her preferred type of man.

And a sincere, warm smile twisted on her ruby lips. A smile of understanding. Oh, what it took to impress this one. "Of course," she replied politely, "I cannot expect you to, indeed- tell me your journey...in great detail- if your throat is dry. I insist, would you care for a room this night? My home is open to any visitors."

But before he responded, she screamed, "GERTRUDE!" And the curvy little woman nervously ran within, frantically looking for a broken dish, or dusty mantle. "Yes, M'lady?"

"Sweet, please," Her voice was kind, "Bring this man some pastries, and vanilla tea." The blonde proudly lifted her chin, "I'm sure you'll enjoy it, My lord." And Gertrude was gone, but not before Cassidy could add, "Please, request an extra placement at this night supper table." She crossed her arms, and stared blantantly at Arkahn. "Now," she said with conclusion ringing in her husky tone, "Is there any wish I could grand your lordship?"

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Good. At least now the woman knew she wasn't dealing with some lowlife who'd grovel at her feet everytime she wiggled her bossom or pout her lips. He watched Cassidy's attitude changing, to the point where she offered him... vanilla tea and pastries? By Jalat, what was... Suddenly it dawned upon Arkahn that this could all be a game, a game to see who would break up first.
"Thank you for your kindness Lady Al'lende." Arkahn said, shifting in his chair.

So, she wanted him to tell about his journey in great detail then? The Katta had no problem with that at all, and would supply Cassidy exactly with what she asked for. Slowly he started telling of his journey, describing every landmark to the last boring little detail, ever road, ever town he saw and even how his horse responded to several occurences. The Tigron only paused once to accept the pastries and vanilla tea which he ate and drink painfully slowly. All in all he took about a candlemark explaining everything. He didn't really mind, hell, he had survived the Malice strategy meetings, this was a walk in the park.

After his long-winded story the Tigron paused for a while, seemingly contemplating a question. "I have come here to discuss business with you Lady Al'lende, as I understood you want to fill the position of Governor of Enamoria. I will go with you to Centripax to meet with the Empress ofcourse, but I must ask you, why would I support you? Why would I choose to help you over other cadidates. I am sure there is a very good reason for me to do so, but I was just wondering what you had in mind." Slowly the Tigron leaned back in his chair, his one eye fixed on Cassidy, waiting for an answer.

[Cassidy Al'lende]

One shouldn't assume too much. Cassidy still wasn't sure that she couldn't show her good figure to its best, without getting a response from Arkahn. It was worth a shot. But for now, she stared at him, fully aware that he was dragging on. And on. But her eyelashes kept fluttering, her lips kept smiling, and she had obtuse interest in her features. Oh, how pleasant it was. And once he had finished, she sighed with regret and mused, "Isn't there anything else?" And then she smiled, acknowledging their game, and ending it. For once and for all.

"Business" she murmured, listening patiently. And after he finished, she shook her head slowly. "My lord. Must I remind you that you are visiting me, in my manor? I am not trying to buy you. If you wish to support me, and my cause to become Governor...I would be utterly pleased." Her tone became sincere, "However, sir...." she gave a laugh, "I will not sit, in my office, in my manor, telling you why you should support me." She gave a careless shrug.

And a true, kind smile pulled at her lips. "I believe....that...I have too much pride for that

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

(OOC: ACK! Shortpost, sorry)

Arkahn sat silent for a while. She was good. Damn good. He had to think for a short while, pausing to think of an approriate answer, but what answer would be more appropriate than the truth? He had a slim chance of making Provincial General if Moranor Andares would become Governor. The Andares family probably wasn't too big on him after Malkaer disappeared in the Malice war. Cassidy Al'lende on the other side had no history with him. As a matter of fact, he was the one who brought her soldiers back home.

"The reason why I chose to support you is quite simple my Lady. Power. You can give me something the other candidates are less likely to give me. A position as Provincial General. The last one died during the siege on Malice and I am the only surviving Commander of that whole war anyway. I know the men, some soldiers from your city as well. And since the other candidates aren't going to make it easier on me to obtain that position, I came to you."

Arkahn never had been a person to play this silly game anyway. He was a soldier, not a noble, politician, diplomat or a combination of those. His eye was still locked onto Cassidy as he was calmly waiting her reply.

[Mystic]

OOC: considering the date of the first post, this thread is considered to have taken place during Spring (from Novr 30th 2004 until Feb 28th 2005) which means you are potentially in the city during the time of the orc invasion. The time stamp of the orc invasion is: 1st Brightening of the second cycle of the Month of Immanis in the Season of Spring of Era II of the Celestine Mandate. Era XI Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening, Malice defeats the Enamorian Army. This thread needs to be time stamped to be before the invasion (but still in spring) or else you both will be involved in the invasion. I'll be monitoring this thread to find out when it occurs. Thanks guys. Mystic

[Cassidy Al'lende]

Actually, surprisingly- the blonde goddess was beginning to like Arkahn. Admire? No. Well, that was a given- Cassidy envied few. Except maybe Nell- Her mouth twisted in a frown as she thought of Milo. He had- Inhaling, Cassidy tossed the mad thoughts from her head--she was still a woman, and so sometimes emotions could lead her normally sensible self. Not anymore. Tapping a manicured nail along pouted lips, those very lips which would purse in mid-thought... Fine. She found his truth admirable. Just a little.

And while she wasn't very fond of hairy men, she would try and compromise with this very one. Her voice low, like she was telling a very sacred secret- was still sweet in its own right. "I can understand your motives." It was hurried, like she didn't want to admit to such a thing. She glanced around, making sure she would not be heard. "I will trust you." It was all very random, her arms crossed, "Because you're the first to come to me with a tongue speaking truth...I don't expect you to play clean." Her expression was cold, and she smiled a tad wickedly, "I certainly don't."

She'd gotten a reputation of being a fiery temptress, but the gossiping towns did not see her when she wasn't trying to seduce someone. Otherwise, the she-devil was haughty, and a little frozen. Welcome to Cassidy's city.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn slowly rubbed his chin as he looked at Cassidy. He was quite surprised by her sudden frowning, although she seemed to be pondering something. No matter, it would soon come out anyway. Suddenly the woman's look had changed again. A strange specimen she was. One moment she did one thing, the next, the total opposite. Right now she started talking as if she shared some dirty secret with him. Most men would probably be honoured by this, some might even start to develop lustful ideas, but frankly, Cassidy wasn't hairy enough for that.

Slowly Arkahn nodded at her comments. "I like knowing what I'm up against, so I'll treat you the same as I would like to be treated, my Lady." A blunt lie, but who cared? It was pure strategy. Ofcourse Arkahn would like to know what strategies another commander had in mind, but if one would be stupid enough to tell him, he would certainly not reward him for that.
"I suggest we leave as soon as possible to stay ahead of the competition, my Lady, but the choice is yours ofcourse. If you have no further questions, I would appreciate to be brought to my room to get some sleep." Arkahn slowly pushed himself from his chair, looking at the Thane to see if she had anything more to ask, or if she would allow him to be led to his room.

[Cassidy Al'lende]

The lady obviously had much on her mind, and desired solace as much as he did. Her response was not hesitant, but delayed, as her mind was busy. "Of course. Yes, I will..." She bit her bottom, full lip. Eyes flashing up, she nodded and said, "Okay. Yes, your room. Immediately. If I have any more questions I will contact you." She stood, and smoothed the gowns around her. Strange, Cassidy? Maybe. Just quizical, and very thoughtful. Cautious, if anything.

She glided to the door, opened it - as it was her own home, and walked out, waiting for Arkahn to approach. A passing maid fled by, her skirts rippling around her ankles, and Cassidy ushered her closer. "Take Lord Th'alashar to his room and attend to him for the remainder of his stay. What is your name again?"

"Lela." The bubbly maid mustered.

"Thankyou." And Cassidy smiled at Arkahn. "Can I get you anything else, my lord?"