The Manipulative & the Subserviant

OOC: All characters get 1000 Gil & 500 JP.

~Lesalia Royal Capitol~

*Euryale is standing in the back of the room at Mortal's graduation. When her name is called, there's a great amount of muttering. Sorrel is also in the back, but he is sitting down, & negotiating a donation with the head of the academy, a man with glasses & a kind of black suit with gold dressings.*

~Fort Besselat~

*A man with brown hair in crimson knight uniform enters the group's dwelling.*

<I thought to hire a group of mercenaries. Mayhap you are interested?>

~Gollund Coal Mine Town~

*A blonde man in crimson knight uniform enters the group's dwelling.*

<You are the mercenary band with the summoner, are you not? Mayhap you'd find interest in hunting prey more...interesting than Chocobos & Goblins?>

~Dorter Trade City~

*The presence of knights has steadily faded in the city throughout the past 2 years. Now it's down to almost nothing. Over the past few days, however, there's been a knight with graying black hair & gold armor with blue fabric & a white belt over it has been visiting many known thief hideouts. Now he's entered Zac's & Iliad's.*

<I am told you search for an assassin.>

~Orbonne Monastary~

*Princess Ovelia, a blonde woman in a white dress with a red shaw, is praying at a large cross. Sab is also in the room, in the same dress. Besides her, another blonde woman in armor with a crown on the chest plate is standing at the door.*

Agrias<For Gods' sake, where are those bodyguards?>

"Sorry, but we're not mercenaries."

Mimiru:<If it means we can stop living in some abandoned shack we are now.>

*Mimiru approaches the guy, visible bite marks on her neck and shoulders.*

Mimiru:<So what do you need some hired goons for?>

OOC: I've only graduated from High School, so I'm guessing the graduation is something akin to that.

Mortal proudly accepts her diploma/ degree/ whev. When she sees Euryale at the back of the room she brightens up, and smiles. She then gives her a small wave before existing off the stage to return to her seat for the remainder of the ceremony.

Noctis is sitting with her family, thrilled for Mortal's success at the Akademy.

--

Zac levels his gun at the man's leg, "People say a lot of things these days."

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" Iliad asked.

--

Sab fidgeted a bit as she looked at Ovelia. Their resemblance was almost eerie. When Agrias spoke up she replied, "I'm sure they are on their way."

OOC: Inventory updated. Added Abyssal Blade, Parry, Praise, Intimidate; Mythril Armor, Mythril Shield, Mythril Helmet, Wizard Mantle.

Sorrel's helmet/musketeer hat combo was resting on the table facing the man. Sorrel had let his hair grow out and in just two years the wild blue mane of hair went down impressively to his his rear and spilled over his shoulders. He had grown into an impressive specimen in just two years. A growth spurt and intense training had removed his childish build and scruffy appearance and replaced it with a well toned body and handsome face. His attire remained largely unchanged though it was noticeably more elegant and had mythril fibers woven into it. A black longcoat with golden trim much like that of a dark knight's armor was worn half buttoned leaving it room to billow but also covering most of his chest save for a dark blue cravet. He wore the same long boots and charcoal colored pants. His biggest additions were the helmet which was comprised of a knight's vertical slitted visor attached to the normal mountings for a knight's helm but the top fused to a hat like that of a muskateer, wide brimed with a gaudy blue feather in it and with part of the hat's brim's corners bent upward. He wore black clawed gauntlets that made a clacking sound on the table as he tapped his finger's impatiently.

A midnight blue eye stared back at the head of the academy. The other eye, his left, was light blue and had a long, thin, scar running through it at a sort of diagonal orientation. He could still see fine thanks to some timely healing he got when the wound was given to him but the eye was forever discolored. Sorrel sighed impatiently, "Look, I know you need more gil but the sum you're asking for is too great. I wish I could give away that much but my assets are still going towards multiple other parties."

~Dorter~

<I do not recommend pointing a gun at the head of the Knights Templar. I honestly do not. As far as why I'm here goes, mayhap I have the information you desire.>
====================================
~Fort Besselat~

<The Order of the Southern Sky is launching a covert strike on Lesalia. We believe that commoners can be most helpful in this regard.>
====================================
~Orbonne~

Agrias<I hear them approaching. Are you almost ready to go, Your Highness?>

Ovelia<Nearly. Just a few moments more, Lady Agrias.>

Agrias<Lady Rosa! Carry yourself with more regality.>
======================================
~Lesalia~

<Surely at least one of those organizations is deserving of a cut?>

*The ceremony lets out & people start getting up. Euryale pushes her way through the crowd, which nets her a lot of disapproving glares, & a lot of people rubbing their clothes as though trying to get something gross off of them.*

"This is great, Mortal! We should go celebrate with a night out."

"And why do you believe that? It's because they're expendable, isn't it?"

"It was your leg, not your head," Zac said, moving to put his gun away, "Your head... do you take me for a monster?"

"Why would you help us?" Iliad asked, "What do you get out of this, and why should we trust you?"

--

Sab nodded, "Certainly, Lady Oaks," Sab said, standing straight, with as much poise, and elegance as she could muster.

--

Mortal hugged Euryale, "It is good to see you, I'm glad you came," She said with a smile, releasing her friend. "I would love to celebrate with you, but I am led to believe that my family has plans for the night," Mortal replied, a bit saddened to do so.

Just then Noctis made her way through the crowd, followed by her father and mother. "Nonsense, Mortal, this is a day for you to enjoy yourself, you've earned it," Divum Talea said, "Our pride in you is not so fleeting that it cannot wait until you return from a celebration with your friend."

Mortal bowed her head to Divum, "I thank you my Lord," She said respectfully.

As Mortal responded to Divum, Noctis greeted Euryale, "It is good to see you again Euryale, how are you?"

"I really, really don't want to shortchange the church and I've been funding... other projects... even if I can't donate the gil you need I can support the academy in other ways."

~Besselat~

<Not quite. We wish to mislead them into believing our force is smaller than it actually is. And between you & I, commoners will always have a special place, close to my heart.>

*He pulls down his chest plate, revealing the green, shredded remains of a Corpse Brigade cloak.*
==========================================
~Lesalia~

<Such as?>

"It's been good, & I hope I'll have time to visit with you some more. Speaking of, what about you? How has your life been, recently?"

*She does not bow, like she lives in the forest or something.*
================================================
~Dorter~

Folmarv<Have you always been so jaded? The church is always there to lend a helping hand, and to bring evil to justice. And it is best not to question the will of the Gods.>
================================================
~Orbonne~

*Agrias nods.*

Agrias<Better. It feels unnatural, but I appreciate the effort. I'm sorry you have to attempt such a dangerous assignment.>

"Well, the church doesn't usually ask for goods and supplies, just gil and the occasional caravan of weapons and armor. Same for the most part with the others whom I supply. Goods like food and medical supplies are a lot easier to acquire than gil. So while I can't fully fund the academy I can donate supplies with very little hassle. Especially since the church likes sticking its nose in my business despite my telling them that doing so drives off my suppliers and ergo means I can't supply them with gil and armaments, though, they have eased up on that... point is goods and the like are well within my reach to give to the academy."

"That 'not quite' isn't very convincing."

Mimiru:<So we'll just not die.>

"All right, but if we get shafted we'll be hunting you down first."

Taiyo:<I don't like this.>

"I have nothing to complain about," Noctis replied, "Well, that isn't totally true, but that is a conversation for quiet rooms. Overall, however, I am doing quite fine, thanks, in no small part, to Mortal." Just then Noctis realized that Euryale had yet to bow to anyone.

Divum was used to the uncouth, however Dawn certainly was not, "Do you not plan to lower yourself before us, girl?"

Noctis was quick to reply, "I should hope not, mother. One should not bow to those unfit for their rank."

Before Dawn could layeth the smackdown on her daughter, Divum let out a small cough, "Well, Mortal, I hope you do enjoy yourself. My wife," He gave Dawn a poignant glare, calming her slightly, "and I will retire to the estate."

Mortal bowed again, "Certainly, Lord," She then looked at Noctis as Divum and Dawn walked away, "Why must you always antagonize your mother?"

Noctis shook her head, "You do not know her like I do, and you should be thankful for such luck."

Mortal blushed with a bit of embarrassment as she returned her gaze to Euryale, "I apologize on behalf of my family, they're usually... um--"

"Behind closed doors. Still, I apologize for my behavior as well, I should have held my tongue."

--

"I do not question their will," Zac said, lying through his teeth, "We just wish to understand why."

"No, you're right," Iliad said, "If this is the will of the gods, I can only pray that Ajora's vengeance flows in step. If you have information I would hear it."

Zac furrowed his brow, wishing for the days when Iliad felt the same way about "gods" as he used to.

--

"It is of no concern, Lady Oaks," Sab said, "Anything to protect the Princess."

~Orbonne~

*A blonde man in blue, spikey armor & an older man in black-gold armor with a face visor enter the monastary.*

Fell Knight<What is taking so long? We have a job to do.>

*Agrias whirls around.*

Agrias<Will you not kneel? You're in the presence of royalty!>

*They both quickly kneel, but Ovelia stands up. As do they, at her instruction.*

Ovelia<There is no need, Lady Agrias. I am ready.>

Fell Knight<Finally.>

Agrias<Apparently, the Order is no stranger to ill-mannered knaves.>

Fell Knight<I am in the Order's employee, not of it. You just worry about doing your job, Miss.>
=================================
~Besselat~

<It will be fine. Just keep a low profile, engage some small time guards, that's all we need. No one will ever know you were there. The ones in uniform, we will go straight for the Atkashas.>

OOC: The Royal Family.
=================================
~Lesalia~

<...I suppose that will do.>

E"...She seemed nice. Are you coming with us, Noctis?"
=================================
~Dorter~

<Before he was executed, a recently captured heretic confessed to the assassination of a woman by the name of Dura Bell, at the behest of House Convolt. It would seem as though the family was a threat to their business.>

"That's fine I suppose."

*Reiter stands up and walks to him.*

Reiter: <Who are you?>

*Parker and Rhea exchange a surprised look and walk to them as well.*

Parker: <What do you have in mind?>

Sorrel held his hand out, "If things change I will send word, and gil, to the academy."

~Gollund~

<Duke Goltana is looking to assemble a small force with which to depose the Royals. The plan is to hire local mercenaries who can hide in plain sight to create a distraction, while the uniformed knights head into the castle proper &...clean house.>
================================
~Lesalia~

*The man shakes his hand.*

<If you don't mind my asking...what do you plan to do regarding the Lions? I rather doubt Duke Larg is just going to take the backstage now that Duke Goltana has been named regent. He is the brother of the Queen, after all. Eventually, the fight for the throne is sure to find its way here, at the seat of the throne.>

"I'm doing my best to remain neutral in the conflict naturally" he smiles reassuringly. Of course one could probably guess, if they knew his background extensively enough, that he was funding Duke Larg and that his neutral stance was a blatant lie.

*The three begin going to Losalia, I guess.*

"This has bad idea written all over it."

Mimiru:<Knock it off.>

"Assuming we don't get shafted, we're getting out of there at the first sign of things getting too hairy."

Mimiru:<So you plan on running away at some point?>

"Not just me. Both of you are coming with me. I'm not going to let something happen to either of you."

Mimiru:<I don't need you to watch my back. Taiyo does that already.>

[It is comforting though.]

Taiyo:<I don't think it's a bad idea.>

Sab stays quiet during the back and forth between both parties, knowing it is not her place to intercede one way or another.

--

Noctis shrugged, "As lovely, and understanding a mother as you will ever find." She then ran a hand through her hair, "I had not planned on it," She admitted, "In truth I had plans to invite someone over to my room, but it seems as though it would be best to stay out of the estate for the time being." She then turned to Mortal, "If you would allow it, I would love to accompany you on your celebration."

Mortal smiled, "I would like that, it is not often we get the chance to relax outside of the house together."

Noctis smiled, "Thank you, though I feel a bit like an intruder on your celebration with Euryale. Are you sure it is okay?"

"It is fine," Mortal reassured, "You've become like a sister to me, I wouldn't leave you alone to the street while I go off to enjoy myself."

"That is kind of you to say," Noctis returned, "I hope Euryale is as accepting of my company as you are." With that, Noctis glanced at Euryale with a look that expected an answer.

--

Iliad felt anger wash over him, "Convolt..."

"I had my suspicions of a few of Lesalia's... finer names, Convolt among them, but I always assumed they'd be over something as lowly as assassinations." Zac said, running a hand through his hair.

"Who is the head of House Convolt?" Iliad asked, malice lacing his every word.

~Dorter~

Folmarv<I am told he goes by the name Sorrel. A self-professed Dark Knight. Of course, he currently resides at the family estate, in Lesalia.>
=========================================
~Orbonne~

*That's when a female knight limps in. Ovelia catches her as she falls over. Agrias runs straight out the door she came through.*

Knight<Soldiers...they wear the crest of the Black Lion....>

Mercenary<Come, then, Ramza. Time to earn our keep.>

*The 2 mercenaries head out the door.*

Ovelia<...Gods have mercy.>
==============================================
~Lesalia~

<Likely as not, that is not the way the Dukes look at it. Why should they stay their blades for the sake of the bystander?>

E"Do you honestly believe I would scorn you now, after all you've done for Mortal & I?"
===============================================
~Dugeura Pass~

<Just past these mountains is the city. Once there, we'll mingle outside of the palace until we find the other teams.>

"Sounds like a plan."

[And not suspicious at all.]

"Fancy a trip back home?" Zac asked.

Iliad let out a sigh, "A five year search ends with a handout from the church. Who would have thought that."

"By hook or by crook, my friend, we have found our man."

"Agreed," Iliad said standing from the chair he was in, "Tell me, does the church plan on doing anything with this Sorrel, or shall his crimes go unpunished by the authorities?"

--

Sab rushes to Ovelia's side, "Is she alright?"

--

Noctis smiled, "You are too kind to me, Euryale. I fear I have done insultingly little for you. A dress is not payment enough for the services rendered."

Mortal smiled as well, "So, Euryale, do you have any plans? Where would you like to go?"

~Dorter~

*Folmarv smiles.*

Folmarv<The Church makes it a point not to interfere in affairs of state and nobility.>
==================================
~Orbonne~

Ovelia<It looks bad.>

Knight<It's less serious than it looks. Trust me.>

*A bolt of lightning flashes, masking the noise of the back door opening.*
===================================
~Lesalia~

"Well, like I said, I think we should get drinks. As for where, well, where do you want to go?"

OOC: Implying there's more than three places to do anything in town.

Iliad let a small smirk color his features, "If the church chooses to do nothing, perhaps someone should take matters into their own hands."

Zac was less than enthused with the answer given by Folmarv, Were the law a variable in this equation perhaps my friend's mother would still be alive, Zac thought bitterly, I'd also wager he wouldn't fall down this path of vengeance either. Zac shook his head, "It is a shame when the proper channels won't even bring a murderer to justice."

"Hold your tongue Zac," Iliad chastised.

"You know as well as any that..." Zac took a breath, turned, and made way for a back room, "I will ready our things for our return home.

--

"Should I seek out bandages, and medicine to treat the wound?" Sab asked, knowing a church would have something like that around.

--

"Isn't there a place you usually frequent Noctis?" Mortal asked, "You always seem to return home with a new friend whenever you go there, so the people must be really nice."

Noctis smiled, "They're something..." Noctis said, eyes half lidded as a few memories passed her mind, "Anyway, it is a nice tavern, and not too far from here. It should be no more than a few minutes to walk."