Spirits of the Earth

OOC: This Thread has come from: The Dessert Table (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=15587.msg156752#msg156752). It's current a private/ closed thread at this event.

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A masked ball, how ballys of the Grand Duke to consider such an event. Either way, it was the perfect opportunity to get to the Grand Duke's Palace for what she needed. She had more than one thing she was investigating, and without a chaperon, she could get things done a lot quicker. She, as usual, left Jude Armand high and dry after their last rendez-vous and well...
She didn't need his arm to enter this event this time. She was there to gain Lord Christy's attentions again anyway, as well as do a bit of lock picking. It was hard to flirt with men when you had a courtesan attached to your arm...

Though they hadn't come together, it seemed fate just couldn't keep them apart, as Jinai made her way through a dark hall towards a quieter place within the palace where she inconveniently ran into someone. Turning around, she gasped at the face of a Jackal. Recognizing the eye within she growled, "Jude Armand, should have known."

Stepping back, she tossed the sparkling feathered earrings of her swan costume aside and gave a sigh. Her swan beak covered most of her nose, a nose she always thought was too large anyways, and narrowed her green eyes back at him.
"So what brings you to this ball?" she asked, batting her eyes prettily at him before turning away to see if anyone else had seen them walk away together...
Since that could sour her plans greatly. After all, she still had to find Lord Christy... apparently, he knew some information about the organization out to get Renna...
then there was another matter for another ... 'friend'.

Of course he hadn't expected Jinai to actually go with him, but he had a feeling she would show up the to palace anyway.  It was always expected of those in his line of work to join the company of a rich client at such functions, but in this case, Jude had garnered an invitation and went by himself.  It was good for business either way.  He could go possibly garner some new clientele, and it was always nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, knock back a few, and dance the night away.

He hadn't seen Jinai when she entered the room, for his side was facing hers and he was laughing, comfortable in the company of two women and their own escorts.  Soon they walked away from him and he turned to hear a familiar voice in his ear.  His brow raised beneath his mask, taking a sip of his wine.

"Oh you know, looking to see what trouble I could get into.  I'm surprised to find you here; though I guess I shouldn't be.  You look nice, lovely beak." He laughed and adjusted the mask on his face.

Jinai narrowed her gaze at Jinai, and tossed a hand casually into the air before striking his chest.
"Shut up, Jude! At least I didn't come as a dog..." She could take the hint as she folded her arms across her chest. He just had to comment about her nose. Er, beak.

His voice softened, as serious as ever.  "I didn't mean it like that," he murmured, grinning at her.  "You have a lovely nose.  And you're as beautiful as a swan as you are underneath that costume.  And I'm not a dog, I'm a black jackal: the herald of the underworld.  It's sexy isn't it?"  He smirked at her and took another sip of his wine. 

Leave it to Jude to try to lay on the charms. But she wasn't going to buy it. After all, she knew they were both after just a one night stand... or two.. or three...
and sometimes, with each other.

Fluffing back her dress, which her white, feahtered shawl got caught on her glove, she growled nad tossed it aside before glancing back towards Jude and sticking her nose to the air.
"And a jackal is a breed of dog," she commented. "And I guess.. if you find dog's sexy." And she moved to flick at his tall black ears.

"Wild dog," he murmured, fixing his ears.  But he found the game to be a little pleasing and he smirked at her playfully.  "No, I'm serious.  You look good.  I guess, it was a false alarm then, that's good."  He smiled at her.  "Scout out anyone you like yet?" speaking as if he knew why she was there the whole time.

Jinai set her jaw, but the moment he mentioned it, she paled and glanced away, not saying anything for a time.
"I... still don't know.." she murmured. And damn him if she was pregnant! She'd kick him in the nads so as to further prevent this possible disease from spreading!

And then at his last question, she only frowned.
"No, looks liek Lord Christy hasn't shown."

Jude stiffened at the thought and he gave a small sigh at not knowing.  He peered at her down the nose of his mask and frowned a little.  "So Lady Thames has finally decided to grace nobility once again with her presence.  What brings you here this time, other than having a good time?  Lord Christy won't let you have a moment's rest."  He smiled.  "You won't be able to walk after tonight."

Jinai frowned up at him.
"There are a lot of potential men and women I can get intel off of tonight, Jude. We're so close to the Grand Duke himself even, and he doens't even know we shouldn't be here."
Well.. she shouldn't be there. She was a wanted criminal after all!
"But I'm still looking into that organization from the other night. Things still aren't adding up. But at least for now Renna is safe," she said with a sigh. "After that day, Isabella made herself sparse and no one's heard of her since. However, those whores are good at keeping secrets. They've mastered the poker face."
Which you had to when making men think they got you good when really.. they hadn't.

"Then more power to you, darling.  And I hope you get your catch of the day," Jude said with an ever growing grin.  It seemed almost as if he knew something she didn't and couldn't wait to tell her what it was.  But it was really nothing at all.  A passing servant came by and Jude took another glass from the plate and offered it to her.  "A drink to start the evening, my lady?" he asked with a softened smile.  "Shall we enter into the main hall?  Perhaps your ardent Mr. Christy is there pouring his heart out in there."

Jinai looked at Jude suspiciously, and fussed over a few off feathers of her dress.
"What's with that look?" And then at his last question, she looked away. "I don't really feel like that right now." And she took a long swig of her drink.

"Very well," Jude's face softened considerably, his expression looking at her searchingly.  "Then perhaps you'd like me to take my leave of you then.  Oh, and if you want my advice, don't fuss with the feathers so much, they'll fall out.  As ever."  He leaned in and softly kissed her cheek, his mask touching hers for a moment.

Jinai was about to make a snide remark when the kiss came. It startled her,a nd for a moment, she tensed beneath it as their masks touched. She didn't say anything for a minute, her cheeks heating, and her ears.
"Er," she felt dizzy... But before she could speak, she ended up spilling more drink on herself, and him.

OOC: lol five minutes into the ball and they've both got wine on them XD

Thankfully his clothes were dark and could conceal the stain well.  Unlike her white feathers.  Jude smirked and discretely reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a maroon handkerchief, cleaning her lightly and then handing it to her.  "Let's go to the kitchens, we can clean that up right quick," Jude replied.  "I'm sure they'll have some powder for that.  C'mon before the stain sets in."

Irritated, Jinai was just about ready to call this whole thing quits when she noticed...
"SHIT!" Lord Christy! Grabbing onto Jude, she quickly SHOVED him intoa  nearby room and hid behind the door.

Jude gave a yelp when she shoved him through the door and he landed hard against an ottoman when she slammed the door behind him.  "What was that for?" he asked.  "It was just a little wine!"  He picked up his dropped handkerchief and he stuffed it back in his pocket.

She paced around nervously, but at Jude's words, she turned to him and hit him.
"Be quiet! He'll hear you!"

Jude hissed assent and promptly got to his feet, brushing himself off.  "Who?" he hissed.

Jinai shot him a look.
"Lord Christy." ANd peeking out into the hall, she frowned. "Oh my god..." and she couldn't even state what she was seeing as she gaped, looking through the key hole.

At her gasp, Jude moved to stand beside her and nudged her with his boot.  "Lemme guess, he's dressed as a swan too, am I right?  That old coot."

Her elbow met to his gut.
"Quiet!" she hissed. And then tried to swat him away. "No, no!" And then she backed away nad pointed to the keyhole as she informed, "He's with the Grand Duke's visor!"

"Vesrik" Jude muttered to himself.  But when she moved, he leaned down and peeked through the hole, holding his breath as if they could hear him.  "Well, then I imagine they must be discussing some very important information.  We should waste much time in here.  Let's get in there and see what they're talking about."

Jinai agreed with a nod and looked around to make sure no one was looking before slipping out into the hall. She put a finger to her lips to motion for Jude to be silent before slipping down the way. she could hear the murmur of voices and quietly, she stood beside the door.

"Yes, well, it's becoming increasingly more difficult due to the extra soldiers needed at the boarders these days."

"Yes, I know, quite trying, really," Vesrik replied, boredly.

"Yes, well.." replied the other, obviously Lord Christy. "I was hoping you'd be a bit more..."

"Ten thousand gold is the price, Lord Christy. It is what it is."

She could hear Lord Christy sigh. She wandered what they were talking about.

"I suppose I'll have ot make payments then.." Lord Christy muttered. Jinai could have swore she felt Vesrik's slimy smile as she peered through the key hole and watched the man pace through the room.

"You're a good man, Lord Christy. And as usual, business is always appreciated." And he paused to patronize the man. "Aw, don't look so glum. Wasn't there a girl you said you were set up to meet? Something hot and would look well without her dress?"
Jinai's skin crawled as again,s he could feel the slimyness in Vesirk's tone.

But it seemed Lord Christy perked up, but just a little.
"A resource of mine said she might come. As a bird. A swan but.." he flattened his lips. "I found quite a few swans, but no Lady Thames."

"Lady Thames? The name isn't familiar."

"Yes, I had only met her but once myself but..." he shook his head. "Let me tell you, she was all over me like an animal! I've never done suhc a thing. My wife, so prudent, the poor dear but oh- to think I've lived a whole life wihtout that!"

Vesrik grinned at the man's words and replied softly, almost like a hiss, "Interesting... Well, if I shall see the perfect swan this evneing, I'll be sure to let you know."
Or not..a nd see what all this fuss was about himself...

"I forgot to tell him it's the swan with the big red stain on her breasts," Jude remarked quietly as he listened in on the pair.  But hearing Lord Christy talk about Jinai that way made his skin crawl and he could only imagine why.  He grimaced and peered at Jinai.  "So, would you want to make your entrance now?  Or later?  I know you don't want me dragging you down."

Jinai was NOT in the mood for Jude's jokes- for that's what she believed he was being- Smart with her. The ass. Turning from him,s he said nothing, feeling her skin burn with anger as she stormed away.

Jude rolled on his feet, tiptoeing up and smirking when she stormed away from him.  "I guess the only time is now."  He put his hands behind his back and stalked forth into the ball room, not beside Jinai, but certainly following in her wake, and keeping his eyes on her.

Jinai pushed past people in order to get away from the looming figure of the jackal-masked man on her trail. Truthfully, she was sick of all of this- of the chasing, the running, the sleeping with despicable men. She had given herself away a long time ago, and just let her feelings run empty before hiding them, and the truth, all away. But now, why NOW of all times, was she thinking about this? About Jude and their relationship... about the possible child she might be carrying, about the possible men she'd have to fuck.
Growing annoyed quickly, she yanekd up a wine from a passing server and turned towards Jude and threw the contents onto his shirt. Her eyes were blazing beneaht her mask as she growled at him, "Don't ever follow me again." Before she turned away and dashed off into the crowd.

Jude paused and jumped when the drinks were tossed at him.  Surely several faces were turning at him in the crowd and he carefully brushed it off of him as he watched her walk away.  He too was burning underneath his mask, in anger and embarrassment and he stopped.  "I'm sorry, I suppose, " he mouthed to himself and carefully cleaned his suit.  He moved into the crowd, away from the prying eyes, to a private section of the gathering, a drawing room where he could remove and clean himself off in private.

She was in no mood for this, for anything; for men, for sex, for love, for life- for whatever! She was just so damned frustrated and GODS! Why couldn't she just be on the rag? Then she'd know if she was pregnant or not. It had been eating away at her. How long had it been? A month? Going on two? She couldn't say, she was always too nervous over it to calculate it right, and now, as she stormed through the crowd, she was nearly making a circle until-

"Lady Thames!"
Oh God... that voice, that hideous, disgusting voice. And now she'd have to deal with him.

A long time passed before Jude was sufficiently cleaned and dry.  He exited the wash room and put his mask back over his face.  He meandered through the room and though he wasn't looking for Jinai, it wasn't long before he spotted that stain covered swan in  the far corner of the room, speaking to the slimy voice of none other than the visor of the Grand Duke himself, Vesrik.  Though he kept his distance, he observed the conversation from afar, when another woman approached him and began a minor conversation, that Jude did well to give generic answers too.  But all the while his eyes were plastered on Jinai, just in case.

The conversation was... gross. She knew his eyes were all over her, and his hands- wow, he didn't even waste a second to whip ou this own kerchief to help her wipe off her stain. But she smiled sweetly at him, kept her face, she was good at that, but really.. beneath Vesirk, it was.. difficult. The conversation kept on and well, the man didn't seem to be able to let her go. Damn him an dhis social entrapment. Though his conversations were intriguing at best, Jinai somehow slipped in her conversation- mentioning something about Vesirk being business partners with Lord Christy.
He raised a brow at her.
"I beg your pardon."
Jinai tensed. Shit- did she say something wrong?
"That's what Lord Christy said, you guys did some sort of trade. He never expanded, that's how he said he knew you. I.. rahter like men with power," she said, her voice purring as she changed the subject. "Especially men close t someone like a king."

And well, one thing lead to another, and Vesirk was offering Jinai his arm, whihc she accepted as the two walked away.

As ever, Jude had a feeling Jinai would think fast and play her cards right.  She after all was accustomed to thinking on her feet or so she had declared on a number of occasions.  He smiled with no small degree of satisfaction at his creation, that he taught her well, and she taught him a think or two in return. 

But just when he was going to turn to actually pay attention to the woman talking to him, he bumped into Lord Christy and nearly smashed his drink into his chest.  Thankfully he didn't, and he stepped back to get a better look a the man.  "Arthur Christy!?" he forced a laugh and smiled at the man when the lord stepped back himself and looked at the stranger ahead of him.

"Jude Armand?" he asked.  "Ah!  Mr. Armand!  How are you!?"

"Fine, fine!  And you?  It's good to see you again.  I hope you are having a good time here," Jude replied.

"I-I am...though, I can't help but think of that...little thing we discussed before.  I-I just can't take her off my mind.  Have you-you haven't seen Lady Thames around here have you?"

"Well..."

Vesrik Delcheux was a rat. A fat rat,a nd now, she somehow found herself on her knees infront of him, sucking his cock. Well, she supposed a blow job was better than getting fucked, (for she hadn't given him the offer, and so far- he hadn't asked...)
Little did she know Vesirk had a thing for blondes.. and spending all of that time around the beautiful Grand Duchess he could not hvae, and her perky younger sister... left him a bit...wanting.

And it was then she felt his finger against her chin as he propped her up to look at him.
"My sweet Lady, you should not be on your knees. Come.. turn around. And why don't you take that mask off?"
And it was more than her mask that he wanted off when his fat fingers worked at her clothes. Hefting up her dress, his entie mouth fit over her entire breast, or so it seemed, as his hot breath and slopping tongue left horrid marks all over her.
And he was rough and without taste, and it was even too muhc for Jinai to bear as she moved to protest-
He grabbed on quickly to her wrists.
"Oh what a little tease you are- thinking you can just get away after you've made me so hard?"
she glanced down at his swollen mmeber that pulsated hungrily for her.

"I don't fuck on the first date," she tried to tell him while batting her eye lashes prettily.

"Oh, but Lord Christy has said other wise..."

"Yes, well, Lord Christy made me a lot of promises.." and when she tried to move away, Vesrik grew angry. And suddenly- he smashed her head hard against the wall. She was seeing stars and whens he tried to move again, he hit her again.
She had no idea what was up or down, and by the time she realized it, Vesirk had her wrists tied tie together and attached to a table...., and his dick was inside her-
And fuck, did it hurt.

"...I'm afraid I haven't," Jude replied with a genuine frown and he watched the nobleman's head drop a little, the hope from his eyes gone.  "I'm actually not sure she arrived, I'm afraid.  I've been here quite early, I think I would have seen her.  But even I can't be sure.  I'm sorry, Lord Christy.  If you'd like our money back, I'd be more than happy to re-"

"No, no, please, Mr. Armand.  You did your best.  Please keep it as a token of my appreciation."  Christy smiled at Jude and pat the younger man on the shoulder.  Suddenly he smiled.  "Though the night is young, I'm sure I still have plenty of chance to spot her!  Please, keep an eye out for me."

"I'll be sure to do that," Jude nodded to him and watched as Lord Christy stepped away from him.  He turned around and eyed the crowd, and looked in the direction that Jinai went, knowing that whatever she could be doing with that vile man, it certainly wasn't anything good.  So he parted through the crowd in his own direction, and turned down the hall that he saw them vanish into.

He moved slowly, looking around and seeing no sign of them.  But strange noises soon caught his ear and he turned to the second door on the left and saw it slightly parted.  And in the crack of the door he saw the little fat man bent over a woman in a swan dress.  Those moans, those vile sounds, he knew the voice, and watching the act made him sick to his stomach.  But soon adrenaline and rage overcame illness when he shot into the room.  He took a heavy book from the shelf in the study and promptly smashed it over the head of the Visor.

"You son of a bitch!" he growled, livid beyond reason.  And if the book didn't knock him out the hard right hook to the temple certainly would.  Jude's fist hurt, but gods be damned it was worth it.

Unfortuntely Vesrik was a thick headed man- so the book and fist only threw him off the woman, and left him seeing stars. Sitting up, he gasped and held onto his bleeding lip and glared over at the masked man who dare stop him from is prize.
"You little cunt," he cut towards Jude. "How dare you interrupt us!"

Jinai, startled, used this moment to wriggle her hands free. Once she got to her feet, she kicked the visor hard in the balls. ANd that was enough to drop him to his knees.
"Fuck you!" and she sspat n him before she ran, grabbing onto Judes hand and squeezed. "Just run.." she whispered. She didnt care where. She just wanted to be out of there, and she didn't care that she was half undressed, either.

Though, it didn't quite go as planned, dazing the pudgy little man was enough to give them time to skedaddle from the room.  And while Jinai may not have care if she was half dressed from the room or not, Jude did.  And before they were out of the hallway, Jude pulled her toward him and quickly fixed her dress as best he could.  The last thing they needed was the suspicion of the guards as they made a hasty retreat.  But even Jude knew with Vesrik on their tale, that would only last so long.

As Jude was fixing her.dress she tried to urge him on.
"Come on, I want out of this place. We can find another room to.fix my dress." Though when she tried to move, something very unlike her happened as she found herself growing light headed very suddenly before she suddenly.fainted onto his arms..
Perhaps it was a building feeling, and to be raped by one so vile was.the straw that broke the.camel's back. But Jinai could not handle anymore of this and when she.came to in his arms, where ever that place was, she found herself just holding him, hugging her arms around his neck while she.avoided his.gaze as she silently cried.

They could not face the crowd, not like this.  So while Jinai had fallen against him, crying as it were, it was Jude who ushered them to move.  He had lighted Jinai a little off the ground to make moving flawless, as they moved toward a servants entrance, a stairwell and hallway leading to the kitchens.  He carefully closed the door behind him, and set her feet on the ground.  "Shh, shh," he whispered when his arms came around her, holding her against him.  "We'll get out of here.  Take a servants exit.  Don't worry, you're safe now." 

A few well-placed bribes later had them in a carriage exiting the grounds.  When guards came to inspect them at the gates, Jude had his arm around Jinai and smiled at the man.  "Oh, poor thing.  The time of the month came too early and she was devastated when she ruined her dress!  This was one of her first parties, so please excuse her."  The soldier paled at his explanantion - no man wanted to deal with a woman on her rag, so he quickly ushered them through and soon they were headed down the street towards his house.  Jude turned his face toward the street as his arm held her against him.

Jinai was quiet as they moved, not saying a word as she leaned against Jude as they both sat on the same bench within the carriage. For a long time, she just listened to the noise of the carriage lurching and the horse hooves clopping against the cobble stone.

She felt so hollow, and cold, and very much a mute tot he world-
After all, she was just another body here on earth, and like all things, be they trees or rocks or even water, they had a purpose, but were just background noise, and even so- background noise had to weather the same storms as the elite.

She didn't evne bothe rto look back towards the retreating Palace, knowing, deep inside, leaving was wise but a part of her brain was still humming...
She knew she was missing a great oppurtunity to find some useful information for the mages but...
at what costs?

Shifting her weight against his side, she sighed and stared up through the window of the carriage to the night time sky. And as the stars twinkled, she let her mind wonder once again.

Jude knew they were missing much, but at least they would be away from danger.  He didn't know how one could recover from such a thing happening to them like that, and by such a man.  He didn't even want to think about it and would not comment on it.  It was not his place after all.  All he was concerned about was ensuring Jinai was out of harm's way.

And when they pulled up to the street his house was on, only then did Jude turn to her, gesturing to the familiar house and he asked her if she wanted to get out, solely by looking at her. 

Glancing up at his home, then to him, she simply stepped out of the carriage and intot he moonlight. In her white dress she looked like a ghost, her tanned skin, looking pale, and a bit clammy from the day. She left her mask inside the carriage, there was no need for it now, and simply walked towards the front door of his keep, not saying a word.

He tipped the driver and slipped out from the same side of the carriage, but took her mask with him as he did so, peeling his off slowly as he stepped up beside her.  He unlocked the door and opened it, allowing her entry first.  "Please," he gestured and followed after her, closing the door behind them.  It was dark in the house and he carefully lit up the first lamp and turned the oil up, and did the same with the others until the bottom floor was sufficiently lit.  He stepped back to her and looked at her.  "Are...are you okay?" he asked softly, though he knew the answer without her telling.  "Let's just get some sleep.  It's quite late.  But perhaps a nightcap first."

Jinai ignored him for the most part, giving him the cold shoulder, though not really intentionally. She just didn't know how she was to feel after that,but after a time,s he only smirked and siad, "No, first, I want to get a bath."

Jude could understand and he nodded to her, showing her upstairs and the two buckets that remained beside the door.  When the water warm enough after putting it in the fire, he poured her the bath and left her a warm robe and a towel.  "If you need any help, or anything, let me know.  I'll be right upstairs," he said softly to her before gently closing the door behind him.

OOC: I had a random idea and if you want me to change it I can XD
I just thought it'd be cool so yeah ._.
PM me if you want me to change anything in this post 8D
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For the longest time, she lay in the bath, mulling over the events of her life so far- thinking back to her brothers and their times as kids. Her first kiss, her first rolls int he hay- and her first kill...
She drew her hand across her leg as she rested it on the lip of the bath, letting the water from her cupped hand spill across it.

Retkin.. to find out he had died after they had been separated for so long was still a healing wound, deep within her heart. She never opened up to many- not like she had with him. Contemplating leaving this place to visit his grave, she rethought it and let the idea fade away before she lay back within the tub and sunk down iwthint he waters.

She could hear the waters pushing at her body, at her ears, and slowly released some bubbles from her lips. When she opene dher eyes next, she had a plan. She had t get back to that ball-
and she couldn't let Jude follow.

Peering out into his room, she was thankful he remained still downstairs as she crept out against hte wood floors. Spotting her own costume, she was about ready to throw it on when she noted his jackal mask laying on a dresser. She hesitated, before approaching and slipped the black jackal mask on over her face and grinned at what she saw in the mirror. THen silently stumbling through his clothing,s he sought out something in black to wear. Making quick work, she was in a fancy black robed attire and a pair of his tall black boots and gloves for riding. She took one moment to admire herself in the mirror, before slipping out the window, a knife in her pocket and only one thing in mind.

And before Jude could stop her, she took his carriage and was heading back towards the ball...

Jude rushed to the balcony that over looked the city when he heard his door slam and his heard a carriage tearing down the street.  "Jinai," he muttered to himself and scowled as he saw the carriage pulling around the street headed back toward the palace.  He didn't waste anymore time and he quickly looked for his costume, and cursed when he realized she'd taken his mask.  "Damn that woman," he growled and quickly threw something on. 

He just knew whatever she was up to, it wasn't anything good.

Returning to the ball was a tad bit difficult, but after explaining herself as 'Lady Thames' and 'needing a wardrobe change' since her costume malfunction, they eventually let her pass. And hey, it didn't hurt that she charmed one of the cute soldiers while doing it. But that was all business. Moving through the crowd now, she kept her eyes ever alert. Like a shadow, she moved through the crowd, and like the jackal of her costume, she was trying to sniff out her prey...

It was when she did spy him across the way that a bell sounded and she looked up-
and it was announced the dancing was to begin.

Making his way into the ballroom, Jude had donned a white cloak and waistcoat, silkened to the touch, and a white pleated shirt that was immaculate in every way.  Of course he could not enter the ball without a mask, and a proper costume after Jinai had stolen his - only to cause trouble he was sure.  He went creative with the mask and the suit - or what was left of it.  He had tore open a pillow and strung the feathers around his neck in a sort of wreath.  His hair was well-oiled slicked back, though waves of it peaked up here and there.  A crown of feathers sat on his head over the mask and a decorative saber hung at his hip.  The Swan King.

He stood a the foot of the entrance as he watched the first couples begin to come together, among them a little fat man, and a little-small-for-her-height Jackal.  Jude danced with the first woman that had wandered over to his side and disappeared into the crowd.

Making her way, she tried not to appear too conspicuous as she neared the fat man. WHat was not to see? Who nkew what costume he wore- he smelled like a rat and was going to pay. Though as she neared him, she paused a moment to note who he was talking to.
"Renna.."
Shit.

Disappearing back into the crowd, she decided to sit this dance out.

Unfortunately for Jude, he got closer and watched the exchange as the fat little man spoke to the courtesan and he coaxed his partner to get a little closer to catch onto what they were saying.  If only the woman he moved with would actually shut the fuck up though, he might have a better idea.

Some other man had approached her, asking for a dance, but Jinai declined and kept her eyes on Renna and Vesirk like a hawk. A giggle later had them bowing to one another, then Vesrik extended a hand and the pair of them stepped out onto the floor.
Shit. SHe had to find a dance partner now to get close to them, and with no men near by her, she began to scout for at least someone she could bat her lashes out and get onto the floor. But the nly one she saw.. unfortunately, was Lord Christy. And she wasn't that desperate right now.

Thank Ansgar's balls another man was eager enough to cut it on Jude and his partner and he was more than happy to bow out - much to the chagrin of the woman - but he lingered on the side as the music went on without realizing he was sitting right beside Jinai.  He crossed his legs and dusted off his pants before peering across from him.  "Care to dance?" he asked plainly, brows raised beneath the mask.

Not realizing who was asking, but glad someone finally asked, she nodded.
"Sure," and took his hand without even looking at his face.

When she grabbed the hand of the Swan King, Jude smirked beneath the cover of the beak and he stood and followed her onto the dance floor.  "Nice mask," he commented.  "So, you come here often?"

Turning around and recognizing the mask, then the face, her own lips dropped open.
"Jude.."
Paling a bit,then coloring, she set her jaw and danced stiffly with him on the floor.
"Apparently, I do,"s he replied with some bite. "What the hell are you doing wearing my costume?" And she looked him over with mild disbelief.

"I could ask you the same thing, but I think we would both end up with the same answers," Jude chuckled and turned his gaze across, trying to look for Renna.  "So what's your plan?"

"Well, the plan was to sneak into the ball without you, but it seems in that regard I've failed." Looking him over, then to Renna she sighed.
"I had.to come back..." And now she's glad she did. What if Vesrik tried to hurt another woman at the party? And the concern and anger was clearly written on her face.

Jude could readily read her expression and his mouth pulled down at the corners there, but he gave her a nod then.  "You're right," he said.  "But what exactly do you intend to do?  Stab him and get away with it? With armed guards in every corner."  He wasn't mocking her, but pointing something to be aware of.

They moved fluidly across the floor.  "We need something substantial.  Something that will hurt him for a long time."

Jinai's eyes might have given away she had another motive. And she held her tongue, but kept a knowing gaze upon Jude.
Stabbing wasn't her style.
Poison was.

He read her eyes like an open diary and he gave her a grin.  "And how do you propose to get it in him?  A drink?  A scratch?"

Jinai cut Jude a look but held her tongue, and just continued to keep dancing with him, her eyes boring into Vesirk as he danced with their red-headed friend.
"Don't worry about it." Really, it was her plan after all! Why did he have to know all of the details anyways? And it was much, much, much less conspicuous than food or a drink! No one would ever guess he'd die from a kiss!

Jude frowned a little and he pursed his lips at the response and just held her closer.  He watched Vesrik out of the corner of his eye but then kept them back to Jinai.  "All right then.  Have it your way.  I know you're as good as thinking on your feet as you are light on them," he gave her a sweet grin and peered across to Vesrik once more.

As the music changed, instead of pushing her partner away, she requested, "Let's keep dancing." At least this way, she wouldn't seem too eager to cut in.

Jude grinned at her, but it quickly softened before he peered over at Vesrik then back to her.  He knew the drill, even without her saying it and moved her through the changing couples on the dance floor and danced ever closer to the fat little rat.  And boy did he look like one too.

Not ready yet to dance with a masked rat, Jude would sense her hesitation far too obviously as suddenly, she took the lead in the dance and guided him away from the visor. She didn't even look at Jude as she did it, as they began to dance farther and farther away... eventually, the two were tat the edge of the dancing floor, and it was here she broke away,...
but she was no where near Vesrik as she made a b-line for a servant with a drink tray. She'd need all she could get for this one, as she snatched up two goblets and began to drink.

When they parted on the dance floor, Jude remained beside her as she grabbed both drinks.  Assuming she needed both for herself, to get her bearings at least, Jude got his own and took a sip of wine, letting his tongue savor the taste.  "Hey," he said softly, putting a hand on her shoulder.  "You can do this.  Just take a deep breath.  Real quick, in and out, whatever you plan is.  Do it fast and then it's done."

Drinking down the first wine quickly, she turned to Jude when he put his hand on her shoulder, but didn't let her eyes meet to his. Instead, she stared down at the floor with a frown.
"I know that.. but I still have to be tactful.." and sometimes, that required her to bide her time.

"All right then," he murmured.  "Fair enough.  But if you need me for anything, anything at all.  You  name it, I'll do it.  I'm on your side," he quickly added.  He took another bitter sip of his sweet wine and set the glass back on a passing tray. 

After a long moment of silence, Jinai slowly lifted her head. His words struck a chord with her, and sick ideas twisted inside her head. She would't ask him to do it, but part of her wondered...
"You'd do anything for me?" she gave a hollow smile, her eyes not quite meeting his. "Even kill?"

Jude's grin grew a little smaller at the question she posed, but he just gave her a playful shrug.  "Shedding blood has never been my style, darling," he answered.  "I mean I'll be there when you need me."  He looked across to Vesrik and then back to her.  "Well?"

At his words, she continued to ignore him, the second drink in her hand not even touched. ALls he could see was her target, the people dancing even a blur, even Jude was a blur.
"You say that but you're only letting yourself be used," she muttered sorely beneath her breath, before setting her drink aside and stalking off towards her prey, not even bothering to say thank you or goodbye.

"What else is new," Jude replied to himself in her wake.  He knew whatever it was she had planned was risky and that the most he could do for her was watch her make her move.  It was a horrible feeling, one he tried to stifle with another drink, that did nothing, and taking a deep breath, but even that didn't alleviate the apprehension.

It was time to change dances, and a pretty and coy smile from Jinai easily lead Vesrik in her direction. Though Renna was something he could buy, even Vesrik was a cheap man and liked the refine tastes of a noble lady. Seeing a new woman, a jackal of all things (which Jinai soon found out- how ironic- the man was a dog breed himself!) Though his costume was difficult to tell at best, for he looked more like some black-fat wolf, than anything else, she supposed.

Either way, the two dogs were hitting it off- and soon, Vesrik and Jinai were swept off to dance. It was then Renna tapped Jude upon the arm.

"Ok, Swan King, what's going on?" And she peered up into his eyes with a worried pout. "What is Jinai doing with Vesrik?"

Jude peered across to Renna and gave her a cold smile, though it was not because of her.  It was empty and he watched them from the sidelines.  "Your guess is as good as mine.  I guess the best thing to do right now is to just wait and see," he replied to her.  "But I suppose if you want a closer look, would you like to dance?"

Renna felt her heart pounding a bit faster out of fear.
"Oh.. " and she looked from Jinai, back to Jude, then to Jinai again before she decided, "Yes." And she took him by the arm and assumed the position. "Let's dance."

Jude smirked at Renna, really in an effort to keep his own emotions in check, and swept her across the dancefloor.  She was well trained and a much better dancer than Jinai, so it was easy to lead her across the floor.  He smiled as they moved and he lead them this way and that until they were just a few people away from Vesrik and Jinai.  And he peered at them from the corner of his eyes.

"Jude.. I have to tell you something important," Renna said as they neared the other couple. "I think Vesrik is selling off mages." And she paused to look at his surprised face. "But you have to keep this a secret!"

Jude at blinked at what she told him, his focus having mostly been on Vesrik and Jinai.  "Doing what?  How do you know?  Can you prove it?" Jude asked, leaning in closer to keep the words between them. 

Renna frowned and looked hastily around.
"YOu know my gift of magic? Well.. I heard them." she said, peering up into his eyes. "I don't know if I can prove it, but I heard him say something along those lines. Apparently he has a list on him he aims to pass off to somebody else. It's a list of the tradesmen who will be coming into port this month to export them.. and it seems the list is quite extensive! Oh, Jude! What can we do? Think of all of those people! To think, they'll be sold into slavery!"

Jude didn't know what to make of such news, but one thing was for sure, they couldn't make light of it.  So Jude nodded to Renna and blinked, looking between Jinai, Vesrik, then back to her.  "We'll have to find that list then, at least.  Then we'll have to think of something more solid.  Perhaps switch the cargo list."

"Maybe, but how can we do that? I.. could try to lure him into a more private room." she said, though the fear in her eyes was evident, she knew how terrible that would end for her.

It was unlike Jude to suddenly feel overwhelmed by everything that was happening at the moment, but he took his eyes away from the other couple he'd been watching and focused back on Renna.  "That might not be a bad idea.  Convince him to take you into his office, and see if you can't find the list there.  When you have it, send it to me.  Then we'll think of something proper to do with it!"

"Well, I could do it,. but erm... Jude... there's only one problem..." And she glanced over at Jinai, who was leading Vesirk off the dance floor. "I think Jinai has other plans."

Jude's mind was quickly hatching world of ideas on what they might do, when Renna called attention back to Jinai, he paused and paled when he saw them.  His eyes remained glued to Jinai and the fat little visor.

"Should we try to stop her?" Renna whispered. "It wouldn't be too late. Or.. at least I could er.." And here she blushed. "Offer Vesrik myself at the same time." And man, what an awkward thing that was to say! "That is!" she then quickly added, "If I can' think of anything clever to get Jinai out of there!" She frowned at the idea. "It might be worth at least trying! After all, she doesn't know about the list!"

"No, no!" Jude was quick to say.  "Just let her do what she's planned to do.  You'll go in when she's done.  If you interrupt her now, she'll never finish what she intends and would be in all the more trouble because of it.  Stay with me."  All the while he kept his eyes glued to Jinai, feeling a cold stone drop in his gut.

Renna could sense Jude's apprehension and fear as Jinai departed from the scene.
"Should we at least follow after them?" And she gave Jude's hand a light squeeze. "I know you care for her, Jude... " It was clearly written all over his face!

Jude blinked at her and shook his head.  "For what?  She told me not to get in her way, and that's what I'm doing," but the words did not come out so easy and he took a steady breath.  "But you have a point and that pig already had his hooves all over her once," Jude remarked and took Renna's hand, following where he saw Jinai disappear and was not far behind her.

Renna, squeezing his hand after hearing that new piece of information, remained close at his side as she let Jude guide them.
"Just remember.."s he whispered. "We need to be discrete. Look. They're leaving the ball room. Quick, let's follow after before we lose them!"

He was already doing it and he saw when they were leaving the ballroom.  He followed after them and was just but ten feet behind them.  He just wanted Jinai to hurry the fuck up and get this over with.  He was sick of waiting.  "Gods Jinai, I hate you sometimes," he whispered to himself.

Renna squeezed his hand at that comment. Jude must have the patience of a saint!
Though thankfully it wasn't long before Vesrik, she saw, produced a key from his breast coat pocket, and something else almost fell out!

"The list!" Renna whispered, but slapped a hand over her lips to keep herself from exclaiming any further. And just as she blinked, Vesrik unlocked the door and he and Jinai disappeared inside.
"So.." she breathed, dropping her hand. "Shall we peek in through the key hole?"s he said, offering Jude a grin.

Jude saw the paper drop and reached down to pluck it from the floor.  He put it in his pocket, acting quite nonchalant as he did so and pulled Renna close to him as they were another couple occupying the hallway.

"Why would I want to watch her fucking another man?" he murmured to her.  "I just want this to be finished already."

Renna frowned, noting the hurt in his words.
"I... I didn't mean it like that, Jude." And his soreness struck something too close for comfort. Her and Oakley had the same quarrels...
If only life had been any different! Oh, Oakley!
And she couldn't help it, and found herself tearing up.

His tone hadn't been a negative one, but at the sound of Renna crying, Jude's arms instinctively went around her, hugging her close.  "Shush now, Renna," Jude murmured, leaning his chin on her head.  "I didn't mean it like that.  I just only want her to be safe that's all.  And I just...worry about her even though I guess I shouldn't."

"Oh Jude.." she sniffled, peering up into his eyes with a pout. "I worry as well. She's so.. reckless, and she doesn't seem to care for her own self. I just... I.. I can't help but feel so anxious.. perhaps to pass the time we could get ourselves a drink?" Though even she feared leaving, in case something bad were to happen.

"Then I suppose somebody has to care," Jude murmured and hugged her a little tighter.  "Better me than that bastard in there."  He didn't want to budge from where they stood, for he was watchful by the door.  He looked at her however and let her go.  "You bring a few drinks.  I'll stay just in case the door opens."

Renna hesitated and felt her mouth going dry, fingers fidgeting before she nodded. Keeping her eyes on the door for a few steps, she eventually turned and walk away.

Turns out- Vesrik was an easy man to seduce, and the poison was already doing it's things, and Jude might have been able to hear the vomit before Vesrik stormed out of the room, holding his gut- leaving the private door open to the room he had just vacated-
And in the darkness, Jinai smirked. Touching a hand gently to her lips laced with poison. She'd have to get cleaned well after this- and also, watch her lips. She didn't need to poison her own self. Pausing a moment, she waited before picking herself from the ground-
She didn't even have to have sex with him- thank god, and if Jude were to find her now- he'd realize the same for she was still completely dressed in her black pants and suit, and the dark jackal mask.

Jude jumped at the sound of the door opening suddenly and Vesrik running out  passed him down the hall and he looked across into the darkness, peering into the room, and could make out a vague shape in the dim lighting.  "You did it?" Jude asked softly as he stood in the doorway, silhouetting it.  He could see her, kind of and reached for her hand, pulling her out into the light.  "What did you do to him?  No, wait, I don't want to know.  Let's just get out of here!"

Jinai looked up into his eyes, but said nothing.
"I.. need to get washed up first. Would help to know where the lady's room is.." she said after a time, eyes scouting the hall as she avoided his gaze, but after a few steps she stopped short and looked down at the floor.
"And.. thank you." She muttered. "Cause I'll need your carriage to get out of this one."

Jude took a hand underneath her chin and coaxed her face to look up at him.  He gave her his usual clever smirk, crooked in the corner and stepped in.  "I told you I'd be there for you," his eyes sought hers for a moment and he slowly leaned in and tasted her lips, kissing her lightly, sweetly and letting his breath splay against her skin for a moment.  "Why don't we just go to my place, you can wash up there."

Before she could finish that thought - she clocked him, well, more like shoved him away in horror!
"J-JUDE!" her eyes were wider than the tower of Uthlyn was tall, and her skin went pale. "Gods! You idiot! You shouldn't have kissed me!" And she paused, horrified as she grabbed onto his suit. "There was poison in my lipstick!"

Jude peered at her funny and made a face.  "What do you mean?  You poisoned him with your lips?" he chuckled at her.  "You must have used it all on him, I feel fine."  He shook his head at her and took a few steps down the hall.  He stumbled against the wall and felt his head spinning...  "Oh, is this room spinning?  Oh..."  He took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself.  "Jinai...I don't feel so good."  He seemed paler than his usual swarthy face.  He was still conscious, and still had some function of his motor skills, but he felt light-headed and seemed paler by the second.  "Get me...to the house.  My house."

Jinai made a face, gritting her teeth.
"Shit."
Quick at his side, she supported him.
"Jude... come on, stick with me. If the poison got into yor body, we can still get out of it. Maybe you didn't take in as much as Vesirk? Gods... fuck.." she could him sweating up a storm. "Maybe you'll just get sick.. come on.. just hold onto me. We'll get you to the carriage."

Jude held onto Jinai, though tried to support his own weight enough as it were, just leaning on her like a crutch when he needed it.  The moved so slowly and it felt like an eternity before they reached the entrance hallway.  "I'll be fine," Jude mused, his eyelids hanging low.  "Just need a rest...some water...and a rest.  Ugh, the room is spinning."

Jinai grit her teeth and swore again.
"Look, come on, keep talking to me. You'll be ok. Just keep leaning into me. We'll be out of here in no time." And as they rounded the bend, seh was thankful for who they ran into.
"Renna! Here.. help me with him! Jude's been poisoned."

Renna's eyes went wide.
"WHAAT!? But.." she blinked, still stunned. "How did that happen!?" She wasn't even gone that long!

Jinai growled, "The idiot kissed me."
And that made Renna even more confused as she moved to be Jude's crutch on his other side.

Jude was starting to lose feeling in his legs, but thankfully had the support of Jinai beside him.  When she ran into Renna, he thought he was gonna wretch.  Thankfully he kept what little food and drink down in his system.  "Get me home," he pleaded.  He knew Jinai would wring his neck later for this...if he could make it to later.

Jinai stared down at Renna's drinks.
"Are any of those water?"

Renna shook her head.

"Shit." Glancing over to Jude, Jinai shifted his weight and paused to take the drinks and uesd them a moment to help her clean her lipstick off, and the rest she smeared off onto her sleeve.
"Come on... help me with him. His legs are startin to go." Then to Jude, she commanded, glaring into his face, "STay with me. Don't let yourself slip away. And if you have to be sick, just let yourself go. It's better to get that stuff out than keep it in. But if you don't die from it.. you might wish you had."

Frowning, she then gestured for Renna to assist as they dragged his sorry ass out of the palace and int the carriage.

He didn't wretch though he wanted to.  There was nothing in there to puke up anyway.  He just coughed here and there, feeling his throat begin to itch and feel as if he were being choked.  He breathed harder, stumbling into the carriage with no small amount of effort.  He leaned against the side, moaning softly before it took off again.

"Gods.." Jinai settled in beside Jude. She looked terrible, he looked worse. Internally, she was wringing her hands fitfully over this and contemplating what she ought to do. Renna noticed her worry and rested a hand on Jinai's, which made her jump.

"He'll be ok."

Jinai shot her a look. "I don' tknow that, but the sooner we get to his place, the better."


"How much poison do you think he got into him?"

Sighing, Jinai raked a hand through her hair. "There was still some poison left on my lips, and Jude, naturally, had to kiss off most of the remains. Gods.." she shook her head. "If we're lucky, he'll only be ill fo ra week, and feel shittier than he's ever been his whole life during it- if not.. he won't last the night."

Jude was trying to take small breaths, and managed to do so as he laid his head beside the carriage window.  "Air..."  he felt the evening wind gently blowing in as the carriage rolled down the road.  It felt nice, heavenly really compared to the fire on his flesh.  He was sweating hard and his head frantically took the mask off.  He soon passed out, breathing heavily and haggardly.

"NO! JUDE!" ANd Jinai was upon him as she shook him. "NO! Dont' you dare! Don't you DARE fall asleep! Come on! Stay with me! COME ONE!" and she slapped him and shook him, nearly in tears in attempts to get him to wake. "You have to stay with me! If you sleep now, you could die!"

Jude awoke, her jumping on him brought him great pain and he cried out as if she were trying to kill him.  He breathed hard and he coughed and hacked on a dry throat.  He shoved her away and shoved his head out the window, retching and coughing and leaning against the side of the carriage once more.  "I'm so tired, Jinai.  I feel like I'm burning up!"

Even as he fought her, Jinai held onto him, gripping onto his clothing, an arm hooked around his.
"I know.." she said, frowning softly and keeping near to him. "I know. Just stay awake long enough through the night." And here, she gave a quirky grin, despite feeling god awful. "Other wise, it would suck if you were to die." and he said this as she stroked his hair away from his eyes.

The gravity of her words were lost on him.  He was feeling as if the entire world was smothering him.  As he felt the carriage lurch to a stop at last, he gave a sigh of relief and fumbled for the lock on the door.  It swung open and he nearly fell out.  "Water, I need water.  I feel...like I'm on fire!"

It took what felt like forever to get Jude back to his place. His body was on fire, he was hollering about needing water, and when he had water, he barely took it in. Renna helped Jinai with his clothes, leaving him in nothing but his pants as they guided him to the bed.

"Here.. try to drink it.. all of it this time, Jude," Jinai insisted, bringing another ladle of water to his lips. She looked over at Renna, gesturing to her to fetch more water as Jinai also pressed a cold rag to Jude's temples. "Come on.. drink...."

Jude coughed and closed his eyes, his body and forehead having taken to a fever, he slowly sipped what water come to his lips and coughed and wanted to puke again.  He dry heaved and weakly pushed Jinai's hand away.  He was still unlivably hot.  He reached for his pants, fumbling with the buttons and pushed them off his hips when he managed to free himself.

"Gods....," he breathed, turning to the water again.  When he found the ladel he took a sip and instead, took his face beside the bucket and dunked his head and face, coughing once more as he came up for air.  "Jinai..." he breathed, growing delirious and tired all the more.  "I want to sleep.  Just let me sleep."

Growing frustrated (as she was no good at playing the role of a nurse), Jinai grabbed Jude by the chin and forced him to look at her.
"NO! JUDE! LISTEN TO ME! You HAVE to stay awake and make sure you retch out as much as you can. ALl I can give you, if you live through tonight, are opiates to help you cope wiht the pain the next few days. That poison was potent- and even a small dose could kill. Now comeon!" and she took the water Renna brought ina nd poured it all over him. "Just tough it out!"

Her words came through to him vaguely as if she were speaking through a cave, and her voice echoed to him from a long distance.  "Why are you so far away?" Jude questioned, gasping a little at the sensation of being watered down.  "OH GODS!"  He was even more delirious than he thought and panted and finally rolled over on the bed to puke in the bucket beside him.    "I can't Jinai...I...can't.  I don't know....  I'm burning up.  I'm burning all over."

For the duration of the night, Renna and Jinai took turns dousing Jude with water, pulling hte covers off and on his fitful form and forcing him awake. But it seemed the poor man was in agony- but there was nothing Jinai could do but let him work through the first day- Mixing opiates too early iwth the poison would insure his death-
"Come on Jude.." she was hoarse by now as she spoke, still clutching his hand. "Just pull through htis and you can have all the sex you want."

Renna tried to smile,but she had been crying- even Jinai had nearly been to tears, and their eyes- both red.

Jude was trying, desperately trying to stay conscious, but the poison made him sick and drowsy and feverish all at the same time.  They were conflicting feelings and left him tired from it all.  He'd coughed and nothing would come out.  The water was helping, but only made him feel nauseous after a while.  But finally nearing the twenty-fourth hour of his illness, Jude retched hard, puking off to the side most of what remained in his stomach.

Jude kept his eyes open now, forcing them to do so and reached for more water.  "Just thirsty.  Don't worry," Jude groaned and croaked.

Jinai had no idea how much time had past. She just stayed at his side all night, all morning, and well back into the eve. He wasn't the only one worn to the bone by then, and even after Renna long since passed out- Jinai was there.

"It's fine. HEre.." and she moved to offer him more water. "You're.. you're doing good. I think you might be ok..." But even she knew they were so close, she couldn't be certain. "How are you feeling?" she asked, brushing his hair away from his eyes, the sweat slicking it back.

His breathing was the only thing Jude could hear.  "Lightheaded and very tired," he said.  "But my body doesn't feel like it's on fire...anymore...  Is it too much to ask to sleep now?  Why won't you let me sleep?  I won't die, I promise."  He blinked tiredly at her.  Though he wasn't hot anymore, he was still sweating and each drop dribbled down his body and forehead and had matted his hair.

JInai smiled down at him, a softer smile than she's ever worn for him before. She continued to stroke his hair and saw how tired he was.
"Why don't we sleep together?" she siad. "That way I know you'll be good on your word." And hse moved to lay beside him, nestling in behind him as her face rested against his back, and, after a time, she smiled and found herself beginning to hum, humming a song she used to sing for her brother when they were little- and as she hummed, occsiionally a few lyrics would be sung in a soft, sweet, but hoarse voice..

"And at night he would come home..."
ANd she'd hum again until he refrain, and as she hummed and song for him- she found herself falling asleep with him within her arms.

Her humming lulled him, and he found his breathing falling in rhythm with the music she made.  He didn't know the lullaby, he didn't know the song.  Thankfully he didn't need to in order to follow along.  With her arm around his waist, he was slowly drifting off, his breath still heavy, but steady and unfading anytime soon. 

"That's a pretty song," he murmured, and lifted his arm to reach for her hand, holding it atop hers a little.  He continued to sweat for the room felt stifling and the poison was still present in his system but eventually he too drifted off to sleep.  His body would hurt in the morning.

Jinai smiled at his words, and half tired replied, "I know."
And a moment later, she murmured, "I used to sing that to my brother."
But no more words were shared. SHe nestled into him and soon, both their bdies were still with sleep, and hwen the morning came, she ached all over, but sat up with a start when she realized Jude would not wake-
even as she shook him.
"Jude!?" she cried. "JUDE!" ad to Renna she called for her to bring some water- and ewhen they splashed him, it was to no avail. By then, Jinai was completely freaking out- trying to pinch him, slap him- anythign to get him awake-
eventually she found herself, nearly in tears with her ear across his chest, hair splayed across him as she merely listened, in subtle silence, to the beating of his heart.

"He's still alive.." she murmured after a time, still not moving from his warm chest.

Renna frowned.
"We should should eat something JInai.. while we wait for him to get up."

JInai said nothing, evne at the prodding of her friend. Eventually, Renna left to go get some food and when she returned, she tried to force to Jinai to eat.
But she would have none.
Several days this would go on, and Jude hadn't stirred, and Jinai cried hollowed tears for him in silence and said not a wrod. She barely ate. Barely slept, but held onto his hand as she curled int within his arms, shivering in silence one night and found hereslf humming that song once again.

When she was done, she squeezed his hand as a few tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Please come back to me.." she whispered, before closing her eyes, hoping to wake up from this nightmare.

Jude was somewhere else, his body resorting to a deep, untroubled slumber as he continued to sweat out the poison from his system.  There was little response to outside stimuli and he laid, splayed across his bed, his mind elsewhere as if waking from the nightmare that his body had undergone.

As the days passed by, his hands would twitch here and there, his mouth would murmur, but there was no conscious response to anything more.  And for three days he stayed like this.  By the fourth night, he felt a hand wrapped around his and his fingers twitched.  They twitched again after a few minutes and Jude took a deep breath.  His arm slowly moved around Jinai's waist and he held it around her.

"Gods, you stink," he whispered to her.  "You need a bath."

She felt it- him moving and gently she stirred back to the world of the wake. At first she thought she was dreaming, but hwen his arm went around her- her eyes shot open. Stiffening beneath his arms,s he could have choked on a breath as she felt hot tears of job suddenly wet her face. And delayed to his words, she breathily laughed, "Y-yeah.. but so do you."

"hmm, Nah-uh," Jude said, his lips instinctively smirking.  But his eyes only carefully fluttered open and when they spotted her looking at him, he immediately closed them, pretending to be asleep.  "I smell gooood.  You are...stinkies...."

He peeked at her once more and closed his eye again.  "You've got tears in your eyes."  His arm reached up and wiped them away with his thumb.  "Must be your eyes stinging from your odor."

Jinai laughed softly, then turned away, unable to stop the tears now from running. Her lips were trembling and she couldn't speak. She only remained there and wept.

Jude's eyes opened at her tears that poured out from her eyes.  He still smiled at her and he shifted, his body cracking and aching here and there where he hadn't moved in days.  His other arm came up and pulled her head against his chest, his other hand hugging her back.  "Shush, now," he murmured.  "We'll get you cleaned up.  No need to cry about it...  I'm all right, Jinai.  I'm okay.  Thanks to you and your humming."

She kept silent as he embraced her, tears wetting his chest as she pressed her head against him and held him fierce.
"Jude.." she breathed his name. just happy to feel him, hear him, to know he was alive! And no other words could be spoken, as she shook with tears and continued to cry.

OOC: Look how much he's making her cry D8

Jude held her as tightly as his arms could manage and he leaned his head down toward her forehead, kissing it and rubbing her back.  "Oh Jinai," he said, chuckling through his own tears.  "I love you, you know!  I can't believe I'm saying them either, I know.  But they seem fitting in a time like this don't they."  He smiled though his words and kissed her cheek.  "Oh, you're going to make me cry too!"

OOC: How dare you sneak on to post when you knew I've gone to bed D<

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Jinai's eyes studied his- wild and wide and full of tears. So many emotions stirred within her, and she was nearly choking on them as she reached a hand up to cup his face.
"You stupid man," she said, a few fresh tears escaping her eyes and rolling down her face when she could have laughed. "You already are crying!"

He chuckled at her words and hugged her tighter.  "Oh I'm just misty eyed is all," he said defensively, but tears were rolling down his cheeks as well.  Jude brushed his fingers through her hair.  "Oh gods, I'm a mess, aren't I?  Oh well,  I'm just happy to be alive."

Hearing his words, she hit his shoulder lightly.
"Shut up." she said,a nd just leaned into him and added, "I'm glad you are too." And she kept her eyes closed a moment, just enjoyinghis warmth and embraced before she added,
"Even if you are, smelly." And at that, she smiled and just held him close.

Jude laughed and pressed his lips hard against her forehead, laughing all the more.  "Its funny...  Usually you'd be gone by now... out the window...But I'm telling you, my arms feel so much nicer and are a lot warmer than the night wind."

At his words, Jinai went silent. She had no idea how to respond to that. If it was a jab at her, it worked, and she felt the pang of guilt within her. But he was right, it felt good to be in his arms, and this time he had awoken not even after they had had sex to find her there. She could have lost him- and she began to realize how much he was worth to her those long few days she tended to his unconscious form. But now, she was just happy he was alive as more tears moved down her face.

Jude ran a hand down her back, rubbing his palm along her spine.  "Oh shush, now," Jude mused.  "This is a happy moment!  Oh you feel good against me, don't you think?"  He peered at her and turned his hand to wipe away her tears.  "I love you, Jinai. I love you.  Don't cry.  I'm alive, I'm okay.  Don't cry..."  And as he rubbed  her back, a sudden growl was heard and Jude suddenly laughed.  "I think that's my stomach.  I haven't eaten in days."

OOC: Well isn't he excited to blurt that out to get her to shut up 8D
I MEAN TO REMIND HER ABOUT ALL THE LOVES

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He loved her? Don't cry?
"Gods.. Jude..." She peered up into his face, not certain whether to be angry or happy with him in that state- when suddenly Renna's voice cut through the moment as she stood at the door.

"Ahem.. er.. sorry to interrupt but.. you two just wait here. I can prepare something." And quietly again, she moved away, giving Jinai enough time to sit up and slip away from Jude as she sat at the end of the bed and buried her face into her hands.

"I don't even know how I should be feeling right now.." she said, never one to simply cry and now, she just couldn't stop. she shook her head, shrugged her shoulders if he tried to touch her before she turned back to him. "Gods .. I thought I killed you. I thought you'd never wake up."

Jude frowned when she moved away from him.  He groaned as he tried to sit up, feeling stiff and sore all over as if he'd just had really rough sex with a selfish partner.  He cracked his neck and sat just slightly behind her as she sobbed her eyes out.  He didn't touch her and just grinned sweetly at her.

"Glad maybe?" he suggested.  "Maybe confused?  But...I didn't die Jinai.  I got better.  I was scared too.  Scared I'd never wake up.  I know, I know, I was an idiot and I shouldn't have kissed you then.  But boy, if you think about it, if it got me that bad, I can only imagine what it did to Vesrik. "  Jude reached for her hand and sandwiched it between both of his.  "But I'm alive and that's what matters.  Hit me, kiss me, do whatever you want to me, I'm just glad to see you again."

She stared down at her hand, wrapped so tightly within his, and digested his words, but couldn't let them settle. Instead, she turned back to him and with her still free arm, wrapped it around him and kissed him.
"Gods, you fool, you stupid fool.." she said hoarsely.
But at least she knew, he was her stupid fool, even as she kissed him through her tears.

"I promise, I won't do it again," Jude laughed through the kiss, trying to lighten the mood.  He smiled against her lips.  "Oh and I kept my promise of not dying, see.  I am reliable."  He wrapped his arms around her and drank her lips softly.  "Besides, I got you to lay down with me at last and not stick your foot in my face."

It was finally her turn to laugh, and she did so as they were kissing one another hungeredly.
"That's because we're too busy kissing..." And she lowered her eyes lids and leered him, smirkign as she did so and gripped at his hair as she leaned forward, smashing her lips hungrily, but softly, lovingly against his- a kiss she had never shared with him, or anyone else before. It made her whimper with her eyes closed.
"Gods.." And she rested her forehead to his, keeping them closed. "I'm so sorry, Jude. I should have told you what I was going to do. But I..."
But she what? Was stupid and stubborn?
Yep... yep, she definitely was. And also a fool... and a fool for Jude Armand.

"Well, we'll work on our communication for future excursions of the covert variety," Jude smirked against her lips and kissed her sweetly, passionately and it took his breath away.  "Oh," he sniffed.  "It smells like Renna is cooking something delicious down there.  Would you mind terribly if I took a quick bath and cleaned up?  Then we can go down and eat.  Plus we have some important business to discuss now that I'm better."

Jinai smiled, half her face hidden behind her hair. It hadn't been brushed all week.
"Only if I can join you and help.." she said, but didn't bother to move, finding herself kissing him deeply once again.

Jude shivered at her words and let his hands slip down her back.  He breathed softly against her lips, moaning a little underneath her kiss.  When he pulled away he grinned underneath her and let his hands play along her skin.  "Of course you're invited.  As long as you don't hog the soap."

"But I plan to have full control over the soap," she informed him, kissing him still, too afraid to move from his lips in case this was a dream and she might not have another chance again. "Besides, you've slept all week.." and she finally craned her neck to peer up into his eyes. "Let me help you."
As she had been doing all week...

"Okay, Okay," he grinned at her and let his arms wrap around her waist.  "I don't mind a little help every now and then.  Not even a little bit."  He kissed her and did the moving himself, shifting to stand, testing his legs as he pulled her along with him.  "Oh and bring a set of clean clothes.  I've been naked all week." He wobbled here and there but over all, he was steady as he could be on his legs as they headed to the washroom.

Jinai remained close if he needed her, leaning against him to help support his uneasy legs. But it seemed he was able to walk, and that made her smile.
"Yeah well... not all of us can admit we need help..." she reminded him softly, frowning a bit before her spirits perked up at the reminder he had no clothes.
"I know.."s he said, taking him in appreciatively. "Too bad I couldn't take advantage of that for most of the week."

Jude chuckled at her and squeezed her hand.  He held a clean robe in one hand, he supposed it was better than complete nudity and he'd never been ashamed of his manhood.  "Well, I suppose you could have, but I might not have survived.  Though that might have been a fitting way to go: Death by orgasm.  Oh don't make that face.  I'm kidding.  I can still laugh," He smirked at her and opened the door to the washroom.  "Ladies first."

Jinai simply rolled her eyes at that comment as she walked into the wash room and went about heating and filling the tub.
"You know, if all things hadn't gone well- you might not be here to joke about that." And she shot him a look, a rather serious one before she added,
"Though if that were the case. It would have been death by a kiss." And when she said that, she smiled.

"Then I owe you thanks all the more, don't you think?" Jude smiled at her Jinai and lightly kissed her lips, lightly.  "C'mon then, I still want a bite before that delicious whatever-she's-cooking get's cold."  He ushered her inside and carefully poured the water into the tub.  Once it was filled, he set the robe on the hook and carefully slipped into the lukewarm water.  "Gah, I'll feel much better once I get this grime off me."

Jinai was slower, plucking off each article of clothing at a time. First her shirt, which she unthreaded the last through at the front and let it hang loose before pulling it over her head. THen into a pile it crumpled near her feet. She did the same with her second shirt, until her top was naked, and her hair, barely keeping her decent. That too, went into the pile. And as she watched him settle into the bath, her skirts dropped to the floor.

She wasted no time approaching the tub, sitting on the lip of it as she grabbed up the soap and rag and lathered them well.
"Turn around." She spoke, wearing a subtle grin. "And I'll wash your back."

Jude had watched her undress and an obvious look of appreciation was present on his face.  He grinned and blushed a little when at last she stepped into the tub.  It wasn't rare that a woman tried to seduce him, particularly when they were paying him so much to begin with.  But it was different this time, and the woman that appeared before him was something so much more.

He obeyed and turned her back to her, swishing the water around.  "Use that spicy oil, please, and the brush.  That would feel nice after days of being stuck to my bed sheets.  And please be gentle."  He chuckled at her and leaned forward.

Jinai grinned, but obeyed, taking a moment to first, wash off his skin with soap, then moved to apply the oils after she had rinsed the suds off. She worked slow, moving her hands and massaging her fingers into his skin. Where she felt him more tense, she rubbed harder, and it wasn't until his back was slicked over and glossing that she smiled and leaned forward and began to rub his shoulders.
"Now turn around.." she spoke softly into his ear.

Her hands worked their magic against his body.  Days of laying in bed left him stiff and sore and it was a massage he sorely needed.  She worked on him like she was kneading dough and soon he was nothing more than putty in her hands to mold as she pleased.  He shivered and leaned forward as she worked on him.  "God's Jinai, you didn't tell me you were so good with your hands," he breathed, his eye lids fluttering closed.

He almost fell asleep by the time she told him to turn around.  He shook his head, shaking the sleep from him and doing as she instructed.  He leaned back on the other side of the tub and leered at her.  "Whatever you're planning, be gentle, I'm an invalid, remember?" he laughed, though it was plain to see he wasn't, and would gladly welcome anything she had in mind.

Jinai kept her cool grin.
"You should know what I'm planning.."s he said, moving the wash cloth around his front, smoothing the suds and lathering them across his chest so that the bubbles hugged to the creases in his muscle and were dribbling down his well sculpted chest, and riveleting over his abs.

He smirked at her, unable to help himself.  "I'm sure I haven't the faintest idea," he said.  "I'm completely innocent in all this.  I'm just a regular guy having a very lovely lady bathe him in the tub.  Nothing....."  He took a breath and tried to play it off, "erotic about this at all."  He grinned at her and turned his body here and there where she could wash him more thoroughly.

As she washed him, the clothe kept moving lower and lower, until eventually her hand sunk into the waters, her smirk growing just a bit as her cloth moved across his erection- slick, sudsy and wet.
But after a few minutes of stroking it's length, she moved to go between his legs, growing a bit close as she moved to wash his balls- and then, before he realzied it, his butt! Then quickly, she moved the clothe down his thighs, knees and calves> Here, she lifted up his legs and worked at scrubbing the bubbles between his toes, water gushing down his leg as she did so and trickling onto her.

Thank Ansgar's beard she wasn't saying anything.  Because he wasn't going to hear it anyway.  His breath hitched when her hand made initial contact with his member and chills swarmed up and around his body.  He was relaxed, completely at ease and melted within her touch.  She was gentle with him, just as he'd asked and he breathed softly until he heard the trickle of water falling from his leg, as she lifted it to wash it more thoroughly.  "I see, it'll be my turn to wash you too," he said, smirking at her.  His hair was completely wet and plastered to his forehead and disheveled, and only made him look devilish as he leered at her.

"Oh? Who said you were getting a turn?" she said, smirking and looking away from him as she moved to wash his other leg, guiding the water and soap slowly down it and still keeping her eyes  avoiding his.

Jude laughed at her stubbornness and he wiggled his toes all along her skin.  "Oh, I don't deserve a turn!?  You took care of me for a week and really it's the least I could do as a means of saying thank  you..."  His eyes drooped, going half-lidded and he used his other foot to wiggle his toes in her ribs, trying to tickle her.

Gasping, Jinai jerked away and smacked his foot off.
"Knock it off, Jude! Or you'll be wishing you were back in that coma!"

Jude chuckled and relented.  "Okay okay," Jude murmured and leaned back in the tub, his arms laid on the edge.  He leaned his head back and just relaxed, enjoying the wash as it went on. 

Jinai finished his last foot before throwing it back into the water.
"There.." she said smartly. "All clean. Except that hair.." She looked him over. "Turn around so I can scrub it." And she gestured, making a commanding circle with her finger.

[She threw it!  Threw it like a stone! D8]

Jude had nearly fallen back asleep when she commanded him to turn back around.  "You mean so you can yank it from its roots," Jude mumbled to himself.  He had a thick head of beautiful hair, an auburn blonde, almost honeyed in colorand it fell in waves about his head.  Now it was disheveled and wrinkled and  a little knotted.  And certainly smelly.  Jude tureed about again and sat so she could wash his hair.

Jinai sat behind him, forcing his back against her chest as she lathered up some soap in her hands and began to knead and work her fingers into his scalp until his hair came to a nice lather. She was a bit rough, but his hair was thick, and pretty oily.. so she felt she had little choice.
"So.. while you were unconscious all those days..." she began to ask, voice coming across his ear. "Did you dream of anything?"

"Yes," Jude replied with little resistance.  Her touch was almost magical and it lulled him into a state completely at ease with her.  "I dreamt of lots of things.  Most of it didn't make sense I guess, like old clients I didn't even talk too anymore.  I dreamt of my sister when she was a little girl, what she'd be now when she's older.  I dreamt of you...We ran from something through the city at night.  Not sure why though..."  He smirked at the memory.  "Jinai...what was you're brother like?"

Jinai listened quietly as he spoke, fingers still working into his scalp. But when he asked about her.brother, she stopped and said, with a small smile, "Which one?"

"Oh, there's more than one?" Jude asked.  He shrugged and quickly added.  "Tell me about all of them.  Why not?"

"Yep.." she said, seeming less than enthused. "And I don't know if I care for anyone of them except the one that's dead. My older brother, Garret, is a jerk, might have slept with my second older brother Tamas's wife... and Kellent, well, he used to get into fights all the time. Didn't give a damn about me and wanted to be just like my drunken father..." Shaking her head, she frowned at the memories of home. "They were a pretty rough crew... except for Retkin." And now he was dead. "And I think he was the only person that ever loved me." ANd she paused, moving uneasily in the bath before muttering, uncertainly, "Except.... maybe you... And REnna."

Jude nodded and frowned at her words.  "It's hard to lose the only people you're close too," he said, reching his hand up to gently touch her hand.  "When I lost my sister, I-....I didn't know what to do with myself.  I just wonder where she is right now...  If she's still alive."  He frowned a little and sighed.  "Tell me about Retkin.  What was he like?"

Jinai went quiet, and after a long moment of staring at the waters and lathering her same shoulder iwth soap, she inquired, "After you tell me more about your sister, first.."

Jude chuckled and peered at her over his shoulder.  "Okay, fair enough," he smiled at her and took some water and rinsed his own hair.  Jude turned in the water and faced her, sitting with his knees poking out of the water and peering at her as she washed own shoulders.  "She was an energetic little thing.  And attached to my every step.  As you might imagine, farm life was very hard work and she'd help me some, but she was mostly too little.  We used to go fishing at a lake not too far from the farm.  I remember she caught the biggest carp!  And we ate well that night.  She said she wanted to marry a prince someday, a gallant hero, or a knight ...  Maybe she did."  His smile had a ghostly charm to it and his gaze seemed distant.  He then looked directly at her.  "Her name was Jeanne."

JInai listened to his words carefully, digesting each one as if it were a piece of bread after having been starved for so long. This made her realize how little she knew about this man, and how little he knew of her..
Yet somehow, they had come to love one another- feeling she herself was having trouble coping with. Though the mention of his sister's name drew her back to him as she peered at him after he had rinsed his hair.
"How long has she been gone?"

"It's been so long I've almost lost count...  I think it's been fourteen, maybe fifteen years," Jude said with a solemn, sad breath.  But he quickly removed it from his features when he peered up at her again.  "Your turn...I mean if you still want to.  I know there's much we still don't know about each other, in spite of all we shared.  I understand if it's too hard to talk about."

Jinai, still avoiding his gaze, moved slightly in the tub, moving to wash her back, and not bothering to ask him for any help as she did so.
"What's there to know? We were close... close than I was to anyone, really but then.. well, he found out he was a mage and things became dangerous for him to be here.." She thought over his parting words and stared solemnly at the tub. "I tried to get him to stay, told him I could protect him, help keep his secret but... we parted on awkward terms and he moved to Serendipity. But when the war started, he.. he tried to come back for me... but died in the massacre at Havanlaar... I... hadn't seen in since before he left and so many years had passed. When his body was retrieved, I took it to his wife. Now.. he rests in the grave."

She shrugged, acting as if it was no big deal- but it hurt, even briefly talking about it like this.
Everything always hurt.

Jude knew only too well what it was like to lose someone you loved.  If it was the only other person who shared your life, it only hurt all the more.  Despite her casual nonchalance, Jude could see the pain in her eyes, the anguish and he didn't know what to say.  There were no words that could be used to console her, not words that weren't generic and overly used and no longer contained the meaning they once held.

His chosen profession left little rooms for relationships, little room for contact that had any meaning.  It was business, little more than that, with no room for emotion.  And that's how it was day in day out.  Moments of ecstasy and nights of emptiness.  Not that Jude didn't enjoy it, for what man could deny himself pleasures and say he regretted them.

Besides, if he regretted them, he might have never met Jinai and that thought was something to hold on to.

So when she shrugged regardless, Jude did the only thing he thought felt right and took her in his embrace.  He didn't question her, said nothing to provoke more words, and just hugged her against him, to show her she had mean something to someone, and she meant something to him.

At his embrace, she melted into his arms, stiffening at first, but soon melting. Though she didn't hug back, she didn't know how to , so she just let him hold her as they both lay there in the cooling bath waters while the sweet smells from the kitchen drifted into the room.
She realized her eyes had become wet and brushed them away as she moved to rise "I.. I think we've made Renna wait long enough."

Jude released her and nodded.  "Indeed," he grinned and sat up from the filthy waters.  The tub would need to be cleaned out after this.  So Jude took a towel and dried himself off before slipping into the robe and handing her a towel as well.  Once that was done, he moved to go downstairs toward the kitchens.  He sat down at the island in the middle where fresh eggs and sausages and bacon had been cooking and his stomach growled even louder.  "Renna!  You nosy little mouse!  You would ransack my kitchen to make such a succulent meal.  It looks delicious!"

Renna laughed at his comment, but did not let that deter her from stealing a hug from him and a kiss.
"But of course! Someone has to take care of you!" And she gave a sheepish smirk Jinai's way as the group gathered around the table. Jinai was hungry, but she was still recovering from the shock of having Jude awake that she simply picked at her food and kept quiet while Renna went on, inquiring how Jude was doing.

The food was set and though he was starving, Jude waited until everyone was seated before he took a bite from his plate.  "I feel much better, thanks to Jinai here," Jude replied.  He smiled at the rough and tumble woman and gestured her to eat more.  "I wouldn't have made it without her.  Granted I wouldn't have gotten sick if I wasn't so stupid to begin with, but there ya go."  He chuckled and set hss hand beside Jinai's and nodded to Renna.  "So did you ever find the contents of that paper I picked up?  Was it the list?"

Jinai, suddenly not feeling in the mood to socialize, contemplated excusing herself when Jude brought up the list.
"What do you mean.. list?"

Renna, who had almost forgotten herself, looked towards Jude.
"When you were out, I didn't want to disturb her so I.. well, I looked at the list and made a copy. Just in case." And she stared at Jude, curious if he wanted to explain.

"It was a list," Jude explained.  "Of a load of ships that were coming into port soon  to collect some rather interesting cargo, or at least that's what Renna heard.  Vesrik was looking to sell some mages into slavery.  But we don't know when or where or who.  Say, Renna, how many ships did that list say were coming in?"

"Close to a dozen," she replied, and frowned at the look Jinai was giving her. "Please don't be angry with me, Jinai. I didn't think it was appropriate to tell you about it, given the circumstances. But... well, I found some more.. interesting knews about... the Grand Duke's visor.... "

At this, Jinai perked up curiously and peered over at her.

"But perhaps I ought to wait until we finish our food, first?"

It was here JInai put down her fork.
"God damn it.." She knew it! That bastard was still alive! Getting up from the table, Jinai stormed out of the room while Renna looked imploringly to Jude.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Jinai!" she tried calling after her, but didn't make chase, just let her friend be.

Jude rubbed his head and face and pushed his plate away.  "I'll go talk to her.  And trust me, the fact that that bastard is still alive is as much a shock to me as well.  I mean after the hell I went through...  Tch!"  Jude just shook his head and walked after Jinai.

"Jinai, listen to me.  He may not be dead," he tried to reason.  "But with this information, we can make his life a living hell.  And then he'll wish he was dead.  We'll bury that son of a bitch."

Jinai kept her back from Jude, having found herself alone in a corner until he approached. But after a time, she finally shook her head and turned to him.
"But I wanted him dead then. Gods.. don't you get it?" she said, glaring up at him as tears threatened in her eyes. "I risked everything to try to kill him. Now he's just.." she turned away, shaking he rhead again as she looked at the floor and placed a hand over her eyes.
"I'm just exhausted. Maybe I should rest." Truthfully, she felt extremely sick over the whole thing and just wanted to retch.

He could see it was taking its toll on her and patted her shoulder.  "Maybe you wanted to kill him.  But there ARE fates worse than death."  He let her be and rejoined Renna in the kitchen.

Renna turned to Jude when he returned with a pout.
"Maybe I should apologize? I.. I didn't mean to make either of you upset."

"No-no," he said, waving a hand.  "It's not your fault.  Jinai just needs a moment.  And we would have found out anyway.  Better sooner than later.  It would have ruined our plans had we leant it that way."  Jude ate his cold eggs and bacon, his stomach hollow and cold.  "But at leasr we have a copy of the list."

"Yes," Renna said softly, still feeling really guilty as she stared down at her food. "But even from just a list.. it.. doesn't offer us much to go on." And this, she sighed.

"Then we need someone who's close to the Visor.  Someone who would know such information and who it wouldn't be too difficult to get it from," Jude thought and pushed his plate away when he was done.  "Someone like Lord Athur Christy.  But how to get it from him.  That is the question.  Though...would he even know?"

Renna peered up at him and smile a bit.
"You know.. I could listen in at his estate- see if I can't get any information that could lead us to some sort of clue. I'd hate to miss an opportunity to save these mages from such a horrible fate. I mean, we've got a crucial clue, but starting with just a list of ships doesn't give us the date or time, or what else we might be looking for. FOr all we know, we could even be already too late..."

"Maybe.  But I hate to put you at risk like that.  And I think if there was a passel of ships coming this way.  I would have heard about it by now.  We all would have.  Does the list have at least the name of the ships on it?"

"It's no trouble, Jude," she said, chuckling. "Who would suspect a mouse could listen into a private conversation? After all, how on earth would anyone ever prove the mouse was me?"
She smiled at him then rested a hand upon his.
"Would you like to see the list? Maybe yo can make heads or tails of it. But yes, it was encoded, but I think I figured it out. I had... a lot of time to spare, you could say.." And she smiled up into his face and squeezed his hand.

"Sure," Jude replied, taking the list from her.  He peered over his shoulder again and frowned a little.  "I wish Jinai would come back in.  We could use her input."

At his comment, Renna squeezed his hand.
"She's.. not really good at any of these things. I've... known her longer. I think it might take her some time to adjust to everything that happened."
And then curiously, she asked, "What did happen anyway? I feel as if I'm missing something.." And as she peered over to where Jinai had gone, she noted she disappeared.

Jude looked to where Renna looked and saw that Jinai was gone.  "Oh gods," he muttered.  "It's a long...a long story...  I caught Vesrik...he-he raped her.  I got her out of there...  And then she came back to the ball and had some plan in mind.  She was trying to poison him.  But I guess things didn't work out as planned."  Jude rubbed his face, tired as can be and feeling tears threatening to come out of his eyes.  "God, I can't let something happen to her," he said abruptly and ran back toward the main living room.  "Jinai!?" he called out.  "Jinai!"

Renna felt the same. She could't believe the story and followed after him, placing a hand upon his shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. "Let me help you. She couldn't have gotten far." ANd stepping outside the house, she began to call out, "JInai! JINAI!!!"
Though it was hard to see and late-
Though despite her stepping out into the streets and looking, Jinai had merely taking homage in the shadows beside the house- where she was current unseen while the two others kept looking for her. It wasn't until they began to get farther away did she stand up from where she had been sitting and glanced over at them, appearing at the gate before Jude's manor home and calling out behind them.

"Hey- cut out that yelling. DId you forget I'm a wanted criminal in this city?"

Jude felt his stomach drop and his heart with it as he turned to her and charged to her.  When she was close enough, he just wrapped his arms around her, hugging her.  "If you're going for air, you could at least tell me where you're off to.  I want to know you're at least safe," Jude said adamantly.  "God it's freezing out here!  "My balls feel like they're in ice.  Can we head back inside please?"

Renna, too, was shocked when Jinai was still on the manor's property, and followed, a lot more slowly than Jude did to approach her.

"Yes, it's awfully cold. Come on you two," she said with a smirk, stepping on past them a as Jude continued to hug Jinai tight.

Jinai, not knowing how to react to Jude just clinging to her, faltered in her step before she was able to catch her footing and just let him hold her. And at his words, she shook her head.
"Alright. But don't use that as an excuse to get naked with me Jude," she said, and turned with him back towards the house, slipping her hand into the back of his pants as they went, just resting them there and leaning in against his side, keeping close.
And as they neared the door,s he found herself whispering, "I'm sorry I scared you. I'm not used to dealing with.... this."

[Lol.  He's not wearing pants. He's just in a robe.  She never grabbed the clothes!  At least I don't think she did]

Jude walked with his arm over her shoulders and held eer close.  He kissed her temple.  Unlike her, he was not stiff and awkward in his giving of affection, instead he wasmore than at ease with it.  He held her like she was apart of him.  And she was, whether she knew it or not and Jude nodded at her words.  "It's all right.  I just..I care about you...I worry.  But nothing good can come of parting at a time like this.  You're safe with me as long as I can help it."  And helped her up the steps back into the warmth of the house.

OOC: LOL whoops. Then assume her hand is inside his robe on his ass 8D *waggles brows*
Might as well!

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Jinai only shook he rhead at him, avoiding his gaze.
"Yeah, well.. I'd like to see you stopped the armed guards if they come from me. Honestly.."s he nudged him lightly in the ribs. "You may as well have been calling out you have a mage. But let's just get inside and forget about that. I'm sure we have more important things to talk about."

[That's exactly what I assumed!]

Jude closed the door behind them and locked it tight.  Turning back to them  he moved toward the fireplace and set in some kindling and lit a match, shivering a little from the cold.  He sat on the couch beside it and rubbed his hands to keep warm.  "I'm sorry about that, Jinai," Jude remarked.  He sighed and peered at Renna, "Do you have the list?"

"Yes," she said, stepping forward carrying a blanket for them to share, before she took a seat across from them and unfolded the paper.
"Jinai.. Jude and I found a list at the party. While you had run off with Vesrik.. he dropped this."

Staring down at the paper, Jinai unfolded it and crinkled her nose as she read it.
"What is this?"

"A list of ship names."

"Ship names?" JInai looked utterly confused and turned from Renna to Jude.

"Yes, you see, I over heard Lord Christy and the Grand Duke's visor talking in private at the ball. They mentioned selling off a group of mages that were meant to be delivered to a mage camp. They were being discerete about it, and when I realzied they had exchanged a list of the ships, I knew I had to find out more. But I was nearly caught."

"Renna...." Jinai glared.

"I know I know, I need to be careful but... hey, I got us this list. Only problem is, we need a bit more information to go off of before we can attempt to help those poor mages."

"That, and we need to put the original copy back, or did you do that already Renna?" Jude remarked, pulling the blanket over his legs.  He leaned over Jinai's shoulder and peered at the list.  "We were talking about how Lord Christy might have some more information currently not present on the list, but how we would get that information, I'm not sure.  We don't even know if he would really have it, though he is close to the Grand Duke's visor.  I'm quite sure a venture like this wouldn't be something he would keep record of, or just blurt out."

"Well... yes, I did sneak it back, actually. But it helps when I, myself, don't have to be present to do it." Sometimes it DID help to be her sort of a mage, after all! Renna was partially beaming, but she knew they were in a grave sort of situation.

Jinai glanced over at Renna. "So is that where you disappeared to?"

Renna only shrugged. "But hey- if in doubt, you know you guys can use me. And I don't mind.I like knowing that I can help."

Jude smiled at Renna's endearing enthusiasm.  "That's all well and good Renna.  And don't think I don't value you're aid.  But Jinai is right.  You really should be more careful.  I can perform my own espionage, I'm sure.  You're far too valuable Renna, to just use your gifts willy-nilly.  Now that I'm better, we can come up with a decent plan, I hope, to get this information."

"Oh! But it's not silly!" Renna protested. "The visor already had his eyes all over me. It wouldn't be hard to see if I couldn't get near to him again if I had to. Though Lord Christy is another story. He... seems to be smitten for only one girl..."

At Renna's last statement, he turned his head to peer at Jinai.  A smirk played on his lips.  "Indeed he is.  I can only imagine why," he murmured.  "I mean, I don't think Lady Thames would be up for gathering more information would she?  Would Arthur Christy really give it so easily?  Something tells me no, even with all the love in the world.  We would need something more.  Something to bring him to his knees."

"What if we said Lady Thames was dead?" Renna suggested.

Jinai, who had gone quiet a moment, and uncomfortable, shook her head at Renna's ideas and groaned. "And give up the persona he's pining for? That wouldn't help us get a lead."

Renna blinked. "That's true. Hrm.. what if Lady Thames were said to have run away? Maybe we could lure him somewhere. Perhaps as a trap. Though, is the man that desperate for you?"

Jinai laughed at that and shook her head. "Apparently. Though only gods knows why. I only gave him one good fuck and now it seems I'm the woman of his dreams."

"Hey.. what if you asked him to marry you?"

Jinai made a face. "The man is married. Besides, men like to know they own a woman, wedding ring or not. We'd have to think of something clever enough to get him to chase me down if we want him alone. Playing on his own turf would be too dangerous."
And it was here she glanced down at the rings Renna wore. She knew the girl's affections for the Brennick boy, and recalled the first time Renna squealed to get a ring from him. And then thinking back to the wedding idea, she peered over at Jude.

Naw. The idea she was going to say just wouldn't work. So she simply sighed when Jude's house bell was suddenly rung.

Both Renna and Jinai turned to Jude.
"I guess we better make ourselves scarce." Renna plucked up the letter and quickly, her things while giving Jinai's arms a tug. "Come on, courtesan's must be courtesans. Can't keep our shenanigans from letting the man work." But even as Renna was prodding, Jinai stole a glance Jude's way.

"Yeah but... he's still recovering."

"He'll be fine!" And she continued to push Jinai's butt towards the window. "All our clients need special attention. His reputation is on the line if we keep him from it. So in other words, to save face, we have to get out of here!" Though she sounded urgent, she giggled as she moved to step out of the windows. Waving to Jude, she blew him a kiss. "We'll come visit in the morning. I'll be sure to keep Jinai out of trouble and safe!"

Jinai rolled her eyes but didn't turn to look at Jude. Shit. She had forgotten his job was to fuck the rich and the wealthy, and the jealousy that always ate away at her soured her through.
"Goodbye!" Renna said agin, the yanked Jinai the rest of the way out  the window and the two girls were gone.

It was Jude's turn to muse on the matter at hand as the two women beside him spoke of their own accord.  He wished he had something warm to drink, but so far all he had to deal with was the blanket and his robe and the cold that still lingered on the hair on his body.  Jude wasn't an overtly hairy man and hated looking like a bear.  But the slight hair on his chest and belly was not enough to keep him warm.

When the bell rang and Jinai and Renna made themselves scarce by skedaddling out of a window on the side of his house, Jude groaned and got up and paused as the knocking on his door resounded more and more.  A client.  He hadn't been expecting a client.  It was unusual for them to just drop in on him like this; usually that was all arranged ahead of time.

But the ringing was insistent and the woman's voice on the other side would obviously not go away until he answered the door.  The smoke from his fireplace up the chimney pipe certainly showed that somebody was home.  "Who is it?" he called through the door, not opening it just yet.

"It's me, Jude. Lady Wallsenberg. I... I hope I am not disturbing you. I.. I come with.. urgent needs."
Lady Wallsenberg was a tall woman, well curved and pretty. She was one of his few clients that wasn't entirely old, either- and quite a looker, with dark hair and a few beauty marks, and heavy breasts. Her.. husband was quite an old man, and at first she wasn't looking for a courtesan, but was addicted to someone like Jude Armand. And lately- she hadn't contacted him much- and had actually, found it increasingly more difficult to do so. And it was driving her crazy. She needed to talk... she needed to fuck.
"May I come in?"

At the sound of the woman, Jude gave a sigh and leaned his head against the door.  Not even a day recovered and all ready a client was in demand.  He was starting to think he needed a vacation, another one, though he'd just returned so soon.  "I-I'm not sure this is the best of times, Lady Wallsenberg," he replied.  "I'm afraid I'm not feeling well this evening, and it is a most unusual hour.  Perhaps we could reschedule.  That might be in both of our best interests."

Though Lady Wallsenberg was insistent, and persistent, and unrelenting, she eventually caved when she had seen him. Giving him a few tender kisses, she scheduled a rendez-vous for later that week,a nd when Jude was alone, another knock came to his door. It was quite a late hour by now, but Renna was desperate, and not about to go running after Jinai. So when Jude answered, she told him, "Jinai left." And as she stepped inside, sh sighed and looked up at him. "But..' she said, offering him a grin and sigh. "She said she'd be back. But of course.. not when. She had a thought and left me suddenly, and I couldn't stop her! But you know how she is..." Staring down at her feet, Renna gave a small smile before she turned to Jude. "hey.. at least she said she'd come back.."
But who knew when!

It wasn't anything new and Jude had expected as much.  Jinai had made a habit of it over the short time he'd come to know her.  Though he merely shrugged and welcomed Renna inside his house, Jude knew he couldn't make more of the matter than it really was.  "It's all right Renna.  Nobody can control that woman.  And if they tried, they'd soon have their heads spinning with what kind of foolishness that is.  Thankfully, I like to think I understand her enough to know she'll come when she pleases.  I don't hope to have her on a leash.  I only wish that she's safe," he answered as he offered her tea and drank some himself in his foyer.

Renna agreed and joined him for a drink, but she couldn't help but have that fact chew over her.
"It's really inconsiderate of her, though, Jude." She said suddenly, while angrily dunking her tea bag into the water. "I mean, you two love one another, right? She shouldn't just leave you when you need her." She shook her head. "Though she didn't tell me the details of her disappearance, I guess we'll just have to wait this out, huh? I just know, if Oakley did that to me, I'd pull out his hair!"

"I'm sure you'd do more than pull out his hair," Jude laughed, seeming nonchalant over the matter.  "It's all right, Renna, honestly.  I'm sure Jinai is busy doing whatever it is that she does.  I'm not her husband after all.  And even if I was, heaven forbid, I still wouldn't dream of putting her on a leash.  A woman like that is as exciting as she is.  We're not like other people, Renna.  You know this."

"I know but.." Renna dropped her gaze. "Maybe that's why you two are so perfect together. Forgive me if I'm wrong," she said, lifting her face to smile at him. "But I just knew you two would hit it off. I'm glad Jinai decided to snoop in on you." And she giggled. "I... might have had.. a little somethign to do with that." ANd she blushed. "She was afraid for me, and I made you out to be some arrogant jerk. She seemed to want to knock you down a few paces but I think she got... something much different instead."

Jude laughed and patted Renna on the hand.  "She told me something like that.  Well, of sorts.  I honestly thought she was going to kill me from time to time.  And I guess it's still sort of a realistic fear.  But, you know what else she told me...?"  He smirked at her and sipped his tea once more.  "She said you had a little crush on me back then.  Is that true?"

Renna's face went red.
"She said what!?" the girl shouted, sitting up suddenly. "Crush? Oh hardly, Jude! I was madly in love with you!" And at that,s he gave a laugh. "THough to be fair, I always thought you were dreamy. Don't get me wrong, Oakley is my true love, but you are quite the hunk of a man." And at that, she gave Jude a playful wink. "Though is that all she said?" And here,s he put her hands to her hips. "I'm surprised she'd divulge anything like that at all! It was top secret girl stuff! Secrets to be kept for a lifetime!"

"It surprised me as much as you.  I wasn't sure I believed her, not sure I still do," he grinned at her and gave her a playful wink.  "But I can fathom the attraction, I am quite gorgeous aren't I?"  He laughed and drank more.  "And you're not so bad yourself.  Oakley is a lucky man.   How is the old boy anyway? "

Renna gave a playful fluff of her and let her boobs press out, nearly bursting from her dress as she did so.
"Yeah, Jinai's got nothing on this red hair and my breasts." And she grinned toohthily at that. But at his question, she grew sheepish. "He is well. Thanks for asking, though he worries about me, and I for him." She sighed and turned away from him, looking down at her skirts. "Sometimes I wish we all lived in a different time."

Jude did admire Renna's form.  She had become quite the young lady and he raised his tea cup to her before taking the last sip, and setting it back on the plate.  "That's good to hear," he said more seriously now.  "I think we'd all wish things were different.  Wish this dreadful war to be over with all ready, for all the nonsense that's running it, for the jack ass we're forced to call a Grand Duke.  Oh, indeed, these are lovely times...  Why don't we all just sing a song."  Jude felt somber then and looked away from Renna, staring off toward the fireplace, wondering where Jinai was now of all times.

"I miss him," Renna said after a time. "It's been a while since we.. well.." and here she shuffled nervously about. "Though perhaps I shouldn't bring up my sex talk with you," she added with a laugh. "Then again, we are courtesans. I suppose we needn't be prudes."

He quirked a brow at her.  "I don't know about that courtesan business, but I'm a man-for-hire.  I never did like that word.  A man-for-hire, it's the proper term for what I do, and what I am.  As for Oakley...well, what could I say about him?  He's as skinny as ever?  Does that boy even eat?"

Renna gave a soft, musical laugh.
"Yes, though I daresay not much. He does enjoy his meal like a bird." But she blushed at the thought. "But that's why I love him. Despite the fact I can get whatever man I want, I want him. Sorry Jude, your muscles mean nothing against the true power of love." And she tossed him a playful wink and grin. "Though I do think Oakley might look strange with all your muscles!" ANd she laughed at that. But honestly, she could never imagine him! He was just perfect the way he was!

"He never would be able to pull it off, my body that is," Jude laughed and crossed his arms over his chest.  "But it certainly wouldn't hurt the poor boy, don't..you think?  To at least even him out.  I mean, how is he manhood wise.  In terms of your satisfaction of course.  If he's pleased you well enough and want him to please you all the more, having a muscular build would be a nice thing to hold on to when you're...y'known."  He laughed and gestured to his back.  "Jinai's given me more than my fair share of back scars, I'll have you know."

Renna blushed at his comment.
"Well, he's better than a lot of my clients,"s he said sheepishly. "Though I suppose I do tend to take the lead. I suppose I get my kicks on men being in charge with my clients but oh! I'd never tell Oakley!" It would hurt him so! And their sex was just something she could melt right on into. It was perfect. "He's just not that sort, you know? The agressive type, I mean." She blushed. "He's just too sweet for that."

"Nothing says a man can't be sweet and built at the same time.  But if he pleases you as he does, then there is no need for it.  It would be purely cosmetic."  He sighed and peered over at the grandfather clock.  "Hmm, I suppose Lady Wallsenberg is going to show up any day now.  Gods I this week surely flew by."

"Is it Lady Wallsenberg who came to visit here earlier?" Renna inquired with a curious tilt of her head. "I think I've heard of her. Her.. husband.. he's well, a client of mine.' And she blushed and looked away. "And her son is.. too."

Jude nodded to her.  "On the night of my recovery no less.  It was a hard thing to turn her away, she pays well and she's not greedy about it," he sighed.  "And her husband WOULD come to you.  Old fart.  And her son is no less of a bastard.  Don't let him do anything weird with you.  There's a certain strength in being in control of one's sexual desire.  You have a say in when, where, and how.  Just some advice.  And here for your protection.  I've been meaning to give this to you."  Jude pulled a small case of vials from his pocket and handed them to her.  "Some elixirs to help keep you physically clean.  It's the least I can do."

"Elixirs? Is this those sorts I've been hearing about?" And she looked them over, smiling a little before giving a sheepish grin to Jude. "You might also want to give some to your own girl, Jude. Though you and I aren't having sex with one another, it's nice of you to consider the health of my body,"s he teased, jutting out her chin.

OOC: I assumed the time shift hasn't happened XD just fyi-
that the lady who interrupted came and gone then Renna came back all in the same day/ight
If you'd rather not assume that that's fine 8D
I probably didn't mention or word it clearly XD
Cause I was tireds when we were plotting ._.

At Renna's words, Jude's smile turned somber and he nodded in agreement.  "But I don't know if she would accept them from me...  She's addicted to those opiates.  Though does it seem to you that she uses less when she's with me, as if maybe I help fulfill some need those drugs give her.  At least for the momet.  But I get so scared at times, when I think she might hurt herself, even on accident."  He hadn't realized it, but a tear had escaped his right eye and it wasn't until it rolled down his cheek did he wipe it away.

Renna spotted the tear and moved closer to Jude.
"Oh, Jude, I know what you mean.  I don't know why she's so careless. But don't let it get to you. You are like good medicine for you. Perhaps she'll find a reason not to take them anymore now that.. you know.. "s he gave hima  grin. "That you did confess your love for her." And at that, REnna winked.

"Perhaps.  But that will be her decision and not mine.  I can only hope that she will wise up, and know at least that she's important to someone," Jude replied solemnly though he patted Renna and thanked her for the comfort.  "Did she say where she was going?  She obviously didn't say when she would be back?  Well, even so, I guess that isn't for us to know.  I feel tired and sleepy.  Would you like to stay here tonight?  As my guest of course."

"It is late. I'll take you up on that offer.' And then she took his hand and squeezed it before kissing Jude upon the cheek. "Don't worry. She'll be back. I'm sure of it. She's got reasons to now." And her eyes sparkled as they looked up into his. "Love is a wonderful thing, isn't it?"

Jude laughed.  "Love is...nauseating.  At least in moments like this," Jude laughed again and patted Renna's hand before standing and leading her upstairs.  "Come on, let's get some sleep.  I could sleep for days."

Renna agreed and gave him a sympathetic smile.
"Don't worry. Love is worth it in the end." And she too, retired for the night.

OOC: End of thread. Though the adventures continue here (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=15685.msg159646#msg159646)!