RP:Cautions and Threats

Part of the Rest in Pieces: Vailkrin! Arc

Summary: Bradyn meets with Jesali for the first time, and is less-than-friendly toward Lady Larewen Dragana's daughter-in-law.

Main Graveyard Area

Bradyn was no stranger to this area, the necromancer could often be seen wandering this path -- sometimes heading into the graveyard area to travel to? Well there were numerous things south of here outside of the graveyard and Maharan's are known to claim patronage to the Black LIbrary which resides south of here. One must also travel along this path to reach the Temple in which Lorkain can be found, and as a necromancer his lessons are sought out. Today the mortician is traveling north, away from all of these destinations and seemingly toward the heart of Vailkrin. The vampire stands a solid height of six-foot, and is rather lean -- as most vampiric men are. His attire is nothing spectacular, with the most prominent color worn being black. From his pressed pants, to his polished boots, to the button down vest he wears, he has selected black. The only break in this pattern is crisp white shirt he wears beneath that vest.

Jesali had been a denizen of Vailkrin for the last thirteen months, residing within the manor belonging to House Dragana and far from the political games, treachery and blood shed that seemed to follow her mother-in-law wherever she went. There had been rumors that floated from loose lips about the newly minted vampire, but Jess had turned a deaf ear to them, and slowly, they had died down, only to be resurrected when she was spotted outside her home. She rarely frequented the shops of this city, let alone the graveyard itself, but, as it were, she too was heading towards the city proper, having escaped the labyrinth of head stones and mausoleums from deeper within their midst's. "Lord Maharan," this title came out on a breathy voice that carried an unsure edge to it, "Or is it simply, Bradyn?" While she might not be one to wander the streets, Jesali had been schooled in the different Houses of Vailkrin, their countenance, and who their important members were; that didn't mean, however, she knew how to address them. While Bradyn's attire wasn't anything spectacular, Jesali's svelt figure was sheathed in a well-fitting, well-tailored gown of blue so dark it looked nearly black, and her feet were snug within a delicate pair of black slippers, decorated with a small cluster of pearls and silver beads at the toe. "How are you this evening?"

There were plenty in this world that covet the title of 'Lord' but Bradyn was not one of them. "Bradyn," comes his response in his usual flat tone of voice to correct her use of the term Lord. It is plausible, given his rank within House Mahara, that he could be counted amongst the Lords and Ladies of Vailkrin. It was a title that had no merit in his opinion, there were other ranks and claims that he would rather boast to. Thanadule. Arcane Steward. Grey eyes remain firmly fixed on Jesali's face, paying very little heed to her own attire other than to make the determination that she was suitably presentable, neither over dressed nor under dressed. The small talk she makes is met with a blank look. How was he doing? Someone with more social skills would not even skip a beat when answering this question. A charmer is something that Bradyn was not and his response could easily be interpreted as terse, which was his goal. Lady Larewen Dragana has made it well known that she is not a fan of House Mahara, and by extension Bradyn assumes anyone connected to Larewen in a familial sense shares her quarrel. "Is there something you need, Dragana?" There was still a distinct lack of intonation, despite Bradyn was being less than friendly.

Jesali lofted a carefully manicured brow at not only his reply, but the tone attached to the question posed. "Hmm," she hummed, her features shifting into an aloof express, and her hands clasping together at the small of her back as she turned once more for the town. She took four strides before turning back to him, the gold striations of her eyes seeming to glow in the pools of her irises. "I do not take part in my mother-in-law's machinations, Bradyn," his named clipped in the same terse manner he so recently took with her so recently. Her eyes strayed past them thereafter, to acknowledge the directions of the Black Library, but also the Temple where Lorkain resided, and a ponderous expression slowly curled across her face, her lower lip worried between the set of her teeth. "Was it difficult to learn Necromancy?" She eventually asked, her tone softening to an almost sheepish level.

Bradyn usually opts to not speak of Larewen but those times that he is forced to, he is not shy about his opinion on the matter. "That is well, for your mother-in-law is often a reckless fool." Who is apparently in need of Bradyn Mahara's assistance in regaining her body, incorporeal life does not seem to be suiting her. Bradyn does not seem like a very cooperative assistant at this point in time. Her statement was made and it was questionable as to how much faith Bradyn had in her words (she was Dragana, he did not have much confidence in anything any of them said right now). "If she believes that my House will fall with ease...Well." This statement is punctuated with a short and indignant snort, meant to convey his disagreement on that issue. For a moment it seemed as though the two vampires would part on that note, ending their conversation in a less than positive way. Just as Bradyn was about to turn to depart, another question is voiced causing him to pause and turn back to Jesali. "Your mother-in-law holds the rank of Thanatos Dominus. Does she not share her knowledge with you?" There is a pause, but not one that is long enough for Jesali to really begin speaking -- unless she wants to attempt to talk over Bradyn. "To study necromancy is to dedicate your entire life to it. My studies will never be complete, so I would say that I am still learning necromancy. Not that I have learned it. Much like with anything, some people are more naturally inclined to the dark arts than others. How much of a challenge it is to learn will vary from person to person. The biggest challenge that everyone will face is that necromancy does not come without its costs."

Jesali continued to stare past Bradyn as he spoke, her chin dipping subtly in acknowledgement of his answer. "It's not I who wishes to learn Necromancy," she stated, her gaze finally moving back to him. "My child has been asking for lessons for months now. I keep telling her I'll ask Larewen when she finally has her body back, not that I particularly -want- her to learn anything about that particular art." She was a mother concerned, and not someone who looked upon the art of Necromancy poorly. Jess shook her head, either to dispel the idea of her daughter becoming a Necromancer, or perhaps to rid her mind of the conversation entirely. "Tell me, what is Larewen's expectations regarding House Mahara? I know she's vying for the throne-" She paused, her brows furrowing lightly, "Does Vailkrin even have a throne?" In a split second, her features shifted again, this time into a bright, amused grin accompanied by a soft chuckle; "I haven't put –much- effort into my studies." One of the rumors that had initally spread through the city regarding Jesali was the state of her mind; she was mad. Given the sudden changes in mood, perhaps there was a slightly truth to that rumor.

Bradyn shrugs at a brunt of what Jesali has to say regarding her child and her concerns of necromancy. If there was one thing that Jesali should be able to ascertain about Bradyn by now is that the man is probably rather emotionally stunted. If he has always been this way, even before being sired, or if his years as a vampire have slowly seen the demise of those kinder more compassionate emotions? That is something that few know, and the select few that did have this knowledge are also Maharan. "Her expectations? They are irrelevant. She is not Queen Larewen Dragana, as much as she would like to earn that title." This is not an issue that Bradyn is keen on assisting her with either, much work needs to be done before House Mahara and Dragana will ever play nicely with one another, but no efforts are being made on either side to end their feud. So far. "She is not Queen and she is not part of my house, so I don't care what her expectations are." A grim smirk finally forms across his lips, quite short-lived. "She would like the Black LIbrary for herself, so I hear, to the extent that she would like to see House Mahara destroyed. I think that if she is not careful she will find that House Dragana will follow the path of House Ginavi. There are so many similarities between the two and history does like to repeat itself, especially for those who will not heed the lessons of the past. But no, Vailkrin has no formal throne room."

Jesali's lips draw into a smirk at the clear disdain for her Mother-in-Law, "I'm not sure if I envy you or not, Bradyn; clearly you are more acquainted with Larewen than I am." While Jess had known the woman well a decade ago, the Dragana Matron had certainly changed over the years- for better or worst was still yet to be decided. But she did love the woman. She continued to listen, jovially, until the mention of the fallen House of Ginavi is made. The amused expression on her face slowly shifted, mixing with a threat of lethality. "I do not care for the strained relations between our houses," it was the reason she kept her daughter under constant watch; her distrust for vampires was one well engrained, and was carried with her even after being sired. "I would happily see the relationship mended," to some degree, "So I sincerely hope your words are ones of caution, and not ones of threat."

Bradyn is rather indifferent to this shift in emotion. This indifference is not spurned from any assumptions in Jesali's own capabilities, he is not presuming her a delicate flower."Do not speak to me of cautions versus threats in a situation that I did not create." The tensions were created by Larewen, at least this was Bradyn's understanding of things. There was the matter of the dignity of his own House, in mending the tensions he also did not want to send the message that House Mahara was inclined to roll over in light of being threatened. "Rest assured that I will do what I must." A brow is lifted slowly. "If you would rather see a more agreeable relationship between the two Houses, you may want to consider having a long and involved conversation with your mommy dearest. Perhaps she will see reason if it becomes clear that not everyone who counts themselves apart of her House shares all of her opinions." A beat, Bradyn beginning to turn away. "If your daughter wants to learn Necromancy it is better to guide her through it rather than letting her explore the arts on her own. All it takes is a book and one wrong line on a sigil...One curse muttered incorrectly. You said that you have not put effort into your own studies? Perhaps now would be the time to put the effort in." With her daughter, obviously. The Maharan male lets his gaze travel north, away from Jesali. "Now, barring any final sentiments from you? I do have business to tend to and will need to be on my way."

Jesali spoke only once during his intial reply to her, fitting it neatly after his statement that he had not created the tention between their repective Houses, "Nor have I." When he continued on though, mentioning her 'mommy dearest' and attempting to reason with her, she gave a harsh bark of laughter. "Reason? With Larewen?" She didn't explain the futility of that, but she didn't need to; it was obvious enough that the Matron did as she pleased without heed or council from others. But, perhaps Jess would try regardless. Perhaps. The return to necromancy and her daughter was met with a dismissive hand flap that also acted as a means of farewell. "No, you're free to leave. Enjoy the rest of your evening." She turned from him them to venture back into the graveyard, simply to avoid returning to town with him.

Bradyn issues little more than a snort at her dismissal, for his decision to linger was of his own choice and he knew he was 'free' to leave whenever he saw fit. Without another word, Bradyn also turns away from Jesali to make his way northward, continuing about his business. She would not have to wander the graveyard for long in order to avoid Bradyn, his path was ultimately taking him back to House Mahara and he would ultimately veer west before making it into town.