OOC: Tags at
@Legit Violet He couldn't believe his new assignment. It was like his life, his prestigious position at the Grand Duke's side, was going from bad to worse in a matter of months. When the bastard's mother first came into the castle and he had to watch over Medina like her own personal body guard, he continually bit his cheek and did as Calent requested. But when the bitch became pregnant with Calent's second bastard with her blood...
Calent said he had taken it too far. And not to be offended that he was, in a sense, assigned another more 'important task'. He couldn't completely blame Calent, but he also couldn't shake the disdain. It was an awful taste in his mouth that Calent was abusing his position when he was clearly cut from a stone meant to protect this kingdom from the nasty magical fiends that tainted it.
When the Grand Master of the mordecai was presented in trial for his mage like powers, of course the coward had run. What was left was the clean up. He was in charge of so many and to have that many skills mordecai just turned over to be presumed as criminals too just wasn't an option. So the Grand Duke left it Zannrick to sort through the questionables, which lead him straight to the prison where Fade Rylian now remained.
From what he gathered, she was an outsider and he wasn't even sure she had much in the way of skills. Why would the Grand master of mordecai take in someone not truly a mordecai? There were many questions unanswered in her official write up and Zannrick wondered why the grand master hadn't been replaced a lot sooner for atrocities such as
this.But then he saw the woman and it only solidified his ill thoughts towards Artorias.
"Fade Rylian, I presume?" Zannrick said, standing stiff and at attention before her cell. she was lucky. This cell was reserved for nobles and was at least a step above the other, rotting gut cells that littered the capital.
"I'm here to report to you of your probation, that your skills aiding the crown will not be ignored but your allegiances will be further tested before your sentence is verified. You will not be presumed innocent, nor guilty, and will remain as my charge until it is decreed by myself, or the Grand Duke himself, whether or not you will remain as part of the Grand Duke's intimate network of warriors. You have the chance to refute, but should you do so, you will be tried in the courts against not only your own instances of foul play while in the kingdom of connlaoth, but also how your actions and that of the former grand master might have been coordinated. The Grand Duke has given you the choice to confess now or allow yourself to prove your worth and remain in his alliance as you have been well institutionalized prior to the former Grand master's accusations. Do you understand what this means?"
He stared down at the dark haired woman with judgement, his own cold, ice blue eyes in heavy contrast to her cold, blood colored red ones.
Fade had been completely silent for many days. Letting nothing but the sound of shadows creep up on her through the blackened veil of her own mind... And she reveled in it. The feeling of her own power seeping through her her body and infecting the surroundings. The colors of her feats lighting up her world and those around her. Seeking to continue her journey in utter silence, Fade sat. She thought. She meditated... She waited.
Shattered. Just like that. It had all fallen apart. For 8 years she had served this country faithfully. Carrying out her tasks with ruthless efficiency, never questioning her orders. Never even having an opinion on them. After all, how could she? Was her humanity stripped away since her time with the brutal trainings of her previous allegiance so many years ago? Maybe. She was only a husk, serving something greater than her. Or at least she thought so... Until now. After all those years of her enduring acts for the people of Connlaoth, she once again finds herself in a prison cell... Not that she could exactly blame anyone. Artorias was a strange and distant man, it wasn't a surprise he kept a few secrets hidden beneath the surface... Even those as ill fated as the one's he kept. And now that left her. Sitting in her own mind, tucked away deep in the shadows, hidden from the world. In hopes that no one would encounter her again. Fade figured it was only a matter of time before they forgot about her, or tried her for execution...
Her solitude however was suddenly broken however, when an unfamiliar voice kicked in. It was behind her. By the sound of it, the man sounded older. Surly even. Just by the way his tone danced on his tongue, Fade could tell he was obviously not a fan of his current situation. Most likely ordered too by whoever was his superior. And it was clear those who had heard about her by now harbored a bitter distaste.
Fade would say nothing at all as the man spoke to the back of her head. She'd simply wait until he was finished. Slowly standing to her feet, she'd finally turn to him. The red glint in her dead eyes flashed in the torchlight for a brief moment. She'd stare deep into his blue gaze with a long and stern stare... Until she finally spoke.
"I understand..." Her voice was even colder than her eyes. The tone soft, but unwavering. Stonecold and kept the same pitch. No emotion at all...
"Than you will understand that we will keep you in this cell until you make the judgement yourself. If you know your innocence, you will remain under my command, my watch, until only I, or the grand duke himself, decide of your future. Other wise, you will remain here and go onto trial. Being you have worked many years for the greater good of Connlaoth, it is unwise we just cast hasty judgement upon you. However, due to the nature of how you came into your position, we can not risk that you may also be not as you appear. Please note you have no second chances beyond this. Any future faults will land you directly under the pretenses of your presumed guilt and you'll be sentenced with the appropriate reprimand. Do you understand?"
The woman would continue to stare deeply into his eyes as he spoke with haste, seemingly wanting to get this over with. Understandably. It was obvious this was just another menial task for this man. Of course, it did confuse her slightly however. Upon staring at his face longer, his posture, and his attitude, Fade could already tell who this man was. Zannrick. Now why would he be sent to Fade's case? What purpose did the Grand Duke's knight have with dealing the law to petty prisoners? Perhaps more was going on than Fade realized...
She'd respond again, with the exact same tone. Not that she could really do anything else. Fade had arrested many people in her day, and held similar tribunals to their cells... Of course, when FADE was sent to judge a prisoner... It was usually their death sentence...
"Judge me however you deem, Zannrick. I have nothing to hide..."
"Then you wish to remain in service to the crown?" Zannrick inquired, seeming impatient, but he was a busy man. He lacked much sleep, much like the Grand Duke himself, and played an integral role in keeping things moving seeminglessly from castle to battlefield and beyond.
Over the years he never once left Allarrick's side. His constitution for his country always unbreakable. However, recent events had him itching from the inside out, and this pesky woman being added to his plate further served to annoy him and all that he stood for.
He knew it was a punishment for what he did to Medina, that useless lover of the Grand Duke's. he would not regret his actions towards her, though perhaps he would feel only minor regret he was not acting in better taste.
This however, he knew was a sort of atonement and in a sense, the same went for the woman he'd oversee. He knew her well enough by reputation and met her in passing over the years. He could respect what she had done. She brought many into the jails and for that, earned her enough respect for him not to at least give her a chance himself. After all, those who served justice rightly deserved the utmost respect.
"If so you must realize you'll relinquish any freedoms under my authority for an undetermined amount of time. Once your intentions are realized through the judgement of your peers, mine currently and the Grand Dukes, respected, then your future will be determined. As far as it goes," he went on with a sigh. "As long as you serve as you had and have by no means countered means against the crown, you can feel safe in your obligations hence forth."
Well this was going smoother than expected. She'd half expected the man to pull up any excuse he could to have her executed. Apparently that wasn't the case. He showed some amount of respect to her, even if this job he thought was beneath him. Not that she could really blame him. However, it was evident that death wasn't his goal for Fade. Not now anyways. Her exploits had helped enough it seemed, that she'd become too 'valuable' to just throw away based on the actions of a former associate.
"I have nothing left to lose. The Mordecai is my only goal. If I'm allowed to continue my work, I will." However, the last thing he said to her caused the girl's eyes to darken slightly as she avoided eye contact, the shade of the torchlight obscuring half her face. "Safe is a relative term.. The moment you believe you're safe is when you're at your most vulnerable..." She didn't expect Zannrick to really understand or even care for her words, but it was just a bit from her experience she felt the need to share. After all, in her line of work no one was ever 'safe'. That word held no meaning...
He knew that far too well. He kept himself guarded for that reason alone. Even always living in the palace, Zannrick trusted no one.
"Very well. Come with me." He moved to unlock the door, swinging the door open. "You will need to sign paperwork confirming what we discussed. But this can be done in my study at the palace."
Fade would simply stare like she always had. It was impossible to read her, so any sense of joy from Zannrick's words were hidden from view completely.
As he unlocked the door, Fade would follow him through the upper levels of the palace's dungeon. The various halls and stairways she had traversed many times before, her senses had gotten completely use to it by this point. She knew where to go, but relied on Zannrick's escort to sway the guards at her passing.
Not long after they had reached the the study in the palace. There Fade's chained hands were unlocked and she was presented with a rather long and detailed document handwritten by quill and ink. It feature a leather casing around it, indicating it was some sort of vital contract. It detailed the conditions of her release, and that she'd pay the price for going against any of them. It appeared as if they had been expecting this scenario, as the paper used her name specifically. Not saying anything, Fade would simply pick up the quill and sign where indicated.
Good. Is what he thought when he watched her sign. At least she was making this easy on him. He'd been on too many assignments that frustrated him as of lately that even this simple act was regarded highly. He stood beside her when she was finished, and signed ont he witness line and rested the quill into it's brass holder before nodding towards her.
"You will be staying on the southern side of the palace. Follow me and I shall show you where."
And as they walked, making a few brisk left turns before finding their way down a long hall, Zannrick made sure to point out, "You will never leave the southern halls. You will check in with me in the morning and do the same at night. You will be instructed not to leave your room for an undetermined amount of time each night." But they already discussed most of that now haven't they?
He gestured on ahead.
"This hall will house your room." He gestured to the first large door. "These are my quarters." And with a gesture of his head he continued down the hall to the next door beside his own. The door was already open.
"And this is where you will stay."
Fade would silently put dow the quill before Zannrick took it and put it back into its hold. She'd stare blankly at the page and then nod to him as he relayed instructions. She was however taken a bit back in surprise about how fancy the interior of the palace was. Sure she'd been in it before, but never been this deep. However she tried to snap out of it and focus on the task at hand, which was following this knight.
As soon as the pair reached a long hallway, he'd explain the details that Fade had already read and agreed to on the contract. She'd simply nod and continued to follow him down the hallway to a room that was apparently hers. As the door swung open, it was a lot bigger than she expected. Not too big, but compared to the prison cell she had spent several weeks in... It would do. The room featured a single bed and a table next to it. A small dresser and a window overlooking a courtyard. Fade would simply walk into the room and look around before turning back to him.
"What now?"
He just looked at her. He hated having to escort someone. It was the least favorite aspect of his job.
"Within the hour dinner is served." He gestured around the room. The next hour is yours, but in this room you must remain.
He didn't feel like giving her a tour at the moment anyway. There'd be plenty of time for that later.
"Is there anything you need until then?" He stared at her expectantly.
"You'll do well to take advantage of the little time to yourself you'll have. We have business to attend to during the evening hour."
Fade would continue to stay silent and let him finish. She had seemingly got the better end of the deal than most prisoners. Than again, she wasn't exactly a prisoner anymore. But the whole situation made her slightly uneasy. Perhaps it was nothing more than her natural instinct to suspect the actions of her superiors. After all, her previous leader had betrayed her... Fade wouldn't forget that, and it would forever reflect on her trust issues now. Not that she trusted anyone beforehand really, but she sure as hell wasn't going to start now. Artorias's actions only confirmed her thoughts about the concept.
Fade would then take a look around the room to see her armor and blade both vacant. And she was still wearing the prisoner's rags. However on her bed laid a fresh pair of clothes. Feeling out of place without Vairu at her side, fade would turn to Zannrick. "And how long until I resume my work?"
As dark as it may seem, killing was only a natural way of life for Fade. She was an assassin. She NEEDED to kill. She had since she was a little girl, and did not intend on slowing down. She needed a target soon. The worst thing someone could do to her was to bench her. But orders were orders, and she'd respect them... For a time...
Zannrick paused at the door, standing rigid and tall.
"You will remain at my side and work beneath my orders. Think of your position now as an assistant to me." He paused to study her from across the room. "Do you understand? Your job is now to serve me. And your future job will depend on my judgement passed of you."
Fade's dead eyes would say nothing as they bore into Zannrick's gaze when he answered her question. Now this was odd. She was being shipped off to become an assistant? She tried to hide the subtle fist clench. This slightly irritated her. Her talents would be much better use in the field than anywhere else. But of course, due to the treason her former master had displayed, she was being benched until she was no longer deemed a "threat". They didn't trust her, but was that the only reason? Fade couldn't help but ponder all the scenarios for a moment. Maybe they were afraid of her? After all, she had spent much of her time with a traitor, acting as their student. To them, she was unpredictable.
"I understand..." She said coldly, turning her body to face the window.
He took her coldness as arrogance. The castle was full of those emotions both. The Grand Duke was never considered a warm man by any means, and things have always been serious and tense since the war among the people continued to escalate.
"I will leave you then. Should you need anything, I'll be in my own chambers across the hall." He bowed his head. "Be certain you remain respectable here," he added. Turning her back to him irked him, but he'd let it slide- just this once. She was to remain a soldier, or soldier like, while beneath his command. After all, they were both at the disposal of the Grand Duke and needed to act their role.
He motioned to a set of guards nearby to remain on watch by Fade's door as he disappeared into his own room. He didn't have much to do to prepare, but he was growing tired, and if he had more than an hour to spare, he'd consider removing his armor. the damn thing was so cumbersome that it was getting to him on long days like this. Plus his age was beginnign to show. And he hated it.
As the doors shut, Fade would look towards them again with a somber stare. She could hear Zannrick's voice direct two guards to watch the chamber. Insulting. Not only did he question her loyalty, but he actually thought that two guards would be enough to stop her if she really wanted to leave. Not that she did, but her mind always played out every possible scenario before she acted. She was wired that way. Sighing, she'd turn again to the bed and pick up the clothing. Within a few moments she had changed from the prisoner's rags to the more comfortable outfit, which looked like something a minor noble would wear. However, she did notice something underneath it all. Folded neatly on the bed underneath the clothes was her trademark black coat. She'd slip it on, letting the ends fall to nearly touch the floor as she flipped her black hair over the coat's rim. This was still all rather strange. Even if this was all just a way to keep her in check, why treat her to such 'nobility' like actions. The fancy room in the palace, new clothes... She couldn't help but think something greater was at play, but she had no idea what. Zannrick could've just posted her to the barracks where most of the Mordecai were stationed when not on active duty. But no. She was isolated to the palace itself, with an armed escort... Perhaps Zannrick just liked treating his 'assistants' with other methods.
Not knowing exactly what her goal was now, Fade simply sat at a chair next to the window, overlooking the city as the moon rose above it. Awaiting whatever Zannrick had in store for her.
The hour had come and gone, and Zannrick had come for her. He lead the way to the dining hall. It seemed they would eat with the Grand Duke this evening, and at his table, rather than station beside it. It was fitting, even if Zannrick was still feeling bitter. If she were to be staying at the palace, she would have to at least meet the Grand Duke once, prior to her actual obligations to wrok there.
And knowing his place, he gestured for her to sit at one of the two chairs set up a few seats down from the head of the table- which would obviously be reserved for the Grand Duke himself, who was already seated, and peering at the two from across clasped hands while his elbows rested upon the table.
The candlelight did little, if not emphasize the scars ont he Grand dukes face, the marks from the ball a few years ago that had gone south when rebels had attacked. It was also a reminder that the Grand Duke wasn't so easy to kill.
"You may both be seated," he commanded, and with a rigid bow, Zannrick obeyed.
As the door opened to her room, Fade would still be in the same position as where he'd left her. She'd slowly turn to face Zannrick as he motioned for her to follow. Without saying anything she did as instructed. She followed silently through the various hallways. Unsure what was to come, but it soon became clearer. The doors opened to a massive dining area, inside there was a long table, and then him. The Grand Duke himself...
Fade had not been expecting this at all. What was the purpose behind this meeting? What had Fade done to deserve an encounter for the one she had fought for 10 years straight, but had never met or even seen him until now. Only time would tell... She'd slowly follow Zannrick, who didn't seemed in awe or taken back. Why would he be? He was Calent's personal knight. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Fade would bow to Calent before he instructed them to take their seats. She said nothing, but obeyed and sat at the chair. Even though she was honestly surprised about this entire situation, she couldn't show it. She retained her usual dead, somber look. Her eyes stripped of their humanity long ago...
It was perhaps her muted expression that hinted to nothing of her surprise that caught Zannrick's attention right away. It was these details he had to be wary of and unlike that bitch Medina, who had been in such awe of this place and made herself out to be a fool, it seemed this woman knew her place, or at least was wise enough (or skilled enough) to mask how she truly felt. He could give her credit for that.
"Forgive the informal way of going about the situation at hand," Calent began, as servants moved past him to pour each of them a drink- a great goblet full of red wine. "I can't imagine your time in the prison had been pleasant."
As the servants passed and poured their drinks, Fade had been locked in thought for a brief moment unaware that the Duke had addressed her directly. However, as soon as the action registered in her mind, she broke her gaze from the thick red liquid in the cup before her and turned her expression to Calent. She'd respond in her usual cold tone. Not that she meant anything by it. It was just how she spoke.
"I've been in less 'pleasant' situations. The actions of your soldiers were understandable." She'd reply honestly. She would've addressed the elephant in the room and ask what exactly she was doing here, but decided to hold her tongue. She figured everything would be explained to her on the Grand Duke's timing and consent. It wasn't her place to ask questions.
Unfortunately for her, it would never be spoken to her directly jsut why he chose her to be under Zannrick's care- that actions Zannrick had conducted recently set forth this as his own sort of punishment. She, more or less, was benefiting from his wane in support by Calent. And Calent had enough on his plate.
Calent gave a nod in her direction.
"I realize your expertise were in the field, but being how close you were to the former Grand Master, we're hoping to pass judgement on you based on the loyalty you have shown, and not the disloyalty of him. In doing so, you should take it as an honor it would be under that of Sir Austengarde. He is the finest mordecai there is, that I have no doubts."
Even though Calent was complimenting him, Zannrick remained unchanged in the way he looked, he too, appeared equally cool, if not cold,just like the woman who sat near to him.
"In time, your role may change and you might be out in the field again. Just consider it a formality, and some respect lent your way for all of your years of duty."
So this was it? Just a conformation of her uses being put on hold while they determined weather she was loyal or not. Regardless of what the Grand Duke said, she still felt irritated with the whole situation. It wouldn't have been that bad if she was JUST assigned to Zannrick's services, but without her on active duty, she felt troubled... And itching to get back into her old routine. Of course she would have to get used to this however, and she realized that. It was just something that didn't happen very often... And Fade disliked change.
Despite the Grand Duke calling it an honor, she couldn't help but notice Zannrick's straight face. Before hand when she saw him, he had always bore one of slight irritation, and the looks of his coming age slowly creeping up on him. Now however, in the presence of Calent, he was almost as expressionless as her. Bowing her head, she'd respond in the expected manner. "Of course, My Lord. I understand." She just hoped the Duke didn't pick up on the slight irritation rarely heard in her voice.
He nodded.
"Good. Then I hope you'll take this time to enjoy a meal with your Grand Duke."
He gestured to the pair.
"Please, enjoy yourselves. As I've stated and from what you've read, we do not see you as guilty but we can't through caution to the winds."
It was only as the food was being served did Zannrick cut the woman a sharp look. Would she turn out to be the same bubbling fool as Medina? As each of their plates were served a steaming cut of the roast set upon the table along a gilded plate, Zannrick reserved himself, remaining at his wine and...
a part of him sickly wanting to see this new woman fail. Surely no one of no means knew not the first thing to do with the array of silver forks lined to the left and right of her, nor the extravagant meal an dother foods soon being added to her dish.
The only help he gave her was in a whispered, "You wait for Calent to begin." But once the Grand Duke took his first few bites, Zannrick gave her a nod. Now it was their turn to start at their meals.
Waiting for the approval of her superiors, Fade quickly followed suite. As soon as Zannrick gave her the go she looked down at her plate and reached for the silver wear. But hesitated slightly. She had never actually been presented with a meal as high class before. She was entirely used to eating rations and prison food. Fade was always one to feed her body only the essentials, nothing more. As a result she seemed completely unprepared for a noble's meal. The silver plates, fresh meat, expensive wine... All of it was completely new to her. Regardless she understood the basics, and tried her best to not make herself loook like a fool.
Picking up the fork and knife she began to cut the meat, but only in small servings. Made it much easier for her to imagine she was eating the food she was used to. All the while Fade appeared normal. Or at least by her standards. And as ever she was completely silent. Expecting the conversation to be carried out by Calent and Zannrick, as the Duke had already given her more attention than she would've liked.
Zannrick continued to scrutinize her as she ate. But there was no sudden outburst over the appraisal of the food, nor an immensely long hesitation over which fork to use and knife to cut. She chose well enough and drew no unnecessary attention to herself. Good. This would make his job easier.
The roast, of course, was savory, and of the best cut of mear available. The gravy was something out of this world, a mixture of fresh vegetables had been boiled and now bobbed in the brownish red sauce that cradled the meat. And all of it,melted in your mouth.
There were more side dishes brought along and set before them, creamed soup garnished with flakes of crab and buttered parsley. Beside it was another creamed bowl of peas topped with baby steamed carrots over asparagus stalks that had been carefully cut and fanned out like a flower. The rest of the food faired the same, and as the meal continued, Zannrick kept a watchful eye upon Fade, especually when the main courses were over and a selection of decadent desserts were brought forth.
This, he had to wonder, would it make this woman cave into a fool? But she appearsd unreadable, event as the selection of prettied cakes were plated infront of her.
As the meal dragged on, Fade couldn't help but feel exhausted with just simply how much food there was, and how much she was expected to eat. How much did the kitchens possibly have? How hard could the cooks work? She was beginning to see the reasoning behind the complaints about the nobility and their pampered lifestyle compared to the rest of the populace. Fade never had an opinion before realizing first hand.
She would eat what she seemed nutritious for her, but not in large amounts. Only a small slice of roast and a very specific selection of side dishes. And as the desserts came around, she'd hold up a hand dismissively when the servants offered them. Sweets only harmed the body, and she needed to make sure hers was in top shape 100% of the time. She wasn't event tempted, since she had never even tasted the desserts before. She only hoped Zannrick and Calent would not take offence... After all, she had noticed her new superior eyeing her closely since the meal began.
Either he was watching for her failure in the meal routine... Or was cautious about her reputation, and the fact she held a sharp object in the same room as the Grand Duke of Connlaoth.
Zannrick could have dropped his own fork. She turned down dessert? Perhaps he was staring at her longer than he should have before selecting himself his own scrumptious piece of chocolate lathered cake. If anything, he could at least enjoy this. Being among the nobles had it's perk and well, if there was one secret he never shared, it was his love for chocolate. But he was not a man to gush, and his expression would never give away his love for the food.
The rest of the meal, Fade would say nothing but stare ahead with her dead eyes, patiently awaiting Zannrick and Calent to finish their food in the most respectful manner she knew how. She would occasionally take a small sip from her wine every now and then, but she'd retain her usual blank void of life. Hoping the two would discuss among themselves, or dismiss her from the table. She wasn't used to this kind of treatment, and she didn't really like that much. She'd much rather spend the evening alone in her room than face the pressure of posture and politeness in front of the Grand Duke of Connlaoth. Or at least maybe an assignment. That would really be the only topic Fade would willingly speak about. After all, missions and tasks were all she was trained for. Used for. Keeping her on the sidelines was a terrible waste.
The meal, of course, was only a meal and wasn't without it's purpose.
"I've noticed some information lacking in your files," Zannrick began, after having finished his dessert, because he wanted to thoroughly enjoy it before having to handle things so unsavory. "Perhaps we could discuss a bit about your history," he suggested, knowing that he was more fit to conduct Fade's meal time interrogation. It was his job anyway. The Grand Duke had his own priorities and just needed to digest what Fade had to say.
Fade continued to wait silently in her seat as the two men before her began to finish their desserts. She stared down at her empty plate, trying to avoid eye contact with either of them. It was extremely rare for Fade to exhibit any sort of nervousness, but this was a clear sign of which. Unlike most people who had a worried facial expression, the mordecai would simply avoid making eye contact with anyone in the room, letting the natural shadows shade her face and eyes. The reason for this? It was quite simple. While she wasn't exactly worried about Zannrick, Calnet was by far a different story. She had never met someone as high up as him before, and doubted she ever would again. Because of this unexpected encounter, Fade had never prepared for this situation. And she knew if she screwed it up... The results could prove fatal.
Her attention however was brought back to the world when Zannrick apparently spoke towards her. She turned her head and gave him an inquisitive look. She assumed he'd known everything about her by now, but apparently that wasn't so. Although Fade couldn't say she didn't understand. Artorias was a very mysterious man. He could've hidden her history, or simply never recorded it in the first place.
"What do you wish to know?"
"While there are some details logged about you, it has always been better to hear about one's accomplishments from their own lips. Such as how you've come to know the former Grand Master so well that he'd allow you the opportunity to polish the obvious skills that you have."
"I nearly killed him."
She began. She knew how those words may sound, but she wasn't afraid. She assumed they'd already knew that. Apparently not. 10 years ago it happened. "I was sent to assassinate him months before the war started. I was bound to a group of assasssins in Serendepity." Fade told them staring dead centre at her wine. "It did not go as planned. Artorias and his men killed off the entire guild. I was the only survivor. He spared me however." She let the silence linger for a few moments. "No longer bound to the guild of assassins, I was free from their will. In exchange, I was to serve directly under him. Taking orders from him only..."
Zannrick, and even Calent, were both keenly aware of this. But her openly stating it confirmed the story- and also their leniency in believing that as truth. Though she and the former Grand master could have concocted a very well put out story, Zannrick, at least, believed this well enough. Though it was hard to read the woman, it made sense she'd keep herself so well guarded.
"And now that you are relieved of your duty to him, and have assumed a position already with the Connlaothian army, you are prepared to prove yourself here and now?" Though that much was obvious- she was here now, wasn't she? Though she honestly had little choice.
"Just to make it clear, we do view you as a wealthy asset. Your skills are impressive, as is the knowledge we have procured while you were beneath Artorias's lead. Being as you had been beneath most of his watch, however, I personally would like to see some of your battling skills put to the test. Maybe later, after we've eaten, you and I could share in a spar," the mordecai said simply, and if the Grand Duke had other thoughts of the matter, he did not show it, but he was nodding towards Zannrick's proposal.
"It must be a great change for you," The Grand Duke spoke out, a quiet, but strong voice from across the table. "To find yourself here, sharing food at my table."
What else could she do but nod?
"I am prepared to die for Connlaoth if the need be, but I will not be as useful dead rather than alive." She said coldly, staring down at the goblet of wine. That's when Zannrick said something that sparked her interest slightly. Looking up from the cup to meet his icy blue eyes, she found it interesting, and unexpected that he would suggest a match. "Really?" She couldn't help but let a little bit of surprise slip from her tone. She honestly did not think they would let her touch her sword within the next few weeks, even months.
"If that is what you wish." Fade would say, bowing her head to him. She'd like the change to test out her skill on Zannrick, her new commander. She had many grueling lessons with Artorias, but nothing spoke better than experience. Perhaps this would give her some insight on his. However, soon Calent spoke up again. His quiet voice touched her ears and drew her attention to his end of the table. "All of us must learn to adapt to change." Fade would respond, unknowing there was a hidden meaning to that line. She knew it was true, but often disliked it...
Calent nodded at her words.
"Change is prevalent in times of war. With much fighting comes new strength, and even from death breeds new life. But I am anxious for the uprisings to be quelled. The kingdom is hard enough to rule without the additions of many skulking after the new passing of laws."
Zannrick was quiet but nodded at Calent's words.
"That is why what we are is so important," he stressed to woman. "Even those who are not mordecai, skilled warriors are a true asset to Connlaoth's future. It is why even the Grand Duke himself, right now, has taken the time to give you this chance and opportunity."
"And it will, unfortunately, be reminded to you time and time again. Connlaothians are suspicious of things that are different. We all do adhere to our God, Ansgar," the Grand Duke mused. "Artorias... he was meant to be an exception. Little did we know that showing any ounce of compassion for these... mages," he went on, his tongue burning at the word. "That even one of our own would abuse the laws of our God."
She knew his words were all too true. As the years dragged on, the fighting continued. No near end in sight. She had prepared herself for many more years until the outcome of the war. For better or for worse. "The people of this country can think what they want about those from beyond their boarders. That will not change the reality however. Be it good or bad for Connlaoth." She spoke. If there was one thing anyone could learn about Fade, is that she was always honest. This is was no exception.
"Artorias was a test to your people's faith. By having him desert them, I believe your god was watching their reactions." Fade said again. "And I'm sure many more are to come before this conflict ends. Your choices will influence his. That is what I choose to believe." She finished.
"And what are your personal feelings over our choices?" the Grand Duke asked, voice quiet, but easily heard by all.
Fade's eyes glinted towards Calent. "I don't have the luxury for personal feelings. Never did... They are an interference with the job."
"That is an interesting response." For he too, knew he couldn't afford all luxuries he wanted for the very same reasons, however...
They were all humans in this room. Even when buried and masked over, feelings were always present.
"So you've maintained to practice in avoidance of them?" He nodded as he thought it over.
"It makes sense she would practice them," Zannrick concurred. "Military, political... it's all a battle field in one way or another."
"And what of you, Sir Austengarde?" the question came back to Zannrick, who would have scowled, but it was evident in his eyes.
"I am, if anything, honest with my annoyance under any of these endeavors, but I am not ignorant of their purpose. I suppose, were things easier, I'd be without a job, and we'd all live in harmony." But that's not how it was. It would never be that way. They were all dogs in suits, barely able to save face before their betters, and even sometimes, their betters were worse dogs than they. He wrinkled his nose to look Fade over, but before he could speak, the Grand Duke did, next.
"You speak about personal feelings interfering with your job, but what if your lack of feelings were to interfere with your job, now?"
Zannrick was intrigued the Grand Duke would go so bold as to ask those questions, and he himself, had to wonder it's purpose. Did it matter if an assassin could feel? Clearly Calent was testing some sort of water here. Was he checking her resolve? Or just testing the truth behind her statement?
Fade continued to stare at the Grand Duke, her dead eyes watching curiously as she listened, and that's when Zannrick interjected. She turned to him as he seemed to be defending her words, answering Calent's question for her, however, she was interested to know the knight's own thoughts on the subjected.
And almost as if on cue, the Grand Duke asked him just that. Her eyes watched him closely as he answered, carefully picking out his words. At least he seemed honest. Not that it was really any mystery that Zannrick found babysitting Fade an annoyance, but he understood the reason. This also told Fade it wasn't his idea, but quite possibly the Grand Duke's. An interesting food for thought. She hadn't assumed Calent cared enough about her to have one of his trusted mordecai watch her. Then again, she was sitting at his dining table.
However, the Duke's second question caught Fade somewhat off guard. What if her lack of personal feelings would interfere with her job now? What was he going at? She had never been forced to answer a question like that before, mostly be cause it was irrelevant to her intended purpose... And she wouldn't lie about that.
"If that were an issue, I wouldn't be in this line of work."
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