RP: A Good Day to Die

Summary: Lita meets with Kasyr at Vailkrin Castle to discuss some long overdue business... Kasyr is under the impression he's assisting the vampire break her sire bond from Hanan. Lita, on the other hand, is attempting to break a blood pact enacted by the blacksmith, Svard... Whether or not it will work at all remains to be seen...

Great Hall of Vailkrin

The opposite side of the stained glass window depicting Vailkrin's flag visible from the foyer is visible within the castle's main room, its colors curiously much more vibrant than before. Overhead hangs an elaborate chandelier looked far too heavy to be so precariously suspended in air with now visible chains. Constructed of iron, it is a grotesque display of undead and nightmarish beasts entangled in flourishes of filigree. The light it produces is not from candles, but glowing stones cut and faceted in such a manner to depict massive jewels set in a night sky. Oddly, water features itself as a prominent motif in the room's décor, from tapestries of a dark, starlit sea on the walls, to statues of gargoyles and other creatures that haunt Vailkrin's streets and forest pouring large vases of water into basins at their feet along the walls as well. Stone columns to help support the high ceiling's structure are carved to look as if they're caught in a swirl of water at their base, and even that high, arched ceiling, via some sort of magical means, reflects dim lighting in a manner akin to the way light might shine down into an ocean's depths.. It seems as if the entirety of the castle is haunted by music. Even with visitors to the castle filling the long wooden tables with chattering, the sound of a string instrument can be heard in the background, occasionally accompanied by a distant, haunting voice A third long table rests at the northernmost side of the hall, and hanging right above the very center seats on the wall is yet another depiction of Vakmathras's black hand carved from obsidian, though this time within its palm is a very subtle indentation of what looks to be a lyre. Black marble staircases that lead to the castle's upper floors are hidden behind red-curtained archways just behind the grander of the three tables.

Lita was going to catch hell from Mahri for venturing back up to Vailkrin by herself. But she needed to be sure they wouldn't be kicking a hornets nest. She doubted very much that Kasyr was the type to allow business dealings to become loose ends and Lita had no intention of dragging Mahri further into whatever mess she'd started. The city itself shouldn't unnerve her so much, being a vampire herself. But even young, she'd spent the entirety of her undead life on an island, surrounded by mostly wolves and elves, of all things. She felt about as home here as rain in the ocean. Not to mention that the grandeur of the estate itself left her feeling entirely underdressed. Barefoot, with a black cloak around her shoulders, she'd managed her way into the hall, avoiding most of any people, if she could manage it. The less people she'd have to interact with the better. In and out. It might have even been possible if the artwork lining the walls hadn't caught her attention. She hadn't exactly expected the place to be so... beautiful.

Kasyr, thanks to the assistance of house Asharam as well as numerous loyal vassals, has always been fairly in tune with the comings and goings in the city. An awareness that has only grown sharper in recent days, with the cities consecration to his matron deity. These two factors working in tandem, means he's able to neatly time his arrival with Lita's momentary distraction- stepping into the area with a quiet, uncanny grace. That said, he does provide her the luxury of soaking in the architecture for a bit longer, before finally clearing his throat "So." Likely, that would be enough to wrench her attention in his direction- at which point she'd be greeted with a notably different Kasyr then normal, since his normally disheveled appearance has been set aside in favour of a finely tailored black spider-silk suit, and a red cravat. Still, there is a certain casualness still present, given his hands are stuffed in his pockets, "Had any luck with your errands?"

Lita doesn't let her attentions stray readily from the adornments of the room. Even with his stealthy approach, Kasyr seems to her someone who enjoys a surprising entrance and she's unwilling to give it to him. She does, however, loft a brow at his taste in threads, dark eyes giving him a once-over. If she's impressed by the suave display, she doesn't show it. Maybe the window dressing was simply to match the hall they were in. "You told Tessa about us double crossing her." She says, ignoring his question. There's no accusation in the words and no need for it. The changeling had already outed her knowledge of it. "I don't see how that was to your benefit but I don't suppose it matters much to me." She shrugs absently, turning finally to face him fully. "But loyalty doesn't seem to be high on your priority list for the people you work with and as such, I don't think you and I should be doing much business together for now."

Kasyr doesn't seem overly perturbed by the statement, simply shifting so that his weight leaned on his right leg, "She already had some inclination that her efforts were being stymied- I simply clarified the matter. A point of business that only really occurred since she's done playing cultist, and now working towards diplomatic entreaties, and restitutions." He pauses, before offering a shrug in return, "I'm fairly certain if she'd continued to set her mind towards the matter, and discovered it on her own- she'd have been notably less pleasant." His weight shifts again, this time putting more emphasis on leaning back on his heels, "And I don't believe our interactions have ever been more than transactional. Something which -you- initially repaid with an attempt at double dealing. As for the other bit of business- yes, you asked moi for help. And then nothing came of it, not for a lack of willingness, since I have both a proper rite for it, certain ingredients, et the head of the necromancers guild to facilitate the matter." It's at this point that the Kensai draws one hand out from his pocket, a cigarette held between two fingers, "Still, If you've arrived to tender your resignation- You'll be able to register your final payment, et go your own way- if that es what you desire." Far be it from him to force her down a route she had no interest in pursuing.

Lita is quiet as she listens. Kasyr had a head for politics she never acquired a patience for. Maybe it came in part with age but she'd doubt it was just that. There was an elegance to the man that in truth just ticked her off, if only because she couldn't figure it out. He was like a puzzle she didn't have all the pieces for. Usually she was far better at reading people. But then, maybe she hasn't spend enough time around vampires. The fact that she'd been the one double-dealing is not on trial here. She's very aware of the irony. Her motives had been selfish. She hadn't been privy to Leo's dealings with Cenril, after all, and if they were going to side with Xalious in some war against vampires, she'd wanted a way out. It was entirely selfish. And she didn't care. But now that the dust had settled on one front, there were still others to consider. The initial reason she'd come to Kasyr at all. An aspect of life she'd been both avoiding and ignoring. She turns away from him again as she chews over the options, looking up again at the artwork on the walls. How many people had he hired for such a thing? Or was it all just magic anymore? The truth was, she has no idea what she wanted. But she's not about to admit to him that she's terrified of whatever ritual he's concocted and what might come of it. She lifts her arms and crosses them over her chest, her fingers flexing around the bend of her elbow. "Tell me again what happens after?"

Kasyr doesn't intrude on the vampire as she mulls over her options. Instead, he takes a moment to flick a few sparks into existence, setting his smoke alight- before tilting off to the opposite side. It's only as he lets out a long exhale that looks at her again- peering a bit deeper than before, his innate empathy providing him a somewhat more uncomfortable awareness of her shifting emotions. A discomfort they seemed to share, despite different origins, "Well. That depends. Because for a brief moment, what you are es going to be burned out of you. Blood bonds tend to be deeper than you'd think, et it's very likely mingled with who et what you are. Which es why this particular rite is meant to alter that, briefly freeing you from the vampirism afflicting you- et very likely killing you in the process if left unattended. Which would leave it to Khitti et myself to both prevent you from going over the brink, et then restore you." As a mortal, would be the obvious conclusion to that from that. "Still, there was a slight alternative if you were hoping to retain your strengths, such as they are. If there was a vampire whose house you wished to belong to- you could ensure they were present, et the process could be renewed. That re-siring process I'd mentioned." He pauses there, before finally adding, "I -would- offer, given you did perform your duties admirably, even if your loyalty was ultimately to yourself. It -would- oblige me to concern myself more with your safety, if that es something that still galls you. That said, given I eroded your trust, I'd certainly take no offense in you finding someone more inclined towards your..." What would be the right word. Ah, "Propensities. Asharam, peut-etre. Though your profit oriented mind may fare well with house Ventra, as well."

Lita hadn't imagined there might ever be a chance to go back. Becoming a vampire had almost killed her the first time. But Hanan had never sired anyone before, it wasn't as if they'd followed some rule book. They'd been in love and probably stupid. But how much of her would be left, exactly? She doesn't look at him still. Can't. Not until she can find her composure again. "I don't really know any other vampires." She admits finally. Not anymore, anyway. Never mind one that she might trust. Whatever she thought of Kasyr as of recent events might matter less. "Even if I did ask you for such a thing, what would that cost me? To be tied to your House and lineage forever? And what if I didn't want to worship some deity?" She'd never put much stock into gods and deities, never mind her faith. She turns to face him finally, drawing a deep breath and exhaling slowly. "After everything is said and done, what buys my freedom?"

Kasyr s' expression may have, very briefly, looked sympathetic when she mentions her isolation. Considering it had been Hanan that had turned her, and her relative youth for the affliction, it was a small wonder she hadn't turned feral, and become another small problem. That said, the larger surprise was the fact that, even when provided other options, she was inquiring about him, "If I had to be honest- though my bloodline brings great power, there's certain dangers that come with it. Though, perhaps less for you, et more for those who you keep close. While it begins easier with time, to say it es something that would not stay with you, es a lie." Which was about as much as he wanted to say on the matter to someone uninitiated. "As for the rest- you would be tied to my house, yes- et I doubt it would be as simple to purge yourself of that change. But, You'd have as much freedom as any other member. You may, perhaps, even remember Dami- whose disagreements et willfulness I confronted with arguments, rather than an enforcement of my will." The matter of faith though, he can't help but roll his eyes, a small hint of humour creeping up on him, "Et no, as much as I am faithful to Daedria, you can worship who you like, as long as they're not some cultist-loving serpent god, or other apocalyptic entity. I'd just ask that you don't do anything to expressly harm people associated to her faith unprovoked. Even if it -would- profit you." It's only the final question that gives him some pause, as he mulls over the matter, "That said, if I really had to think hard on it- for what belonging to my house would entail- since I imagine that's what would most align with your idea of freedom. . . I'd likely ask for help in my endeavors, occasionally. Et for you to avoid doing anything that would harm the other members of my house, or Vailkrin. That -would- be an immutable term. But for the rest, you could consider yourself as free as you like."

Lita has always found it better to work with the devil she knows. Even if they might not agree on all fronts. She doubts a member of another House would allow her such a liberty to come and go, even possibly continuing to leave herself entirely absent to the ways and workings of the city entirely. Whatever might come of Kasyr's bloodline, it can't be worse than the questions that came of Hanan's. Mention of the name Dami does make her roll her eyes, despite her best efforts to remain some sort of professional decorum. But then, her displeasure with that woman had always been a personal thing. "I've never had any ill will towards Vailkrin. I don't see that changing anytime soon." Even if she were still human. "But I have to wonder why you'd offer at all. You could have recommended someone else, maybe even someone you trusted yourself. You seem surprised maybe, that I'd consider you for such a thing, so what's in it for you? A foothold into Rynvale?" It made her head hurt trying to puzzle him out. She feels like she's playing checkers while he's playing chess. It might be the same board but the players are very different and she's not sure of all the rules. It's not as if she's anything special to bring to the table other than her station on the island, so there doesn't seem to be any other reason he'd take an interest in helping her at all.

Kasyr might have been less heedful of matters pertaining to decorum, given her reaction to Dami's name elicits a faint chuckle. That said, his demeanor remains otherwise unchanged- until, that is, she reaches the matter of his offer, "I -did- offer recommendations, though. Asharam et Ventra. I could not guarantee who would be the one to turn you, how strong or weak they are- but I'm fairly certain I could direct you in either path, if the idea of joining my house had proven contemptible." That said, her question does cut to the heart of the matter. The idea of 'who benefits' was something he'd frequently had to figure out in much of his business dealings. "I wouldn't need help insofar as Rynvale, to be honest. It es not like me et Leo are on bad terms. We have a very lengthy shared history, after all." That could have sufficed as an answer, but it skirted around the question, so he clarifies further. "While I dislike strays, I also know what it's like to be one, et to have a derelict sire. I don't like seeing it, of carelessness leading to more ferals. You're also competent, et reasonable- which, es in surprisingly short supply at times, especially as a pair." And yet there was one final answer left, "And these halls are empty. While I certainly have vassals, et hold power- I have outlived, or outlasted the majority of my house. All of them save Inks have either died or faded away. My legacy es the city alone, et a trail of dead gods to pad my legend. Which sounds nice, but does nothing to make this place feel less hollow." He draws deep of the cigarette, before allowing tendrils of smoke to seep out from between his lips.

Lita had always known there was more to Kasyr than he'd likely ever let on. Maybe they could have been friends once. Maybe if she'd tried to befriend him more when she'd met him briefly and worked with Satoshi all those years ago. He had offered the names of others, sure, but he hadn't overtly pointed her in those directions. And all the same, he'd kept his own name in the running regardless. She doubted she'd find the same sense of freedom he offered with another House. A city wasn't such a bad legacy to have these days, but it sounds like he wants something more. Or maybe he's just tired of losing people. That is something she can definitely relate to. She softens slightly, padding barefoot towards one of the long tables and leaning her hip against it. "It's more breathtaking than I thought it would be." She admits, lifting a hand to twirl her fingers in a little circle to indicate the decorations of the room. It would be easier a decision if she hated it outright. She steadies her hands at her sides on the edge of the table then. "Turning almost killed me." Ironic a statement, maybe, but true all the same. "And it took a lot longer to learn how to make the world... less..." It was still something she struggled with, more so when her emotions got the best of her. "It would be nice not to be alone in it again but, it's not a decision I can make on my own." Mahri really would kill her if she did. "What kind of time would you need?"

Kasyr can feel that sympathy directed at him, and in a sense- it's sharper than whatever hostility or disdain he was bracing against. His lips press together into a thin line, and his gaze flicks up towards the ceiling instead, the elegant grotesqueries that adorned the chandeliers, and served as foils to the more vibrant additions. "When I had the damage to the city repaired, I felt it fitting to include tributes to it's new guardian." And to make her a bit closer to the thoughts of those present. To associate the idea of awe with her. It felt a bit heartening to know the effort hadn't been in vain. "It tends to do that." was perhaps not the right retort to her statement, but, the grim humor was hard to suppress. That said, he doesn't intrude upon her more sober admission, waiting until she finishes with the rest of her thoughts. It's only then that he haphazardly gestures to one side, tracing a path with his smoke, "I've extended the offer twice in the last decade. One of them, the offer was rescinded, the other, I'm still waiting to see where their intentions ultimately rests." He shrugs, his smile rueful, "I have time to burn, et you, at least- won't die of age in the meantime."

Lita offers a smile for his humor. See, just as she'd thought, there was something more to like about the man. She's a bit more surprised by his admission of only having offered to turn two people in the last decade. She would thing a vampire with such power- political and otherwise- looking to fill his House might have an easier time of doing just that. Was he selective or just worried about whatever darkness his lineage might hold? It has to be better than whatever nightmare fuel the blacksmith had entangled her to. His last words make her chuff a laugh. "Death tends to be the least of my worries these days," at least in the mortal sense. "Perhaps the more merciful option." She doesn't ask him what happens if none of it works. If the ritual doesn't take. If Khitti isn't strong enough. She doesn't want to know. She leans away from the table finally. "Thank you, for the offer. In case I forget to say it later. It's a lot to think about- again- but I'll be in touch. Sooner rather than later this time, I assure you." Mostly because she wasn't quite sure how much time she'd have left otherwise. She fishes through the pocket of her cloak as she steps towards him and, upon finding what appears to be a little slip of paper, hands it out towards him. "Here. For your time." The paper is decorated with the intricate and delicate lines of a spider's web. The parchment is fairly thick, appearing to have some sort of sticky film quality. Kasyr may recognize it as one of the temporary tattoos she'd made for public events in recent years. Once he'd taken it, she'd take one last look around at the artwork on display and then head back the way she'd come.