RP:All Business
This is a Necromancer's Guild RP.
Synopsis: As a man who is known to obtain things at will, Drevyn discusses different business ventures with Aryas and Raevyn.
Date: July 21st, 2018
The Hanging Corpse (Vailkrin)
Drevyn sits at a table located near the unique hearth that dominates a part of the tavern's sitting area. The vampire looks over numerous notes, both legal business and less that legal dealings, as he enjoys a bottle of the finest bloodwine. Dressed in a usual garb of only the finest make, his suit expertly tailored, his cloak of rare materials from exotic lands, boots of only the finest leather. A quill scratches against parchment, his gaze scanning the words he writes as he pens away deals that will secure future income for himself and Vailkrin. But, today he has secured perhaps the best deal the dark kingdom has had in some time, and hopefully will soon end the feud between houses and bring back a semblance of peace within the heart of this forsaken realm. Either way, Drevyn Ryser shall ensure he finds profits and avenues to continue his rise, even if his plots should fail. Chaos, after all, was a ladder.
Raevyn had been on her way back to Vailkrin after a long night of preaching the word of Vakmatharas to those that would listen. The play had gone quite swimmingly, outside of that little bit of vomiting that would now be blamed on some very bad decisions with the catering. She was antsy. Eager to get back to her studies regarding that unholy tome of olde. Yet as she passed through the city streets, she thought it best to pause for a moment and peer into the Hanging Corpse. Seeing as she had gone straight to the city from Larket, the girl didn’t put much into the idea of changing her garb. She entered slowly, draped in those flowing vestments of red and gold, with her face painted in the guise of a skull. There were a gentle click as the butt end of her scythe preceded her footsteps; A makeshift walking stick in a sense. Those present were studied with faded, pale blue eyes that belonged more to the dead than the living. A nod were issued to Steadmen, who would unlikely recognize the frail girl he had met a few times prior. When Drevyn was spotted, Raevyn made approach and cleared her throat as she greeted him. “Hello, again.”
Ayras wandered in not much after the skull-faced girl. Her steps were soft, the steps of a predator out of their element. The steps of an outsider. Still was she unarmed, a situation that left the red-haired woman on edge as she bee-lined for a vacant seat somewhere, anywhere, in the tavern. As it so happened, such a seat was not far off from the noble with his accounting papers and the preacher of Vakmatharas. She settled in, lowering her hood and removing her mask, revealing the burn scars on her lower left face to view. A gloved hand instinctively went to those scars as she scanned the place with those molten silver eyes of hers, rubbing gently at them as she crossed her legs one knee over the other, a heeled boot tapping rhythmically against the other.
Drevyn lifts his gaze upon from his paperwork to properly offer Raevyn as greeting in kind. " My lady." he says with a nod of his head, waving his right hand to offer her a seat at his table. Gathering the paperwork so it is not so much of a mess, he adds. "Always matters to deal with, Vailkrin's houses have messy financial affairs, but one with a mind for that sort of thing can see ways to correct it." How he has come to find his way into the financial matters of the houses is quite a mystery, but, dealings done in the dark are often best left there. "I've sent for Magister Hefgar, an older gentleman with a vast knowledge of dead, or ancient, languages. He shall be within the city in a less that two days. As well, I've found your more books on histories of languages of vampire houses, the avian republic and even a rather curious study regarding Elazul and Khasad themselves." He smirks a bit, and adds. "Though the one I procured the book from warns of a rather ominous desire from that knowledge within to drive a reader mad, seems a rather trademark ability when dealing with such subject. For this, I've found a steward from the necromancer's guild who you can use to help you, better to offer a willing mind then your own." A jest? Its hard to really say, bt it does seem the man have taken to keeping his word as far as helping this woman unravel Nasada's mysteries. It's here that Aryas will catch his attention, recognition of the woman from a few days prior kicking in, wondering still how some many strangers can suddenly start popping up that he has no knowledge of. A curious matter that should be dealt with, and so, the vampire says to the red haired woman. " Excuse me, my lady. I see you've traveled alone, please, come join us. You'll find the wine particularly good, and I rather enjoy meeting new faces."
Raevyn was starting to warm to the vampire a bit. The teeth of the painted skull pulled outward and shifted into a smile as she bowed her head in turn. “Thank you.” the girl replied, taking a seat as offered. The strange scythe in her possession was settled onto the floor and tucked just under the table so as to not trip any of the wandering patrons and the hood upon her head was lowered, revealing that those formerly messy locks of black were now slicked backward with some sort of grease. “I see.” she said, regarding the housing. “Paperwork and numbers were never really my thing.” Folding her hands into her lap, Raevyn soon addressed Drevyn’s next words with with a polite smile and a bit of enthusiasm. “I am very humbled by your kindness, sir. Although, I do not quite fear my mind being lost these days. I… would much prefer to be numb if I can help it.” To Aryas the girl would look, a polite bow of her head offered when Drevyn suggested that she join the pair at their table. “Hello.”
Ayras hesitated at the offer of joining the pair. Were this Frostmaw, she would not have even waited for an invitation; there she was in her element. Here, though...But in the end, she rose to her feet, the soft click of her heels against the wooden floor sounding ever so lightly as she moved. To her mind, the sound was too loud, too attention-drawing. "By Aramoth I miss my swords," she said to herself under her breath. Shadows pulsed along her right arm afterwards, as though they were laughing at Ayras' plight. Soon enough she was pulling out a chair at the pair's table to seat herself once again. Her head dipped in the slightest of bows towards both man and woman before she finally spoke at a proper conversing volume in that lilting voice of hers. "Well met. I am..." Dare she give her real name in this city? She doubted any here remembered her from years past, but...She sighed lightly and gave the briefest of shrugs in answer to her internal debate. "I am Ayras Drathir. A pleasure to make your acquaintances."
Drevyn is drawn in by Raevyn's words first, the mage listening intently upon her expressed desire for her mind to once again be her own. A soft smile is given to her, as truth be told he was becoming quite fond of the troubled woman in turn. "My dear, you'll find your way, of that I've no doubt. One as devoted to Vakmatharas as you should never doubt the depths they are willing to go, or the resolve to see things through. Its takes a special kind of grit to preach about the death god abroad, and an even sharper mind to even think about delving into such subject matter as you are." He pauses, that warm smile still there as he says. "I'll help you in anyway that I can, and if needed, I'll send an apothecary to see you, if "numbing the mind" is something you desire." A genuine offer, as well. As even a good stiff drink could fail to settle nerves, or calm a mind at times. Here, Ayras' arrival, and name, garner the man's full attention. "Ayras? As, the Knight Aryas, sworn to Queen Hildegarde? A pleasure, my lady." A nod of his head is given, as he offers her a glass of the bloodwine. "What brings you to Vailkrin, if I might ask? Frostmaw has been rather quite as of late, with the Queen and Steward both dealing with matters abroad. I hope things are going well?"
Raevyn reached up to brush at her nose and felt the grease paint smudge against her finger. She felt a bit gross and in need of a bath. Seeing as she had been in company of someone who had been intent on helping her through a very troubled time, she knew full well that she would not be able to just get up and leave. Still, she knew that Steadmen had an area in which she could use to wash the gunk off her face, which would be a good start. “Nice to meet you, Aryas. I am..” Did she ever even give Drevyn her name? “..Raevyn. Raevyn McGowan.” And toward the male vampire, she nods and feigns a bit of a smile. ‘Thank you. The generosity is much appreciated.” To the pair, upon rising, she would offer a simple, “Please excuse me a moment.” Sharply the girl would turn and head for the back room, eager to wash her face and hair. It would give Drevyn and Aryas time to talk!
Ayras flinched at the mention of Frostmaw. Oh, how glad she was when the girl introduced herself! But the vampire had barely managed a fanged smile before the girl got up to go freshen up. Well damn. She couldn't avoid the subject, now. "I truly don't know how Frostmaw is doing, at present," she explained to the information broker. "I have been...away for some time. As for what brings me here, well, let's just say that the war left more than physical scars on me." She paused for a moment and looked to the side for a moment evidently lost in thought. "How is it you know who I am, sir? I expect notoriety in Frostmaw and Xalious, but I did not anticipate knowledge of my name here." And yet she had been so paranoid of just that. Now just which was the truth?
Drevyn allows Ayras a nod, and a wave of his hand to prelude his answer. "Worry not, I only know the name. Names are often jotted down, and even more often I find myself reading those papers. I only know you are, or were, a knight sworn to Hildegarde because some scribe jotted down, in length, numerous events about wars and dealings." He pauses, hoping that puts her a bit at ease. He adds. "I assure you, no ill intent of harbored grudges lurk beneath the veil while dealing with me." Yet, anyways, he could be as shady as eh could be genuine, but he had no cause to weave his web of lies, and he had already played a bigger part in the shadow games of house wars this day, so he had his fill for now. "It is a rare pleasure to see one of us rise to such rank abroad, as we are all often confined to this kingdom, playing our parts for the houses. So, if anything, Lady Ayras, I'll raise a toast to a successful vampire, and nothing more. You honor me with your company." Truth, every word, given that he harbors a special kindness for the non elder vampires who rise in station, as he tries to do so himself. "If rest, relaxation and solidarity are what you seek, than, as for Lady Raevyn you just met, I offer my services in making sure your stay here in Vailkrin is enjoyable. Food, wine, houses, lovers, whatever you seek, I can acquire, for a fair price." He can't help but smirk at the last bit, he did't gain such wealth by running charities, after all. but he does solid business and that much is known. Many knew that if they sought out goods, be them items, weapons, spellbooks or people, Drevyn was the man to see.
Raevyn wasn’t too terribly long she had hoped. When she emerged from the back room, she carried those heavy vestments neatly folded in her arms. Her attire was much more feminine at this point; Form-fitting black leather pants, extravagant looking leather boots, and a coal colored underbust corset that sat atop a short sleeved gray shirt with the collar flipped up. Her hair had been cleaned somewhat and fashioned into a ponytail with side swept bangs, although it still shone from the remnants of the fat-based grease she had used to slick it back earlier. Her face, while cleaner than before, had a bit of a darker stain due to the heavy make-up she had been bearing. That would take some extra care. “Apologies. I… feel this might be more of comfort, yes? I had just gotten back from some work of sorts, so I didn’t have much time to clean up.” The girl once more takes a seat and tucks those robes under her chair.
Ayras obvserved Raevyn as she returned, noting the change in attire and the revealed face from beneath the makeup. Work, she said. What sort of work required that sort of get-up, she wondered. But a somewhat kind smile - Ayras was hardly the friendliest person in the world - was all that was offered by way of accepting the apology. To Drevyn she returned her attention, and specifically his comments of her attained rank. "Frostmaw lauds those who are capable. Prove your worth there, and you can attain much. But they don't all care for our kind. I merely had connections in high enough places." High enough, indeed. She had failed to mention that those connections were both the Queen and the Steward. "But you say you can procure things? I happen to be in the market for a quality smith that can outfit me with both weapon and armor." Or what constitutes as armor in the vampire's mind. She went about removing her cloak, then, to reveal the metal left arm that had been hidden beneath it. "Preferably one that can work with adamantite," she said as she tapped the metal that made up her prosthetic. "A girl has to match, you know."
Drevyn looks upon Raevyn as she makes her way back to them, finding a subtle beauty he hadn't noticed before, given she was a bit of a mess when they first met, and earlier she was masked in makeup. It was a moment more than he liked, but he manages to find words as she rejoins them, saying. "Not a problem, I do hope you've found a measure of comfort here and haven't needed for anything?" He'd made sure Steadmen knew she was to have whatever food and drink she desired, and that her room be left alone. Steadmen was a quiet man, but a staple here for a reason. One does not cross Tenebrae's chosen manager of this establishment, and the Corpse was as neutral ground as could be in the kingdom of the forsaken races. If you were under his protection, which usually came by payment for the tavern's services, you were protected quite well indeed. Here, Lady Ayras' words find him, and he listens well as she speaks, noting Frostmaw's methods of how one gets a position, while noting Ayras note of connections. Another thing he could admire, as connections to the right people opened many doors previously barred shut. Then, the question about arms and armor, and a nod and smile comes about, once she asks of adamantite. "A rare enough metal, not particularly good in the sun, but dangerous in the right hands and environment." Given Vailkrin's almost eternal grey skies, the sun rarely found its way here. By either some godly intervention, powerful magics of just sheer luck of locale, the Kingdom of the Forsaken is always gloomy. "I know of only a few smiths outside the underdark that can craft with it, and only one whose work I would back and send people too. Please, if you have designs or requests, jot them down and I'll see to it, letting you know the price as soon as I get word. It will take some time tho, but excellent craftsmanship usually does." He pushes over his quill and a blank bit of parchment for Aryas to jot down notes or pictures, measurements and all that sort of important information.
Raevyn felt herself smile, a chuckle to follow at Aryas attempt at humour. “She’s right, you know.” the young necromancer quipped in turn. “Yes, I have. It is… nicer here when Larewen isn’t using the place as makeshift war room. I am not really too hungry as it were. Not after what took place out in Larket this afternoon. Besides, I am certain that I shall not be here too much longer. I… must get back soon.” That pause had the girl looking off and toward the doorway, a look of fear in her eye. She stared for a moment, and soon lowered her gaze to the table. If either should look up to investigate, they would not see anything of note.
Ayras was tapping her chin as she thought of how to describe the gear she desired. And so it was that she caught Raevyn's look to the door, and those metallic eyes of hers followed the girl's gaze towards the exit. A look of curiosity was settled upon the other female for a moment, the vampire's face scrunched just slightly. "Pray tell, girl, what has you so sullen all of a sudden?" It was then that she began to jot the notes for her armor and chosen flavor-of-the-month weapon before she slid the paper back to the number-cruncher. "If this smith's work is as good as you say it is, they will need not worry about it degrading in the sun when I venture to lands outside of this forlorn place. I have means of protecting his craftsmanship."
Drevyn follows Raevyn's gaze to the door as well, noting her drop in mood just as keenly as Aryas did. Reaching over slowly, the vampire's hand gently touches her arm as he tries to being her focus back on them. "You are free to come and go as you wish, my lady, but please.." He looks to the door as well, then back to her. "Know you've nothing to fear here." A gentle squeeze of her arm, a nod, and back to Ayras he returns his gaze. "Good." he takes the offered notes about the weapons and armor, and says. "I'll send them out as soon as possible, you'll hear back within a day or two about price, and once an agreement is made, his work shall begin." Standard, in almost any realm. Raevyn garners his attention again, her spooked look making him wonder if it were a physical threat she worried about, or, given her insight, this had something to do with Nasada's book. " You alright?" He asks.
Raevyn wasn't quite ready to delve into the issues she had been going through. Ever since she and Celaeno had discovered that book, strange and unsettling things continued to happen. It was an infection. A plague. A manifestation of evil that sought only to break those that came into contact with that infernal object. For months, Raevyn had been subject to horrid visions and hauntings, things that she herself could not even fathom as possible. She wanted to say something. To ask for help. But she knew better. To get help would mean giving up that book- And there was no way in hell she was going to do that. Not now. “I’m sorry. I just… I lost someone recently. It’s hit me, is all.” She lied. Well. Not exactly lied. After all, she had lost someone. Not in the way she would portray it now, but she in fact lost the closest thing to family that she had. “I’m sorry. Tonight… just isn’t a good night. I am sorry that this has happened upon our first meeting.” Raevyn said, looking first to Aryas. The chair upon which she sat was slid out, and she bent down to collect her vestments and scythe. “It was nice to meet you regardless.” And to Drevyn, “I’m sorry. I think I need to rest. It’s been a long day, and mourning has not passed. I will be fine. We… will talk soon. About the book. The study. Okay?” Raevyn felt bad that she had to leave under such circumstances, but she feared that things would soon devolve. Last thing she wanted was to come off as mad! “Good night, to you both. May your evening be pleasant.” A courteous curtsey and the girl made haste for the exit, dashing off and into the night.
Aryas watched the girl go. Moments passed before Ayras moved again, giving a slight nod and a mumbled "Agreed." Who she was agreeing with was anyone's guess. She returned her gaze to Drevyn to nod her agreement to his terms. "That sounds perfectly agreeable. And, as you seem to be rather well connected here, I may have use of your services in the future. I feel my time in Frostmaw has come to a close, and so I may very well take up roots here. But that will be a discussion for another night, perhaps. For now, I have a simple query. Does Kasyr still reside in this city?" For the life of her, she couldn't figure out why the mere mention of his name still had her looking towards the window.
Drevyn listens to Ayras, though his eyes follow Raevyn out, the poor girl's fright a curiosity they'd discuss at another time. Back to business, the red haired woman mentions the former King of Vailkrin, and the mage replies. "He comes and he goes as he pleases, as one expects of the Kensei. Though, he has been known to talk in length to Lady Larewen of House Dragana. So if you're looking for him, I'd imagine she'd be your best bet on reaching him, though I do believe courier still work, or ravens." Taking into his grip once more is that bottle of bloodwine, a bit more than a sip of the flavorful drink sates that eternal thirst that plagues his kind, which had suddenly reared its head a bit more aggressively than he'd like to admit. Its been far too long since a hunt has gone on, since he has drank from the vein of a living victim. Oh yes, vampires still hunt and quite often, they just play civilized with their bloodwine and willing donors. Drevyn was not above such acts, and truly the thirst was only quelled quite as well when he gave in to such carnal and savage cravings. But, the bloodwine did its part, and he is once more the calm, cool and collected procurer of your wild fantasies once more. To Ayras, he says. " If Frostmaw is no longer your chosen residence, I don;t see why you could not find a place in the great houses here. One of your reputation and talents? You'd be more than welcomed, I'm sure."
Aryas eyed that bloodwine. She remembered the days when she bad lived off the stuff. Oh, how things had changed. "On second thought, I think I'll pass on the wine." Oh, but she did like her blood fresh. "But, I'm in no rush to call upon Kasyr. If I bump into him, splendid. If not, I'm sure he'll bump into me at some point." The spellblade turned to thought after a moment, her left hand's fingers rapping on the table louder than fingers ought thanks to the metal construction. "We'll see, though, about the Houses. If my reputation precedes me in all aspects, not all will welcome me with open arms." She rose then, and dipped her head into a bow. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Lord Drevyn. I must be away, however." And so with no further ado, she was off.